You already know that all EC English schools offer the highest quality academics, expert instructors and unique immersive learning programs. But for those of you looking to learn English in the USA, how do you choose a location? This may help: for the 7th year in a row, California is the highest-ranked destination in the world for foreign students. That’s because this state has it all: amazing weather, great beaches, super-fresh cuisine, celebrity vibes, diverse cultures and every kind of natural landscape you could imagine—from redwood forests to mystic deserts, stunning mountains to gorgeous beaches.
Come with us on a virtual road trip down the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, as we stop at 3 amazing EC language school locations: EC San Francisco, EC Los Angeles and EC San Diego. We’ll take a closer look at each town—and help you find your vibe.
Top reasons to choose EC San Francisco
Top reasons to choose EC Los Angeles
Top reasons to choose EC San Diego
Top reasons to learn English at EC San Francisco
First stop: EC San Francisco. You’ll find EC San Francisco located right in the heart of this vibrant city, just steps from public transportation, 3 blocks from Union Square and 10 minutes from the waterfront. It’s perfectly situated for getting out and practicing your English skills.
The vibe
If you want to study in one of the coolest cities in the US, EC San Francisco is for you. A unique blend of tech innovation and historical charm, it’s home to Google, Meta, Instagram and tons of other tech companies. But this area is also known for its quirky cultural vibe. Famously the centre of San Francisco’s hippie counterculture, it offers graffiti covered alleyways, colourful Victorian houses and a creative scene that has captured the imagination of artists, writers and filmmakers for generations.
The weather
The city has a Mediterranean climate, with wet winters and dry summers—never too hot. You’ll often experience its characteristic fog as cool ocean air mixes with and the heat of the Californian peninsula.
The culture
In addition to having an internationally recognized symphony, world-class ballet and art museums, San Francisco is full of amazing student-friendly things to do. Hop on a cable car to explore the Fisherman’s Wharf marketplace. Feel the love in Haight-Ashbury, once the home of the Grateful Dead, score great vintage vintage finds and check out the world-class street art. And be sure to take a boat ride to Alcatraz—the notorious former prison made famous in countless movies.
The great outdoors
San Francisco is one of the country’s greenest cities—and you’re never far from an incredible park. Spend some time on the biking through Golden Gate Park. Or hike through the spectacular Muir Woods, marvelling at forests of ancient redwoods.
The food
Simply put, this is a foodie’s paradise. In addition to providing an incredibly diverse food scene, California grows its own produce—and this city has the freshest, best produce in all of the US. There’s no shortage of healthy, creative options for students on a budget. What’s more, San Francisco has an incredibly strong coffee culture–so you can count on staying well-caffeinated for your English lessons.
Top reasons to learn English at EC Los Angeles
Next on our tour of EC English language schools in California: EC Los Angeles, located in one of the most exciting and multicultural cities in the US. EC Los Angeles is in the beautiful Santa Monica section, right on the California coastline. Two minutes from all the dining, shopping and nightlife of the Third Street Promenade, it’s also close to everything the rest of LA has to offer, with zillions of opportunities to try out your English. Learn more.
The vibe
If you want to experience all the glamour, excitement and international presence LA has to offer—from the comfort of a classic, Southern California oasis—EC Los Angeles is the right choice. The most visited beach town in Southern California, Santa Monica is committed to sustainability, has a bike-friendly, walkable infrastructure, and offers the perfect place to soak up the sun between English lessons.
The weather
With sun all year round, the weather is pretty great. LA gets about 284 sunny days each year—far above the US national average.
The culture
From the iconic Hollywood sign to sprawling villas and the palm trees that line Venice Beach, Los Angeles personifies Hollywood glamour. Find your favourite celebs on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit Universal Studios. Or view stars from another angle, from the famous Griffith Observatory. Back in Santa Monica, explore the Pier and ride the 9-storey Ferris Wheel.
The great outdoors
Santa Monica offers the perfect antidote to city life and studying. Bike along the coast. Roller skate to Long Beach. Hike the Santa Monica Mountains. Take in a beach yoga class. if you’re an outdoor fitness enthusiast, you’ll love EC Lost Angeles in Santa Monica.
