Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)s
It s good to ask questions! We spend an incredible amount of time advising our students, answering questions and comparing programs because we enjoy doing it. Asking questions will help you decide which location or program is best for you! We have tried to keep the structure of our programs as consistent as possible world-wide, however with a plethora of programs in 7 languages and over 20 countries, there will always be slight differences.
The following responses are more general, but are definitely a good guideline. After reading this, if you have more questions, please feel free to contact us at info@languagesabroad.com.
School
Studying a foreign language while immersing yourself in a new culture provides invaluable opportunities for personal growth and career development. It helps you build skills to navigate multicultural environments, adapt to new experiences, and enhance your language proficiency-all while creating unforgettable memories abroad.
Be it short-term programmes or long-term studies, or a study-abroad trip which is a blend of holidays and studies, or improving language skills for professional pursuits, we have you covered! With us, you can choose form a vast selection of courses (Part-time, Standard, Intensive, Super-intensive, Online), or take up workshops designed to boost your hard and soft skills. Additionally, we also offer special Certification courses, High School & University Pathways, Language Holidays, Multi-destination packages and courses to boost your resume.
Whichever option you choose, study abroad periods and language certificates are a great addition to you CV, as time spent away from your home country indicates open-mindedness and intercultural awareness.
Arrival is usually on Sunday and departure on Saturday. For more details, please refer to the page of the destination of your choice or our catalog. Outstanding payments are due 3 weeks before the start of the course. Please refer to our terms and conditions for cancellation fees for cancellations after this date. There are no registration deadlines, but we recommend that you register 3 months before the start of your language course.
Yes of course! You can join a language course even if you are an absolute beginner. Individual classes are grouped by language level, so participants who are at a similar level are together in one class. You will reach a level of proficiency that will allow you to communicate in basic everyday situations after just two weeks!
Yes, participants in our language trips take a placement test online either before the course starts or on the first day. This ensures that each student is placed in a course suited to his or her level and learning needs. Absolute beginners are not required to take a test. Students are grouped according to their placement test results, ensuring equal levels of ability within each group. Levels range from complete beginners with no prior knowledge to those with basic, intermediate, or advanced language skills.
Your choice depends on your preferences and expectations. Our portfolio features quality language schools in attractive surroundings, with qualified teachers with the most up-to-date methods, paired with varied and exciting extra-curricular activities. Whatever your preference, we have something for you! Our counsellors also offer first-hand knowledge and insights to help you make the best decision.
A language certificate, diploma or exam is a certificate for passing a test that certifies your current language level through a standardized language test and documents it in a comparable way. There are language certificates whose validity is limited, i.e. which can only be used for a limited time, and certificates that have unlimited validity. Language certificates are a prerequisite for working or studying abroad. You might also get ahead of other candidates for a job vacancy if your CV shows that your language skills have been professionally certified.
The exams for language certificates such as the Cambridge Certificate, IELTS, TOEFL, DELE, TestDAF and TELC can be rather challenging since the aim is to prove an advanced language level. Therefore, there are courses that specifically prepare you for specific language certificates.
Booking
In order to enrol in a language course, you need to fill in the application form, scan it, and send it to info@languagesabroad.com.
A deposit of 20% of the total amount is due at the time of registration. With your application, you commit yourself to the services requested and booking conditions. After having received your application and deposit, we will send the confirmation of enrolment and the invoice. The welcome pack with extra information and the address of your accommodation will be sent after you have settled the remaining balance. The invoice must be paid in full four weeks before arrival.
You can book online, via the registration form in the catalogue. We will be happy to send you a non-binding offer, which you can simply confirm by e-mail.
Arrival is usually on Sunday and departure on Saturday. For more details, please refer to the page of the destination of your choice or our catalog. Outstanding payments are due 3 weeks before the start of the course. Please refer to our terms and conditions for cancellation fees for cancellations after this date. There are no registration deadlines, but we recommend that you register 3 months before the start of your language course.
Accommodation
Approximately two weeks before departure, you will receive travel information detailing how to reach your accommodation via public transport, including estimated costs. Many destinations also offer an optional airport transfer service that can be booked in advance, where a school representative will pick you up and take you to your accommodation. At some locations, the airport transfer is included in the course fee.
Most of our partner schools offer different types of accommodation. From local host families to shared apartments and student residences.
