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
4.693255 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
4.7572 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
4.52248 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...

Enforex students
00 reviews

Enforex - Spanish in The Spanish World

Enforex - Spanish in The Spanish World logo
Spanish Courses in Spain with Enforex

Dive into a language adventure in some of Spain’s most vibrant cities with Enforex! Choose from iconic destinations like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, or the beaches of Marbella and Valencia.Our program combines dynamic Spanish lessons with thrilling cul...

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'...

Centro MundoLengua
4.52143 reviews

Centro MundoLengua

Centro MundoLengua logo
Study Abroad | Intensive Spanish | University of Cadiz Spain

Live the summer of a lifetime while gaining official university credits. Live in the enchanting city of Cadiz, with its stunning beaches and beauty, and boost your résumé while improving your Spanish. Discover another side of the world with a culture y...

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

Intensivo y simpatico

October 03, 2026by: ines vielhaben - Germany

Program: Spanish Immersion Online | Fast-Track Your Fluency!

5

Maximo Nivel fue muy flexible a la hora de organizar el curso, adaptándose perfectamente al horario que tenía disponible durante el día. Además, me encantó poder participar en actividades con otros estudiantes en San José y vivir de cerca experiencias culturales, como las celebraciones y los desfiles del Día de la Independencia de Costa Rica. También recomiendo mucho el programa de tándem, ya que me permitió conocer y conectar con personas de Centroamérica y practicar el español en un ambiente muy agradable y auténtico.

The Perfect Blend of Tech, Culture, and Learning

September 30, 2026by: Sara Vella - Italy

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

5

Hangzhou is famous for blending ancient history with futuristic tech, and That's Mandarin embodies that exact vibe. You learn using a smart, high-tech platform, yet the cultural excursions take you deep into ancient tea gardens and historical canals. The contrast is fascinating! Learning Chinese in such a dynamic city has given me a true insider's view of modern China. I couldn't have picked a better school or city!

Remarkable Progress Over Four Months

September 30, 2026by: Marinette Purdom - United States

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

5

I’ve been studying at the Hangzhou school for four months, and looking back at where I started, my progress is remarkable. I went from struggling with simple greetings to holding fluent conversations about work, news, and daily life. The structured curriculum, combined with regular assessments and platform reviews, ensures you never lose track of what you've learned. It is an invaluable investment in my language skills!

Small Class Sizes and Great Community

September 30, 2026by: Raphael Budiman - Indonesia

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

5

The small group class size (only 4 students in my group!) made a huge difference. Everyone gets plenty of turn to speak, ask questions, and practice real dialogues. The classroom dynamic was lively and supportive, and our teachers kept the energy high throughout each session. I made lifelong friends in my group, and we loved exploring Hangzhou's food scene together after class. It feels like a close family!

The Best Choice for Absolute Beginners

September 30, 2026by: Andrea Dumas - Germany

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

5

As a total beginner, I was nervous about jumping straight into an immersive program, but That's Mandarin made the transition smooth and fun. The teachers break down grammar into simple, digestible steps and foster a warm, pressure-free classroom vibe. Making mistakes feels natural here. In just a month, I went from knowing zero words to comfortably navigating daily life in Hangzhou independently. Highly recommended for beginners!

Finally Mastered My Tones and Pronunciation!

September 30, 2026by: Fatoumata . - Italy

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

5

Tones used to be my biggest struggle, but the teachers in Hangzhou worked miracles with my pronunciation! They use creative visual techniques and patient repetition to ensure I get the pitch right without feeling self-conscious. In every class, I am encouraged to speak almost exclusively in Chinese. Now, local shopkeepers in Hangzhou actually understand me on the first try, which is such an amazing feeling!

Targeted lessons for Chinese literacy

September 30, 2026by: Chenxi He - United Kingdom

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

5

As an ethnically Chinese person born in London with conversational Chinese adequate for everyday interactions, all of this spoken ability comes solely from listening to family members rather than any formal language training, which prompted enrolment in an intensive online one-to-one course focused on learning character reading and writing, exploring how Chinese characters are formed and refining pronunciation accuracy.Substantial progress has been made through sessions led by a highly professional teacher who fully recognises these custom learning objectives, yielding highly efficient lessons alongside rapid skill development. NihaoCafe is strongly recommended for self-directed Chinese learners or those with specialised study needs, and the experience will not disappoint.