The food
Downtown LA is one of the world’s great spots for foodies—but Santa Monica has a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines too. It’s also known for its top-rated farmer’s market, where you can buy groceries alongside top chefs and A-list celebs. You’ll find organic fruits, veggies and pastries, as well as lots of other year-round and seasonal farm favourites.
Top reasons to learn English at EC San Diego
Our final stop: EC San Diego, where the English is always improving, the sun’s always shining and the surf’s always up. Located in the beautiful neighbourhood of La Jolla (“the Jewel of San Diego”), our school is just minutes from stunning beaches, trendy cafes, and exciting nightlife. You’ll have lots of fun using your English while exploring everything this chill city has to offer. Learn more.
The vibe
If you’re looking to learn English in a town with the ultimate laid-back California vibe, this is it. A super friendly city, San Diego is known as a big small town, so there are plenty of opportunities to chat with the locals and practice your English.
The weather
Leave all your winter clothes behind; with low humidity in summer and year-round sunshine, San Diego has the best weather in all of the continental US. There’s only one word for it: spectacular.
The culture
San Diego is brimming with fun activities for students, from the famous San Diego Zoo to Balboa Park, which hosts an amazing array of cultural offerings, including 17 museums and performing arts venues. Take a walk along the San Diego Waterfront and grab a bite in Seaport Village. Check out the famous Hotel del Coronado. And if you’re taking classes at EC San Diego in the summer, don’t miss Comicon, the coolest week-long convention ever, when the city is transformed into an action-hero fantasyland.
The great outdoors
San Diego is a true outdoor playground where you can hike, bike, learn to surf at Pacific Beach, kayak with sea lions in La Jolla cove, go kite surfing or just take in the views from Sunset Cliffs. You’ll see the most Instagrammable sunsets imaginable from Ocean Pier, Crystal Pier and Coronado Beach.
The food
Great restaurants and cafes abound in San Diego; you’ll find delicious Asian, Middle Eastern, and Italian food. But with Mexico just 15 miles away, San Diego has a strong Mexican food scene. Be sure to sample the fish tacos, carne asada, mole, menudo—all at prices that won’t break the bank.
All in all, if you want to learn English abroad, you can’t go wrong with an EC English school in California: the right choice simply depends on the kind of vibe you’re looking for. Whichever school you pick, you’re sure to make California dreaming a reality—with new skills, new friends and an unforgettable journey.
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If you’re looking to learn English in Boston, you made the right choice. You probably already know that EC Boston is located in one of the world’s most popular places. And you definitely know that this city is steeped in American history, tradition and culture. But here’s something you may not know: Boston also has a lively food scene. We’ll help you navigate it, neighbourhood by neighbourhood—and share tips for students on a budget.
7 best Boston foods (EC Boston students weigh in)
In a diverse city like Boston—with over 250,000 students—you’ll find every dish imaginable. But this seaport city is best known for its OG ‘comfort food’ classics. Here’ a run-down of foods that get top marks from EC Boston students:
- Clam chowder—After a day by the water, there’s nothing like a bowl of hearty “chowda.”
- Raw oysters—lots of places sell $1 oysters, so it’s easy to get a taste of the sea on a budget.
- Lobster rolls—A Boston staple, often drizzled with butter and accompanied by crispy fries.
- Baked beans and brown bread—Mmm, baked beans slow-cooked with molasses and pork.
- Boston cream pie—Invented in Boston in 1856, this chocolaty pie is the official state dessert.
- Fenway Franks—A fan favourite at every Red Sox baseball game. You don’t want to miss it.
- Cannolis—These yummy fried pastries are filled with cream, pistachios or chocolate chips.
Practice your English on a neighbourhood food crawl
From pastries on the Freedom Trail to Pizza at the Quincy Market Food Halls, a good meal makes every journey better—and connecting with locals is a great way to improve your English.
“Students get to make a deeper connection with (Boston), and feel like they’re part of the city”.
–Sarah, Centre Director, EC Boston
Pastry in the North End
Start in the charming North End—Boston’s oldest neighbourhood, inhabited since the 1600s! This Italian community is filled with hidden gems—and you’ll find even more all along the Freedom Trail (an easy 2.5 mile walk through historic American Revolutionary sites). Be sure to pick up a world-famous cannoli for the trip at Mike’s Pastry for under $10.
