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How to Study at Language Schools Abroad
Overview
What are language schools?
International language schools are pretty much what they sound like. They’re designated institutions or organizations that specialize in the instruction of one or multiple languages, which pretty much always includes the local language. They offer highly effective lessons, as well as plenty of opportunities for practice, if you want to learn a language abroad.
The benefits of learning a language abroad
The biggest benefit of learning a language abroad is immersion! Learning Spanish in Madrid is a lot different than learning it in a classroom at home. Everywhere you go in your host country, you’ll be exposed to the language you’re trying to learn. Even a trip to the grocery store will be a language learning experience!
Other benefits of taking language courses abroad include increased confidence and feelings of capability, new perspectives, a greater understanding of intercultural communication, and maybe even new ways of thinking.
Getting Started
How to learn a language abroad
Learning a language abroad can sound intimidating to many people, especially when you’re a complete beginner. However, whether you’re a novice or have already started studying your target language, you can absolutely benefit from language immersion programs abroad.
Here’s how to learn a language abroad:
- Choose a language. If you don’t know what you want to study, you might be wondering how to choose a language to learn when there’s so many to choose from. A good way to choose is by thinking about your academic or career goals. Do you want to work in Spain? Study first edition Russian literature? Take business trips to Beijing someday? Figuring out what you want in the future will help you pick a language to learn.
- Choose a destination. Some languages, like Spanish, are spoken in dozens of countries around the world. Many languages also have different dialects and accents within their many homes. If you’re learning a language for school or work, then your destination choice will probably be a bit more obvious. Otherwise, you may want to research your options before selecting a course in order to find the best fit for you.
- Set goals. Most likely, you can’t stay abroad forever to learn your new language, which is why you need to make the most of your time. Whether you’re going abroad for two weeks or two years, you need to set language goals for yourself. Do you want to be fluent? Reaching such a speaking level will take dedication and commitment, while gaining conversational skills may be more attainable in a shorter amount of time.
- Find language courses. Once you know what you want to learn and where, it’s time to look at language programs abroad! The best programs will have lots of positive reviews, and be well-established within their host community. Be sure to ask your program advisor about the opportunities they provide to practice your new language skills.
Duration
How long does it take to learn a language through immersion?
How long will it take you to learn your target language? If you’re looking at intensive language courses abroad, immersion will be a huge part of the curriculum. Three months of uninterrupted language immersion will do wonders for your speaking and comprehension skills.
However, if you don’t have three months to commit to learning a language abroad, even two weeks of language immersion can take a beginner up to conversational levels. The trick is to avoid being passive in your language learning journey! You’ll need to be actively practicing nearly all day, every day, if you want to really make a difference in your language learning. If you want to be fluent, the longer your immersion lasts, the better.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I learn a language abroad?
To learn a language abroad, you'll first need to choose which language you want to learn and where you want to learn it. After, you'll apply to language programs in that destination, pay program fees, book a flight, and be on your way!
How can I choose a language to learn abroad?
Think about your goals for language acquisition. Are you trying to be a more competitive job applicant? Or do you just want to be a more intentional traveler? The languages you should learn will change depending on what you want to achieve.
Where can I learn a foreign language?
Can you learn a language by living in the country?
Living in a country where your target language is spoken is one of the best ways to learn a language. Stay with a host family to ensure that you're consistently immersed in the local language to give yourself plenty of opportunity to build skills.
What are the best languages to learn?
Some of the most useful languages to learn are Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic, due to the number of native speakers across the world. Being fluent in one or more of these languages will advance your career and improve the quality of your travels!
Latest Program Reviews
The best couple of months of my year
August 27, 2026by: Wilier RenteriaProgram: Learn Mandarin in China - Group Courses with XMandarin
I came to XMandarin Qingdao 2 months ago and I don't wanna leave. My Chinese was already basic (my listening was way better) when I first came, and the teachers helped me so much with my skills. The classes are always locally-focused, meaning that the teachers are always teaching you local common things and will help you practice a lot the speaking and the listening and I'm a great example of the change that has produced in my language journey! The city is incredible, there's a lot of things to see and learn from it. Even though, the city hasn't a huge story as Beijing or Chengdu does, it offers still a good amount of it to experience the Chinese culture. People are always kind and down to help you, as well as in the School, the process is too simple and they always try to make you feel comfortable and at home. I'll be feeling so homesick when I leave!!!
A great experience!
