Last updated on August 3rd, 2023 at 12:15 am
However far along you are with your language study, living and learning in a place where native speakers surround you can help you master key concepts, build your vocabulary, gain real-world practice, and see how people actually use the language in everyday interactions.
There are thousands of language learning programs for those who want to study abroad. If you’re currently enrolled in college, your home school may have study-abroad language programs that you can participate in. Other options include enrolling in international language schools or taking language courses at global colleges and universities.
At Remitly, we strongly encourage anyone trying to learn an international language who is able to study abroad to seize the opportunity due to the dramatic difference it can make in your studies.
To help you find the right international language program, we created this guide on where to study the world’s most commonly spoken languages. For each language, we identify a top country in which to study and recommend one to three programs for your consideration.
Our focus is on immersive language learning programs open to everyone, but remember that your college or university may have additional options.
English: The United States
Program(s)/school(s) to consider: EF
With 18.8% of the world’s population communicating in it, English is the most commonly spoken language globally. The U.S. is a great place to study English because you can choose to live and take classes in many different types of places, from large cities to smaller towns. With EF language schools, you can study in many locations, including Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Miami Beach, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Learn more: Studying Abroad in the U.S.: 14 Things You Need to Know
Mandarin Chinese: China
Program(s)/school(s) to consider: CLI Immersion Program, LTL Language School
An estimated 13.8% of all people in the world speak Mandarin Chinese, and the language is also the most-spoken first language globally. Studying in China will allow you to be fully immersed in Mandarin, and you can choose from many programs.
LTL Language School gives you the ability to experience life in two cities, with classes beginning in bustling Beijing and continuing in the historical former imperial capital of Chengde.
Based in Guilin in the southeastern autonomous region of Guangxi, the CLI Immersion Program combines 20 hours of Mandarin instruction per week with excursions and activities to help you learn about China’s geography, culture, and history.
Hindi and Urdu: India
Program(s)/school(s) to consider: Indian Lingua School for Languages, CLS Urdu Program, SAFLI
More than 10% of the world’s population speaks Hindi or Urdu, two of the official languages of India.
To learn Hindi abroad, you can study at Indian Lingua in Jaipur, located in the northeastern part of Rajasthan. The school’s programs last for three weeks and include offerings for beginner, intermediate, and advanced speakers.
For students of Urdu, the CLS Urdu Program in Lucknow, the capital of the northern Uttar Pradesh state, offers 20 hours of weekly instruction, with courses taking place in the morning. During the afternoon, students learn about culture and history through organized excursions.
Another option for both Hindi and Urdu language learners is the Boren Fellowship offered through the South Asian Flagship Language Initiative (SAFLI). The program lasts for a full summer, with students first taking classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then traveling to Jaipur or Lucknow for full language immersion.
Spanish: Spain
Program(s)/school(s) to consider: EF, InHispania, AIL Madrid
Nearly 7% of people worldwide speak Spanish. Of all the countries where Spanish is the official language, Spain stands out as a great place to learn the language due to the large number of high-quality schools located in the country.
At EF International language campuses in Barcelona and Malaga, students gain mastery of Spanish while also learning about Spanish cuisine, history, and music. Located in Madrid, InHispania offers immersion programs allowing you to study Spanish in Spain for just one week up to a full year. Another school based in Spain’s capital, AIL Madrid, lets you customize your instruction with 4, 10, 20, or 30 hours of lessons per week.
Learn more: Studying Abroad in Spain: A Complete Guide
French: France
Program(s)/school(s) to consider: EF, AUP
Spoken by 3.4% of the world’s population, French is the official language of several countries. France is the most popular destination for studying a language abroad because of its many reputable schools.
EF operates campuses in Paris and the coastal city of Nice with programs that combine language instruction with classes and trips that allow students to experience French culture and history. Located in Paris, AUP has an immersion program that includes morning casual conversation practice over coffee and croissants and weekly tours of the City of Lights.
Learn more: Studying Abroad in France: A Complete Guide
Arabic: The United Arab Emirates
Program(s)/school(s) to consider: Language Vacation, American University of Sharjah
Arabic is one of the most-spoken first languages in the world, and 3.4% of the global population is fluent in it. It is the official language of the United Arab Emirates, but many people living in the country also speak English. As a result, the UAE is a great place for students hoping to immerse themselves in Arabic.
