English Language Academic Year Programme

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Study English abroad for 24 weeks (or more)!

An Academic Semester or Academic Year programme is tailor-made for students who want more than a short English course. Spend 24 weeks or longer living and learning in an English-speaking destination while building fluency, confidence and real-world communication skills.

Whether you’re preparing for university, developing your career, taking a gap year or simply investing in your future, you’ll follow a structured learning pathway designed to help you achieve lasting progress.

You already know that learning English can change your life. Maybe you just haven’t taken that step yet. The EC Academic Year is that step: a structured, supportive, and fully immersive long-term English program that helps you go further than you imagined. This is not a holiday English course or just a few weeks of classroom drills. It’s 24 weeks, 32 weeks, or even a full year living, learning, and growing in an English-speaking city. You’ll build real fluency, real confidence, and an international network that stays with you long after you return home.

Academic Year at a glance

Level

Available for all levels

Locations

Academic Year is available in all EC destinations

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 £405

Start at $500

Start at €300

Start at €380

Start at C$435

Start at €345

Start at $310

View all

24

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 £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

Why Study English abroad for six months or more?

Shorter English courses can help you build confidence, but long-term immersion allows you to make English part of your everyday life.

When you spend six months or more studying abroad, you’re not only learning English in class. You’re using it when ordering coffee, making friends, travelling, attending events and navigating daily life.

What can you achieve in 24+ weeks?

Students on Academic Semester and Academic Year programmes often use their time to:

Improve overall English proficiency
Build confidence in everyday communication
Prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC or Cambridge exams
Develop academic writing and presentation skills
Improve workplace communication
Gain international study and cultural experience

Improve overall English proficiency

Build confidence in everyday communication

Prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC or Cambridge exams

Develop academic writing and presentation skills

Improve workplace communication

Gain international study and cultural experience

The more time you spend actively using English, the more opportunities you have to turn knowledge into practical communication skills.

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What you get on an EC Academic Year Programme

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

Guaranteed English progress

EC’s promise is simple: as long as you follow your personalised learning program, your English will improve. We support this with a rigorous, research-based curriculum built with National Geographic Learning, which is used in all EC schools worldwide. Every four weeks, you’ll get a detailed progress assessment with specific feedback, so you can always see your growth.

A personalised learning journey, not a one-size-fits-all course

From your first day, your programme is shaped around you. You’ll take a placement assessment, set personal goals with your academic adviser, and use EC’s MyEC platform to track your progress and access additional learning resources. As your language level grows, so does the difficulty and complexity of your coursework, you’re never standing still.

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 recognised by universities and employers worldwide

EC Academic Year students can prepare for the world’s most trusted English language qualifications, including IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced, and TOEIC. These certifications are required by universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and more, and are respected by employers in every major industry. (Exam offerings vary by school and require a minimum language level.)

Special Focus classes for targeted skill development

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.

Full cultural and social immersion

Your EC experience goes beyond the classroom. You’ll join a program of cultural and social activities like city tours, sports events, food experiences, concerts, day trips, and more. These activities put you in real English-speaking situations with classmates from around the world. The relationships you build here last.

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

Add Special Focus Classes to your course

Boost your English with focused lessons that build confidence, expand vocabulary and improve real-life communication. Choose classes that match your goals.

Special Focus Lessons

What are Special Focus Classes?

All General English courses include 20 core language lessons, lessons that will develop your language and your skills to build on your ability to communicate in English.

Students taking 24, 26 or 30 lessons per week are also able to choose from a selection of Special Focus Classes to build on your ability to communicate in English. 

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 Classes available at EC schools.

Please contact us for more information on what’s available and when. 

English in the City

Learn essential skills in class, apply them during local excursions, and reflect on your successes.

English for Work 

Practise the English language and skills you need to communicate effectively and be successful in any workplace. 

