Destination decision guide
Every major English-speaking destination has good schools. The differences that matter are cost, visa options, accent and lifestyle, and how much English you will use outside class.
Updated 4 October 2026 · Independent guidanceUniversity entry, work, migration or travel each point to different exams, course types and destinations.
Living and housing costs vary widely between destinations and often matter more than tuition.
How long you can study, and whether you can work part-time, depends on the destination and your nationality.
Homestays, small towns and classes with mixed nationalities increase the English you use every day.
Group classes are the norm in most destinations; the Philippines is known for one-to-one lessons.
| Destination | Providers listed | Courses with current intakes | Published weekly tuition range |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 32 | 34 | GBP 254–459 (8 courses) |
| Ireland | 10 | 9 | EUR 205–335 (4 courses) |
| Malta | 9 | 7 | EUR 180–260 (4 courses) |
| United States | 166 | 192 | USD 315–575 (12 courses) |
| Canada | 25 | 26 | CAD 395–480 (3 courses) |
| Australia | 16 | 14 | AUD 400–694 (4 courses) |
| New Zealand | 8 | 7 | Too few weekly prices to compare |
| Philippines | 6 | 4 | Too few weekly prices to compare |
Figures are counted from the records on this site at build time. Weekly ranges use only courses whose official page states a price per week; they are not market averages, and they exclude registration, materials and accommodation.
In depth
The UK offers the widest choice of schools and university pre-sessional courses, from London to smaller cities such as York, Bristol and Edinburgh. Ireland is popular with students who want to combine study with part-time work, which is possible on eligible long courses for some nationalities. Both are well placed for Cambridge English and IELTS preparation.
Malta combines English-language schools with a Mediterranean climate and relatively short distances. Many students choose it for short courses and summer study. Its compact size means most schools are clustered around St Julian's and Sliema, so ask how many students from your own language group are likely to be in class at the time you plan to go.
The United States has university-based intensive English programmes on many campuses, which are a natural route into degree study. Canada offers English and French, with programmes in Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal and many smaller cities. Visa rules for full-time study are strict in both, so check whether your course length and hours qualify.
Both have well-regulated English language sectors and university pathway programmes. Distance and flight costs are higher for many students, which makes longer stays more cost-effective. Smaller cities can offer more daily English exposure than the largest centres.
Schools in Cebu, Baguio and other cities are known for daily one-to-one lessons and all-inclusive packages with dormitory housing and meals. This format can speed up speaking practice. Foreign students generally need a Special Study Permit from the Bureau of Immigration, which schools usually help arrange.
Shortlist two destinations, then compare one full-time course in each using the same number of weeks, the same accommodation type and the same exam goal. The table above shows how many providers and current courses we hold for each destination; open a country page to compare them course by course.
Course-level evidence
These records illustrate comparable fields and formats; they are not rankings or paid recommendations.
General English · Minimum 2 weeks
Starts from: 315 EUR per week (20 lessons/week, 2-4 week bookings), 2026-2027 price
View verified course →General English
Starts from: 260 EUR per week, 2026 price
View verified course →General English · 2 weeks +
Starts from: 495 NZD per week, full time, 2026 price
View verified course →Evidence limitation
Course information can change by intake. Use the linked provider source to confirm dates, fees, availability, entry requirements and policies before applying or paying.