Learning English abroad is not just taking classes in another country; it is living the language every day. Traveling, working, making mistakes, socializing, and handling your life in English accelerates learning in a way no book or app can replicate. That is why more and more young people choose to leave their country to improve their level, gain independence, and add an experience that genuinely shifts their perspective.
This guide provides clear, practical information on how studying English outside your country works, what real benefits it offers, which destinations are most convenient, how work-eligible visas operate, what tools can help you, and which habits make you progress faster. The goal is simple: give you reliable, useful data so you can make informed decisions about your learning and your future.
Why immersion is the fastest way to learn English
Immersion is considered the fastest way to learn English because it exposes the learner to the language constantly and naturally. Unlike traditional classes, where learning happens only for a few hours, living surrounded by the language forces the brain to process and use it throughout the entire day. Research from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) shows that immersion programs accelerate the development of listening comprehension and fluency because they reduce the gap between “studying” and “real use.”
In addition, immersion increases retention and learning speed. A study by the European Commission’s Language Competence Survey found that students exposed daily to a second language outside the classroom reach results up to two CEFR levels higher than those who study only in traditional academic settings. This happens because constant exposure allows learners to internalize vocabulary, structures, and pronunciation without relying solely on memorization.
Finally, immersion boosts communicative practice in real-life situations—shopping, transportation, work, friendships—which accelerates language automation. Countries that receive a high volume of international students, such as Ireland and Malta, report that learners studying English in an immersion environment advance one CEFR level in approximately 8 to 12 weeks, according to data from major school associations (EAQUALS and ALTO). In short, the combination of continuous exposure, daily practice, and communicative necessity makes immersion the most efficient method for learning English.
Advantages of learning English through immersion
- Faster progress thanks to daily language exposure.
- Significant improvement in fluency and listening comprehension.
- Greater vocabulary retention because it is used in real situations.
- Increased confidence when communicating in everyday contexts.
- Cultural learning that helps understand nuances and natural expressions.
Disadvantages or limitations
- Requires financial investment to travel or live abroad.
- Can cause stress or frustration at first due to overexposure.
- Does not guarantee results if the learner’s environment is mostly Spanish-speaking.
- Can be difficult for those who have little time to adapt.
How much does an English course abroad cost?
The cost of studying English abroad varies significantly depending on the country and institution, but Ireland remains one of the most in-demand destinations for international students. If you are not part of the European Union and you enroll in a long-term English course, the process includes applying for the immigration permission known as Stamp 2, which allows you to combine studies with part-time work during the academic term and full-time work during holidays.
At ELI Schools, English programs are adapted to stays of different lengths depending on each student’s needs, whether you come for a few weeks or several months. Available services include CV/resumé workshops and resources that support your academic and professional integration in Ireland. We also offer comfortable, hassle-free accommodation options for students who prefer to arrive with everything organized from the start.
The final price varies depending on each student’s situation, since there are different plans, levels, schedules, and service options. Some students choose more intensive courses, others need extensions, and some require accommodation or transfers. To obtain an updated quote, the best option is to contact us directly via https://elischools.com/contact-us/.
Although the course is the foundation of the budget, studying abroad also involves additional expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and administrative procedures. In Ireland, many students help cover their costs through the permission that allows them to work part-time during the course and full-time during holidays. This option applies to those who are not citizens of the European Union or Switzerland, as they require a specific migration status to work while studying. For those from the EU or Switzerland, no additional paperwork is required to study or work in Ireland.
Which is the best country to learn English?
Choosing a single destination is difficult, but in our case we selected Ireland as our base because it combines quality of life, safety, a unique culture, and an environment ideal for international students. We acknowledge a slight bias, but the choice is based on real factors that directly influence how the language is learned.
Top 7 countries to learn English
- Ireland – High quality of life, the ability to work for students (or no permit needed if coming from the EU or Switzerland), clear accent and regulated schools; an ideal environment for full immersion.
- United Kingdom – Offers a variety of accents, educational tradition, and a solid system of accredited institutions. However, studying English there involves stricter procedures, and work rights are not granted to English-course students, regardless of program length. This makes it more regulated and less flexible for those seeking to combine study and work.
- United States – Large academic offering and cultural diversity, but with a major drawback: more filters, requirements, and paperwork for foreigners to obtain a visa, even for study.
- Canada – High-quality education and excellent living standards; demanding climate but strong migration opportunities.
- Australia – Popular among young people for its work rights and relaxed lifestyle; somewhat higher prices.
- New Zealand – Safe environment, unique nature, stable education, and a calmer pace of life.
- Malta – Affordable costs, Mediterranean climate, and a good balance between study and social life.
Why does Ireland stand out so much?
Ireland combines safety, hospitality, and a vibrant cultural life that makes adaptation much easier. It is accessible, full of history, traditions, music, iconic landscapes, and friendly cities where socializing is a natural part of daily life. Its international atmosphere allows you to practice English constantly with people from Mexico, Brazil, Spain, France, Turkey, Italy, and many other countries, creating a diverse and welcoming community.
The country also has a growing economy with major global companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple, creating a modern environment full of opportunities. Ireland is also an ideal gateway for traveling around Europe thanks to its EU connections. Altogether, it offers a rare mix: safety, warmth, mobility, and an environment perfect for learning English in real situations.
