English
Find answers about studying English abroad with EC, including activities, courses, and what to expect from your experience. Canโt find what you need? Get in touch!
Yes. Studying English abroad and experiencing an English-speaking culture is one of the fastest and most effective ways to improve your language skills. You will get to practise English every day in real-life situations, both in and outside the classroom, which helps you build confidence quickly. Many students also make international friends, and improve their career opportunities through learning English.
Students generally study English abroad for 2 to 12 weeks, depending on their goals and level. Beginners often benefit from longer courses (8-12 weeks) to build a strong foundation, while intermediate students may see progress in key areas in as little as 2-4 weeks. The more time spent learning and practising English every day, the faster your skills will improve.
The minimum course length at EC is one week though we recommend longer to make more progress.
Yes, you can study English abroad as a complete beginner. EC English offers courses for all levels, including beginner (A1), so you can start learning from the basics in a supportive classroom environment. Lessons focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, helping you build confidence step by step while using English in real-life situations.
EC English is one of the world’s leading providers of English language courses. We offer high-quality English education for students of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced learners. EC has schools in major English-speaking countries including the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, South Africa, and Malta, allowing students to immerse themselves in authentic English language environments. EC also has a school in Dubai and has live online course options.
For young learners there is Embassy Summer which operates language programmes around the world, primarily in summer.
EC English is one of the world’s most awarded language school chain. EC has helped over one million students improve their language skills.
The cost of studying English abroad with EC depends on your course, location, and length of stay. Prices varying by destination and course intensity.
Accommodation, activities, and additional services are priced separately, so the total cost will depend on your full study package. For an accurate price, you can find your match on ECโs course finder to get free a personalised quote.
Yes, all EC schools offer a full social programme to complement your studies. With a combination of lessons and activities, your days are filled with opportunities to practise your English. Lessons provide you with direct learning, while excursions, free language workshops and activities allow you to learn vocabulary and practice new language in day-to-day life, offering you a balanced and thorough learning schedule.
From the moment you book until you leave us, you will have access to MyEC, your personal toolkit which helps you manage your learning progress. MyEC is how youโll test your current English level, track your progress, get insight into your strengths and weaknesses, gain access to online practice materials at your level. It also has loads of useful information to help you prepare for your trip and how to maximise your learning at EC schools.
We are with you every step of the way! Your adventure will start with EC Online, before you leave home. We will share all the information about your chosen EC school and location with you, and upon arrival, either an EC representative at our residence or the host of your homestay will welcome you with open arms!
Throughout your course, you will receive personalised learning as we believe that everyone learns at their own pace and in their own way. At the beginning and end of your course, you will take the EC Online Placement Test so you can clearly see your progress and that your progress has been externally validated.
When all your hard work is over, weโll present you with your certificate, photograph you with your new friends and celebrate all that youโve accomplished.
You will get to know new people from interesting places, broaden your cultural horizons, build friendships, and make memories that last a lifetime. Our teachers have been trained to deliver fun and effective learning and you will have the opportunity to explore a new destination!ย ย
You can have an estimate of the quotation expressed in your local currency by checking here: www1.oanda.com/currency/converter
Your course, registration fee, accommodation (if selected), course material, welcome activity, certificate of attendance, Wi-Fi, Orange Carpet Experience, MyEC Placement Test, English language activities and workshops, and social and cultural activities. For many of our schools, the price also includes airport transfer from and/or to the airport if you book a package with accommodation. Please check with your chosen school or booking agent.
Dear Renata,
Thank you for choosing EC!
To finalise your enrolment, the next step is to please pay the deposit of EUR 95 by the 19th of March at the latest.
Please note that if only the deposit is paid, the remaining balance can be settled up to two weeks before your arrival.
You can find attached your invoice as well.
Before proceeding with the payment, kindly check our Terms and Conditions.
a) Click on the payment link, and on the top right of the page, the total amount will appear
b) Change this amount to the required deposit amount EUR 95 or proceed with full payment
c) Enter your email address
d) Proceed with the payment by clicking the CHECKOUT button
The bank account details can easily be found on the invoice after you click on the above payment link. If paying by bank transfer, please send me a copy of your bank transfer receipt in reply to this email.