August 27, 2026by: Daria MakeevaI had the opportunity to spend one month studying at this language school, and overall, I had a very positive experience. From the very beginning, I felt comfortable and welcomed, and I was happy with the atmosphere at the school. The staff were friendly and helpful, and everything was well organized, which made studying much easier and more enjoyable. I would especially like to thank my teacher, Lilia Deng. She is a wonderful teacher who is patient, kind, attentive, and very professional. The lessons were interesting and useful, and I especially appreciated the opportunity to practice speaking. Although I stayed at the school for only one month, I feel that I learned a lot and had a great experience.
A Wonderful Experience in Beihai
August 25, 2026by: Dipesh PurandareI am truly grateful for the wonderful time I spent in Beihai and would like to express my sincerest thanks to every aspect of this trip. From the warm homestay family to the well-organized school program and the breathtaking natural scenery, everything exceeded my expectations. This trip was not just a language learning opportunity, but a life-changing adventure that gave me new perspectives, lasting friendships, and unforgettable memories. First of all, my homestay family was truly amazing. From day one, they warmly welcomed me and made me feel like a member of their family. We spent many quality moments together and participated in many activities that I will never forget. One of the most exciting was surfing it was my first time on a surfboard, and they patiently taught me the basics and encouraged me to enjoy the waves instead of being afraid of them. Riding the waves under their guidance was both thrilling and exhilarating. In the evenings, we often watched movies together, shared popcorn and laughter, and discussed the plot and characters. The children in the family were energetic and adorable; we played basketball almost every day at the nearby court. Those matches were more than just sports; they were opportunities to strengthen bonds. We encouraged each other, shared new skills, and improved our game together. The family's kindness, warmth, and generosity made me feel a deep sense of belonging in a foreign land, making my stay exceptionally special. One of the most unforgettable parts of this trip was visiting their ancestral home in rural China. Unlike the bustling city, it was a tranquil haven embraced by nature. The scenery was breathtaking,lush green mountains stretched gently into the distance, crystal-clear streams meandered through the valleys, and a tranquil reservoir reflected the sky like a perfect mirror. The air was fresh and clean, and the sounds of birdsong and flowing water blended into a soothing natural melody. We took long walks along the reservoir, and I even tried fishing with my family for the first time. The scenery was picturesque, and I couldn't resist taking photos every few minutes. This experience allowed me to deeply appreciate the charm of China's natural beauty and gave me a rare glimpse into authentic rural life, a refreshing contrast to my accustomed fast-paced city life. Next, I'd like to talk about the school,Beihai School,which is equally impressive and professionally managed. The teaching team truly listens to each student's needs and tailors the curriculum accordingly. Whether I wanted to focus on improving my spoken fluency, grammar accuracy, or writing skills, they adjusted the course content to fit my individual goals. Homework assignments were meaningful, reinforcing classroom learning, and teachers provided detailed and constructive feedback on each assignment. What I appreciated most was the class recording system,they recorded the key points, vocabulary, and grammar structures of each lesson and shared them with us promptly, allowing me to review them anytime and never fall behind. The teachers' explanations were always clear, patient, and easy to understand, greatly boosting my confidence. The entire program was exceptionally well-organized, from the daily schedule to extracurricular activities and weekend outings. A perfect balance was struck between study and leisure, ensuring we learned effectively while also having ample time to relax and enjoy life. Furthermore, the administrative team, especially the sales department, performed admirably in every aspect. Whether via email or instant messaging, they responded to my inquiries almost instantly, never keeping me waiting. Before I even arrived, they answered all my questions about the program, accommodation, transportation, and even local customs with remarkable clarity and patience. Throughout my studies, they followed up regularly to ensure everything went smoothly and promptly addressed any minor issues I raised. Their professionalism, efficiency, and genuine care made the entire process completely stress-free, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my studies and enjoy my time. In short, this trip to Beihai perfectly blended cultural immersion, academic growth, and nature exploration. I not only returned home with significantly improved language skills but also gained lifelong memories and friends from all over the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking an authentic, enriching, and truly transformative experience in China. Thank you to my host family, the school staff, and everyone who made this trip unforgettable. I will definitely be back!
Surfing for the first time, fishing at a rural reservoir and playing basketball with the family every evening! It's been some adventure with you, Dipesh!! We are thrilled Beihai delivered so much beyond the classroom! Thanks so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful review. Keep up the great work studying Chinese and we cannot wait to welcome you back! LTL Team
Some high quality teaching but inconsistent and inflexible.