Studying and working in Ireland: the practical and accessible way to live the language from the inside
For those looking for a realistic way to live in Ireland, studying English is the most direct and predictable option. In countries like Chile or Argentina, Working Holiday visas exist, but they are limited, assigned by lottery, and leave most applicants without a spot. In contrast, enrolling in an English course provides a clear and stable permission designed specifically for people who want to improve their English while working.
The Study and Work Program offers 15 hours per week of general English, with levels ranging from elementary to advanced. This leaves enough time to look for a job, integrate into the local environment, and progress quickly. Weekend activities and excursions reinforce cultural immersion and ease adaptation to Irish life.
Non-EU students must complete at least 25 weeks to qualify for the study-and-work permission (8-month visa). This period includes:
– 25 weeks of classes leading to an official exam.
– 8 weeks of holidays.
During this time, non-EU students can work 20 hours per week during the course and 40 hours per week during defined holiday periods, allowing them to finance part of their stay while practicing English in real-life contexts. Students can stay up to 2 years by taking up to three consecutive 8-month courses.
Students with professional experience and specific skills can access two types of work permits. The first is the General Employment Permit, sponsored by Irish employers with salaries starting at €30,000 per year. The second is the Critical Skills Employment Permit, aimed at highly qualified professionals, with a minimum salary of €38,000 per year for occupations on the high-demand list.
The latter offers additional benefits such as greater migration stability and the possibility of applying for long-term residence. In this way, studying English can become a pathway to real career opportunities in Ireland.
Ways to improve your English before traveling
Before traveling, the key is understanding how language learning actually works: your progress depends on the time and quality of contact you have with the language. It is not magic. If you incorporate it gradually into your daily life, your brain begins to internalize sounds, structures, and words even if you do not notice. Listening and reading help, but speaking and writing accelerate progress the most because they force you to build the language instead of just receiving it. Combining methods is more effective than relying on only one.
Another point many forget: you already learned a language once, as a child, without any formal method. The ability is already there; what changes is the environment. Emotion matters—when the content relates to something you enjoy (gaming, series, music, friends, relationships), your brain learns faster. That is why some people improve drastically just by playing online or watching content they like.
With that in mind, preparing your English before traveling can be more natural than you think:
Integrate English into your daily life
Switch your phone, platforms, and social media to English. Not as an obligation but as part of your environment. If the content interests you, you’ll stick with it.
Produce the language from day one
Keeping a journal in English works extremely well because it forces you to express your own ideas, even simple ones. Recording yourself speaking or describing activities also helps. It mimics real learning.
Practice situations you will face when traveling
Check-in, asking for directions, greeting, shopping, asking for clarification—these expressions give you confidence and reduce fear of making mistakes. They’re also the first you’ll use upon arrival.
Combine exposure with participation
Podcasts, videos, and series improve listening; spaced-repetition apps solidify vocabulary; language exchanges or chats force you to interact. Each tool contributes differently.
In summary, the goal is not to “know English” before traveling, but to build the habits and familiarity that will make immersion work from day one. The more natural your relationship with the language becomes now, the faster you will progress once you are surrounded by it.
Ireland: a solid option if you want to study and work
Ireland has become one of the most consistent destinations for those wanting to learn English through immersion while working legally. It combines factors that do not always appear together: safety, an open and welcoming society, manageable cities, a vibrant culture, and a growing job market. Its location in Europe also makes it easy to travel to other countries, something many students take advantage of. Despite being small, Ireland has a deep history, a strong identity, and an active social life that makes integration and daily English practice easier.
English in Ireland is accessible to international students, and the presence of people from all over the world makes it easy to make friends and build networks. In addition, Ireland maintains policies that allow long-term English study and part-time work during the course. For many, this reduces costs, enriches the experience, and opens the possibility of staying longer if they find opportunities in tech, services, hospitality, or other expanding sectors.
If you are considering this step, ELI Schools can support you through the entire process. Our programs are designed to help you study English with a practical approach, adapt quickly, and take advantage of the real benefits Ireland offers international students. The goal is not just to learn the language, but to live it from the inside.
Sources
- Ireland’s Annual Report on English Language Training 2024 , https://www.languagecert.org/en/about-us/news/2025/ireland-annual-report-english-language-training-2024 LanguageCert
- Annual Report on English Language Training in Ireland 2024 (EEI / BONARD) , https://mei.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/English-Education-in-Ireland-2024-Annual-Report.pdf English Education Ireland
- Ireland Hosts Record 128,000+ English Language Students in 2024 , https://studyabroad-news.metaapply.io/top-news/ireland-hosts-record-128000-english-language-students-in-2024-injecting-e792-million-into-economy/ MetaApply
- Irish higher education booked another strong year of foreign enrolment growth in 2024 https://monitor.icef.com/2025/01/irish-higher-education-booked-another-strong-year-of-foreign-enrolment-growth-in-2024/ ICEF Monitor
- Education at a Glance 2025: Ireland , https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/education-at-a-glance-2025_1a3543e2-en/ireland_1ed5ff68-en.html OECD
