English Language Academic Year Programme

Home English Courses Education & Exams Preparation Courses Academic Semester or Year

Broaden your horizons with long-term study

Taking the time now to seriously focus on your English will open doors for the rest of your life. Our Academic Semester or Year, which runs from 24+ weeks, will give you the time and immersion you need to become a fully confident English speaker.

It’s a life-changing experience. With personalised lessons and expert guidance, you’ll develop fluency and precision in speaking, reading and writing. You’ll discover a new culture and develop lasting friendships with people from all over the world. And you’ll open educational and career opportunities. There’s really no better investment you can make in your future.

Level

Available for all levels

Course Duration

24+ weeks

Course start dates

Every Monday

Lessons per week

20 / 24 / 26 / 30

Lesson Duration

1 Lesson = 45 minutes

Why choose Academic Year

Become a confident English speaker.

Discover a new culture.

Learn with the same class.

Enjoy immersive activities.

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 £385

Start at $470

Start at €280

Start at €360

Start at C$410

Start at €320

Start at $295

View all

25

Schools

USA

Start at $470

Start at $470

Start at $470

Start at $420

Start at $420

Start at $420

Canada

Start at C$390

Start at C$410

Start at C$410

Start at C$410

Start at C$410

United Kingdom

Start at £385

Start at £385

Start at £355

Start at £365

Start at £365

Start at £345

Start at £360

Ireland

Dublin

Start at €360

Dublin 30+

Start at €360

Malta

Start at €280

Malta 30+

Start at €280

South Africa

Cape Town

Start at €320

Cape Town 30+

Start at €320

UAE

Dubai

Start at $295

What can you expect on this programme?

Whether you want to prepare for university, your future or improve your language skills, we’ve got you covered.

Guaranteed success

As long as you follow your programme, we guarantee that you will become a better English speaker. All our Academic Year programmes provide research-based courses, exceptional instructors, personalised learning methods and regular progress assessments.

Full support

Every step of the way, you’ll receive the gold standard in student support—academically and personally. We help you set goals, set up your MyEC app platform, tailor your learning, connect with other students, settle in, and ensure you’re always in an inclusive and nurturing community.

Cultural immersion

You’ll experience first-hand the history, culture, and traditions of your host city, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to interact with English-speaking locals. You can even choose a multi-destination programme option and experience several cultures—with no disruption to your curriculum.

International certification

Our award-winning schools have received top accreditations and provide exam preparations that are globally recognised by universities, colleges, and employers worldwide. These include Cambridge Exams, IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC tests (exam offerings vary by centre and require a minimum language level).

Special Focus classes

As part of your personalised learning programme, you can take Special Focus classes to focus on a particular area of need, such as grammar or exam skills (Special Focus classes are available on 24, 26 and 30 lessons per week courses). You can also take free language workshops, attend lectures and join conversation and pronunciation clinics for more ways to practise your English skills.

Cultural and social activities

We organise tons of fun cultural and social activities for you that take you to some of the most lively and exciting spots in your host city. From city tours to sports events and concerts to culinary adventures with your classmates, you’ll have lots of opportunities to use your English in real-life situations.

English classes designed for interaction and growth

Our schools prioritise interaction and growth. We design our English programmes to encourage personal attention and connections between you, your classmates and your teacher. Receive the right amount of support you need to succeed!

Max 14

Malta

Malta 30+

Max 15

Max 16

EC Canada, on limited occasions, may reserve the right to teach classes up to a max of 18

Enhance your programme with Special Focus Lessons

Boost your English with focused lessons that build confidence, expand vocabulary and improve real-life communication. Choose courses tailored to your learning goals.

Special Focus Lessons

Special Focus Lessons

Want to take extra classes in order to develop a specific area or skill? Our Special Focus classes can help. Students taking 24, 26 or 30 lessons per week are also able to choose from a selection of Special Focus classes. You can take these classes from 1 week to 8 weeks, mixing and matching to suit your needs.

Class offerings will vary across EC schools throughout the year, but there will always be classes to meet your language level and interests. Here are just a few of the Special Focus programmes available at EC schools. Please contact us for more information on what’s available and when. 

Speaking with Confidence

Develop a practical understanding of English at different levels and activate your new language in everyday situations.

Global Awareness

Gain inspiration and vocabulary to learn about and discuss world issues and global geography.

Grammar for Real Communication

Take a closer look at how the English language is structured, with a focus on relevance and appropriateness.

Real Life Listening

Develop listening skills to communicate clearly and confidently. Good communication in English requires focus, vocabulary, and specific grammar structures.