Effective online Mandarin course

September 30, 2026by: Thomas Coveney - Czech Republic

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

5

I started learning Mandarin from scratch cuz my wife‘s Chinese and I prefer to communicate with her family.After completed 32 online lessons with this platform, I have seen measurable progress, so I‘ve extended my subscription.This is a well-organised and professional learning platform, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to study Chinese.

Thoughtful school, great support for new learners!

September 30, 2026by: Martina Viti - Italy

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

5

I need Chinese for my job, but I was always too hesitant to start learning. Finally I made up my mind to come to China and give it a go. I looked online for top Chinese language schools, and That’s Mandarin kept coming up. After studying here, I can see why it’s so highly recommended. I started entirely from scratch. The school really pays attention to small details and caters to students’ needs. There’s a refreshment area before class with tea, coffee and lemon water. My teacher is highly professional. The NihaoCafe platform makes reviewing our lessons after class really easy.My learning journey has been so smooth, and I feel much more confident that I can master Chinese.

A wonderful start to my Mandarin journey

September 30, 2026by: Hnin eain wonn - Myanmar

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

5

I started from zero with no prior Mandarin knowledge, and my progress has been much faster than I expected.My teacher is incredibly patient and knows great teaching methods. Every class feels relaxed, yet I pick up so much new content each time. The campus has such a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Coming to class every day is the best part of my day. In my class I’ve made good friends . After we go back to our own country, we will keep learning That’s Mandarin’s online courses together. This has been the most worthwhile investment I’ve made in recent years. I’m really happy with my experience here.

Great class community & breakthrough in Mandarin

September 30, 2026by: Carl Schietekat - Belgium

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

5

Before I came here,I already reached HSK4 but I kept hitting a wall. No matter how hard I studied, my level stayed stuck. After studying here for a month now, the progress is amazing. My listening and reading have both improved noticeably. My classmates are warm and friendly. Our whole class bonded closely with our teacher,we became real friends. It was hard saying goodbye to everyone. So I‘ve decided to come back and keep learning Mandarin here. Highly recommended to everyone who is meeting a bottleneck in Mandarin.

Really enjoying my Mandarin lessons here

September 30, 2026by: Phonn Myat Kyaw - Myanmar

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

5

I grew up listening dialect at home but never properly learned standard Mandarin. Their online course platform is straightforward to navigate for homework and reviewing lesson content after class. My teacher is excellent — they understand my background well and tailor lessons for me.Surprisingly, Mandarin feels much easier to learn here than I expected. I can see clear progress every week, and now I’m confident that one day I will truly master the language.

Amazing time

September 30, 2026by: Alysse Ray - United States

Program: Authentic Spanish or Maya Language Immersion

5

I had such an amazing experience in this program. I was the only student learning spanish at the time because it was slow season, but everyone at the school made me feel at home. I got to volunteer in the classroom of kids learning english and help with their english as they helped me with my spanish. I was able to sharpen my spanish in 4 weeks, but also learn a lot about the culture of the area.

Professional Mandarin school with great facilities

September 29, 2026by: Morten Damkjær Nielsen - Denmark

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

5

I’ve been learning Mandarin at That’s Mandarin for one months and I’m really satisfied. The campus has a comfortable, quiet environment for study. Their platform is user-friendly and helps me review materials after class. My teacher is highly professional, patient and knows how to adapt lessons for adult learners. I can feel steady progress in my speaking and listening. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn Chinese.

Excellent Customized Program for Professionals

September 29, 2026by: Sara Rodriguez - Spain

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

5

I needed to polish my business Chinese for work, and That's Mandarin tailored a private 1-on-1 course specifically for my goals. My instructor focused on industry vocabulary, formal email phrasing, and professional etiquette relevant to modern business in China. The lessons were fast-paced, highly targeted, and flexible around my working schedule. My confidence in professional settings has grown immensely thanks to their expertise.