EC Boston student tip: Check for regular online coupons for Mikes Pastry to get $15% off.
Seafood at Quincy Market
Just steps from the EC Boston English school is Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall. This is where you’ll find some of the oldest restaurants in the city—like Union Oyster House, which has been serving Boston classics since 1826. You’ll also find amazing food halls showcasing Boston’s best new cuisine.EC Boston student tip: On Wednesdays, hit the International Food Festival and try foods at stalls labelled ‘The Taste of Quincy Market’ for free.
English in the City
Immerse yourself in Boston with a unique English language course. Learn More
Franks at Fenway Park
Photo by Clark Van Der Beken
If you’re taking classes at EC Boston in the summer, you’ll definitely want to take in a Red Sox game in historic Fenway Park. Step up to the plate and try a famous Fenway frank when you’re there—with mustard, onions, pickle relish—all the “fixings” for just $6.
EC Boston student tip: Sign up for Student9s on the Red Sox website for a student discount on Sox tickets.
Burgers on Beacon Hill
Remember that TV show, Cheers? It’s a real place, located on the Freedom Trail just across the street from Boston Common. It looks just like the TV show set—and it’s just as friendly.
EC Boston student tip: The burgers here aren’t cheap, but they’re also not small. Share a Giant ‘Norm Burger’ (about $20) with a few friends from school.
Clam Chowder at Fort Point
Tucked between the Seaport and South Boston is Fort Point Channel, one of Boston’s largest artist communities. Here, on a rustic deck overlooking the water, you’ll find the Barking Crab—where you can get some of the best clam chowder in Boston for under $10.
EC Boston student tip: After that cup of chowder, take a walk along the waterfront, the Boston Harbourwalk. Pretty spectacular—and it’s free.
Pho in Chinatown
Photo by Ethan Hansen
Boston’s Chinatown is an epic foodie spot. Try Shojo for fusion dishes. Visit Hei La Moon for weekend dim sum. But Chinatown has some awesome Vietnamese pho and banh mi spots, too—and these inexpensive, veggie-based dishes have become student favourites.
EC Boston student tip: Try Pho Pasteur’s heaping noodle bowls. Super fresh and under $10.
Cinnamon rolls in the South End
At Flour Bakery & Café in Boston’s trendy South End, James Beard award winner Joanne Chang makes amazing pastries. Who knew delicacies this good could be so inexpensive—but they are.
EC Boston student tip: The buttery cinnamon roll alone is worth the trip—and costs less than $10.
Burritos in Back Bay
Known for its Victorian brownstones, the Boston Public Library, and chic boutiques, Back Bay is also home to Annas Taqueria—arguably the best (and most affordable) Mexican food in the city. Burritos are under $10 and packed with your favourite fillings.
EC Boston student tip: Check for promo codes from Hotdeals.com; you could get $1 off an Anna’s burrito.
Food trucks—just about everywhere
Boston Chowda trucks. Wicked Good Cupcakes trucks. Chicken & Rice Guy Trucks. For students on a budget, food trucks roaming the city are a great option. You’ll be able to sample a huge variety of foods without breaking the bank.
EC Boston student tip: Keep an eye out for Roxy’s Grilled Cheese truck , and grab a yummy $5 grilled cheese sandwich.
Hungry yet? Bring your appetite—and some of your new EC Boston friends—and explore this city’s dynamic food scene together. You’ll all agree: it’s one more great reason to learn English in the USA—at EC Boston.
]]>South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, and offers a unique environment to practice English with adventurers from all over the world. Choosing somewhere like this gives you an unparalleled view of different cultures and perspectives.
Cape Town is rich in culture but will not break the bank; food and everyday expenses are low and so if you are on a budget, it’s a great choice. The time zone is also conveniently the same as Berlin – so for students from Europe that want to discover this incredible place and easily stay in touch with friends and family.
The school is conveniently located for you to enjoy beautiful beaches, the markets and vibrant city life, and breathtaking landscapes; Table Mountain ever present, and itself more than just a rock to climb. Picnics, parties and concerts all take place around her – so you can see her as the heart of the city!