August 25, 2026by: Nicholas GregoryProgram: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
High quality teaching is on offer, but it’s not consistent. One of our teachers doesn’t have good enough English to teach at a complete beginner level, as she doesn’t understand questions or explain things properly. Additionally, there’s limited flexibility with moving your lessons and/or switching to one-on-one on occasion, which is surprising given the cost of the course. Additionally, the school offers little opportunity for cultural immersion or group activity, and what it does offer is expensive.
A True Hidden Gem for Learning Practical, Real‑World Chinese
August 25, 2026by: Aurélie Alexandra RennerProgram: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
This school was a real treasure to find! 🙌 And I’m happy to say I’ve had a lovely first experience with “That’s Mandarin!” 🥰 Right from the start they sent me marked location photos, making the school easy to find. My first lesson was great; the teachers are exceptionally patient, friendly, and encouraged me to speak—which made organizing my thoughts in Chinese feel much more natural. Their learning material matches daily life Chinese, with common phrasing and realistic usage—which for me personally, was a big relief, because learning textbook Chinese and sounding like a robot was one of my biggest fears. 😢🙏 The classrooms are modern, clean and perform well with their platform (nihaocafe.com). They setup my account for me and even uploaded materials beforehand, so I could have an easy start into my first lesson. Over five days, I took 10 classes with two different teachers. Rotating teachers was a surprisingly good detail that made it a lot easier for my ear to adapt to various speaking speeds and accents. Their online classes are just as smooth, connecting through their platform was easy, the connection was strong, and the whiteboard right below the video callmade it easy to follow along. The lessons center on everyday scenarios like ordering food or paying for a taxi, that balance listening and reading comprehension really well. Afterwards, you can easily review, and even preview for your next class, but also track your word count—which really encouraged me to learn more, because that score increases a good amount after each lesson.😊 The school and its teachers encourage a warm, home- like atmosphere, and I met some really nice people from all over the world during the breaks and after class, who learned Chinese just like me. “That’s mandarin” also hosts fun little events like playing games and having lunch together which makes the place really feel like home.💖 Highly recommended!😘
Happy Returning Customer: Custom‑Fit Courses & Feels Like Visiting Old Friends
August 25, 2026by: Borut KrautProgram: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
A happy returning customer here - i attended a longer course last year, this year they tailor made a shorter intensive course for me! You won’t regret enrolling, no one ever has! Basically it felt like visiting my old friends 🙂
Good place with best teachers
August 25, 2026by: Ilia KuzminProgram: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
A great study spot is all about the right vibecalm, comfortable, and distraction-free. Somewhere you can settle in, stay focused, and actually enjoy the process. When the atmosphere clicks, productivity flows naturally
Good place with best teachers
August 25, 2026by: Ilia KuzminProgram: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
A great study spot is all about the right vibecalm, comfortable, and distraction-free. Somewhere you can settle in, stay focused, and actually enjoy the process. When the atmosphere clicks, productivity flows naturally
I Didn't Expect To Enjoy IA This Much
August 25, 2026by: Kevin LyreI honestly wasn't sure what to expect about my time with IA and on the program before I came. I mainly booked because I wanted to improve my Spanish, but I ended up enjoying the whole experience way more than I thought I would. The classes were really good and the teachers were great, but I think what helped me the most was everything outside the classroom. Living with a Mexican family meant I was hearing Spanish all day, every day, and after a while you kind of stop overthinking everything you want to say. We'd go out into the city, visit markets, grab food, do the cooking class, weekend trips, all that sort of thing, and you're just constantly using Spanish without really thinking about it. One thing I really appreciated was how much effort everyone put into making sure we were having a good time. Harry and Harry were always around if anyone needed anything, whether it was recommendations, helping someone who wasn't feeling well, or just making sure everybody was included. It never felt like they were just running a business. You could tell they actually cared about everyone having a good experience. Cuernavaca was also a really nice surprise. I'd never even heard of it before finding Iguana Abroad, but it's such a relaxed place and feels really authentic. There aren't loads of tourists everywhere, so you end up speaking Spanish much more than you probably would in somewhere like Cancun or even Mexico City. I also made some really good friends on the course which I wasn't expecting. Even now we're still talking about meeting up again somewhere. If you're looking for luxury accommodation and cocktails by the pool every day, this probably isn't that kind of trip you are going to be looking for to be honest. But if you actually want to improve your Spanish, experience Mexico properly, and come home with some brilliant memories, I'd definitely recommend it.
