The duration of a language course during a language study trip in an English-speaking country can range from one week to one year and beyond, depending on the offer, learning objective, budget, time available and ambition. As a rule, participants book a language trip lasting two to three weeks. Young adults in particular like to combine a language course with a longer stay abroad, so that four or eight weeks of English courses are not uncommon. Depending on the chosen intensity of the course, the duration of the language stay can be adjusted so that you can achieve good language results within two weeks on an intensive course with 30 or more hours of language lessons per week.
Language diploma courses can be booked at almost all language schools during an English language study trip. The most popular diploma worldwide is the IELTS test (International English Language Testing System), but the American TOEFL test (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the Cambridge certificates are also very popular. Depending on the level, a preparatory course can be taken for the First Certificate in English (FCE), the Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) or the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), as well as Business English Certificates (BEC) at three different levels. Some language schools also offer the Cambridge English Preliminary (PET) diploma for students on a language study trip, as well as the Key English Test (KET) for beginners at level A2. You should note that language diploma courses do not start at any time, as is often the case with other language courses, but are based on the dates of the exam and also have a longer duration (around 8 to 12 weeks).
The cost of a language study trip to an English-speaking country can vary greatly depending on which country and city you want to travel to, how long the language course lasts and how intensively you want to study. Last but not least, the choice of accommodation also plays a decisive role. Accommodation with a host family is the cheapest option, whereas the price in a hotel is much higher, which can be particularly noticeable for longer stays abroad. In addition to the cost of the English language course and accommodation, there is also the cost of the flight, the registration fee, a fee for an accommodation reservation, any course materials and examination fees. You will usually also have to pay for the airport transfer yourself, as well as leisure activities. Depending on the type of accommodation booked, there may also be catering costs.
If possible, language travelers should always take out travel cancellation insurance, especially if they are planning a longer stay abroad, unless this is already integrated into an existing insurance policy. In the event of a serious illness, accident or death in the immediate family, the trip can be canceled at short notice without incurring additional costs. International health insurance is also essential, especially in countries with an expensive healthcare system, such as the USA. In addition to unlimited cover for medical expenses, such international insurance should also include all transportation costs, including repatriation to Switzerland. Some health insurance companies already include cover abroad in their supplementary insurance policies, while with others it can easily be added. Temporary supplementary travel insurance is also possible with many health insurance companies, and does not necessarily have to be taken out with the same provider as the basic insurance.
Before starting an English language study trip, students usually take an English test to determine their level and course placement. This type of language level placement test is usually carried out online and ensures that participants are placed in the right course. At some language schools, course placement is only carried out on site on the first day of school so that the current language level can be determined. Nevertheless, it can of course always happen that during the course it turns out that your language level is not sufficient for the assigned course or that your foreign language skills are already more extensive than tested. In such a case, experience has shown that changing course level is not a problem for the majority of language schools. Nevertheless, you should clarify this point directly with the provider before booking in order to rule out any complications.
The average age of language students is in their mid-20s, although there are of course differences depending on the region, the language course chosen and the season. For example, the average age is higher in the low season than in the high season, such as the summer vacations, when many school-age children and teenagers go on a language course. On the other hand, the younger generation is often to be found where you can party well and where language learning can be perfectly combined with leisure activities such as surfing, diving and going out. If you have already reached a certain age and don't necessarily want to go on a language course with young adults, you have the option of registering for special courses that are tailored to specific target groups, such as over 30s. Many language schools also offer 50+ language courses, as well as business language courses, where the average age is higher. Special children's or youth language courses are also offered for young people, often aimed at children aged 7 to around 11 and teenagers aged 12 to 17.
Accommodation during a language study trip for English language courses can be chosen at most schools and includes student houses, school residences, shared flats, hotels or hostels as well as host families. Many accommodations require students to be at least 16 years old, others even require students to be at least 18 years old, so the only options for teenagers and children are a school residence in the immediate vicinity of the school or a host family. And that doesn't have to be a negative thing, quite the opposite.
Host families are the best alternative for effective English language learning, because nowhere else will you be challenged as much linguistically as there. You will have to speak English to communicate and interact in a wide variety of situations. In this way, you will quickly get to know the everyday language, be able to put what you have learned in the language course into practice straight away and be encouraged to improve your pronunciation. In addition, you will not only get to know the language, but also the culture and cultural characteristics of the people in the host country and often take part in excursions and events with the family. This family does not necessarily have to consist of the typical mother-father-children constellation; single parents, older married couples, married couples without children, patchwork families or singles are also available as "host families".
Another major advantage of staying with a host family during a language study trip to England, the USA, Australia, New Zealand or another English-speaking country is undoubtedly the relatively low price, which is far lower than that of a hostel or student residence. Meals, usually breakfast and dinner, in some cases also full board, are included so that this item no longer needs to be factored into the budget. Some language schools and host families also offer additional services that are included in the price, such as weekly room cleaning or laundry.
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