The school also organises a variety of social and cultural activities that allow you to practice English outside the classroom and can line up safaris to wine tasting tours and hikes, and bike rides too; there’s always something exciting to do. Close by is the Cape Town International Convention Centre which hosts major events throughout the year, from corporate exhibitions to sports events to dinks festivals.
Like all our locations, you will receive a welcoming environment. We have an Award-Winning process called The Orange Carpet Experience, which guides students from pre-booking to post-departure, breaking down all the steps, to ensure a smooth language learning experience. You’ll find a supportive community of staff ready to help you adjust and thrive. We have support teams for all sectors from academic, accommodation and student services – so you don’t have to worry at all! Choosing to learn English in South Africa gives you the opportunity of a lifetime to combine high-quality education with an enriching cultural experience in an affordable yet exotic location, making it a memorable experience!
]]>Don’t rush to the dictionary yet
So don’t rush to a dictionary when you encounter unfamiliar words; instead, analyse the context. Stopping at every unfamiliar word disrupts the reading flow and diminishes enjoyment.
Remember, the pace of progress in reading a second language varies from person to person, depending on factors like the time devoted to reading, previous language experience, and linguistic similarity to your native language. Consistency, a positive mindset, and perseverance are crucial to improving your second-language reading skills. By embracing these strategies, you can significantly enhance your language proficiency, opening up a world of new literature and cultural understanding.
Some tips
To enhance your reading skills in a second language, consider the following tips:
1. Start Simple: Begin with materials suited to a beginner or intermediate level. Children’s books, graded readers, or simplified versions of classic novels are excellent starting points. They help you understand the basics and build confidence.
2. Contextual Learning: When encountering new words, try deducing their meanings from the context before resorting to a dictionary. This practice speeds up reading and enhances your intuitive understanding of the language.
3. Consistent Practice: Regular reading is crucial. Allocate specific times each day or week for this activity. Consistency will cement your learning and accelerate your progress.
4. Diverse Materials: Engage with various genres and subjects to maintain interest and exposure to different vocabulary and sentence structures. This variety will deepen your understanding of the language.
5. Note-Taking: Note down new words or complex sentences while reading. Revisit these notes, create flashcards, or practice writing with the new vocabulary. Active engagement with the material aids in retention.
A reading list
Here are some books we suggest to help improve your English.
Selecting books to improve your English language skills depends mainly on your current level of proficiency.
Famous Children’s Classics: Books like “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White or “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry offer simple language yet profound stories.
Modern Novels: Books like “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho or “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee are well-written and engaging, with more advanced vocabulary and structures.
Non-Fiction: Simple non-fiction books on topics you’re interested in can be educational and an excellent way to learn more complex vocabulary.
Classics: Novels by authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and George Orwell offer rich language and complex narratives. “Pride and Prejudice” or “1984” are excellent choices.
Contemporary Literature: Books by authors like Margaret Atwood or Kazuo Ishiguro are suitable for advanced learners wanting to understand contemporary usage and styles.
Biographies and Autobiographies: Reading about real-life stories can be inspiring and an excellent way to learn more formal and narrative English.
You can also enjoy audiobooks while reading, which can help you understand pronunciation and intonation. It is also helpful for reading aloud as it improves pronunciation and fluency.
Consider creating or joining a Book Club to discuss a book in English and significantly improve your language skills.
Consistency and choosing engaging books are vital to improving your English through reading. Happy reading!
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EC Language Centres was established in Malta in 1991, with EC Malta being the first school. Today it has 25 schools around the world. The award-winning chain is well-regarded, and it has a variety of English language courses that are tailored for higher education, immigration, work and leisure, in person and online.
Based in St Julian’s, the entertainment centre of the islands, EC Malta, is a 200m walk to the beach, close to the Eden cinema and games complex and shopping centres. EC Malta has an activity schedule that invites you to explore the Baroque cities of Valletta and Mdina to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, sports, affordable theatre and year-round festivals.
With students from around the world, you are sure to meet like-minded people to have fun with and practice with! Make your experience memorable by participating in class, joining in the after-school activities and taking every opportunity to practice. Remember, everyone there is in the same situation- they are all looking to improve their prospects.