Great program
August 25, 2026by: Zan HaggertyI had a great time in my week long stay at Na'atik. I did a solo trip and was able to practice my Spanish for the whole week. My teacher Licey was incredible. So patient and persistent as I was learning. She kept the content interesting and conversational while also ensuring I learned the fundamentals for communication. The program coordinator Elizabeth was always on top of things and helped make sure communication was consistent and that all the plans were well coordinated. She was also really helpful with recommendations for the town and navigating being a foreigner in a small town. The school itself is beautiful and everyone there was really kind and welcoming. The activities offered were also really fun. It was great to get to learn more about the Mayan culture and I high recommend any of the excursions that include learning about the land, practices, and people. I went during a less busy time of year, so I was the only student around. If you like the one on one time, then I recommend going in mid-end of August. If you want to be around people, don't go then. Overall, I recommend this program!
สภาพแวดล้อมดีมาก ครูและเพื่อนเป็นมิตร พัฒนาการภาษาจีนดีขึ้น
August 24, 2026by: Chatchalai ArayawetchakitProgram: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
รู้สึกว่าสภาพแวดล้อมในโรงเรียนดีมาก เหล่าซือและเพื่อนๆน่ารักและเป็นมิตร เจ้าหน้าที่คอยช่วยเหลือดูแลตลอด และใส่ใจรายละเอียดมาก ช่วงเเรกรู้สึกว่าสอนเร็วไปหน่อยแต่เริ่มปรับตัวได้แล้วและรู้สึกว่าสามารถพูดภาษาจีนได้คล่องขึ้น
非常经历 在北京 ! Great linguistic immersion In Beijing
August 23, 2026by: J FitremannOur daughter spent a month at the LTL School Summer Camp in July and August. Her stay went very well. The school is very well organised, whether in terms of airport transfers, the quality of the host families, or visiting Beijing and afternoon activities. The morning lessons were also very effective and my daughter made great progress in Chinese. We recommend warmely this school and would like to thank them for the high standard of their programme.


We're so pleased your daughter had the best time with us in Beijing :) We'd love to welcome you all back next year!! LTL Team
Amazing experience at LTL Kunming school
August 22, 2026by: Antoni JerzmanowskiFrom July 13th to August 8th, I attended an LTL Mandarin language course as part of their full-immersion program in Kunming, China. During my stay, I lived with a wonderful host family where I had my own private room. My host family provided me with breakfast and dinner every day. Furthermore, they often took me out to local restaurants, which allowed me to discover many authentic Yunnan dishes and delicious spices. I took the standard 1-on-1 individual course (4 hours a day, 5 days a week). Commuting to school was very convenient: the nearest metro station was located just 1 km from my homestay—an easy, walkable distance—and the metro ride itself took only around 15 to 20 minutes. Classes took place in a modern business center where LTL rents classrooms. Every room was equipped with air conditioning or a fan, making the study environment very comfortable. My lessons usually ran from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, but I really appreciated the flexibility to adjust the schedule according to my preferences, which is ideal for anyone who prefers starting later in the day. For instance, a fellow student had her classes scheduled in the afternoon from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. On some days, lessons even took place in other locations, such as quiet and cozy local cafés. From a psychological and learning perspective, this change of scenery was a huge advantage, as switching up the environment helped me stay focused and retain new vocabulary much better. Speaking of the classes, I was extremely satisfied with the teaching quality. I was able to learn a tremendous amount thanks to my teacher, Yumi. She was always well prepared, professional, and created a warm, encouraging atmosphere. Yumi practiced Chinese characters, speaking, and reading comprehension with me. She also shared valuable cultural context for various topics, which helped me understand the language on a much deeper level. Outside the classroom, LTL organized fantastic extracurricular activities for students. Savannah, the head of the Kunming branch, arranged diverse events such as authentic Kung Fu training, a trip to the famous Flower Market, cinema outings, and traditional bracelet making. I truly appreciated the friendly and welcoming vibe; Savannah treated all of us like friends rather than just students, making everyone feel relaxed and at home. Additionally, whenever new students arrived in Kunming, the staff hosted a welcome lunch so everyone could easily connect with the newcomers. Kunming is an underrated, truly remarkable city for studying Chinese. Unlike megacities like Beijing or Shanghai where many people speak basic English, very few locals in Kunming speak English. This makes it the ultimate environment for a full-immersion program. The locals are warm, easygoing, and thrilled when they hear a foreigner speaking Chinese. They often strike up small talk, which helps immensely with building real-world fluency. For example, I got along great with the Kung Fu master whom I met during one of the after-class activities. Overall, I am thoroughly satisfied with my experience at LTL Kunming. I learned a huge amount of new things, boosted my language skills, and met amazing people. If you are looking for high-quality language teaching, dedicated staff, and an unforgettable adventure in China, I wholeheartedly recommend LTL in Kunming!