Contact me please if there is still anything you are unsure about, and I will be happy to help.
Welcome to EC!
During the Get a Quote process, you can choose to speak to us, in which case weโll receive your details and conclude the enrolment via the above-described Route 1.
We need to receive the payment in the currency detailed on the invoice. Your bank will tell you the equivalent amount in your local currency, taking into account the exchange rate of the day plus bank charges.
Cancellation or changesย
ย
Please have a look at our Terms and Conditions
You can pay in as many instalments as you wish providing the full amount is paid two weeks before your arrival date. If your booking is for more than 12 weeks and you have booked accommodation, the accommodation can be paid for in monthly instalments.
No. All fees must be paid 2 weeks prior to your programme start date.
We accept payment by credit/debit card (VISA, MasterCard) using an online payment link we will send to you, or by international bank transfer.
Yes. To finalise the booking, you will be asked to pay a deposit. The rest of the payment needs to be settled two weeks before your arrival date.
The host family is assigned according to your requirements. After your arrival, we only change host families if there are some serious complaints.
This is based on availability and any special requirements you might have. Please make sure that all your requests are expressed at the time of the booking.
The accommodation is only available for the duration of the course. Accommodation is usually booked from Saturday to Saturday.
You will be sharing with another, same-gender student of EC. When students are sharing rooms, we try our best to place students together from different countries or languages. Please note that during high season this cannot be guaranteed.
Understanding bathroom types will help you choose the right student accommodation for your needs when studying abroad. Hereโs what each option means at ECโs accommodation options.
What is an en suite bathroom?
An en suite bathroom is a private bathroom connected to your bedroom, so you do not need to leave your room to access the toilet or shower. En suite bathroom options are available for both single and twin rooms.
What is a private bathroom in student accommodation?
A private bathroom is for your exclusive use but is not attached to your bedroom. You may need to step outside your room to access it, but no other students will use it. This option is typically available for single rooms only.
What is a semi-private bathroom?
A semi-private bathroom is shared between a small number of students, usually no more than two. It is typically assigned to specific rooms, offering more privacy than shared or communal options.
What is a shared bathroom?
A shared bathroom is used by three or more students. Only one person uses the bathroom at a time, so you may need to wait during busy periods. This is a common and more affordable accommodation option.
Which bathroom option should I choose?
The best option depends on your personal budget and privacy preferences:
EC offers a range of student accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences depending on your chosen location. Options include:
Prices vary by city, room type, and availability. You can explore accommodation options for your chosen destination or contact EC for personalised recommendations.
The accommodation can be booked in the following categories:
You will be able to attend a 30+ English course only if you are turning 30 years old in the same year you will attend your course.
Since you have a mature life and professional experience, we recommend studying at a 30+ school. Studying with other 30+ students makes class more stimulating and relevant to your interests and goals. The majority of 30+ students who attend these schools have given us great feedback, but you can still study with students aged 16-29, if you wish. Learn more about our 30+ schools.
30+ schools are specifically designed for students who are 30 years old or older. Here, you will study with students of a similar age group making classes and conversation more focused on your interests and experiences. We have 30+ schools in London, Dublin, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, and Malta.
The minimum age is 18 years old, but 16-year-old studentsโฏmight be allowed to participate if they provide us with a signedโฏparental authorisation. Kindly note that students aged 16 and 17 must book Homestay (Single Room) and return airport transfers unless they have parents/guardians to take care of their stay and transfers. For children/students younger than the required age, we offer programmes for those aged between 8 and 17. Please see our Young Learner programmes hereโฏ
We haveโฏschools around the world, all in prime, central locations with great courses, and activities individual to the location.
Canada:โฏMontreal,โฏToronto,โฏToronto 30+,โฏVancouver,โฏVancouver 30+
USA:โฏBoston,โฏNew York,โฏNew York 30+,โฏSan Diego,โฏSan Francisco,โฏLos Angeles
Malta:โฏMalta,โฏMalta 30+
Ireland:โฏDublin,โฏDublin 30+โฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏโฏ
UK:โฏLondon,โฏLondon 30+,โฏCambridge,โฏBrighton,โฏBristol,โฏManchester
South Africa:โฏCape Town
UAE: Dubai
Yes! EC Live is our brings English language learning to the comfort of your home using the innovative EC curriculum, and at a very competitive price. Learn more about our online English courses
Our schools are in English-speaking countries, so our main focus is on English. However, we also offer French classes at EC Montreal. Learn more.
