Language Courses
Language courses are the most sought-after study-abroad programs. Among them, the general language course stands out, catering to all proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced. Other options include: preparatory programs for proficiency exams, language courses for specific purposes, programs tailored for minors and adults, and language courses combined with tourism, sports, and cultural activities. Below, you’ll find more details about each program.
General language
The languages offered include English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese, and Mandarin. Based on the weekly study hours, courses can be categorized as semi-intensive, intensive, or super-intensive. Semi-intensive courses range from 10 to 15 hours per week, intensive courses from 20 to 25 hours, and super-intensive courses from 30 to 35 hours weekly. Individual lessons can also be added as a complement to the main course. The course duration depends on individual needs and preferences but typically ranges from 1 to 48 weeks. Class sizes usually range from 5 to 20 students, depending on the school and course type. General language courses focus on reading, grammar, conversation, writing, and listening comprehension.
Preparation for proficiency exams
Proficiency exams are formal certifications that officially validate language skills across all modalities: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. Enrolling in a preparatory course for a specific proficiency exam significantly increases a candidate's chances of success. These programs provide valuable exam tips, study methods, practice tests, and often include instructors who have previously served as official examiners. To enroll in any proficiency exam preparation course, an advanced level of language proficiency is required. Below, you can find more details about the key proficiency exams for each language.
English
The most widely recognized proficiency exams are: IELTS, TOEFL, CAMBRIDGE, MICHIGAN, GMAT and GRE.
IELTS: A Key Requirement for Studying Abroad
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is essential for individuals planning to enroll in high school, college, or university programs in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. Jointly administered by the University of Cambridge ESOL, UCLES, British Council, and IDP Education Australia, this exam is recognized globally.
IELTS Exam Types:
- General English:
- Typically required for high school, college, or work programs.
- Academic English:
- Required for undergraduate, postgraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Exam Structure:
Both versions of the IELTS consist of four sections:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
The test duration is approximately 3 hours. The main difference between the two versions is in the Reading and Writing sections, where the Academic English exam is more demanding.
Scoring System:
- Postgraduate Programs: Most universities require scores between 6 and 7, depending on the course.
- General English Programs: Typically require scores between 5 and 6.
- The maximum score for both exams is 9.
Key Information:
- The IELTS is offered in 105 countries and is valid for 2 years.
- Each test section is scored individually, and these scores are combined to form an overall band score.
For further details, visit: www.ielts.org.
TOEFL: A Key English Proficiency Test
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), based in New Jersey, USA. It is a widely recognized exam required for individuals seeking admission to high school, college, or university programs in the United States or Canada.
Availability:
- The TOEFL is offered monthly in 180 countries, ensuring broad accessibility for international students.
Exam Structure:
The TOEFL is a multiple-choice test divided into three sections, each carrying equal weight in the final score:
- Listening
- Structure-Written Vocabulary
- Reading
Why Take the TOEFL?
The TOEFL is a trusted measure of English proficiency, providing institutions with a standardized way to assess the language skills of applicants.
For more details, visit: www.toefl.org.
Cambridge English Exam: A Globally Recognized Certification
The Cambridge English Exam is one of the most internationally recognized qualifications for English language proficiency. It consists of five modular exams, each designed to assess a specific level of competency:
- KET (Key English Test)
- PET (Preliminary English Test)
- FCE (First Certificate in English)
- CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)
- CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)
Relevance and Applications
- Academic Pathways: Cambridge certification is frequently required for admission to British colleges and universities, with the appropriate exam level determined by the institution and course.
- Professional Recognition: Widely valued in the job market, particularly in roles such as English teaching, interpreting, and translating.
Assessment Areas
The Cambridge exams evaluate proficiency in five key areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
- Structural Competence
For more information, visit: www.cambridge-efl.org.uk.
The Michigan Test: A Comprehensive English Proficiency Exam
The Michigan Test, offered by the University of Michigan, assesses English language proficiency through two distinct exams:
ECPE (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English):
Designed for individuals needing to demonstrate advanced English proficiency for academic or professional purposes.ECCE (Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English):
Suitable for those with an intermediate level of English.
Exam Structure
Both the ECPE and ECCE follow a two-stage process:
- Preliminary Test (mandatory):
- A multiple-choice test with 35 questions covering grammar and vocabulary.
- Final Exam:
- Includes:
- Oral assessment
- Grammar questions
- Reading comprehension
- Listening
- Vocabulary
- Writing section
- Includes:
For more information, visit: www.isa.umich.edu.
GMAT: A Key Test for Business and Finance Programs
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is highly recommended for individuals seeking admission to MBA programs in the United States or other courses in finance, accounting, and mathematics.
Administration
The GMAT is administered by the same organization responsible for the TOEFL, ensuring its global recognition and reliability.
Test Components
The exam assesses the candidate’s skills in the following areas:
- Grammar
- Logic
- Mathematics
- Writing
For more information, visit: www.gmat.org.
GRE: Essential for Postgraduate Admission
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a widely required test for admission to postgraduate programs in the United States. It is administered by the same organization responsible for the TOEFL, ensuring its global recognition and standardization.
Test Structure
The GRE comprises multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate:
- Language proficiency
- Reasoning skills
- General analysis
- Argumentation ability
Additionally, the GRE includes a writing section that assesses advanced writing skills.
Subject Test
Beyond the general exam, the GRE offers a Subject Test tailored to the candidate’s specific field of study, providing an in-depth evaluation of specialized knowledge.