Living with a local family is a unique experience that greatly adds to students' language learning progress. However, some may prefer to enjoy the student life with complete independence to eat out every night and return home whenever they want. What's more, modern student residences in big cities often offer indoor fitness areas and other fun and convenient spaces. One thing is certain, whatever your goal, budget and personality, we have a suitable accommodation option and are happy to take you through every possibility and help you choose.
This largely depends on the city and type of accommodation you've chosen for your language stay. Our partner schools are typically located in the city center, while host families usually live in quieter areas - around 30-45 minutes away by public transport. In smaller cities, host families can be within walking distance from the school or easily reached by bike. Student housing, including student residences, are often 5-30 minutes away from the school by public transport, and some are even within walking distance.
Host families are selected by our partner schools with the utmost care and are regularly inspected to ensure the highest standards for you. Should you wish to move to a different host family or type of accommodation, there will be a dedicated staff member at your school who will be happy to assist you. Changing host families takes approximately 2-3 working days. Moving to a student residence is subject to availability, and usually depends on the time of the year: during summer, for instance, availability is limited.
In any case, at Languages Abroad, we strongly believe that your accommodation experience is a key aspect of your language learning progress. We'll always try to find the best option for you and won't be satisfied until you are.
Junior Programs
The choice depends on your personality and level of independence. Junior camps include activities and weekend trips as part of the package, with a group leader always present. Adult programs also offer social activities and weekend trips, but the average age is naturally higher. Ultimately, every student is free to choose the activities they want to participate in. If you're unsure which program is the best fit, your counselor can provide expert guidance to help you make the right decision.
When you book a Junior program, extracurricular activities are included as part of the package. For Adult courses, our partner schools organize fantastic social activities and weekend trips, giving you the flexibility to choose which ones to join with your new friends once you arrive. Many daily social activities are free, while others may require a small fee, such as museum or theme park entry. Weekend trips are often offered at discounted rates, as they are typically group outings.
Students are very well taken care of by experienced staff members. Students traveling by plane will be met at the destination airport by a friendly staff member who will be waiting for them at the exit. From the airport, the student will go directly to the booked accommodation or to the agreed meeting point with the host family. During the entire language stay, our course instructors will supervise the students at the course location.
Visa
Our expert counselors are well-versed in the latest visa regulations and will provide you with up-to-date information. While you'll need to submit your visa application personally, we'll support you every step of the way, offering guidance on application forms, fees, embassy contacts, and required documents to help ensure your visa is approved.
Miscellaneous Questions
If you book the airport transfer, a representative holding a sign with your name and/or the school's name will meet you upon arrival and take you directly to your accommodation. This option is ideal for those who have traveled a long way and may feel tired after the journey, or for less experienced travelers who prefer the security of having everything pre-arranged. More seasoned travelers might opt to make their own way using public transport or a taxi, choosing not to book this additional service provided by the language school.
All of our top language schools worldwide provide on-site student services to assist you with various needs, such as purchasing a mobile SIM card, checking public transport rates, renting or buying a bike, changing your course level, or adjusting your accommodation plan. Additionally, Languages Abroad is here to support you throughout your stay, and you can reach out to your personal counselor at any time for assistance.
Along with your travel information, you will receive a map of your destination, highlighting the locations of the school and, if applicable, your accommodation. If the school is not within walking distance of your accommodation, the map will include instructions for using public transport to reach the school. If you are staying with a host family, they will provide guidance on how to get to the school.
Participate in the school activities-it's the quickest way to connect with other students! Since around 80% of students travel alone, everyone is eager to make new friends and maximize their time abroad. Plus, you already share a common interest: the language and culture of the country you're visiting!
Your progression rate depends on three main factors:
The Language and Its Complexity: The difficulty of the language you choose plays a significant role in your progress. For instance, mastering German, French, or Russian may pose a greater challenge than improving in English. The complexity of the language influences how quickly you can advance from beginner to proficient.
Your Starting Level: Progression speed varies depending on your initial proficiency. Beginners in English might achieve an A2 level within 12 weeks, while moving from B2 to C2 (native-like proficiency) often takes 24+ weeks. Consider taking one of our language tests to determine your current level and, with guidance from our counselors, estimate how many weeks you'll need to achieve your goals.
Your Goals and Learning Approach: The way you structure your stay impacts your progress. Daily homework, living with a local host family to practice during meals, or choosing an intensive course with more weekly lessons can accelerate your learning. We're here to assess your needs and design a personalized program to help you reach your objectives efficiently.
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