Expand Your Vocabulary

Develop confidence, practise your speaking skills and develop fluency as you focus on learning through conversation.

Writing with Confidence

Improve your writing skills for different audiences by using appropriate language and style.

Basic Reading and Writing

Strengthen your essential reading and writing skills. Learn to understand what you read and how to be understood when writing!

English for Leadership

Learn practical skills and strategies to become a successful leader. Learn to speak clearly and with confidence.

Exam Skills

These lessons will focus on helping you improve your exam skills and achieve your goals. You will feel ready and confident to take your English exam.

English for Online Communication

Communicating online is an important part of life. Learn how to write and speak effectively in many online situations.

EC Promise

Count on the EC Promise

At EC English, we promise that your progress will always be visible and guaranteed. Simply put, as long as you follow your personalised learning programme, we guarantee your English will improve.

Learn more about our promise

Guaranteed Morning Start Options

This course has guaranteed morning schedule for the following destinations

In selected schools with a double-banking timetable, a guaranteed morning lesson start can be reserved for an additional fee.

Available in: EC Toronto, EC London, EC London 30+, EC Brighton, EC Dublin, EC Malta, EC Malta 30+, EC Cape Town and EC Cape Town 30+.

No supplement required:

New York, New York 30+, Boston and San Diego

If you’re 30+ and choose morning-only AM lessons (where this option is available), you can pay a supplement for these lessons. However, the lessons will be with students under 30.

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Real outcomes

At EC, we are committed to ensuring optimal results for our students. That’s why, for 30 years, we have made research and measurement the cornerstones of our curriculum development, teaching methods and review process. This approach allows us to scientifically design a language learning experience tailored to your unique needs and goals, reliably delivering optimal results.

Learn More

Frequently asked questions

At the end of my EC English Academic Year, will I get a certificate?

Yes, you are eligible for your certificate if you attend a minimum of 80% of your course.

How do I prepare for linguistic certifications during my Academic Year?

At EC, we offer preparation courses for all key tests that certify your language level, as required by leading universities and institutions around the world. These tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge Exams.

What choice of Special Focus lessons are available on Academic Year?

There are many Special Focus lessons; they vary from school to school. Typically, there are four lessons that are 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.

Why should I choose an Academic Year course?

The right choice depends on you: Your goals, needs preferences and budget. But here are a few things you may want to consider when making your choice:

Language learning

On an Academic Year programme you have more time abroad in an English-speaking city to build fluency.

Making new friends

The longer you study abroad, the more time you have to build lifelong friendships and international networks.

Cost and value

A 24+ week ‘gap year’ programme is good value for money. A 24+ week course offers a lower weekly rate, making it more cost-effective than shorter courses. By committing to a longer stay, you can save on your course, maximise your progress and make your experience more rewarding.

What is Academic Year

Academic Year or Academic Semester courses are for long-term study. They have a minimum stay of 24+ weeks. You can take 20, 24, 26 or 30 lessons weekly depending on your destination. Academic Year students follow EC’s highly-structured curriculum and use course books created through our partnership with National Geographic Learning. The basic course is 20 lessons per week. Study for more than 20 weeks and you can choose from various Special Focus lessons. These are available as 4, 6, or 10 Special Focus lessons a week and allow you to focus on specific skills of your choosing.

Who should take an Academic Year course

Taking 24+ weeks to learn English is a big commitment of your time, so in this course, you will meet students who are focused on their goals and serious about improving their English. This course is popular with gap year students, career changers, and people going to university. It’s perfect for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the language and build the skills needed for future academic or professional success.

Support and Guidance Throughout Your Academic Journey

At EC English, we believe that you need ongoing feedback and assessment throughout your course to make real progress on your Academic Year course. You’ll use ‘success criteria’ every day in class to self-assess, peer assess and receive well-targeted feedback. In ‘Friday Feedback,’ you’ll reflect on your week and take part in consolidation activities that provide plenty of opportunities for feedback and assessment. After your 4-week progress assessment, you’ll receive comprehensive feedback on your performance, highlighting what you’ve done well and areas where further work is needed. This feedback is reviewed and adjusted based on your needs.

Study English Abroad and Immerse Yourself in Culture

There are many ways to improve your English, but the best way is to learn English abroad. You should study in an English-speaking country to improve quickly and gain a real understanding of the language and how to use it. You will be amazed at how much you can learn in an all-English environment.

Academic Year English Courses in Top Destinations

Academic Year is a popular course available in all our schools. You can take it in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Malta, and Dubai. Each destination offers a unique cultural experience, allowing you to improve your English, explore new places, and make lasting memories along the way.