EC language Centres’ courses are a minimum of 1 week and include 20 lessons of General English, designed to develop your Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking skills. You are placed into the right level after a pre-arrival test to be challenged, but with our teaching methodology, you are guaranteed to progress through the levels recognised internationally. Courses start every Monday and every Friday; progress is reviewed and any areas of concern are addressed. We guarantee that if you come to class and actively participate, you will progress through a level every eight weeks.
Malta is pleasant at any time of year; and the Spring and Autumn months offer milder temperatures to enjoy the islands to the full; the Summer is when it is at its busiest with tourists flocking to its shores.
The airport is served by major airlines with convenient connecting flights to major destinations; it is also a hub for Ryanair, so weekend visits to and from European cities are easy!
Choosing an English language course in Malta with EC means having constant exposure to English, giving you a full immersion experience and the opportunity to practice your language skills in everyday scenarios, helping you to grasp grammar rules learned in class, and to gain confidence by living the language.
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Many universities outside the English-speaking world offer programs taught in English, primarily to attract international students and facilitate global academic exchange. Here’s a look at some countries with notable universities teaching in English and so if you need to take an intensive general English course, before heading to Uni, check out our course pages.
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Germany:
Many German universities offer English-taught programs, especially at the graduate level. Fields such as engineering, business, and natural sciences often have numerous English-taught options.
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Netherlands:
The Netherlands has a wide range of English-taught programs at both bachelor’s and master’s levels, across various fields including engineering, social sciences, and business.
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Sweden:
Swedish universities are known for their extensive selection of English-taught programs, especially for master’s degrees. Subjects range from the humanities to technical disciplines.
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Finland:
Finland offers a significant number of English-taught degree programs, particularly for master’s and doctoral studies. Fields such as technology, business, and education are well-represented.
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Norway:
In Norway, there are numerous English-taught master’s programs available, with some options at the bachelor’s level as well. Natural sciences, social sciences, and technology are common fields of study.
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Denmark:
Danish universities offer a variety of English-taught programs, especially at the master’s level. Business, science, and technology are among the popular fields.
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France:
France has been increasing its offerings of English-taught programs, especially in business, engineering, and science, to attract more international students.
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Italy:
Italian universities offer a growing number of programs in English, particularly in fields such as engineering, economics, and natural sciences.
- Spain:
Spain offers English-taught programs in various disciplines, including business, tourism, and engineering, across its universities.
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Japan:
Japan has initiatives like the Global 30, aiming to increase the number of international students by offering programs taught in English in areas such as engineering, life sciences, and social sciences.
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South Korea:
South Korean universities offer several programs in English, particularly in business, engineering, and international studies, to attract international students.
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Malaysia:
Malaysia is becoming an educational hub in Asia, with numerous English-taught programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, especially in business, engineering, and science.
These countries are actively working to internationalise their higher education sectors by offering programs in English. This strategy not only provides more opportunities for international students but also prepares their students for global careers.
Suppose you’re interested in studying in a specific country or field. In that case, it’s advisable to check the universities’ official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information on available programs, entry requirements, and application procedures.
EC also has partnerships with some colleges and universities and offers a ‘pathway’ program for Canada, USA, and European higher education establishments. We help you identify and choose a course and college and guide you through the application process, with some partners offering a familiarisation trip, too.
Where did popcorn originate?
Watching a movie isn’t complete without snacks, and historically, popcorn is today, the go-to snack, however, the oldest known popcorn was found in New Mexico, dating back over 5,600 years. Ancient civilizations in the Americas, particularly in what is now Mexico, were known to have grown and consumed popcorn. It wasn’t just a snack; it also had ceremonial and decorative significance.
Popcorn’s popularity spread throughout North and South America over the centuries. Native Americans used popcorn not only as a food item but also in rituals and as decoration. When European settlers arrived in the Americas, they adopted popcorn from Native American cultures. It became a popular snack in the United States by the mid-1800s.
What’s the association with movies?
