GoAbroad

Language Programs

A great way to quickly learn a language (and all the quirks of the local dialect, which textbooks and apps often don’t cover) is to learn that language abroad! Foreign language courses at international language schools will be a lot more effective than that language learning app you never open anymore. Why? Because you can put all of those verb conjugation charts into use after class to see how those idiomatic expressions hold up with locals. In order to learn a language, you need practice. A lot of practice. Language programs abroad have you covered!
EF Education First students

Featured Language School of the Month

This Month’s Recommended Language Programs

Maximo Language programs
4.693244 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

MAXIMO NIVEL logo
Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America

Live and study in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Nivel offers the most intensive and professional Spanish Immersion program in Latin America. Learn Spanish on-site across 4 modern campuses in 3 of the most beautiful countries, or join online f...

Student in Japan
4.6862 reviews

KCP International Japanese Language School

KCP International Japanese Language School logo
Learn Japanese in Tokyo, Japan!

KCP International Japanese Language School, a non-profit educational foundation, is pleased to offer students from around the world a unique opportunity to learn more about Japan, its language, people, and culture. Our programs are open to all English-...

SN Chinese
4.6411 reviews

SN Mandarin Chinese School

SN Mandarin Chinese School logo
Intensive Chinese Study Program in Shanghai - Visa Provided

Choose our Intensive Course in Shanghai to immerse yourself deeply in Chinese learning and start speaking! This program also includes visa support. 1. Types of Groups:a) Small:Intensive 30 (6 lessons/day - 5 times/week)Intensive 20 (4 lessons/day - 5 t...

GAC students in China
4.7571 reviews

Go Abroad China Ltd.

Go Abroad China Ltd. logo
Learn Chinese at Top Universities | Small Groups & Homestay

Experience the ultimate Chinese language immersion with Go Abroad China's award-winning Mandarin programs for university students, teenagers, professionals, and families. Study at top universities including Peking University, BLCU, Fudan, Tsinghua, and...

Beyond
4.53247 reviews

Beyond Academy

Beyond Academy logo
Immersive Language Program in Tokyo

Excited about learning Japanese and want to immerse yourself alongside like-minded people in Japan?Beyond Academy is one of GoAbroad’s Top-Rated Program Providers. With 500+ verified five-star online reviews from alumni, we’re recognized for delivering...

students tasting street foods
4.2361 reviews

EF Education First

EF Education First logo
EF Language Year Abroad – Seoul, South Korea

Learn Korean in Seoul with EF Language Year Abroad—an immersive, career-boosting journey in South Korea’s dynamic capital. Perfect your language skills and study academic subjects in your areas of interest, returning home with language credentials, fri...

Instituto Hemingway
4.9174 reviews

Instituto Hemingway

Instituto Hemingway logo
Study Spanish in Bilbao, Spain

Study Spanish at our fully accredited language training center, located in one of the most interesting areas of Spain. Our educational programs provide a unique combination of in-class work and outside activities. We are not only a 'School for Spanish'...

students in Spain
4.4624 reviews

Universidad Pablo de Olavide

Universidad Pablo de Olavide logo
Summer Spanish Society and Culture Program

Spend 3 weeks in Seville improving your Spanish and learning about Spanish society and culture! The program includes a course on Spanish Society and Culture in Spanish. The course examines Spain's challenges in a globalized world, including its state m...

Spanish Teacher
00 reviews

Academia Uruguay

Academia Uruguay logo
Combined Spanish Courses in Uruguay and Argentina

Study Spanish in Buenos Aires and continue in Montevideo or vice versa. Add free volunteer work if you like. Academia Uruguay and Academia Buenos Aires are partner schools under the same management. We offer you the possibility to continue your courses...

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.

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?

You can learn a foreign language pretty much anywhere! Some of the best language programs in the world are in Spain (for Spanish), Morocco (for Arabic), France (for French), and China (for Mandarin).

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

I had an amazing time!

September 21, 2026by: Sophia-Lin Schirmer - Germany

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

5

I really enjoyed the classes with Jamie and Anna! I especially liked the group activities, which made the lessons fun and engaging. Overall, I had a really great time at the school and enjoyed the whole experience very much. I‘m happy I decided to come here!

