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English courses abroad

Study English abroad from one week to 12+ months, with flexible course options designed for everyday communication, academic success, and global careers.

Improve quickly on our English courses abroad

At EC, we believe your language journey is more than just education: It’s a path to a brighter future filled with opportunity and growth. Our English courses abroad help you achieve your language learning goals, while ensuring an immersive study experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Choose from:

20, 24, 26, or 30 lessons per week

Beginner to advanced levels (A1–C2)

Locations across the UK, USA, Canada, and more

Choose the right English course abroad for you

Not sure which course is right for you? Here’s how to choose based on your goals:

General English

Improve your everyday English skills for travel, work, and daily life

On the General English course, you’ll take 20 core lessons per week. Want to learn faster? Add extra lessons to boost your progress. You can also combine your course with exciting add-ons below, making the most of your time in your chosen destination.

Best for: Everyday communication, travel, long-term fluency

Build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing
Flexible schedules with optional intensive lessons
Make real and lasting progress

Education & Exams

Prepare for internationally recognised exams and university entry

Want to reach your dream education and career? Our Exam Preparation and Academic English courses, like IELTS and Cambridge First, will help you get ready. Whether you’re preparing for exams or improving your English, our courses give you the skills to succeed in English-speaking universities and build a strong career—whether in business, technology, or any job that needs good English. Start your journey to success today!

Best for: University admission, academic progression

IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, and Cambridge Exam preparation
Academic English for university success
Structured courses with measurable progress

English for Business

Develop professional English skills for the global workplace

If you want the freedom and flexibility to pursue the career of your choice anywhere in the world, English for Business could be the perfect course for you.

Best for: Career advancement, international job opportunities

Industry-specific vocabulary and communication
Meetings, presentations, and negotiation skills
Courses designed for professionals and career growth

How do you want to learn English?

We offer both in-person and online English courses, so you can choose the learning experience that best fits your goals, schedule, and lifestyle. You can even combine online and face-to-face learning for continuous progress before, during, and after your course abroad.

Study English abroad

Learn faster through face-to-face interaction

Study with qualified EC teachers in interactive classes designed to improve your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in real time.

Experience full English immersion abroad

Live and study in an English-speaking destination where you can practise English every day through local activities, travel, and social experiences.

Modern school facilities and student support

Enjoy access to modern classrooms, study areas, and dedicated student support teams focused on helping you succeed throughout your English learning journey.

Build an international network

Meet students from around the world, make new friends, and develop valuable global connections while studying English abroad.

Study English online

Can’t join us in person right now? Learn English online from anywhere in the world with the same EC quality and teaching approach found in our schools.

Prepare before your course abroad

Build your confidence and improve your English skills online before travelling, so you feel ready from your first day at school.

Continue learning after your trip

Keep progressing with online English lessons after returning home and maintain the fluency and confidence you developed abroad.

Learn with qualified EC teachers

Study with experienced EC teachers trained in EC teaching methods, with live online English lessons focused on communication and real progress.

Flexible online classes for busy schedules

Join international virtual classrooms with structured courses, flexible study times, and clear progression designed to help you reach your goals.

Learn More

Get motivated teachers, committed to your success

No matter which language course or destination you choose, you’ll learn from friendly and professional teachers, dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Get individual support with a personalised programme and help you track your progress, every step of the way.

All our teachers are committed to creating a supportive language learning environment. With their guidance, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in your studies and beyond.

Discover more

Go the distance, with a multi-destination English language course

Immerse yourself in the English language while studying long-term (24+ weeks) in an English-speaking country.

Get that…

Certificate

University
spot

Top Job

English language progression timeline & learning goals

Data-driven benchmarks for reaching English fluency.

Based on EC Student Analytics (monitored since 2016), our students typically progress one CEFR level every 8 weeks. This timeline is designed to help you plan your academic route from Beginner (A1) to Proficiency (C2).

Progress one level every 8 weeks!

EC Levels	A1	A2	B1	B1+	B2	B2+	C1	C2
IELTS*	–	3.0 – 4.0	4.0 – 4.5	4.5 – 5.0	5.0 – 6.0	6.0 – 6.5	6.5 – 7.5	–
Cambridge*	–	KET	–	PET	FCE		CAE	–
TOEFL*	–	–	–	35 – 45	46 – 65	66 – 85	86 – 105	–
TOEIC*	–	255 – 400	405 – 600		605 – 780		785 – 900	–
*Equivalent	4 weeks	8 weeks	8 weeks	8 weeks	8 weeks	8 weeks	8 weeks

A1

Beginner
You have a very basic knowledge of vocabulary and simple grammatical structure. You can invite someone somewhere and talk about your past.

