EF stands out with its immersive, experience-based learning in top global destinations, ensuring you live the language, not just study it. With accredited schools, expert teachers, a personalized approach, and 60 years of experience, you’ll see faster progress and real-world confidence. Plus, EF’s global network, cultural activities, and lifelong alumni community make it more than a course—it’s a life-changing journey!

The time it takes to become fluent with an EF Language Program depends on the language and your starting skills, but immersion speeds up the process dramatically. EF guarantees a language level jump every 6 weeks, meaning dedicated students can achieve fluency much faster than with traditional courses. Living the language every day—inside and outside the classroom—makes all the difference!

The process of enrolling is simple!

First step: Get in touch with your EF Study Abroad Advisor - Fill the form below or call (800) 992-1892;
Second step: Choose your preferred destination, length, and start date;
Third step: Pay the $390 down deposit and get ready to pack your bags for an unforgettable experience!

It’s best to start preparing for your language study abroad experience as early as possible — ideally 6 to 12 months before your desired start date. This gives you plenty of time to research destinations, choose the right course for your goals, and complete any visa, travel, and financial arrangements without stress.

If you need a visa to study in your chosen country, starting early is especially important since visa processing can take several weeks or even months. Even if no visa is required, booking in advance often means better availability of your preferred course dates, accommodation options, and flights.

That said, it’s never too late to begin — EF can help you find last-minute options whenever possible. The sooner you start planning, the more choice and peace of mind you’ll have.

Don’t worry — you’re not expected to know the language before you arrive! EF Language Abroad programs are designed for students of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced speakers. When you start, you’ll take a placement test so we can put you in the right class for your current level.

Our teachers are trained to help you feel comfortable and confident from day one, using clear explanations, interactive activities, and real-life practice to help you understand quickly. You’ll also learn in an immersive environment where you’re surrounded by the language every day, which helps you improve much faster than you might expect.

Many of our students arrive without knowing more than a few words — and they’re amazed by how much they can understand and say after just a few weeks. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to learn — we’ll guide you every step of the way!

People from all walks of life choose a language study abroad experience — and that’s what makes it so exciting! You’ll meet students, young professionals, and adults of all ages who share the same goal: to learn a new language and explore a different culture.

Many are high school or university students looking to improve their language skills for school or future careers. Others are professionals seeking to boost their résumé and communicate more confidently in international settings. We also welcome adults who simply want to travel, challenge themselves, and connect with people around the world.

No matter your age, background, or reason for coming, you’ll join a diverse and friendly community of learners who are motivated, open-minded, and eager to make the most of their time abroad.

An EF Language Abroad program includes everything you need for a complete, worry-free experience, so you can focus on learning and enjoying your time abroad. Here’s what’s typically included:

• Language course & placement test – Personalized classes based on your level and goals, taught by experienced teachers.

• Accommodation – Stay with a carefully selected host family or upgrade to a student residence, depending on your preference.

• Learning materials & resources – All books and access to online tools to support your progress.

• EF staff support – Dedicated staff on-site to help you with anything you need, from arrival to departure.

• Social & cultural activities – Organized events, excursions, and activities so you can practice the language and experience the local culture.

Flights, insurance, and visa fees are usually arranged separately, but our team can guide you through those steps too.

With EF, everything is designed to make your language learning experience easy, safe, and unforgettable.

At EF Language Abroad, we pride ourselves on providing personal attention and support throughout your experience. While exact numbers vary by destination and time of year, our schools typically maintain a low student-to-staff ratio, ensuring you get the guidance and care you need.

In the classroom, our average class size is around 12–15 students per teacher, creating an interactive and engaging learning environment where everyone can participate and receive feedback. Beyond the classroom, our local EF staff are always available — from activity coordinators to student support teams — so you always have someone to turn to if you need help, advice, or just a friendly face.

By keeping groups manageable and support staff accessible, we make sure every student feels welcome, supported, and able to thrive abroad.

Yes — many students are able to earn college or university credit for their EF Language Abroad experience! Because our language courses are academically rigorous and follow internationally recognized standards, some universities and colleges accept EF coursework for elective or language credits.

The exact process depends on your school’s policies. We recommend speaking with your academic advisor or registrar’s office before your program to understand what documentation you’ll need. EF can provide transcripts, certificates of completion, and detailed course descriptions to help you apply for credit when you return.

Even if your university doesn’t grant official credit, the skills and international experience you gain will strengthen your résumé and make your academic and professional profile stand out.

EF Language Abroad programs focus entirely on helping you learn and improve a language through full immersion, so the classes we offer are specifically designed to build your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the target language.

We don’t offer traditional academic subjects like science, math, or history — instead, your lessons center on real-world communication, cultural understanding, and practical use of the language. Some courses even include electives where you can explore topics like business, art, or travel-related vocabulary, all taught in the local language.

Yes — EF offers flexible payment plans to make your language study abroad experience more affordable and easier to manage. You don’t have to pay the full amount upfront.

After paying the enroll fee, you can choose to pay in installments over time, with the final balance due 60 days before your program starts. Many students and families find this helpful for budgeting and planning ahead. We’ll also explain all costs clearly so there are no surprises. If you’d like to explore payment options, just contact us — we’re here to help you make your dream of studying abroad a reality.

That’s perfectly okay — and very common! Many EF students choose our language abroad programs as their first international experience, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

From the moment you enroll, our team will help you with everything: choosing the right destination, arranging your accommodation, preparing your travel documents, and answering all your questions. When you arrive, you’ll meet our friendly staff at the school, join an orientation, and start making new friends right away.

Our programs are designed to make you feel safe, supported, and excited — even if you’ve never traveled before. With EF, you won’t just learn a language; you’ll also gain confidence, independence, and unforgettable memories in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Absolutely — EF offers a range of premium upgrades to make your language abroad experience as comfortable, unique, and unforgettable as possible. If you want more than the standard package, you can customize your program with high-end options tailored to your preferences. 

Some premium upgrades include:

• Premium accommodations — Upgrade to a private room or a premium student residence with superior amenities and extra privacy.

• Exclusive academic options — Add private tutoring sessions, intensive language workshops, or specialized courses designed for professionals and advanced learners.

• VIP activities & excursions — Enjoy curated cultural events, private tours, and exclusive excursions that go beyond the typical group activities.

• Concierge travel services — Let us arrange priority airport transfers, premium flights, and additional support to make your journey seamless and stress-free.

A premium EF experience gives you more comfort, personalized attention, and unique opportunities — perfect for travelers who want to make the most of every moment abroad in style.

From time to time, EF provides seasonal discounts or special offers to make studying abroad more accessible. These can vary depending on the destination, time of year, and program you choose.

If you’re interested in learning about any current offers, just let us know when you contact us or visit our website — we’re happy to share what’s available and help you plan your experience within your budget.

Even without a promotion, our programs are designed to deliver excellent value by including classes, accommodation, activities, and on-site support, so you can focus on learning and enjoying your time abroad.