About EC English Language Schools all around the world

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What is EC English?

EC English is an international language school group founded in Malta in 1991. It operates numerous English schools in 7 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, and enrols around 40,000 students from more than 140 countries each year.

EC is accredited by recognised bodies in each of its operating markets, including the British Council, ACCET (USA), Languages Canada, ACELS (Ireland), and FELTOM (Malta).

Its language courses range from General English and business English to exam preparation (IELTS, Cambridge, TOEFL) and immersive formats for adult learners aged 16 and above, including specialist schools for learners aged 30+ and language programmes for learners aged 50+.

EC also offers live online English courses through its EC Live platform, and has two subdivisions serving junior students: Embassy Summer and Global Achievers Academy.

Common language helps us tell the stories that bring us together and move us forward. So at EC, we make sure every voice is part of the global conversation, starting with yours.

Our vision

We help students succeed in a global community

At EC, we are focused on helping you find your voice, share your story and reach your goals. Simply put, we put you at the centre of everything we do.

Our story

Every step of the way, our journey has been designed to advance yours

Here’s how we became one of the largest and most trusted English language organisations.

1991

Pioneering school helps students find their voice

Since our first school opened in Malta in 1991, our mission has been to give students the education, cultural immersion and support needed to find their voice and succeed in the global community.

2002-2011

Immersive learning expands across 6 countries

Our family of schools grew to include 4 in the UK, 4 in the US, 3 in Canada plus schools in Ireland and South Africa—for immersive learning in the world’s most vibrant cities.

2013-2018

6 new schools help professionals reach their goals

While continuing to expand our English schools in the UK, the US and Ireland, we opened 6 new schools across 4 countries, exclusively for career-focused students aged 30+.

2019

Embassy Summer expands young students’ horizons

We partnered with Embassy Summer, a global leader in immersive junior language programmes, to provide international summer schools in the US, Canada, the UK, Malta, Cape Town & Dubai.

2020-21

Two new programs meet the needs of online learners

To help students learn English from wherever they are, we launched EC Live, an innovative online program that offers a high-quality courses at all levels, as well as Simmula, a VR language programme.

2023

Global Achievers Academy boosts leadership skills

We introduced this international travel programme to connect ambitious students aged 13-17 with other aspiring change-makers who share a passion for building a better world.

2024

EC Escapes helps mature students live their dreams

We created this unique, immersive English language learning programme for mature learners 50+ who want to experience the world through language and culture with like-minded students.

2025 & 2026+

EC Dubai opens and EC continues to lead in building global community

Through tailored English courses and cultural exchange, we’ve delivered life-changing experiences to hundreds of thousands of learners who want to join the global conversation. We believe our story is just beginning.

Our global reach

We have language schools in the most exciting, multicultural, English-speaking destinations on the planet.

4 continents

From North America to South Africa

7 countries

From Canada to Malta

16 cities

From New York to London

Count on the EC Promise

We track your progress and guarantee your results

At EC, we regularly review how we teach. We use real student data to improve our lessons, support, and teacher training. This means you always get the best learning experience we can offer.

Here is what every EC student gets:

Structured lesson plans

Teachers with CELTA qualifications

4-week course modules with feedback every week

A progress assessment every 4 weeks

A move to the next level every 8 weeks, following internationally recognised standards

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.

What students love about us

Verified

Enjoy your trip!

The people were very welcoming ! It was easy to integrate even though I was the only French person. The classes were fun and enriching ! 😉

Léa Gircourt

Verified

My personal opinion

The language course was useful for me because it kept my attention throughout, the lessons were interactive, and the teachers made sure that everyone understood the tasks. Overall, I found it beneficial and left the course with very positive experiences.

Beáta

Verified

A nice review of a nice place…

It was amazing being part of the EC family. EC London is a wonderful place to learn English and to make friends. I was afraid of not making friends but everyone at EC, even the Staff Team, were really nice.

Caique Fernandes

Verified

An excellence short refresher course in Bristol

I attended a short refresher course on 2025 May in Bristol (UK). It was an excellent experience, the location of the school is very convenient, the organisation of the courses is very good, and I would like to highlight the teachers and their effort to teach dynamic classes.