Stress-Free Living with Top-Notch Admin Support

September 29, 2026by: Tim Hagan - France

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

5

Moving to China can be overwhelming, but the Hangzhou team made the entire process effortless. They helped me set up my local SIM card, guided me through Alipay, and provided full visa support. Whenever I had a question about city navigation or housing, Michael and the team were always there with quick, helpful advice. Their hospitality made me feel safe and supported throughout my stay. I am super grateful!

Fantastic Cultural Events Outside the Classroom

September 29, 2026by: Alice Li Hagan - United States

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

5

The cultural activities organized by the Hangzhou team are fantastic! We’ve enjoyed traditional tea masterclasses, dumpling making, and visits to local historical sites. These events are not only fun, but they also give us a natural environment to practice our Chinese outside the classroom while making great friends from around the world. It’s the perfect way to dive deep into Chinese traditions while building real conversational fluency.

Seamless and Interactive Online Lessons

September 29, 2026by: Diana . - South Korea

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

5

I started with 1-on-1 online classes before arriving in China, and the quality completely blew me away. The online system is stable, smooth, and highly interactive. My teacher shared custom materials on screen and updated my study notes in real-time. It gave me a solid foundation in basic Chinese and boosted my confidence before setting foot in Hangzhou.

Brilliant Digital Platform for Daily Review

September 29, 2026by: Frederick loyd chen - United Kingdom

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

5

The school's Nihao Cafe platform is hands down the best feature. Having all my class notes, custom vocabulary lists, and audio recordings automatically saved online makes post-class revision super straightforward. I can review everything on my phone while taking the metro or relaxing at home. It completely eliminates the need for messy notebooks and helps me retain new words much longer. It's a game-changer for effective language learning.

Learning Mandarin in Heaven on Earth

September 29, 2026by: Yasmine Hassar - Swaziland

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

5

Combining language study with living in Hangzhou has been a dream. The city offers a unique mix of breathtaking natural scenery—like West Lake and tea mountains—alongside cutting-edge tech hubs. Studying at That's Mandarin placed me right in the heart of this vibrant culture. After morning classes, I love exploring local tea houses or scenic canals with classmates.

Latest Interviews

Rory Brown

Rory Brown

Intercultura Costa Rica

Alumni

My daughter! She did their teen Spanish program last year, and she just loved it so much that it actually gave me the idea to go myself. She told me a...

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Zhanel Amirova

Zhanel Amirova

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

Lucas Schall

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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Janine Marsh

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SLImmersion

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

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Sarah Papst

Sarah Papst

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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Michelle Steiner

Michelle Steiner

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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Robin Peter

Robin Peter

Meiji Academy

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I’ve always been curious about other cultures and wanted to challenge myself by living somewhere completely different from home. Japan, in particular,...

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Hansjörg Schmid

Hansjörg Schmid

Dar Al Arabiyah (formerly Dar Loughat)

Alumni

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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Alice Bedin

Alice Bedin

Maltalingua Ltd.

Alumni

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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Alberto Portela

Alberto Portela

Maltalingua Ltd.

Alumni

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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Gabriel Artmann

Gabriel Artmann

Meiji Academy

Alumni

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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Maelys Pellin

Maelys Pellin

Maltalingua Ltd.

Alumni

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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Joséphine Henry

Joséphine Henry

Maltalingua Ltd.

Alumni

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

Mert Saracoglu

That's Mandarin

Alumni

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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Mustafa Osman Ali

Mustafa Osman Ali

That's Mandarin

Alumni

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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Naila Gulzar

Naila Gulzar

Spanish Express

Alumni

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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Philipp Breitler

Philipp Breitler

Meiji Academy

Alumni

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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Thomas Sharp

Thomas Sharp

Spanish Express

Alumni

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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Kelly Jones

Kelly Jones

Lingoinn Teacher Homestay

Alumni

Last October 2023, I had been studying Chinese (Mandarin ??) for almost three years, mostly through a diploma in modern languages at a university in A...

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David Game

Spanish Express

Alumni

My inspiration to go abroad came from a lifelong thirst for new experiences and a love for learning. Having led a successful career in business, I rea...

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