Intensive language course
The intensive language course is recommended for students who want to learn a language as quickly as possible for academic or professional reasons. This type of language course is offered by practically every school and is the most popular type of language course taken by language students studying abroad. The intensive course is usually about 30 language lessons per week. The course covers the four language skills: speaking, writing, reading and listening—with extra stress on conversational skills. This type of course is best for motivated students who want to achieve the maximum amount of language learning in a short period of time. Start dates for intensive language courses are flexible – most schools offer them every Monday.Standard language course
The standard language course is recommended for students who are interested in combining language studies with other activities. This course is offered by almost every school. The standard language course is usually about 20 lessons per week, covering the four language skills: speaking, writing, reading and listening. The standard language course is a good option for students who want to learn the language in its general context while enjoying their vacation.Vacation language course
The vacation language course is recommended for travelers who want to study a language while on holiday. The vacation language course is usually about 15 lessons per week. The standard language course is best for travelers who want to learn the language and still have plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxation.Language test preparation course
The language test preparation course is recommended for students who want to prepare for a language proficiency test. The language test preparation course is usually taken by students who want to increase their proficiency for better job opportunities, or to apply to universities. In a test preparation course, you will be trained to pass internationally recognized diplomas or certificates, including:- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for English language students interested in studying in the United States
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English language students interested in studying in British Commonwealth countries, including UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand
- DELE (Diploma de EspañolcomoLenguaExtranjera) for Spanish language students
- DELF (Le Diplôme d' Études en Langue Française) and TEF (Test d’Evaluation du Français) for French language students
- CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza) for Italian language students
Test preparation courses are often offered as part of the intensive course, which allows students to earn a language in its general context and prepare for an internationally recognized exam at the same time.
Business language course
The business language course is recommended for people with prior knowledge of the language, and who need to use the language in a business environment. Topics such as business correspondence, presentations and telephone training are stressed in these courses. The course is often limited to groups of about six students.Some schools offer business courses for specific professions, such as flight attendants, nurses, doctors, secretaries, lawyers and IT specialists. In addition to focusing on specific vocabulary, these courses usually include role-playing of common business situations. These courses often have fixed start dates.
Junior language course
Junior language course are offered for children ages 4 to 12 and teenagers ages 13 to 18 who want to study a language in the summer. These courses are typically offered from June to August only.Almost all junior courses include activities as part of the program. Depending on the school, these might include sports like soccer, tennis or basketball, visits to parks and museums or cultural excursions to interesting cities and nearby attractions.
Parents can decide between homestay or student residence housing for their children. To ensure the safety of the students, host families are carefully selected and evaluated by the schools. In student residences, students of the same age group live together and are supervised by live-in teachers or counselors. Meals are usually included when booking a housing option.
Programs also often include health insurance as well as airport pick-up and drop-off.
One-to-one language course
A one-to-one language course is undoubtedly one of the most effective way to learn a language, but is also the most expensive type of language course. You will have the option to choose your schedule as well as the intensity and topic of your classes. The greatest advantage to one-to-one language courses is that you will be in constant communication with your teacher who will correct your errors and give you direct feedback; one-to-one courses can therefore improve your language skills much faster than studying in a group.Most schools offer a combination of single and group courses. This is not only a very effective way of studying, but is also a good way to lower expenses.