In the early 20th century, when movie theatres first became popular, they were considered upscale destinations, and owners did not want to deal with the mess and smell of snacks like popcorn. However, the Great Depression changed this perspective. As an inexpensive treat, popcorn was one of the few luxuries that people could afford. Street vendors would sell popcorn outside theatres.
During the Great Depression, with falling ticket sales, theatre owners started installing popcorn machines inside theatres as a way to boost revenue. The affordability of popcorn made it an instant hit among moviegoers, and it became inextricably linked with the experience of watching movies.
During World War II, sugar rationing limited the production of candy, further enhancing popcorn’s popularity as a snack. Today, popcorn is a staple of movie theatre concessions, with its aroma and taste being part of the movie-going experience.
Movies to watch where popcorn is the star
There are some iconic movies where popcorn is the star in its own right. Have you seen Kentucky Fried Movie, Scream, Fantastic Four, or pop-culture classic, Gremlins? Watching films can help you practice your English – so popcorn could play a major part in your studies!
]]>We are all familiar with the coloured chart – The Periodic Table – displayed in classrooms and labs, the full history of it is a fascinating journey through scientific discovery and innovation is characterised by the collaborative and cumulative efforts of various scientists.
In the late 18th century, Lavoisier compiled a list of the known elements of that time and John Newlands proposed the Law of Octaves in 1864, suggesting that elements could be classified into groups based on similarities every eighth element. At the tail end of the 1800s, Dmitri Mendeleev created what we know to be the Periodic table with 63 elements in it, categorising them based on atomic mass, which also displayed periodic trends in their properties. Crucially, he left spaces for elements that were not yet discovered, predicting their properties with remarkable accuracy; indeed today, there are over 100 elements listed, including some lab made ones.
The consistency in symbols and overall structure makes the periodic table a universally accessible tool in science, transcending language barriers. This universality is a testament to the collaborative nature of scientific discovery and the global nature of the scientific community and the importance of using a common language to communicate in.
To study science today, English is the predominant language, followed by German with the top-ranking countries for study being USA, China, UK and Germany. A knowledge of Latin is also useful as many terms are derived from the language.
Being able to read papers, follow lectures and listen to podcast discussions are all valuable skills and requires a C1 level of English which is a globally recognised by educational establishments and governments for entry and immigration purposes.
With a guaranteed progression of 8 weeks per level at any of our schools, you can go from zero to hero in a year. We test you on application to see which level you should be placed in and test you along the way and at the end of your course so you can see your progress and work on any sticky areas along the way.
EC has 24 centres around the world in English speaking countries, so you are fully immersed in using the skill in various scenarios, meeting people from all across the globe and hopefully making your own (perhaps non-scientific) discoveries while on your exchange programme too! It’s not rocket science what you need to do next…
]]>Quality Education
EC is known for its high-quality English language programs. Their experienced teachers, interactive learning materials, and small class sizes ensure personalised attention and effective learning.
Ideal Location
Dublin is not only famous for its Guinness but also for its rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. Studying in Dublin provides students with countless opportunities to immerse themselves in the English language both inside and outside the classroom.
Diverse Activities
EC Dublin offers a variety of social and cultural activities to enhance students’ experience. From city tours and cultural excursions to sports activities and social events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and practice English in real-life situations.
Networking Opportunities
Dublin is a bustling city with a thriving business scene. Studying at EC Dublin provides students with opportunities to network with professionals from various industries, enhancing their career prospects and language skills.
Regarding the best time to go, it depends on your preferences and priorities:
Summer (June-August)
This period offers pleasant weather and longer days, making it ideal for exploring Dublin’s outdoor attractions and participating in various summer festivals and events.
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
These seasons boast milder weather and fewer crowds compared to summer, allowing for a more relaxed and immersive experience. Additionally, airfares and accommodation rates may be more affordable during these shoulder seasons.
Winter (December-February)
While winters in Dublin can be chilly and damp, this season offers unique experiences such as Christmas markets, festive celebrations, and cozy evenings in traditional Irish pubs. However, be prepared for shorter daylight hours and potential disruptions due to inclement weather.
Ultimately, the best time to go depends on your personal preferences, budget, and availability. No matter when you choose to study English at EC Dublin, you’ll have the opportunity to improve your English skills while immersing yourself in the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of Ireland’s capital city.