Great pics and a wonderful review! Thanks so much for sharing, Antek 🙂 We loved having you in Kunming and we hope you keep studying hard back home!! LTL Team
I definitely recommend!
August 21, 2026by: Zuzanna ZającI chose LTL Chengdu and came here for two weeks only - sadly, because it should have been longer! I got the Homestay option and the Survival Kit. My homestay host was very welcoming and I enjoyed my time with her and her pets. I had 1on1 classes everyday, two classes per day. The school was very nice, there is a common area for all students. I had classes with teacher Guo Xinyue, who was really kind, and classes with her were a pleasure. The teaching materials were probided by the school, and the teacher explained everything in an understandable way. The school organized social activities - I personally did not participate because I wanted to explore the city, but it was an option. For most of my sightseeing I used the recommendations provided by LTL. In short, I had a great time and everything was very professional!
Love to hear it, Zuzia! We really enjoyed having you in Chengdu with us and hope you keep up the great work with your Mandarin skills 🙂 LTL Team
Learn Chinese from hardworking and skilled teachers
August 21, 2026by: Noah ZvonekMy experience at LTL Language school was a wonderful one. Besides noticeably improving my Chinese skills, I was able to meet wonderful people both teachers and students and experience the local culture in a way I couldn't have otherwise. My respect and admiration lies in the workers and volunteers that make the school what it is.
Love to hear it, Noah :) So pleased you had a great time with us and we'd love you to come back soon. Keep up the great work. LTL Team
Best Mandarin School!!!!
August 21, 2026by: Louisa KredisovaProgram: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
I really enjoyed my time at that's mandarin! My teachers Yan laoshi and Wan laoshi were the best, kindest teachers. The people you meet at the school were all very lovely and we participated in many cultural activities at the school, like Mahjong night, singing and qing hua ci. Thank you for all the best staff and people for making my summer unforgettable.
Great learning environment
August 21, 2026by: Poli KociProgram: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
I had a great time at the Shanghai location, the teachers were extremely helpful, giving us lots of opportunities to practice our speaking. All the staff were very helpful, and responded quickly to my requests. Would definitely recommend!
Mexico with Iguana Abroad
August 21, 2026by: Kaley Laurel-JonesLearning Spanish in Mexico with Iguana Abroad was an incredible and unforgettable experience that truly deepened my knowledge of Spanish and my love for travel. I learnt so much during my time there – both with our teachers in our classes but also around the city during the “immersion” part of the program. I would say I learnt the most Spanish on my trip while I was talking to people around the city on the guided walks and tours with Iguana Abroad, as well as during the salsa dance class and the Mexican cooking class. The organizers of the program really encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in Mexican culture as much as possible which I found so helpful for gaining confidence with my Spanish. The Iguana Abroad team is all really supportive and welcoming and the program directors and staff really went above and beyond to make sure our group of girls felt comfortable the whole time we were on the course. I highly recommend this program for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in Mexican culture and learn Spanish in an exciting environment through cultural immersion.
Thank you GAC!
August 20, 2026by: Clara SilvaMy 15-year-old son spent 5 weeks in Beijing with GAC's summer camp. He was nervous at first, but his homestay family made him feel comfortable immediately. He learned real Mandarin and made friends from all over the world. The weekend trips to the Great Wall and Summer Palace were unforgettable. He came back more confident and independent. Thank you GAC!

Really enjoyed learning Chinese
August 19, 2026by: Gill Jake BenjaminProgram: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin
I've really enjoyed learning Chinese over these four weeks. I've learned many new words and I'm remembering more and more vocabulary. This school is really great. My teachers teach very well, and my classmates are very friendly. Shanghai is a very interesting city. After class, I often go out with my classmates to explore and try Shanghai's local food. We also went to Suzhou and Hangzhou, and we had a great time. Thank you to all the teachers for your help over these four weeks! I hope I can come back in the future to continue learning Chinese. Finally, keep up the good work, everyone! Thank you all!
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