17 best English schools in Geneva

The most popular educational program in Geneva, Switzerland is international English, close to the traditional British version: often the school invites a teacher from England, who must confirm his qualifications to work with foreign students and multicultural groups. Each educational group is formed in accordance with the level of knowledge of international students, the most homogeneous degree of knowledge and skills is selected. Often foreign students combine the study of English and another foreign language, especially participants in long-term educational programs resort to such a scheme.

English is not an official language in Switzerland, but it is quite widespread: there are special English schools that provide the opportunity to study all year round, summer and seasonal courses, and vacation camps for schoolchildren. The level of education is so high that after completing the best english courses in Geneva you may well qualify for a place at a prestigious university in Europe.

Laura Galindo

Marketing Director

What makes English so special for families from all over the world?

In 2023, statistics show there are about 1.5 billion people around the world who speak English both natively and as a second language. English is the global language for business, tourism, aviation, sciences, and media (to name a few).

It is most essential for families in that this will allow for the younger generations to have innumerable employment opportunities within and outside their birth country.

Most often international students prefer to study several languages ​​in a complex, for example, they combine the study of German with English. Educational institutions provide a wide range of different language courses and programs for any age and category of students:

• One-year option;
• Quick intensive business language course;
• Advanced education in 2-3 weeks.

The multicultural environment of students, the diversity of countries and cultures represented in schools students from different countries of the world, representing different nationalities, study English  together. List of main advantages of this scheme:

• Developing the skill of intercultural communication;
• Practice in speech;
• Helps to learn more about the traditions of other countries.

Teachers have extensive experience working with such international groups and are able to find an approach to each student, motivate him for educational achievements, give valuable advice or recommendations. Schools practice an individual, personal approach, treat each student with respect and care.

The amount of free time for each student depends on the chosen educational program, its intensity and duration - but, as a rule, there is always time for entertainment and leisure. Many educational centers organize full-fledged leisure programs that also have an educational function, consolidating the acquired knowledge in a free, relaxed atmosphere. Educational staff organize a variety of trips, such as:

• Different museums;
• Art galleries;
• Theaters;
• Local cultural monuments and attractions.

Interesting leisure and sport activities are also organized:

• Skiing;
• Snowboarding;
• Trekking;
• Sailing;
• Tennis.

Any foreign student can enter the courses - it is enough to prepare the necessary package of documents and choose a school. Recently, the prices for most courses and programs have noticeably decreased.

Most of the country has a mild, favorable, healthy climate, unusually clean air, and there are no sudden changes in the weather. Health care is well developed at Switzerland. Most residents adhere to the principles of a healthy lifestyle, and the level of security is one of the highest in the world.

Language schools in Geneva offer the opportunity to study English and other languages starting from the age of 4-5. One of the conditions is living with a teacher’s family or with parents, with the option of day classes. Boarding school programs with independent living are available from the age of six.

Courses can last for a semester or a full year. The primary focus of the program is on overcoming language barriers, developing speaking skills, and preparing for more advanced courses. Popular options include:

- Intensive courses – from 15 to 35 hours per week,
- Standard courses – from 8 to 25 hours per week.

During the summer holidays, most institutions offer language camps. Courses may include several hours of language study in the morning, from one to seven hours daily, complemented by sports activities in the afternoon and leisure time in the evening.

Some schools offer preparation for international exams, such as SAT, TOEFL, BEC, IELTS, Cambridge YLE English, and DELF during the summer holidays. Notable examples include Institute Monte Rosa and Institut auf dem Rosenberg.

Summer English courses in Switzerland – the perfect option for children

Language schools in Geneva offer not only excellent language training but also a diverse and engaging vacation experience. Summer English courses in Switzerland start in the morning and provide various leisure activities in the afternoon and evening.

Swiss language schools organize different on-campus activities such as picnics, concerts, themed evenings, parties, and sports events. Schools often arrange group excursions to the mountains, ski resorts, and Lake Geneva.

On weekends, Swiss English language schools may organize trips to famous cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern, to visit interesting landmarks, chocolate factories, the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, caves, and adventure parks. Excursions to medieval castles are of great interest to many, making summer English courses in Switzerland a real adventure for your children.

Language schools in Geneva operate year-round: courses start from 1 week and can last up to 52 weeks. The courses cover all major language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Choosing a language school in Switzerland depends on your level and preferences. There are options for courses without meals, with breakfast, or with full or partial board. Some of the popular programs include:

- Standard course (25-35 hours per week),
- DELF/DALF exam preparation (30 lessons per week as part of the standard course + 10 lessons per week dedicated to exam preparation),
- Goethe German certificate B1/B2 exam preparation (30 lessons per week),
- For those over 50 years old — a language learning program with individual accommodation in Switzerland.

For students attending language courses, there are several visa options suitable for different study periods:

- Short-term visa up to 90 days.

Students can enter Switzerland with a standard multiple-entry visa issued by Switzerland or one of the Schengen Agreement countries. EU citizens can study in Switzerland for a short period without a visa.
  
- Long-term stay (more than 90 days).

Students coming for an extended period (4, 6, 9 months or more) must apply for a Swiss residence permit (Permit-B). This permit is issued by the cantonal authorities only upon the student's arrival in Switzerland. To enter Switzerland, students must apply for a national entry visa through the Swiss Consulate General in their country of residence. Since not every country has a Consulate General, citizens of certain countries must travel to another country to submit their application (for example, Belarusian citizens apply in Moscow).

There are few language schools in Switzerland that offer accommodation and travel opportunities for foreign "short-term" tourists. Most language schools focus on long-term courses, primarily due to the large number of immigrants who want to learn the local language. For example, German language courses are designed for people already working in Switzerland: classes are held in the evenings 2-3 times a week for 3 months or more.

When choosing a school, it is essential to ensure that it has all the necessary accreditations: if you pay for tuition and receive an invitation, but the school is not accredited, you will not be able to obtain a visa.

To apply for language courses, you need to:

- Complete an application form or send it via email,
- Pay the registration fee and the invitation fee when submitting the application,
- Receive a booking confirmation,
- Pay the course fee (no later than 30 days before it starts),
- Receive the invitation.

It is important to carefully read the contract, especially the sections related to the possibility of a refund in case of visa denial or course cancellation. Different schools have different policies: some return the full amount, but more often they deduct part of the tuition fee. The amount depends on the reason and date of the refund.

In general, schools do not impose language requirements: students take a test upon arrival or before submitting the application to determine which group suits them best. However, some courses—such as exam preparation programs—are offered to students with a certain level of proficiency (B1 or higher), so it's important to check the specific requirements in each case.