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Global English Language Statistics of 2022[1]
- The English language is now spoken by approximately 1.35 billion people worldwide. That’s 17% of the world’s population.
- People in the United Arab Emirates are the most keen to learn English, with a higher proportion of searches being conducted here for terms such as ‘Learn English’ and ‘Translate to English’ than any other country worldwide.
- Out of all US states, California has the highest proportion of people who speak a language other than English at home.
- 62% of UK adults think that English is the most important language for non-native children to learn at school around the world.
- English is an official language in 75 different countries worldwide, meaning that 39% of countries have English as one of their official languages.
- The average age at which children around the world start learning English at school is 7 and a half.
- Of 1,453 million speakers of English, 373 million are native speakers (those who speak English as their first language) and 1,080 million are non-native speakers (those who speak English as their second language).[3]
- Nearly 58 percent of the content on the internet is in English.[3]
- If we listen to every conversation happening in the world, only 4 percent of the conversations involve native speakers. Rest involves at least one non-native speaker.
- More than 50 percent of the world’s technical and scientific periodicals are in English.
Which Countries Want to Learn English Most?[1]
- People in the United Arab Emirates want to learn English the most, as a higher proportion of searches are conducted here than in any other country. Over the last year in the UAE, an average of 34,800 searches were conducted for the term ‘learn English’, and a staggering 1.1 million searches were conducted for the term ‘translate to English’.
- Those in Malaysia also appear to have a strong desire to learn English, with 23 searches being conducted for the term ‘learn English’ per 10,000 of the population, and a further 801 searches per 10,000 being carried out for the term ‘translate to English’ over the last year.
- Other countries that search for terms related to learning English the most include the Philippines, Sweden
Number of students learning English as a foreign language in 2022, by country[2]
- In 2022, the United Kingdom had the most students learning English as a foreign language. There were approximately 262,400 students who were learning English as a second language that year, followed by Ireland with almost 116,000 foreign students. The third place ranking was completed by Canada, with around 105,000 students learning English as a foreign language.[2]
- Number of students learning English as a foreign language in the UK is 262372. [2]
- Number of students learning English as a foreign language in Ireland is 115869. [2]
- Number of students learning English as a foreign language in Canada K is 104847. [2]
- Number of students learning English as a foreign language in the USA is 100105. [2]
- Number of students learning English as a foreign language in Australia is 94614. [2]
- Number of students learning English as a foreign language in Malta is 56675. [2]
- Number of students learning English as a foreign language in South Africa is 10039. [2]
- Number of students learning English as a foreign language in New Zealand is 9056. [2]
- 142 countries include English as a mandatory element of their national education policy. [5]
- There are over 750 million worldwide who people speak English as a foreign language (EFL).
- English as a second language accounts for roughly 375 million English language learners according to the British Council.
Attitudes Towards the English Language going into 2022[1]
To find out we polled 2,000 UK adults on 20/10/2021 using the market research company Censuswide asking:
For children around the world whose first language is NOT English, which language do you think it is most important they are taught at school?’
The survey revealed that:
- 62% of UK adults think that English is the most important language to teach children in non-English dominant schools.
- 9% of people say Spanish is the most important language for non-English children to learn at school.
- And 6.5% believe that children who are not native English speakers should be taught French at school.
- Other choices included Mandarin (3.4%), Arabic (1%) Hindi (0.9%), Russian (0.8%), Indonesian (0.6%), Bengali (0.55%), and Portuguese (0.55%).
How Many Countries Have English as an Official Language?[1]
- Our research found that English is recognised as an official language by law (also known as de jure) in 55 countries worldwide. That’s 28.5% of the world’s countries.
- If we include countries that have English as an official language by fact or de facto (not recognised by law), this increases the total to 75, therefore meaning that 39% of the world’s countries have English as one of their official languages.
- On top of this, some territories within different countries recognise English as an official language. These include Hong Kong (China), Curaçao, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius (The Netherlands), San Andrés and Providencia (Colombia), and the North and South Caribbean coast autonomous regions of Nicaragua.