Setting Clear Objectives Class begins with your teacher discussing the objective for the lesson with the class. You are encouraged to think about how what you learn today will help you in your life outside the class. For example, the objective for today is to be better able to order food in a restaurant.
Language Development The class listens to an example of two people ordering food. Analyse this conversation with your partner, learning adjectives for describing food, how to ask questions about the menu politely and how to order food naturally. Throughout the lesson, work on your pronunciation and intonation.
What Does Success Look Like? Before practising the conversation, you discuss what a successful conversation looks like and decide what you want to focus on in your practice. You may decide to focus on your natural pronunciation and intonation, while your partner chooses to focus on their use of adjectives.
Practicing the Language Practise the language with your partner so they can give you feedback on your pronunciation, and so you can give them feedback on the adjectives they use. Based on this feedback, practise the conversation again.
Getting Feedback Your teacher gives you feedback on how youโve done. The lesson ends by returning to the lesson objective and discussing what you have learned and how you can use it outside the classroom.
Real Life Practice After class you will go to Dinner Club on the social programme or go out with friends and order food in a real-life setting. During dinner, you discuss your experience with one friend from class. The next day, discuss the conversation in class with what you used from the lesson the day before.
You will have the opportunity to keep on learning thanks to some free workshops we offer at our schools.
Conversation Sessions You pick the topic and flex your conversation skills with other students from various classes, levels, and nationalities.
Skills Clinics Your chance to pick up tips and pointers to master different language skills. Clinics are in grammar, pronunciation, writing and reading. Additional workshops are offered and adapted to meet the needs of the students at each school.
Lectures Learn interesting facts and practise listening skills, note-taking, and summary writing.
Exam Skills Practise and master key exam skills to help you attain a better score in your English language exams.
Breaking News Team up with other students to discuss and debate the local and international issues of the day.
Work/CV Clinic This clinic will help you develop the skills needed to apply and interview for jobs in English.
Local Conversation Partners Match with a native speaker in the local area to meet and chat on a regular basis.
Writing Clinic Practise your written English and develop a practical understanding of both formal and informal writing styles.
Homework Club Meet with other students to help each other with homework and practise your English in a group setting.
Improvisation Hour Improve your speaking skills while gaining confidence and having fun through improvisation activities.
The ‘Hood’ Learn to speak like a local! Learn how literature, history and political movements have shaped the city you’re studying in.
Focus lessons vary from school to school, but they are mainly four and already included in the price:
Focus lessons vary from school to school, but they are mainly four and already included in the price:
Speaking with Confidence
Develop confidence while practicing conversation. Increase fluency and improve your speaking, listening and pronunciation skills.
Real Life Listening
Develop your ability to understand and respond in English in real-life situations. Expand your vocabulary by listening to conversations, music, videos, and podcasts.
Expand Your Vocabulary
Develop your vocabulary through topic-based lessons.
Global Awareness
Develop your critical thinking so you have a better understanding of what’s happening in current events and world issues. Increase your awareness of different cultures and how communication can vary between them.
Please see the breakdown of both offerings below.
โฏEnglish For Work
โโฏRequires Pre-Intermediate level of English.
โโฏCombination of 20 lessons of General English + 4 or 10 lessons of English For Work.
โโฏClasses are max. 12, average 10 students.
โโฏIn General English, you will be learning the fundamental language skills from provided study materials.
โโฏThe example contents of English For Work lessons are: language of business meetings, making presentations, critical thinking and problem solving, conducting negotiations, writing reports, emails and letters.
Business English
โโฏAvailable for 30+ students only.
โโฏRequires Upper-Intermediate level of English.
โโฏ20 lessons per week/15 hours.
โโฏMini Group with a maximum of 6 students.
โโฏExample Contents: Communications, Crisis Management, Team Building, Finance, International Business, Business Ethics and CSR.
It depends on how long it has been since you completed your course. If less than 3, months you should not have to re-test. If over 3 months you should re-test.