World-Class Instructors Who Truly Care

September 21, 2026by: Danielle Jarvis - France

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

5

The teaching staff in Hangzhou are outstanding! They strike a perfect balance between challenging you and keeping lessons fun and engaging. My teacher patient, encouraging, and highly skilled at tailoring the pace to my learning style. In every class, I get ample speaking practice and immediate feedback on my tones and pronunciation. You can tell they are genuinely invested in every student's progress. My Mandarin has improved faster than ever.

Welcoming Campus and Fantastic Atmosphere

September 21, 2026by: Philip Mark Deidolori - United States

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

5

The Hangzhou center is modern, bright, and incredibly welcoming. From day one, the cozy environment made studying Mandarin feel enjoyable rather than daunting. The classrooms are equipped with modern tech, and there are comfortable common areas where you can relax, drink tea, and chat with fellow international students.

Exceptional Learning Journey in Hangzhou!

September 21, 2026by: Mateusz Piwek - Poland

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

5

Studying at That's Mandarin Hangzhou has been an incredible decision. The teachers explain complex grammar with real-life examples that make everything click instantly. Their proprietary Nihao Cafe app is a lifesaver for reviewing lesson notes on the go. Beyond the classroom, the support staff helped me settle into life in China without any stress. My conversational confidence has shot up dramatically in just a few weeks. I couldn't ask for a better experience!

Really good japanese classes

September 21, 2026by: Lauren Sanders - United States

Program: Intensive Online 6-Month Japanese Mastery Program

5

been using Joyn Academy for a few weeks now and im actually really enjoying it!! I tried learning japanese by myself before but always ended up stopping after awhile lol. The live classes make it alot easier to stay consistent and the teachers are really nice and patient even when I keep making the same mistakes 😭 definetly feel more confident speaking now than when I started

在北京跟LTL过一周的介绍

September 18, 2026by: Celina Sheng - Canada

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

5

我跟 Dora 张老师学了中文。我喜欢她用简单的中文先来解释我不懂的新字(她不马上反应成英文)。她很耐性,也给我解释一下北京的地图和历史。我们也聊了一些可斗的事情。在LTL北京的学校学中文一个周的时候,我的中文进步了很多。我跟本地人都用中文聊。我好久没来到中国。近到中国之前,我有一点担心一开始到这里怎么办。但是,LTL的 survival kit 帮助我刚开始熟悉中国的环境。明天,我去承德在跟LTL过4周。我有希望承德的项目也会是很好的。

我和Dora一对一的教课

My chengdu experience

September 18, 2026by: Jasmin Hünewinkel - Germany

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

5

I really liked my one week of language School LTL. I learned and practiced a lot. And my teacher Alex and her collegeues Wuyi and Panpan were so helpful and we had so much fun. And it was also easy to meet other student, also during the after class activities.

Cyperpunk

Great learning experience in Shanghai

September 18, 2026by: Brandon Hwu - United States

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

5

I’m currently staying in Shanghai and enjoying it. My teachers Anna, Zhang, and Jaime are teaching me lot with them currently teaching me how to navigate around Shanghai. They’re very detailed with them going over grammar and using games to ensure the lesson is remembered.

Overall Would Recommend

September 18, 2026by: Daneli Menacho - Bolivia

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

5

Im finishing my third week of class in TM and overall the experience has been very good. The school also offers activities that help us understand chinese culture better and socialize with other students. All my teachers are very nice and willing to help with any concern wether it is school related or just general information about the city.

Great progress in a short time

September 18, 2026by: Luis Torralba - Guatemala

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

5

La escuela me ha parecido muy completa, un ambiente muy agradable, la convivecia con companeros de todas las nacionalidades es muy enriquecedora. Pero lo mas importante es que el metodo de aprendizaje es muy intuitivo y rapido de entender, 100% recomendado.

