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What are the benefits of studying English abroad?

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Thinking about studying English abroad and worried about how long it will take and how much it will cost? You aren’t the first person to feel this way! Pretty much every language learner has the same concerns as you at some point. You know you need to improve your English, but you are wondering whether you can do so in your home country for less in the same amount of time.

When you compare the two and look at what you actually get studying abroad, the answer is clear: Learning English abroad is the best move you can make for yourself to improve your English and grow as a person.

6 benefits of studying English abroad

1- Learning English abroad is the fastest way to learn.

If you need to improve your English quickly and deeply, you will need to get on a plane! All the research shows (and the feedback from the thousands of students who have done it) that the most effective way to learn English is to go to a place where it is spoken. Taking an English course abroad means lessons, of course, but also being in an English-speaking environment 24/7. Every interaction you have is real practice and a step closer to your goals.

At EC, we’ve been collecting student progress data since 2011. Our data show that most students improve by one CEFR level every 8 weeks (compare this to online courses, which can take 12 to 24 months to make the same progress).

2- Learning English abroad can earn you more money

The money you invest in yourself studying abroad has a great return. Better English means better work opportunities in your own country or in another, and with it, real financial rewards. We know that for most people, this is the main reason to learn English. English can lead to a better position in your industry, the opportunity to change careers, and the chance to study at a university in the USA, Canada, or the UK (which can then lead to a better career). English speakers can earn up to 80% more than non-English speakers. Many employers offer language bonuses and higher salaries to bilingual employees. We’ve even heard from Korean students that some employers list English as a requirement for roles that don’t actually require it!

English is the language of international business. To get ahead in business, you need to speak it well.

3- Studying abroad builds confidence and independence

Most students travel to a new country completely alone, so it is totally normal to feel nervous! You might worry about making friends, wonder if your English is good enough, or stress about handling a whole new culture. But don’t worry, you won’t be on your own. Language schools have fantastic support systems, and schools like EC have been looking after students for decades. And because most students come alone, everyone is looking to make new friends. Very quickly, you will look back and wonder why you were ever worried.

Living in a new place and adapting to a different lifestyle and culture builds confidence and independence. After your time abroad, handling every situation in English, you will return home feeling ready for any challenge. Studying English abroad is truly a life-hack! It’s a brilliant shortcut to growing as a person and learning the language at the same time. Many students feel they are a different, improved person after their experience with us.

4 – Make international friends and connections

One of the best things about studying abroad is meeting so many new people from different cultures. Of course, if you study in the UK, you will meet British people and learn about British culture. But in your classes, you will also have friends from all over the world. It’s amazing how many students form strong, lifelong friendships here. This international environment helps you become a truly global citizen! Experience how Brazilians speak English, how Japanese people solve problems, and even discover the Swedish sense of humour. Being exposed to these new accents and mindsets will broaden your understanding of the world, making you a more open-minded and interesting person.

And how great it will be to go and visit your old classmates in Korea, Colombia and Italy?

5 – Travel the world without fear

Because English is the global language, knowing it makes travelling much easier and a lot more fun. You won’t have to stress when you arrive in a foreign country. Whether you need to ask for directions, order food in a restaurant, or chat with locals, English is the tool that helps you connect. Instead of just observing a new place like a tourist, you can truly experience it. Speaking English confidently means you can explore the world without language barriers holding you back.

6 – English makes entertainment more fun

More than half of the internet is in English. Isn’t that crazy? Being able to understand English well means you have full access to a massive world of entertainment. Watch Netflix without subtitles, read blog posts, understand song lyrics, listen to the biggest podcasts, and laugh at the best new memes!

Learning English lets you enjoy media as intended without losing anything in translation.

By learning English in an immersive environment, you stop looking at the world from the outside and finally become a part of it.

Is studying English abroad really worth it?

Heading off to a new country can feel scary. As well as courage, it requires time and money, but it is also one of the best investments you can ever make for your future.

When you pay for an English course, you are getting so much more. You get an upgrade: a new, better version of yourself! You will come home with better job prospects, a higher salary potential, international friends, and an independence that lasts.

At EC, we see the results of this investment every single day: we see people changing their lives in real time. That’s why 97% of our students say they would recommend their experience to a friend. They understand that the investment was worth every single penny.

So, the question isn’t whether studying English abroad is worth it. The real question is: are you ready to change your life?

Take your next step with EC English

If you’re ready to stop dreaming and start living, we are here to help. We have English language schools in the cities you want to live in.

Get in touch and let’s discuss your options and find your perfect English programme.

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