Guillermo

Verified

Useful knowledge

The people were very welcome, you can have a great time here. I was studying English in Malta for a week, and after improving my English, I went return to Hungary, and got a better position in my job.

Orsolya

Verified

My experience in Dublin

I attended an English course in Dublin and really liked the concept of the school: in particular I appreciated the fact it is also customized for “old” students like me. All the staff and the teachers were very good, flexible, helpful and friendly. I found a perfect organization and learned something new that I will use in my job. And Dublin is amazing, too.

Luca Tredicucci

Verified

I loved my classmates and the way how…

I really enjoyed my time in Boston.I loved my classmates and the way how the teacher teach us.Really enjoyed the city and all the experience.

Nicolás Zisópulos

Verified

Great time: excellent organization, central location, wonderful people

Torsten Schrank

Verified

EC School is amazing

I had an excellent experience at the EC English School. The teachers and directors are wanderful – they welcome you like family. I´m sure I´llbe back!

Danielli Dezan

Verified

I Loved EC School and LA

I loved Miriam’s ideas of things to do, I loved the teachers, I loved the donuts day, the place where the school was, I loved the city and the things to do there.

beatriz marchi

What we believe

We’re guided by values that help us bring out our best, and the best in each other.

Be a leader

Leadership isn’t restricted to the top; we are leaders at every level. We motivate those around us, we take action, we seek opportunity. We all have the authority to lead by example.

Be an innovator

We’re passionate about improving ourselves and inspire others to do the same. We take delight in discovery; personal, educational and technological. We are creative, and problem-solve every day. We are curious and empathetic. We are innovators.

Be genuine

It is as important to hold our hands up to mistakes as it is to celebrate our successes. We keep it transparent, we keep it honest, we keep it real. We are authentic.

Be knowledgeable

We know a great deal about language education and are proud to share it. We empower others with our knowledge. If we don’t know, we ask. We never stop learning, never stop thinking and never stop sharing.

Be inspirational

Inspiration runs deep in us all. After all, we make dreams come true every day. We open doors. We build bridges and break down walls. We provide life-changing experiences. We are inspiring people.

Be a storyteller

We all have an EC story to tell. We all have our histories, our first days, our funniest moments. Storytelling is the oldest form of education. Share your stories, share your ideas, share your knowledge. Tell your story.

What EC brings to the table

Dedicated
Teachers

Learn from highly qualified and experienced instructors.

Global
Network

Study at any of our 24 schools across 7 countries.

Flexible
Programmes

Choose from a variety of courses that suit your schedule and goals.

Cultural
Immersion

Engage in activities and events that enhance your learning experience.

Student
Support

Access academic and personal support throughout your studies.

Be inspired by the stories of our students

Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.

Rayan, Saudi Arabia

Elena, Russia

Nicolas, Colombia

Yunseop, Korea

Ready to start your story?

Let’s make your English language learning journey an unforgettable adventure.

Contact us

Common Questions About EC English

Can I study at more than one EC campus?

Yes. All EC schools follow the same academic structure and syllabus, so moving between campuses is straightforward. You can continue your studies at a new EC location without losing your place in the curriculum.

What makes EC English different from other language schools?

EC English is one of the largest and longest-established English language school groups in the world, with schools across four continents. EC guarantees student progress through a structured syllabus with clear learning outcomes, supported by a dedicated academic team. EC was also the first language school group to open a dedicated centre for learners aged 30 and over.

What qualifications do EC English teachers have?

All EC English teachers hold at least a CELTA qualification or equivalent. CELTA is a Cambridge qualification for teaching English as a foreign language and is the most widely recognised English teaching qualification in the world.

How long has EC English been operating?

The first EC English school opened in Malta in 1991. EC English was founded by the Mangion family, who have a long history in education in Malta going back to 1962, when Mrs. Yvonne Mangion acquired Chiswick House School.

Is EC English accredited?

Yes. EC schools are accredited by the leading accreditation bodies in each country. These include English USA, British Council, Languages Canada, English Australia, English Education Ireland, FELTOM (Malta) and Education South Africa. Learn more