A2

Elementary
You understand most conversations spoken slowly and clearly. You can give someone simple directions on the street.

B1

Pre-intermediate
You speak fairly easily on everyday matters. You can explain what you need from service providers.

B1+

Intermediate
You can communicate easily on everyday matters but have a limited range of expression. You can have a conversation on the telephone.

B2

Upper-intermediate
You can use the language with some confidence but with noticeable lapses in accuracy and fluency. You can give a short business presentation in English.

B2+

Pre-advanced
You can use the language with confidence. You can read English newspapers, follow TV news and apply for an English-speaking job.

C1

Advanced
With a good command of English, you can read and write accurately with few errors. You can understand most academic texts and lectures.

C2

Proficiency
You have near-full command of the language. You can use industry terms for your field of study.

Explore our language schools

Not sure where to go? Explore our popular language destinations in English-speaking countries and beyond, and choose the perfect English school for your immersive language programme and cultural experience.

Most Popular
USA
Canada
United Kingdom
Ireland
Malta
South Africa
UAE

Most Popular

Start at £405

Start at $500

Start at €300

Start at €380

Start at C$435

Start at €345

Start at $310

View all

Schools

USA

Start at $505

Start at $500

Start at $500

Start at $455

Start at $450

Canada

Start at C$420

Start at C$435

Start at C$435

Start at C$435

Start at C$435

United Kingdom

Start at £405

Start at £405

Start at £375

Start at £385

Start at £385

Start at £365

Start at £380

Ireland

Dublin

Start at €380

Dublin 30+

Start at €380

Malta

Start at €300

Malta 30+

Start at €300

South Africa

Cape Town

Start at €345

Cape Town 30+

Start at €345

UAE

Dubai

Start at $310

What EC brings to the table

Not sure where to go? Explore our destinations and find your perfect immersion spot! Enjoy a unique cultural and educational experience with EC English.

Dedicated Teachers

Learn from highly qualified and experienced teachers

Global
network

Study at any of our 25 schools in 7 countries

Flexible programmes

Choose from a variety of courses that fit your schedule and goals

Cultural immersion

Participate in activities and events that will enhance your learning experience

Student
support

Receive academic and personal support throughout your studies

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Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right English course?

Choose based on your goal:

Everyday communication → General English
Exams → IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge courses
Career → Business English

Not sure which course is right for you? Contact our team for personalised guidance and we’ll help you choose the best option for your goals.

Why should I choose EC’s English courses abroad?

You should one of language courses abroad because we have:

Great, qualified teachers
Personalised learning plans tailored to your goals
A global network of schools in top destinations worldwide
Proven student success and high satisfaction rates
Over 30 years of helping students achieve their goals
Dedicated Academic Teams creating lessons designed for real progress
Interactive, engaging classes focused on communication
Course materials developed in partnership with National Geographic Learning

How long does it take to learn English?

Everyone learns at their own pace, but on average most EC students progress one CEFR level every 8 weeks.

Beginner (A1) → Intermediate (B1): ~16–24 weeks
Intermediate (B1) → Advanced (C1): ~16–24 weeks

Your progress depends on:

Course intensity
Practice outside the classroom
Immersion in an English-speaking environment

Where can you study English abroad?

You can choose from top English-speaking destinations depending on your goals and preferences:

UK (London, Brighton, Manchester, Cambridge): Academic excellence and cultural immersion
USA (New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco): Fast-paced learning in global cities
Canada (Toronto and Vancouver): Friendly environment with high-quality education
Ireland (Dublin) and Malta: Affordable options with strong learning outcomes
South Africa (Cape Town): Stunning natural surroundings with immersive learning and a lower cost of living
UAE (Dubai): Modern, international environment with strong business focus and global networking opportunities

What is the average class size for EC English courses?

At EC English, we maintain a global average of 11 to 12 students per class to ensure personalised attention and active participation. While class sizes vary by destination, we strictly adhere to maximum capacities to protect the quality of your learning experience.

EC English class sizes

Destination	Average Class Size	Maximum Capacity
USA, Ireland (Dublin) & Malta	11	15 (14 in Malta)
UK (London, Bristol, Cambridge)	10-11	15
UK (Brighton, Manchester	12	15
South Africa & Dubai	12	15
Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal	14	16–18*

*Note: In Canada, EC reserves the right to increase class capacity to a maximum of 18 students on limited, high-demand occasions.

Pro-tip: Students in our 30+ English programmes often benefit from even smaller, more intimate group settings tailored to professional learners.

Are EC English courses accredited?

Yes, every EC English school is accredited by the leading regulatory bodies in its respective country. These accreditations ensure high standards of teaching, administration, and student welfare.