Yes, at the end of each course you will be given a certificate of participation, which states the dates you attended your course, the name of your course, and the language level achieved. It is recognised by the accreditations here. Kindly note that you need to attend a minimum of 80% of your course to be eligible to for your certificate. Intensive Academic Year students are awarded with an EC Diploma at the end of their course, and Semi-intensive or General Academic Year students receive an EC Certificate of Merit. You may also take an exit test on MyEC. This test is certified by OxfordEnglishTesting.com and is accredited by the British Council.
Our General English courses are suitable for all levels, while the courses below require students to be of other minimum levels:
โ English for Work: Pre-Intermediate level
โ IELTS / TOEFL / TOEIC: Intermediate
โ B2 First (FCE): Intermediate
โ C1 Advanced (CAE): Pre-Advanced
โ C2 Proficiency (CPE): Advanced
All students take a level test on the first day of class or before arrival through our EC Online, after which they are placed in the class most appropriate to their level. โฏ
It is a test that certifies your language level, and it is required by various universities and institutions around the world. There are several types, the best known of these are IELTS, TOEFL, FCE, CAE, CPE. We offer preparation courses for all these exams. Learn more about our IELTS exam course Learn more about our TOEFL exam course Learn more about our Cambridge exam course Learn more about our TOEIC course
Here at EC, our aim is simple. We’re here to help you set achievable goals and give you the support you need to reach them. We provide the knowledge of language learning, the learning environment and the social programme you need to make the most of your stay. Our unique EC Promise means that, if you follow your personalised learning programme, we promise that your English will improve.
In addition to the core components of your course, we offer teacher-led sessions which are available free of charge. These language workshops and leisure activities make your learning experience as broad and varied as possible.
We have a dedicated Academic Development team made up of industry professionals including a published author and an educational technologist. We are continually researching the latest trends and methods to ensure you have the most effective learning experience. We also contribute regularly to international conferences, journals, and magazines.
We are one of the only English schools using the highly regarded Net Promoter Score (NPS) system to gather feedback constantly and act swiftly to correct anything reported as being less than perfect.
A team of at least two teachers will support you throughout your time learning English with EC. Through ongoing assessment designed to provide the feedback that drives your progress, your teachers will focus on your learning experience, monitoring your needs and offering the resources you need to make progress.
Our teaching methodology is how our teachers can guide you on your English language journey. Our Approach aims to put you, our students, at the centre of the learning process – The Communicative Approach with a twist!
As well as incorporating all the key elements of the Communicative Approach โ learner-centred classes, a focus on communication in real-life situations and an engaging classroom atmosphere, we have also implemented the latest research into learning. This ensures that each student is fully involved in their learning process โ so you will:
โ Know what you are learning.
โ Know why you are learning it.
โ Learn how you can use it in real life.
โ Know what success will look like.
โ Spend time learning how you can learn more effectively.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the country where you want to study. For short courses (usually no more than 6 months), many students can study without a visa or with a tourist visa, but longer courses often require a student visa. Itโs important to check official government guidance before booking your course.
Our facilities vary from school to school so please speak with your student advisor for more information.
Students who are speech or visibly impaired are always welcome to study with us. If you need specialist equipment, please remember to bring this with you when joining our courses.
Please have a look at our Terms & Conditions
โ Before EC sends out an I-20 form, you must send us:
โ Full or deposit payment for your course and accommodation.
โ A copy of your passport (personal information page).
โ A financial statement (bank statement) from you or a sponsoring business or individual which: a) shows at least USD$3500 for every 4 weeks studying (financial proof of funds are only calculated in 1 month intervals, for example: 4-week course or less = USD$3500, 6-week course = USD$7000, 8-week course = USD$7000) and b) is less than 60 days old.
โ If the statement is not in your name, an Affidavit of Support form signed by the person whose bank statement you provide must also be submitted. Learn more about the process of obtaining the I-20 formโฏ
With a tourist visa you can attend the General English course, which consists of 20 lessons of 45 minutes each per week and you can stay for as long as your visa allows you to stay. If you would like to attend any other course, then you would need to apply for the F1 Student Visa.
Letโs make your English language learning journey an unforgettable adventure.