la mia esperienza a Chengdu

September 17, 2026by: Davide Stefano Bua - Italy

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

5

Frequentare la LTL Mandarin School a Chengdu è stata un'esperienza straordinaria che ha superato ogni mia aspettativa. Le lezioni di cinese sono strutturate in modo eccellente, dinamico e coinvolgente, grazie a insegnanti altamente qualificati e sempre disponibili a chiarire ogni dubbio. L'ambiente scolastico è accogliente e stimolante, perfetto per fare amicizia con studenti provenienti da tutto il mondo. Vivere a Chengdu mi ha permesso di immergermi completamente nella cultura locale e di migliorare rapidamente la lingua grazie alla costante pratica quotidiana. Consiglio vivamente questa scuola a chiunque voglia imparare il cinese in modo efficace e autentico Frequentare la LTL Mandarin School a Chengdu è stata un'esperienza straordinaria che ha superato ogni mia aspettativa. Le lezioni di cinese sono strutturate in modo eccellente, dinamico e coinvolgente, grazie a insegnanti altamente qualificati e sempre disponibili a chiarire ogni dubbio. L'ambiente scolastico è accogliente e stimolante, perfetto per fare amicizia con studenti provenienti da tutto il mondo. Vivere a Chengdu mi ha permesso di immergermi completamente nella cultura locale e di migliorare rapidamente la lingua grazie alla costante pratica quotidiana. Consiglio vivamente questa scuola a chiunque voglia imparare il cinese in modo efficace e autentico

My dream life in Chengdu

September 17, 2026by: Camilla Chanel Valenziano - Italy

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

5

It was a wonderful experience, I've lived a second life. The lessons were very engaging and the staff became like a family in two weeks. During the trips I saw some wonderful places. Overall it was the best experience I've ever had.

Us and the little monkey. It’s easy to make new friends in Chengdu.We went on a trip to the Leshan Buddha guided by Jeff. The effort of climbing all the steps was not felt, the joy and the company compensated. We were happy and we knew we were.

I LOVED MY EXPERIENCE HERE

September 17, 2026by: Arianna Begnoni - Italy

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

5

The school is so beautiful and I loved our teachers especially Alex ,she was so kind, Wu yi, Pan Pan and Stiles. They all were so kind and always available for everything, I also loved Giulia and Jeff they were the best and prepared so many beautiful trips for us. I had the best moments of my live here and I don’t want to go back to Italy anymore. I will miss you so so so so much!!

CyberpunkPanda base

a chinese dream

September 17, 2026by: Rebecca Corona - Italy

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

5

I had the best time, the school was absolutely fantastic and really professional. My teacher, Alex, really helped me with my chinese, she was so patient and overall a really nice person to work and learn with. The other teachers i had the pleasure to meet were Panpan, Wuyi and Stiles, and they were very friendly and always helpful in every way. I’m proud to say that LTL really made this trip to china the best experience for me

first time seeing a panda

Отличная школа китайского языка!

September 17, 2026by: ZUEVA OLGA - Russia

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

5

Я очень рада, что выбрала школу that’s mandarin. Она идеально отвечает моим критериям- занятия проходят в интенсивном режиме и в очень комфортной и дружеской атмосфере. Отдельно хочу отметить профессионализм преподавателей. За небольшое время обучения я значительно подтянула свои разговорные навыки и узнала много нового. Впереди еще несколько месяцев учебы, уверена, что мой уровень китайского значительно вырастет! Спасибо школе за грамотный подход к обучению, индивидуальный подход и теплую атмосферу общения

My wonderful experience at China

September 17, 2026by: Jinli Alessandro Marengo - Italy

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

5

My experience was incredible first of all because at school there was Violet, our favourite teacher, who is simply wonderful in everything she does. We learned many new things in Chinese and this helped me a lot to learn and improve my level of Chinese. Now I will miss Violet so much and I hope I can meet her one day.

Great experience all around

September 17, 2026by: Gavin Wills - United Kingdom

Program: Online Chinese Learning 1-on-1 - That’s Mandarin

5

The course has been incredibly informative - the teachers get through a lot of content within each class, but strike an excellent balance between a good pace and pushing you to apply your new knowledge, all while maintaining a friendly yet professional atmosphere. Additionally, the wealth of resources provided via the app make studying so much easier and I have really been able to notice the progress I've made over the months since starting!