Accreditation table

Country	Accrediting Body	Why it matters
USA	ACCET	Recognised by the U.S. Department of Education.
Canada	Languages Canada	Ensures quality across Canadian language courses.
UK	British Council	The gold standard for UK English language schools.
Ireland	English Education Ireland	Statutory body for quality assurance in Ireland.
Malta	FELTOM	The premier federation for Malta’s English language schools.
South Africa	Education South Africa	The national association of quality English language centres.

We also hold memberships with English UK and English USA and our schools have won multiple ST Star Awards for excellence in international education.

How long does it take to move up an English level at EC?

On average, a student at EC English progresses by one level every 8 weeks. This benchmark is based on our EC Student Analytics data monitored since 2016.

If you do not meet your progression goals within this timeframe, we provide a Personalised Learning Plan, which includes:

1-to-1 Academic Consultations to identify learning gaps.
Targeted Support Sessions and additional resources.
Weekly Progress Monitoring via the MyEC app.

Note: Progression speed can vary based on course intensity (General vs. Intensive) and individual commitment.

What student support is provided during EC English courses?

You receive a dedicated support team consisting of at least two teachers per course. We provide weekly progress assessments, 1-to-1 feedback sessions, and personalised learning resources via the MyEC app to ensure you meet your specific language goals.

Does EC offer languages other than English?

While EC specialises in English immersion across the USA, UK, Canada, Malta, South Africa, Ireland and Dubai, we also offer French language courses exclusively at our EC Montreal school.

Will I receive a recognised certificate after my English course?

Yes. Upon completing at least 80% of your program, you will receive an EC Certificate of Participation.

General Courses: EC Certificate of Merit.

Academic Year: EC Diploma.

Exit Testing: All students can take an exit test certified by OxfordEnglishTesting.com and accredited by the British Council.

How do I choose the right English level?

We use a placement test (via the MyEC app) to assign you to the correct class.

Beginner to Advanced: General English.
Pre-Intermediate: English for Work.
Intermediate+: Exam Preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge).

We have English language courses for learners of all levels.

How are EC English courses developed?

We have a dedicated Academic Development team made up of industry professionals including published authors and an educational technologists. Research-based and data-driven, our courses reflect the latest educational trends and methods to ensure you have the most effective learning experience.

Learn English abroad and improve your confidence

Studying English abroad is one of the fastest ways to improve your communication skills. When you learn English in an English-speaking country, you use the language every day in class, during activities, and in daily life. This helps you speak more naturally and understand real conversations more easily. At EC’s English language schools, students can choose from a wide range of English courses abroad for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Whether you want to improve your speaking, listening, reading, or writing, studying abroad gives you a complete language immersion experience.

Choose the best English course for your goals

People learn English for many reasons. Some want to go to university, others are looking for better jobs, and many just want to travel with confidence. That’s why it’s important to pick the right English course abroad. You can take General English to improve daily communication, Business English for your career, or IELTS and Cambridge Exam preparation for academic goals. Flexible options, including intensive courses, let you learn at your own pace and reach your goals faster.

Study English in top destinations around the world

A major benefit of studying English abroad is living in a new and exciting place. You can learn English in cities like London, New York, Toronto, Dublin, and Malta while exploring new cultures and meeting people from all over the world. Living and studying in another country helps you become more independent and confident. English immersion programmes also give you more chances to practice English outside the classroom through social activities, sightseeing, and local experiences.

Improve your career opportunities with English

English is the main language for business, education, and travel around the world. Studying English abroad can help you build the skills you need for international jobs and workplaces. Many students choose to study English overseas to get ready for university, improve their CV, or feel more confident in interviews, meetings, and presentations. Business English courses teach you professional vocabulary and communication skills that are useful in today’s job market. Good English skills can open doors to better career opportunities everywhere.

Experience fast progress through English immersion

Language immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn English quickly. Instead of studying only from textbooks, students use English naturally throughout the day. Speaking with classmates, ordering food, joining activities, and exploring the city all become part of the learning process. Many students say they become more fluent and confident after only a few weeks abroad. English schools like EC English combine interactive lessons, experienced teachers, and personalised support to help students make visible progress during their stay.

Why students choose EC English courses abroad

Students from all over the world choose EC English courses abroad for high-quality teaching, flexible programmes, and a supportive learning environment. EC offers language courses abroad in top destinations like the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Malta, South Africa, and Dubai. You’ll learn from qualified teachers in modern classrooms, with small class sizes and interactive lessons focused on real-life communication. With courses starting every Monday and options from one week to a year, EC makes it easy to find the right English study abroad program for you.