Speaking with Confidence

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

Grammar for Real Communication

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

Expand Your Vocabulary

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

Writing with AI

Learn to use AI tools like ChatGPT to write clear, original business communications while ensuring your writing always sounds authentic and like the real you!

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.

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.

Insights and Updates

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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

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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

How long will it take to become fluent in English?

There is no single answer, as fluency depends on your starting level, learning habits and opportunities to practise. Long-term immersion programmes provide the time and consistency many students need to make substantial progress.

Can I prepare for IELTS during my Academic Year abroad?

Yes. Depending on your destination and language level, you may be able to prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC or Cambridge English qualifications during your programme.

Is six months enough time to improve my English?

Yes, for many students, six months is enough to significantly improve confidence, communication skills and overall language proficiency.

What level of English do I need to join an Academic Year programme?

There is no single answer, as fluency depends on your starting level, learning habits and opportunities to practise. Long-term immersion programmes provide the time and consistency many students need to make substantial progress.

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?

Because improving your English can change your future.

Most people who choose a long-term English programme want a better job, a higher salary and the chance to live or work in another country. These are real goals, and better English is how you reach them.

Here is what a 24+ week English programme can do for you:

Better job opportunities. English is the language of international business. Companies around the world look for people who can communicate clearly and confidently in English. When your English is strong, your CV gets noticed.
Higher pay. Studies show that professionals with strong English skills earn significantly more than those without. In many countries, being fluent in English can increase your salary by 20–30%.
The ability to work abroad. Many visa programmes and work permits require proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. An Academic Year gives you the time to reach the level you need and prepare for those exams properly.
The freedom to choose where you live. Strong English opens up countries, cities and opportunities that were not available to you before. It gives you options.
Real, lasting fluency. 24 weeks or more of full immersion is what takes you from “getting by” to truly confident. That is the level that employers notice. That is the level that changes things.

Academic Year is an investment in the life you want to live.

What is an Academic Year English course?

An Academic Semester or Academic Year is a long-term English language programme lasting 24 weeks or more. Unlike shorter courses, long-term study gives you the time to build strong language habits, develop confidence in real-life situations and experience full cultural immersion. You’ll study English every day in and out of the classroom while receiving ongoing support from qualified teachers. 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?

The Academic Year attracts students who share one thing: they’ve decided that “almost enough” is not enough. They want fluency, a credential, and a global life experience. Beyond that, their backgrounds are very different:

Gap year students: choosing immersion over inertia before university or a new career chapter
Career changers: professionals who need strong English to move into international roles or new industries
Pre-university students: building the language skills and IELTS/TOEFL scores to access overseas university programmes
Ambitious professionals: using a structured long-term programme to reach C1 or C2 level before a major career move
Global citizens in the making: people who want the full experience: the language, the city, the friends, the credential

You don’t need to be a certain age, nationality, or level. The Academic Year is open to everyone from Beginner and up. With new sessions starting every Monday, you’ll join a group of students, not just a single class.

Why a 24+ weeks English course beats a shorter course

The evidence on language learning is clear: the more time and deeper the immersion, the further you’ll go. Six weeks abroad can boost your confidence and give you great memories. Six months abroad can truly change you.

Research on extended stays abroad shows that six months is a key turning point. That’s when deeper changes in identity, stronger learning habits, and lasting language skills start to develop. Shorter courses bring results, but long-term immersion leads to real transformation.

Here’s what sets the Academic Year apart from shorter programmes:

More time leads to real fluency, not just basic English. You’ll reach the point where you think, joke, and even dream in English.
You’ll study with the same group, building trust and friendships that short-term students rarely get to experience.
You qualify for a lower weekly rate. A 24+ week program is much more cost-effective per week than a 4- or 8-week course.
You’ll have time to prepare for and take a recognised exam during your stay, turning your Academic Year into a certified and valuable credential.
You become part of the city, not just a tourist. That deep local experience is something you can’t replace.

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.

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.