Language Learning “Latest” Statistics[4]
- In 121 nations, English is the most popular language to learn and is the second most popular in an additional 8 nations, accounting for 62% of all countries.[4]
- In 2018, 27.9% of users said that their primary motivation for learning a language was academics, but in 2019, 22.6% of users joined for this reason between March and April.[4]
- The top English-learning nations are Yemen, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Burkina Faso, and Guatemala, where between 70% and 80% of all students are enrolled in English.[4]
- The rate of growth in language learning varied significantly by nation, with Iraq leading the list with a 640% increase in new students between March and April 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.[4]
- The rate of growth in language learning varied significantly by nation, with Iraq leading the list with a 640% increase in new students between March and April 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.[4]
- 88% of respondents said they would rather recruit bilingual individuals than monolingual ones.[4]
- 97% of respondents in another study said that being able to speak another language made traveling simpler.[4]
- According to Kaplan International, employees who can speak more than one language may anticipate a pay increase of up to 20%.[4]
- English-speaking U.S. immigrants earn 15-19% more than those who solely speak their native tongue.[4]
- In 2019 in the United States, English language learners (ELLs) made up 10.4% of the K-12 student population.[5]
- According to the European Commission’s foreign language learning statistics, in 2019, 96 % of pupils in upper secondary general education in the EU were learning English as a foreign language.[5]
- When it comes to learning English as a foreign language by country, Statista reports that in 2020 the UK recorded the highest amount of students with over 100,000 people learning English as a foreign language in the UK that year.[5]
- There are thought to be 400 million English language learners in China.[5]
- Pre-COVID, it was estimated that 250,000 native English speakers worked at more than 40,000 English language schools and institutes around the world to satisfy global demand for English language learning.[5]
How many English speakers are there worldwide?[5]
- According to the English Effect, a report issued by the British Council, 1.75 billion people spoke English to a useful level worldwide in 2013.
- Now in 2022, it is projected that there will be over 2 billion English speakers across the globe. This includes those who speak English as a second language (ESL). That’s over a quarter of the world’s population!
- The overall total is made up of approximately 400 million native English speakers, with non-native speakers making up the rest. Combined, they make English the world’s most widely spoken language.
- Statista puts the number at 1.5 billion people who speak English worldwide, either natively or as a second language.
Where is English spoken?[5]
- English is the official language in 59 countries and 27 non-sovereign entities around the world. It is spoken in 88 countries and is also the language of the United Nations and European Union.
- The United States has more than 230 million native English speakers, with over 283 million English speakers living there in total.
- The United Kingdom has approximately 60 million native English speakers. These are the two largest native English-speaking countries by population.
- Canada comes in third place with 20 million native English speakers.
- Australia takes the 4th spot with roughly 17 million English speakers. Notable mentions also go to the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, and New Zealand!
- India: 125 million people speak English
- Pakistan: 108 million people speak English
- Nigeria: 79 million people speak English.
- The Philippines: 64 million people speak English
ESL market statistics[5]
- The global English language learning market is huge and forecast to be worth $69.62 billion by 2029 according to a report issued by Meticulous Market Research.
- As of October 2022, 61% of the content language for websites was in English.
- There are many online learning platforms and multiple English learning apps that help people to start learning English. Consequently, the digital English language learning market alone is expected to grow by $ 14.37 billion during 2022-2026.
Which US States Have the Highest Rate of People Who Don’t Speak English at Home?[1]
- 1 in 5 people in the US can speak two languages, but the vast majority of US adults have English as a first language.
- In California, 44% of people speak a language other than English at home.
- The state with the second highest proportion of individuals who speak a language other than English at home is Texas, where 35.5% of people say they do this.
- New Mexico also has a high proportion of people who speak a language other than English at home, with 34% of individuals saying this applies to them.
- The states with the lowest percentage of people who speak a language other than English at home are West Virginia, Mississippi, and Montana where figures stand at just 2.6%, 4%, and 4.2% respectively.
- English is the third most common first language in the world, being spoken as a mother tongue by over 527 million people!
- English is by far the most studied language by non-native speakers worldwide, with some experts predicting that the language will be spoken by 2 billion individuals by 2050!
- Studies have concluded that the English language is one of the happiest languages in existence, along with Spanish and Portuguese