It is best to learn English abroad, in an environment where all or most citizens use it, and not only in business or official, but also in everyday communication. There are a few more such places on the world map than it seems, the choice is not limited to the USA, Great Britain, Australia or New Zealand! According to UN statistics, more than 450 million people call English their native language alone, it has an official status in 67 officially recognized states, as well as in 27 partially recognized, unrecognized or non-sovereign territories (for example, overseas colonies, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey and some other objects of the globe have this status).
Nay! One in four of the world's 8 billion inhabitants speaks English in some way, it is one of the two most widely spoken languages in the world, the official language of many international organizations such as the UN, UNESCO, the World Bank, the European Union (even despite the UK's exit), NATO – a total of more than 300 organizations use it officially. In addition, it is the language of world trade: it is used on financial, currency and commodity exchanges, in the banking sector, and international commerce.
This is the language of science: British, American and Canadian universities occupy up to a quarter of positions in international rankings, every 3rd book in the world and every 2nd scientific article are published in English, so for a researcher, for a scientist, to speak and read in English is as necessary as to breathe and eat.
Finally, English is the universal language of young people, of modern mass pop culture: almost all current trends, be it China, or even Iran or North Korea, ultimately emerged from the English-speaking world. Yes, they have gone through a series of transformations, sometimes you don't even recognize them, but the original source is always the same.
Therefore, it is necessary to know English. This is the key to success, if not its guarantee. But where is the best place to study English in 2024?
United Kingdom
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about studying English abroad is the United Kingdom. There are several hundred schools and language centers for adults and countless children's language camps and centers in this country. The vast share is located in London and its immediate environs, but impressive educational clusters have also formed in the area of the university "agglomeration" of Oxbridge, in York and Chester, Leeds and Liverpool. Many schools and centres are located in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Welsh cities, most notably Cardiff.
Schools for the most part work all year round, offering diverse programs - both universal, standard and increased intensity, and highly specialized, for example, preparatory, vocational or according to the "sports + language" and "hobby + language" programs. The minimum course duration is from 2 weeks, the maximum is up to 11 months. For long-term programs, you will have to obtain a student visa.
There are a lot of advantages of studying in the UK: from the opportunity to get acquainted with the places where the events of Shakespeare's plays and Jane Austen's novels unfolded, to the proximity to Europe (a couple of hours by train, and "underwater"!), a large number of museums and exhibitions, to great shopping and the vibrant nightlife of student London.
There is only one drawback: the language norm has long been determined not by the UK, but by the United States, and the choice of British English today is more of a tribute to tradition than a necessity.
Ireland
About the same as the northern part of the UK, Scotland, but part of the European Union, offers slightly more affordable programs (on average, the difference in prices is 10-15%), a very loyal admission policy: no interviews, you can apply remotely, visas to Ireland are still given very willingly, and faster - a month and a half versus six months).
Malta
The former British colony with its own language (Malagasy) has been considered one of the top destinations for language tourism for a quarter of a century. The embassy gives its own visas, but also looks favorably on the Schengen document. It has everything you need for study and a cool vacation - the sea, the sun, sights and shops, Italy is close by. And the Malagasy one? And what about Malagasy ... All Maltese speak English, and very well.
Cyprus
Another great opportunity to combine learning English with a year-round vacation on the magnificent Mediterranean coast. A visa costs about 80 euros, but you can get by with a Schengen visa (however, even if you don't have it, it doesn't matter: you can get a Cypriot visa in a week or two). There are a dozen and a half centers on the island, teachers mainly speak the British version of English, sometimes with a slight southern accent.
South Africa
When going to South Africa, it is important to remember about safety (the country is not very criminal), as well as the specific accent of South Africans. On the other hand, there is very cheap accommodation, and the courses are very affordable, an order of magnitude cheaper compared to the USA or the UK.
Malaysia
A significant advantage of this destination is cheapness. In addition, studying in Southeast Asia is a kind of exotic adventure. Just imagine: palm trees, sun loungers, tropical islands, sunshine, roll call of strange birds, sweet cocktails with ice... And all this ten minutes before class! What's more, if you agree, you can arrange a lesson on the beach!
A visa can be obtained in a month; Malays understand that this is long, so it is not required for visitors for a period of less than 30 days. A small detail: when giving a visa, the authorities take 300 USD from you - if you return home and do not harm anything, do not violate local laws, this money will be returned.
Hong Kong SAR
The financial and business center of East Asia, which became part of China in 1999 with autonomy and broad powers. English is still spoken here, the English-language press is published, radio and TV broadcasts, and there are several international language schools. A great opportunity for those who want to learn the two most popular languages in the world, English and Mandarin Chinese, they are like Twix sticks – different, but inseparable from each other.
Philippines
A special offer for the thrifty! In Cebu City, Philippines, there are several dozen English centers and schools for expats. Basically, local teachers work with Chinese, Thais, Filipinos and other residents of Asian countries. The program is adapted in such a way as to provide students with maximum practice, which at least partially compensates for the difference between English and local languages.
The teachers are mostly English, American or Chinese from Hong Kong, so the quality is excellent. A one-month course with numerous individual lessons and master classes will cost 1.5-2 thousand USD - very inexpensive. A visa is also not required, and all formalities such as a study and residence permit are processed on the spot.
Switzerland
It may seem that Switzerland accidentally made our list, but this is not the case: 90% of the inhabitants of this Alpine country speak English, which is quite reasonable, given that the German, French and Italian communities need to somehow communicate not only with their own, but also with each other. Schools here are expensive, education is of high quality. Of the disadvantages, perhaps, only the high cost. But the result is worth it.
