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How to choose the best language school/the right language course/course location /accommodation?
General information
When deciding which course to attend, the right choice of location, language school and accommodation will guarantee you a pleasant stay. It is very important that you set criteria that meet your needs and interests.
Ask yourself:
- Which language do I want to learn / improve?
- How much do I want to pay for a language course?
- In which country / city have I always wanted to go?
- How much time do I want to commit to language learning?
- How much time do I want to spend exploring the culture, the people and the rest of the country?
- Which leisure activities are important for me in a foreign country?
- How much freedom or organization do I need?
When you have answered all these questions, you are ready to choose your perfect language holiday.
Course location
Language school
Language course
Accommodation
Course location
The first criterion when choosing the course location is personal preference. Where have I always wanted to go? Which additional special offers (sports, etc.) or geographic regions (sea, mountains, big or small city) would I prefer? Most of the language courses offer not only great possibilities for exploring new cultures, countries and people but also a variety of sport and leisure activities. That is why your personal needs and finances have the highest priority. Tuition fees and accommodation expenses in big cities and tourist regions are usually higher than those in smaller cities and in the suburbs. But it is a fact that more expensive regions offer more cultural and sport facilities. On the other hand, if you opt for a cheaper region, you can enjoy the charming rural environment and the breathtaking natural beauty without having to pay a fortune. It is always worth comparing the regional offers, because in most cases there are great differences.
Language school
You have already made up your mind about the country and course location? Then you can decide on the criteria for the perfect language school:
- Course characteristics (intensity, learning success, possibility to obtain worldwide recognized certificates, group size)
- Is it an international course?
- How big is the school?
- Where is the school located?
- Are there any leisure activities?
All language schools offer a wide range of courses. An inexhaustible choice of possibilities, starting from course duration, special field of language study (grammar, communication, business) up to course intensity (one-to-one tuition, number of hours per day, etc.).
The high level of internationality on campus is not only crucial for learning success, it is also an important factor for personal enrichment. Contact with people from different cultures expands your horizons and offers a variety of possibilities.
Another thing to take into consideration is school size. In big language schools there are many course attendants and it is quiet possible that you will meet fellow countrymen. If you focus and only stay in contact with people speaking your native language this will considerably affect your learning success. On the other hand, in most cases larger schools have more infrastructure advantages (libraries, sport facilities, shuttles, leisure activities and organized excursions).
Language course
Language schools, depending on their size, offer a wide variety of courses which meet the requirements and needs of every course attendant. It is really easy to choose a course on the basis of your criteria (time and budget available, learning success, certificates). Generally, the tuition fee for the course depends on the size of the class. Smaller learning groups and one-to-one tuition are said to be more effective than big classes and that is the reason why their prices are usually higher.
- Standard course
The aim of the course is to improve your written and oral communication skills. Qualified language teachers provide tuition and are committed to creating a pleasant working atmosphere through the use of modern learning methods and study materials. Throughout the course, students discuss business, cultural and historical topics.
- Combined course
The combined course is a combination of a standard course with private lessons. It has the advantages of both group courses and one-to-one tuition. You can discuss general topics in groups and address study problem areas with your teacher directly. This is the best decision for you if you want to advance rapidly in a short period of time.
- Business course
In most cases, you can book a business course in combination with a standard course and optimise your foreign language learning achievement. The subject matter and focus of the business course is on business language and the important aspects of everyday business situations. You will learn how to deal with real life situations such as telephone training, meetings, presentations and business correspondence.
- Mini groups
Learning progress in a mini group, which usually consist of fewer than five people, is indisputably faster than in larger groups. In a smaller group you can receive more attention from the qualified teaching staff and problems are addressed directly. Studying in this way strengthens your weak points while also giving you the chance to interact socially within an international student group.
- One-to-one classes
The one-to-one course is the most effective way to learn and classes are more intensive. A combination of single and group courses is always recommended. In this way you can profit from personalized communications and international social contacts.
- Examination preparation course
The preparation courses for internationally recognised diplomas or certificates offer systematic training which equips you with the knowledge you need for achieving your goal - obtaining a language certificate. You have the possibility to take part in different tests and to measure your performance. These courses start at different times of the year at specific dates prior to exam dates.
Examinations are often necessary in order to be able to study at a foreign university or to prove your level of linguistic expertise.
Accommodation
When deciding on accommodation you have the following options:
- Hotel
Most of the language schools also offer hotel and hostel rooms. The costs of these rooms are higher than in host families or shared apartments.
- Host families
Staying in private accommodation is highly recommended for pupils and students. It gives you the possibility to interact better and progress faster in the target language because you continue practising the language in a real life situation. Some host families also offer meals. The quality of the accommodation among host families can vary quite dramatically. If you are unhappy with your accommodation, report it to your school and they will normally find another host family for you. Make sure you get more information about the special offers and services of the chosen school.
- Shared student flat/apartment
Another possibility for accommodation is a student flat or apartment, usually rented by the language school. You can book your accommodation together with the desired language course. This type of accommodation allows maximum independence during your stay and more contact with the other students, which means easy access to people.