English Language Schools in England

Despite its small size, England influences the world in a big way, constantly innovating in the arts, business, and everything in between. With 53 million English-speaking residents, England is an ideal place to perfect your language skills, whether you’re ordering afternoon tea or trying to distinguish the difference between Scottish and Cockney accents.

Everyone knows about English courses in London, and its notoriety attracts hundreds of thousands of English learners each year. England’s capital city is a hub for fashion, commerce, and media, which means you’ll not only learn a new language, but you’ll also expand your knowledge in whatever else you’re interested in, too. After class you can appreciate art at the Tate Modern museum, enjoy the Notting Hill Carnival street festival, or take a stroll through peaceful Hyde Park.

Farther north, the city of Manchester is a great setting to master general English in England. Opportunities abound in this multicultural center, and its many students will help you to feel right at home (buying a Manchester United jersey will also help!). Get inspired by visiting Chetham’s Library, thought to be the oldest library in the English-speaking world, or take a break outdoors by visiting one of six nature reserves sprinkled throughout the city.

While London and Manchester offer access to countless learning opportunities, there are benefits in choosing to study in a smaller city. Not only can it give you a more immersive experience, but it can also be less intimidating if you don’t yet feel confident about studying English in England.

The small city of Cambridge is just north of London and is known for its university, so you’re sure to be surrounded by other studious minds. But even serious academics need to have some fun, and you can take a break at the Strawberry Fair music festival, learn how to play cricket, or browse the outdoor market stalls at Market Square.

Located along the southern coast, the city of Brighton is perfect for anyone who enjoys cool sea breezes and a healthy dose of arts and music festivals. This seaside resort town is popular with tourists and its laid-back atmosphere ensures that you’ll never study too hard. Catch a meal at the hip Gingerman restaurant or marvel at the Royal Pavilion, an Indian-styled palace built in 1823.

The best way to learn a language is to live it, and attending an England English course is sure to improve your skills much faster than playing DuoLingo on the couch at home. While strolling around town will help you pick up new words, you’ll gain the most by combining daily immersion with classes. Sure, worksheets aren’t as fun as frequenting the local pub, but you’ll be amazed at the progress you make, and that celebratory pint will be waiting for you!

Whether you prefer a semester-long university program, a short-term intensive course, or a private tutor, there are options for every budget and timeline. English language schools in England are a good choice for students on a budget or who are staying for a shorter period of time; group classes start at multiple times throughout the year. For those interested in enrolling at a university, semester-long courses provide immersion with the addition of extra subjects like business, art, and culture. Students who have limited time or very specific learning objectives can benefit from private tutoring, where progress is fast and courses are flexible.

To quickly learn English in England, attend the intensive courses – these generally run five days a week, Monday through Friday, and are either half-day or full-day commitments. Most class sizes are small, and you’ll take a placement test prior to starting to ensure you’ll be at the same level as your classmates. Daily classes will improve your language skills quickly, but it does take time to achieve proficiency. If you make an effort to only communicate in English instead of your native language, you should be conversational in a couple of months. For those at an intermediate or advanced level, expect to make big gains in your speaking ability if you practice every day.

Your living situation can also impact how quickly you learn English. Many programs offer homestays, where you live with a local family, share meals, and learn about English culture. This option offers the most immersion, but you will be expected to interact with the family and participate in activities. Apartments offer more freedom and can be great if you live with English speakers. Finally, dormitories are an affordable option and are often located close to your classes. English language schools in England will typically help you in sorting out your accommodations.

Languages vary by region, even if everyone is technically speaking the same language. English is no different, and an American might well be baffled by a Brit telling him, “I went on holiday and stayed in a lush flat with a massive telly.” English dialects vary even within different parts of England, but there are some generalities to keep in mind.

The most noticeable difference between British English and dialects spoken elsewhere is the vast variance in vocabulary. This can be confusing for beginners, who may understand the word elevator but not lift, or can’t find a pharmacy when a chemist is just across the street. That said, once you’ve gotten a feel for the language, it’s easy enough to switch out your queues for lines and your lorries for trucks.

Another thing to be aware of is that spelling can differ by country. While words such as colour, programme, and apologise are considered correct during your English courses in London, a professor in New York would find them to be misspelled versions of color, program, and apologize.

Accents also vary widely by continent, region, and even city. For a student who has only learned English in Toronto, traveling to England could be a shock. Many words are pronounced quite differently, and it may take some time for your ear to become accustomed to a new accent.

England is a popular destination for language learners, and the variety and accessibility of language programs is unmatched. By some estimates, nearly half a million students arrive every year to attend English courses in England, which puts you in good company on your quest to perfect your phrasal verbs.

Due to its popularity, students can choose among a huge variety of language courses, from intensive daily lessons to year-long programs to tandem language exchanges. Whatever you’re looking for, chances are you can find it in England. Most schools are accredited, and while you should be sure to research your options, you can expect quality instruction wherever you study.

England is a multicultural country, which has positives and negatives for students. While you may not feel quite so alone as a foreigner, it can also make it easier to find others from your home country to converse with. This will not help your English skills, so find the strength to resist communicating in your native language. Choosing to study in a smaller city where fewer residents speak your home language can help with this challenge.

While it’s possible to be frugal while living in England, chances are that it’ll be more expensive than your home country. Costs while attending English courses in London especially can be quite high, so if you’re on a budget, consider studying in a smaller city, traveling less, or cooking your meals at home. All of these things can help reduce costs and make learning English in England more affordable.

There are many countries where you can study English, but there’s only one England. Studying here will not only give you insight into local slang and accents, but it will also provide opportunities to excel in your academics, expand your professional network, and learn about an evolving, dynamic culture. Just maybe, you’ll also learn to appreciate the unique, tangy flavo(u)r of England’s favorite spread, Marmite.