With studying abroad, students will be given this rarely availed opportunity to use the language in real-life situations, talking with locals, and being introduced to other cultures. Other than classroom learning, there are certain avenues like exchange programs or teaching opportunities that offer some great options for achieving fluency and a deeper understanding of the language of English.
This article reviews top exchange programs, outlines the key benefits, and then highlights options for studying and teaching English abroad.
Why Study English Abroad?
Of course, the most effective way to improve one’s English fluency is learning the language in an English-speaking country. Immersion courses provide constant contact with the target language-meaning learners have to use the language every single day. Naturally, students develop their speaking skills, gain more vocabulary, and learn numerous colloquial expressions while staying in the English-speaking environment.
Besides all other benefits, study abroad contributes to cultural exchange. It means the learners get the new style of living, get to communicate with people from the various backgrounds and make global links. By so doing, it allows one to be in a position of experiencing popular places in London, New York or Sydney while still learning.
Best Programs to Study English Abroad
Many of these programs are designed to serve international students specifically and will include some form of language class interwoven into cultural exposure for comprehensive learning.
1. EF Education First
EF Education First is well known for its English courses around the world. The company has programs in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Students of all ages can choose between short-term courses, academic-year programs, or exam preparation courses like TOEFL and IELTS.
Review:
“Studying with EF in London was life-changing. I improved my English skills and made friends from all over the world!” — Maria, Brazil.
2. Kaplan International Languages
Some examples of Kaplan’s language courses focus on different specifics such as business English, preparation for examination techniques, and simply fluency skills. Their centers are within the main towns like New York, Toronto, Melbourne, and have all the key ingredients of the educational and fun journey.
Review:
“Kaplan’s personalized teaching methods made it easy for me to learn English quickly. The experience was invaluable for my career!” — Ahmed, UAE.
3. British Council Language Courses
The British Council offers an excellent choice of full-time courses in English for all proficiency levels. Their courses in the UK are highly valued because of its structured learning process with an immersion program.
Review:
“I loved studying in Manchester with the British Council. The teachers were great, and the city was lively and friendly.” — Chen, China.
4. Cambridge English Courses
Cambridge prepares special courses right in the United Kingdom, specifically exam preparations and academic English. Such courses are perfect for those planning to enter higher education establishments of countries teaching in English.
Review:
“Cambridge helped me achieve a high IELTS score and thus opened the doors to my dream university!” – Anya from Russia.
Exchange Programs and Language Schools
Language schools and exchange programs can allow the learner to be placed with a host family, visit with local schools, and experience the culture first hand.
1. Rotary Youth Exchange
The Rotary Youth Exchange provides high school students with the opportunity to study abroad in an English-speaking country, staying with host families-one of the better ways to be immersed in daily life and improve conversational English.
Review:
“Rotary Youth Exchange was the best thing I ever decided to do in my life. Living with the host family, it is more than about learning the language-it’s all about culture and connection.”
2. AFS Intercultural Programs
With its programs for secondary students, young adults wanting to study a language and acquire first-hand experience from another culture, AFS places participants in some languages in the United States, United Kingdom, and New Zealand among other countries offering English.
Review:
“AFS gave me confidence in speaking fluently in English and the friendships acquired are invaluable.” Sofia from Italy.
3. International Language Schools of Canada (ILSC)
The combined classes of cultural activity English are available in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal through ILSC. The programs can go well for all ages and levels of learners.
Review:
“ILSC in Toronto was amazing. The structure of learning class and city was great-perfect to make my English take off.”-Diego-Mexico.
Teaching English Abroad: Opportunities for Language Learners
Teaching English abroad can be a very rewarding experience for native speakers. There are many programs involving teaching English in another country and experiencing a new culture.
Teach Abroad Programs
Other opportunities that are more traditional placements can be found in programs such as International TEFL Academy and CIEE Teach Abroad. Both of these programs are great opportunities if you either have or are going to receive your TEFL certification, which stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Benefits:
- Gain work experiences abroad.
- Develop cross-cultural communication skills.
- Earn while living abroad.
Example Programs:
- International TEFL Academy Jobs: Offer placements in a variety of countries such as – South Korea, Japan, and Spain.
- CIEE Teach Abroad: Provides opportunities to teach in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Teach English Online
Another decent, flexible opportunity could be teaching English online. Systems like VIPKid and Cambly allow teachers to connect with students from anywhere and, therefore, can work from anywhere.
Review:
“Teaching English online with VIPKid was a game-changer. I made great income on my own schedule.” – Sarah, USA.
Govar: Your Online Speaking Club
If going abroad is an impossible event for a learner, then Govar is an interactive opportunity to develop speaking skills in English. Govar is the online speaking club where students will make a contribution to live conversations with native speakers and other learners. Improve through interactive practices and fun-filled exercises on the platform that grant the students much confidence to speak English.
Key Features:
- Live conversations with native speakers.
- Flexibility in the schedule for busy learners.
- Structured activities to enhance grammar and pronunciation.
Conclusion
At the same time, if one’s exchange stays abroad and/or participation in relevant programs form part of the way to improve a language-a foreign language-English, mainly-opportunities for language perfection and cultural extension alike stand unrivaled. Options may vary from internationally recognized institutions offering language immersion, like EF and Kaplan, to actually fully being plunged into other cultures by means of options like Rotary Youth Exchange. For those interested in teaching, programs like the International TEFL Academy and online teaching platforms, such as VIPKid, weave work with adventure. When it is not possible to go abroad, various platforms, like Govar, make it comfortable for the learner to stay home and have practicals in English with a native speaker. The way to mastering English becomes more interesting with every step taken in the right direction, with the right resources at hand.