Language Vacation in Dubai is an excellent choice for those looking for a short, intensive program. During their one-week intensive course, you participate in four one-on-one lessons daily and a variety of cultural outings.
The Department of Arabic and Translation Studies at the American University of Sharjah in University City offers a five-week summer program for students who want to spend more time in the UAE. The location of the school puts you just 15 minutes away from Sharjah City and Dubai, and the university organizes many cultural outings throughout the program.
Russian: Post-Soviet States
Program(s)/school(s) to consider: American Councils for International Education
Around 3.2% of the people worldwide speak Russian, and the language is one of the official languages of the UN, along with English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Arabic.
To experience new cultures and strengthen your Russian skills at the same time, you can study in post-Soviet states through the Russian Language and Area Studies Program offered by the American Councils for International Education. Intended for students who already have a strong foundation in Russian, this program gives you the opportunity to study in Almaty, Kazakhstan; Tbilisi, Georgia; or Yerevan, Armenia.
What’s unique about this program is that in addition to taking intensive Russian classes, you can also enroll in beginner classes to learn the basics of the local language of your chosen host country. The program also includes cultural excursions and the chance to perform volunteer work while abroad.
Portuguese: Brazil
Program(s)/school(s) to consider: Rio and Learn, Dialogo
Portuguese is spoken by 3.2% of people globally, and if you want to learn the language and have rich cultural experiences at the same time, Brazil is an excellent place to study.
Rio and Learn is a unique program that allows you to begin taking classes online, so you have a working knowledge before you travel to the school’s campus in Rio de Janeiro. Once you arrive in Brazil, you speak only Portuguese and participate in cultural excursions that allow you to put your knowledge to use in real-world situations.
Another top school to consider is Dialogo, based in Salvador, Bahia. Its location in the historic Porto da Barra district lets you surround yourself with Brazilian history, and you can study at the school for as long as you want, giving you the flexibility to customize your experience.
Japanese: Japan
Program(s)/school(s) to consider: CIEE in Japan, KPC International, JaLS
Japanese is the first language of around 1.7% of the world’s population, and with many large global companies headquartered there, knowing the language can benefit students hoping to work in many industries. Due to the great demand for Japanese study-abroad opportunities, Japan is home to many language schools.
You can spend the summer in Hokkaido taking courses at JaLS, which offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level classes. Or, experience life in Tokyo by studying at KPC International for just one week or up to two years. CIEE is another popular provider and has campuses in both Kyoto and Tokyo with multiple program options to choose from.
All three of these schools combine language learning with excursions and cultural activities, giving you a chance to learn about Japanese culture and history.
Language immersion study abroad FAQs
Studying abroad is a big decision, and you likely have questions about it. Read on for answers to some of the things students often wonder about.
Can you get a scholarship to study international languages abroad?
Generally, there are scholarships available for studying abroad, but the key is to find one that you qualify for. Some awards are for a specific purpose, like French or Spanish study abroad programs, while others are only available at one particular college or school.
Scholarship providers typically establish a set of eligibility criteria that you must meet to be considered for an award. They might look at your ability to pay for studying abroad out of pocket or your academic history.
Organizations that offer scholarships may also limit who can apply for their awards. For example, the Spanish studies abroad scholarship may be available only to citizens of certain countries, women, or members of a specific minority group.
Students in the U.S. can use the Department of Labor’s Scholarship Finder site to research scholarships for studying languages abroad. You can also discuss financial aid with the international language school or global university where you plan to study and the college or university where you are currently enrolled.
What kind of visa do you need to study abroad?
In many countries, an international student visa is necessary to study abroad. For example, the U.S. has three international student visa programs, with the F1 visa and J1 visa being the most commonly used for studying languages, while students hoping to study abroad in Spain for more than 90 days will likely apply for a Study Visa.
The best way to find out what kind of visa you need to study in your destination country is to consult an embassy or consulate office for that country located in your home country. The U.S. and Canada have directory websites to help you quickly find contact information for embassies and consulates.
How do I choose the right language program?
When comparing study-abroad language programs, consider the duration, the location, and what the classes cover.
In addition, consider the costs and what you get for that price. In some cases, accommodations may be included, but at other times, you’ll need to arrange and pay for a place to stay separately. You’ll also likely have other travel, food, and entertainment expenses.
Use the above information as a starting point for your research, keeping your academic goals and finances in mind. Doing so can help you select the best place to study a foreign language abroad.
Visit the homepage, download our app, or check out our Help Center to get started.