Choosing to study a new language is a big decision. You might potentially need to move to somewhere where better English language courses are offered, but there are a lot of other considerations to make as well. If you choose the wrong location or the course, you could struggle with picking up the language, and end up spending a lot more than you needed to.

1. Location

Location can refer to both the city and the country where you’ll be studying. It can be beneficial to immerse yourself in the language and study in an English-speaking country. It might also be a bit intimidating. Rather than just learning in the classroom, your education will spill out into every aspect of your life, and so you’ll need to continue to focus.

To make learning overseas slightly less scary, you’ll often find people who speak your native language at the school. Together you can go out and dip your toes into your new language, taking it one step at a time. It’s always good to have friends around you who understand your culture as well, and you’re likely to have a lot in common.

2. Prices

There is the cost of the course itself, and then you need to consider accommodation prices, as well as the general cost of living. There will always be certain places which are more expensive because they’re higher in demand.

3. Can I get on the course?

The time of year you want to start English language courses might not fit in well with the timetabling of every education establishment. They are likely to run different courses starting at various different points through the year, so if your first choice isn’t starting one when you are ready, one of their competition might be.

For some of the most highly regarded schools the courses might fill up quickly.

4. How often are the lessons?

The intensity of the course will need to fit in with the rest of your week, especially if you’re supporting yourself by working part time, or even full time, and fitting your English language course around that.

While a slightly more intense schedule will help you pick things up fast, too many lessons can be confusing, and won’t give you time for everything to sink in. When you learn something new, you need to be given a little bit of time to practise it before moving on to the next stage.

5. Where will I need to do exams?

Sometimes you won’t be able to take the relevant exams where you have studied your English language course. This won’t always be a problem — often the examination centres won’t be too far away. You will want to check this before though, as there is a possible you will have to travel to complete your course.

6. Will everyone be of a similar level to me?

This is a fairly important point. You don’t want to sign up for English language courses where you are either at a much more advanced level than everyone else in the class, or you’re not as good. You’ll find the teacher won’t be able to accommodate a range of levels simultaneously, and so someone won’t get the best from the course.

Make sure that you pick the right course, of the right level, so that you’re not struggling to keep up or not learning anything because it is too basic. If you’re unsure, contact the school and speak to them about which course will be most suitable for you.