11 Best Countries to Study English Abroad

When you decide to learn a new language, one of the first things that comes to mind is going to a country where it's spoken, as immersing yourself in the culture and language is a quick and effective way to improve. However, choosing a country shouldn't be taken lightly.

It's important to consider various factors, from immigration procedures to accommodation options, always considering your needs and preferences. Although traveling is an excellent option, nowadays you can also learn a language from home with online platforms and virtual classes.

Top Best Countries to Learn English

Choosing the right country to study English is an important decision. Here are some carefully selected countries to help you evaluate key aspects regarding the cost of living, procedures, and opportunities for foreigners.

1. England

This country offers you the opportunity to learn the language in its most formal form. It also offers intensive English programs designed specifically for international students, with limited durations. This allows you to make the most of your stay and master much more than just irregular verbs in English.

Key Points:

• You'll have the opportunity to learn different English accents (British, Welsh, and Irish).
• Certifications earned in the country are highly valued worldwide.
• An option like Manchester is often more affordable than London.
• Some schools offer accommodation as part of the academic program.
• You'll be able to experience a diverse and rich culture.

2. United States

This country offers complete language immersion and many educational options. You'll also find a wide range of accents, from Standard English to regional dialects. So, no matter which city you choose, you can improve your speaking skills by using the English phrases you know for travel.

Key points:

• The cost of living varies greatly depending on the city and the lifestyle you choose.
• You'll need to obtain a student visa.
• Ideally, look for programs with a duration of less than 6 months (stay time limit depends on the visa).
• Offers study options (scholarships and free programs)

3. Canada

Despite being a multicultural country, English is predominant among its residents and in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. It has a high quality of life, and daily costs vary depending on the city, but with good research, it's possible to find a more affordable option.

Key Points:

• Canada is known for its safe and welcoming cities, offering a high quality of life.
• You can find programs that combine English language learning with cultural and adventure activities, while also practicing the language.
• You will need a visa to enter and study in the country.

4. Australia

It's considered by visitors to be the country with the friendliest locals, making the experience more enjoyable, so practicing English won't be a problem. This opens up the possibility of confidently mastering the language in a multicultural environment surrounded by a formal accent similar to British English.

Key Points:

• They have many certified English schools.
• Their Australian accent is thick and difficult to understand at first.
• The cost of living is high compared to other destinations.
• A visa is required.
• Most popular cities to study: Sydney and Melbourne.

5. Ireland

A beautiful country with native English speakers, offering not only study options but also outdoor activities. This way, you'll not only practice the language in the classroom, but also in everyday situations and a variety of contexts.

Key Points:

• Most popular study opportunities: Dublin and Cork.
• A very predominant accent.
• Visa-free travel for some countries, including those in the European Union.

6. New Zealand

New Zealand has accredited English language schools, which may not be as well-known worldwide, but they do offer quality academic programs. They also have a culture and landscape that are conducive to student well-being.

Key points:

• You'll need to apply for a student visa.
• More study opportunities in Auckland and Wellington.
• Flights tend to be more expensive than to other countries.
• They have a high and expensive standard of living.

7. Malta 

Two official languages ​​are spoken in Malta: English and Maltese. Not only does Malta have a large English-speaking population, but it also offers a more relaxed pace of life, allowing you to focus more fully on your studies and enjoy your free time practicing the structure of the simple present tense and much more in English with locals.

Key Points:

• If you love summer, this destination is a great option.
• It's usually the country with the most affordable English programs.
• Despite having an accent, they speak more slowly.
• It's usually the cheapest country in Europe to learn English.

8. Dubai

Dubai is known as a multicultural city, offering opportunities to its visitors and citizens, from job opportunities to schools and academies that teach English and other languages.

Key points:

• Being a country with a lot of tourism, you're constantly exposed to the language.
• 99% of the population speaks English.
• Its schools have modern resources.
• You must complete visa procedures.

9. Netherlands

Although Dutch is the official language, English is widely spoken, mostly in educational, commercial, and tourist settings. In addition to offering many social activities where you can put your knowledge to the test, you'll also find various courses tailored to your needs.

Key points:

• Optimal quality of life.
• Efficient transportation system.
• Cultural organizations offering English programs.
• You need a visa.

10. South Africa

It has 11 official languages, including English. You'll be able to interact with different backgrounds and accents, providing an enriching experience no matter what your perspective. Enjoy its culture, cuisine, and music while practicing the language.

Key points:

• Make sure you meet visa requirements.
• The cost of living depends on the city and lifestyle you choose.
• Some schools offer exchange stays.

11. Scotland

One of the country's official languages ​​is English, which, despite having a distinctive accent, is a fairly common language in many of its most popular cities for tourists and international students.

Key points:

• They have numerous accredited and recognized schools.
• You'll find courses with specialized programs tailored to your goals.
• EU countries and the United Kingdom do not require a visa.

What to consider when choosing a place to learn English?

Culture

Learning English in a native-speaking country is a complete experience, where you'll learn the most commonly used English words. It's essential to choose a country whose culture you find attractive and comfortable, as this will allow you to more easily familiarize yourself with idioms, customs, and cultural differences. Feeling at ease will help you adapt more quickly and make the most of your experience.

Lifestyle

This point can be considered one of the most important, as some countries have a higher cost of living than others. Therefore, setting a budget makes choosing your destination easier.

Permits and Visas

It's essential to learn about the permits and requirements for studying abroad. Some countries require visas for foreign students, and sometimes English language schools can help you apply.

Climate

Believe it or not, the climate is a factor to consider, as your home country may not have the same weather conditions, and this can influence your experience. Therefore, if you don't like winters very much, you can choose a destination with a milder climate.

What should I do to learn English in another country?

Preparing a list of points to consider will always be a more organized and viable way to narrow down your options or choose the right one for you. You can do it as follows:

• Define your academic goals to make choosing a school easier.
• Make a budget for costs and potential expenses (housing, program, living expenses).
• Research the quality of living and cost of living in each country.
• Find information about possible scholarships to apply for.
• Define the length of your stay (respecting the duration of visas or permits).
• Learn about the types of visas available for each country.
• Get opinions from other students about the school you like.
• Investigate if there are other alternatives to learning English without traveling. 😉

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Frequently asked questions about countries to study English