For more information, visit: www.gre.org.
Spanish
The main Spanish language proficiency test is the DELE – Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera.
The DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) certification is issued by Spain’s Ministry of Education and Science in partnership with the Instituto Cervantes. It certifies Spanish proficiency at three levels:
- Initial
- Basic
- Advanced (the highest level, qualifying candidates to teach Spanish).
The DELE certification is often required for admission to Spanish-speaking universities. The exam evaluates the following key areas:
- Reading comprehension and grammar (via multiple-choice questions)
- Listening comprehension
- Oral expression
- Writing skills
For more details, visit www.dele.org.
French
The language proficiency tests are the DALF – Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française and the DELF – Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française.
The DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) is an advanced French language diploma awarded by the Ministry of Education of France for non-native speakers. This certification is recognized for enrollment in undergraduate programs in French-speaking countries.
The exam is divided into four key sections:
- Oral skills
- Written skills
- Listening comprehension
- Written expression
To take the DALF, candidates must either pass an admission test or hold a DELF Level 2 certification.
For more details, visit www.delfdalf.fr.
The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française), awarded by the Ministry of Education of France, is a globally recognized certification for admission to higher education programs or internships.
Key Features:
- The DELF follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is divided into six levels (A1 to A6).
- Exams for each level are taken separately and assess oral and written skills.
- DELF Level 1 (A1 to A4) certifies basic knowledge of French language and culture.
- DELF Level 2 (A5 and A6) certifies advanced knowledge, allowing progression to higher education or professional settings.
Registration and Exam Schedule:
- Registration periods: April and September.
- Exams: Held in June and November.
For more details, visit www.delfdalf.fr.
German
The language proficiency tests are the KDS – Kleines Deutches Sprachdiplom and the ZOP – Zentrale Oberstufenprufung.
The KDS (Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom), awarded by the University of Munich, is a prestigious certification recognized for admission to higher education programs in German-speaking countries.
Exam Structure:
The exam is conducted over two days and consists of:
- Written Section: Focuses on literature, grammar, comprehension, and text structure.
- Oral Examination: Assesses speaking skills.
For more details, visit www.goethe.de.
The ZOP (Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung), equivalent to the KDS, is a recognized certification for admission to all German universities. It is administered and certified by the Goethe-Institut.
Exam Structure:
The exam is divided into two stages:
- Written Section: Assesses advanced language skills, including grammar, comprehension, and written expression.
- Oral Section: Evaluates speaking and communication abilities.
For more information, visit www.goethe.de.
Italian
The proficiency tests are the CELI – Certificazione di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana and the CILS – Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera.
The CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana), awarded by the University for Foreigners of Perugia, certifies Italian language proficiency for both academic and professional purposes.
Key Features:
- The exam is available at five levels, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Candidates can select the level they wish to take.
- The exam assesses:
- Listening Comprehension
- Text Interpretation
For more details, visit www.iicsanpaolo.esteri.it.
The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera), awarded by the University for Foreigners of Siena, certifies Italian language proficiency for academic and professional purposes.
Key Features:
- The exam is divided into four levels, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- It assesses the following skills:
- Listening Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Text Interpretation
- Writing
For more details, visit www.iicsanpaolo.esteri.it.
Language for specific purposes
Specialized language study programs abroad cater to specific professional fields such as executives, lawyers, aviation professionals, language teachers, and doctors, offering courses in English, Spanish, French, German, or Italian. These programs focus on industry-specific vocabulary relevant to the participant’s field and often include seminars or lectures on the profession in the host country, providing opportunities for professional exchange. The primary goal is to enhance language skills within the participant’s area of expertise. Typically, students need an intermediate or advanced language level to enroll, though general language courses can be taken alongside for those needing foundational practice to achieve better results.
Courses for teenagers
Language programs for teenagers are offered in two main formats: Summer Camps and High School Programs. Summer Camps typically last 1 to 2 months during school vacations, combining morning language classes with interactive activities, sports, and leisure in the afternoons. Accommodations are usually on-campus, though staying with host families is also an option, and most programs include meals. These camps are ideal for groups, aiming to enhance language skills, foster maturity, and promote cultural exchange through interactions with peers from around the world. High School Programs involve a semester or academic year abroad, with students fully integrating into a local high school and, in some cases, attending intensive language courses to support their academic success. Both formats provide a rich cultural and educational experience, helping students improve their language proficiency while gaining valuable global exposure.
Courses for the elderly (50 and over)
Language courses tailored for seniors are increasingly popular in many countries, designed for participants aged 50 and older and often organized by age and language proficiency levels. These programs appeal to retirees and financially stable individuals who enjoy combining travel with learning the language and culture of their destination, making the experience both enriching and fulfilling. Beyond educational and cultural benefits, these courses provide opportunities to form new friendships and even explore romantic connections, particularly for single participants in their 50s and beyond, adding a unique social dimension to the experience.
Courses with activities
Language courses combined with activities provide an engaging way to learn a language while enjoying cultural, artistic, gastronomic, or sporting experiences. These programs typically feature morning language classes and afternoon or evening activities, often requiring no prior experience. Examples for adults include English with surfing in Hawaii, diving in Australia, or golf in Africa; Spanish with flamenco in Spain or tango in Argentina; Italian with painting; and French with wine tasting or gastronomy in France. Teenagers can participate in programs such as Spanish with tennis, English with drama classes, or English with soccer at Arsenal Soccer School. At the conclusion of every course, students receive a certificate confirming their language proficiency level and attendance.
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