Un apprentissage agréable du chinois à Chengdu

September 16, 2026by: Shanna Rapidy - France

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

5

J'ai 17 ans et cela fait 2 semaine que j'étudie à That's Mandarin, à Chengdu. J'adore les cours ici. L'application est super simple à utiliser et très pratique, je peux révisé n'importe où à n'importe quel moment. Toutes les personnes que j'ai rencontré, prof et autres employés sont adorables, très gentils et toujours souriant. C'est un environnement super agréable et propice à l'apprentissage. J'ai déjà beaucoup progressé en seulement 2 semaines grâce à eux. Les pauses permettent sont les moments qui permettent de s'entraîner à parler et à comprendre le chinois sans qu'il y ait de jugements ou moquerie, que du soutien et de l'encouragement. Je recommande cette école à tout ceux qui souhaitent progresser rapidement dans un environnement des plus agréables.

Highly Recommend That's Mandarin for Chinese Learning

September 16, 2026by: Edward Lee Shun Tze - Singapore

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

5

I've been at That's Mandarin for 5 weeks, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the language school so far. The teaching staff are all very friendly, and create a positive and supportive environment that strongly encourages everyone to use and grow their mandarin skills as much as possible. Even throughout short breaks, before and after class, the positive and hardworking atmosphere fosters significant improvement in Mandarin skills, which developed my Chinese speaking ability very quickly. The learning platform is incredibly impressive, and highly supportive when learning Mandarin in your own time. The social events the school puts on every 2 weeks are very enjoyable, and a great opportunity to create authentic connections with teachers and other students. Fortunately, I have another 7 weeks with the school, but I'm not sure if it is enough! Couldn't recommend this language school more highly.

Really fun!

September 15, 2026by: Audrey Handoko - United States

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

5

我很喜欢这个学校!我学了很多中文,我觉得很有用,也很好玩儿。我也认识了很多好新朋友。我希望有一天可以回来了!I really loved getting to know everyone here and meeting new people from all over the world, it was so cool! The teachers are really nice and patient as well, I learned a lot!

Latest Interviews

Rory Brown

Rory Brown

Intercultura Costa Rica

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Zhanel Amirova

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Bright Language Center

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I was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to challenge myself and experience life beyond Kazakhstan. I understood that learning English locally had...

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Lucas Schall

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Fundación Bolívar Education

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Traveling has always been an interest of mine. I have been working on improving my Spanish and wanted to see the beautiful country of Ecuador. I have ...

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It's a long story... three books long so far!

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Meiji Academy

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What inspired me to go abroad, especially to Japan, was the chance to experience something completely new. I had never been there before and wanted to...

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Meiji Academy

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I’ve always been curious about the world beyond my own little bubble. That’s really what pushed me to go abroad. I wanted to challenge myself, try som...

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When Germany took in a lot of Syrian refugees, I felt the need and moral obligation to step up and support. After some preliminary support work in she...

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Maltalingua Ltd.

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As a Foreign Applied Language student, I was required to spend three months abroad to complete my first year of study at ESTRI in Lyon, France.

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Maltalingua Ltd.

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My passion for cultures and languages. Studying at Maltalingua in Malta and my international trade studies have motivated me to explore global opportu...

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Meiji Academy

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I study International Relations and Management in Regensburg, Germany, with a focus on East Asia. My major requires me to spend two semesters abroad. ...

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As part of my studies (a Bachelor's in Applied Languages), I was required to spend three months abroad to practice speaking English at work. I had to ...

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Maltalingua Ltd.

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Since I was little, I’ve been travelling to a lot of countries, and I know that I will continue to do it. That’s one of the reasons why I chose my deg...

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Mert Saracoglu

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That's Mandarin

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My inspiration to go abroad stemmed from a desire to broaden my horizons by experiencing different cultures firsthand. I enjoy immersing myself in new...

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That's Mandarin

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Actually, my job in my country had been suspended due to war circumstances. Therefore, I decided to travel to be with my wife while she pursued her Ph...

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Spanish Express

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I wanted to improve my Spanish for holidays and travel. I wasn’t looking for a traditional classroom experience; I wanted something more immersive, wh...

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Meiji Academy

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I've always been fascinated by other cultures, and Japan has held a special place in my heart for many years. From a young age, I was interested in th...

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Spanish Express

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I wanted to improve my verbal Spanish and immerse myself into the Spanish way of life. I had completed the same course with Monica in Dosrius, Barcelo...

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Lingoinn Teacher Homestay

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