You've always wanted to speak another language properly. Not textbook-perfect, but natural and confident. A language course abroad combines daily lessons at a language school with full immersion in the country where the language is spoken. According to the US Foreign Service Institute, reaching fluency takes several hundred hours of practice; immersion turns those hours into daily life. You learn in the classroom in the morning, then keep practising at the café, in the shops and with new friends for the rest of the day.
At SPRACHCAFFE, we have been helping kidas and adults learn a language abroad for over 40 years. Founded in 1983, we run language schools in 15 destinations across 10 countries. Standard courses start at 1 week and include 20 group lessons (15 hours) per week.
Immersion that works
Learn in the country and live the language, with 20 lessons every week from Monday to Friday.
Programmes for every age
Whether you are 12, 18 or 60+, a student or a professional, you find a course that fits.
Over 40 years of experience
Founded in 1983, we welcome junior and adult learners worldwide at schools accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, the FDSV and the British Council.
One booking, one provider
We handle tuition, accommodation, airport transfers and on-site support at all 15 destinations.
Language immersion means learning a language by living in it: every sign you read, every conversation you have and every coffee you order becomes practice. Research by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the US Department of State shows how much exposure fluency actually requires. According to FSI estimates, English speakers need around 600 to 750 class hours for closely related languages such as Spanish, French or Italian, and up to 2,200 hours for Mandarin Chinese or Arabic.
That is exactly why immersion language learning is so effective. Abroad, the hours add up far beyond the classroom. You can study a foreign language for years at home and still freeze when someone speaks to you naturally. Real fluency comes from real use: ordering lunch, asking for directions, laughing at a joke you only half understood. When the language surrounds you, it stops being something you study. It becomes something you speak.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), defined by the Council of Europe, makes this progress measurable, from complete beginner (A1) to near-native mastery (C2).
Where you can take a language course abroad
SPRACHCAFFE teaches 7 languages at 15 destinations across 10 countries.
Language
City
Country
Quick overview
English
St. Julian's
Malta
Sun-soaked Mediterranean island with SPRACHCAFFE's flagship Club Village campus: pool, beach, social spaces and year-round sunshine steps from the coast.
English
London
England, UK
The world's most international city. British Council accredited school, ideal for professionals targeting career-focused English.
English
Brighton
England, UK
Creative seaside city with Victorian charm, a buzzing social scene and SPRACHCAFFE's beachfront residence. A relaxed alternative to London.
English
Cape Town
South Africa
Breathtaking city framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic. Extraordinary landscapes, rich culture and English immersion unlike anywhere else.
English
Vancouver
Canada
One of the world's most liveable cities. Mountains, Pacific coastline, cosmopolitan atmosphere and our school in historic Downtown Vancouver.
French
Nice
France
The jewel of the Côte d'Azur, between Monaco and Cannes. Sun, beaches and world-class museums.
French
Rabat
Morocco
UNESCO World Heritage capital where ancient medinas meet modern boulevards. The only destination offering both French and Arabic in one city.
Arabic
Rabat
Morocco
UNESCO World Heritage capital. Combine Arabic with French in our unique Combi Course.
Spanish
Málaga
Spain
Sun-soaked Andalusian city on the Costa del Sol. Instituto Cervantes accredited, steps from the beach.
Spanish
Barcelona
Spain
One of Europe's most exciting cities: Gaudí, Las Ramblas, Mediterranean beach and world-famous food.
Spanish
Havana
Cuba
Classic cars, colonial architecture and extraordinary music. An unforgettable off-the-beaten-track immersion for adventurous adults.
German
Frankfurt
Germany
Germany's financial capital and the natural choice for business German. FDSV-certified, with excellent transport links.
German
Munich
Germany
Bavaria's beloved capital: tradition, culture, world-class food and genuine Gemütlichkeit.
Italian
Florence
Italy
The cradle of the Renaissance: the Uffizi, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and extraordinary food.
Chinese
Beijing
China
China's ancient and modern capital. Total Mandarin immersion for ambitious adult learners.
SPRACHCAFFE immersion programmes for adults (age 18+) follow a clear framework. Durations run from 1 week to 48 weeks. On arrival, a placement test assigns you to a class that matches your CEFR level. Classes have a maximum of 10 to 18 students, depending on course type and destination. The Standard Course includes 20 lessons per week (15 hours), Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 12:30. At most destinations, the free Study Club adds 4 weekly lessons of homework support and lesson recap.
The CEFR, the Council of Europe's framework for grading language ability, defines six levels:
CEFR level
What it means
A1
Beginner. You understand and use everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
A2
Elementary. You handle simple, routine exchanges on familiar topics.
B1
Intermediate. You deal with most situations while travelling and describe experiences and plans.
B2
Upper intermediate. You interact with native speakers fluently and argue a viewpoint in detail.
C1
Advanced. You use the language flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes.
C2
Mastery. You understand virtually everything and express yourself spontaneously and precisely.
I completed the A1.1 and A1.2 levels at Sprachcaffe over three weeks. I had a wonderful time, improved my German significantly and learnt a lot. When I arrived, I could understand a little, but after three weeks, I could actually speak basic German. The class was great fun, and the people were very international and super nice. I loved our teacher, Siegfried. He is the best teacher - a good pedagogue who is patient and tries to make the course as immersive as possible, explaining words and grammar in German. He was so sweet and caring! Thank you, Sprachcaffe! I will keep very fond memories of my time in Frankfurt.
Vincent Latino, SPRACHCAFFE student in Frankfurt, Germany
Course types for every goal
People choose language study abroad for different reasons. We offer four programme types for adults, each designed for a specific goal.
Short courses (1 to 2 weeks): best for professionals refreshing skills without a long absence. Confidence gains are immediate; CEFR level changes usually need 4 weeks or more.
Standard courses (3 to 8 weeks): the most popular adult duration. Long enough to settle in, build friendships and reach a new CEFR level. Available year-round at all 15 destinations.
Summer courses: our most international season, with the largest activity programmes of the year. Especially popular in Malta, Málaga and Barcelona.
Long-term courses (3 to 12 months): include the SPRACHCAFFE Long-Stay programme and the University Pathways route (12 weeks, for entry to English-speaking universities). A full language immersion course in every sense.
All programmes include an accredited school (Instituto Cervantes in Málaga and Barcelona, FDSV in Frankfurt and Munich, the British Council in London), qualified teachers, vetted accommodation, an optional activity programme and on-site support from arrival to departure.
What is included
If you study a language abroad with us, you book three separate components: tuition, accommodation and optional add-ons. There is no bundled package and no mandatory leisure programme. You choose your own combination.
Tuition includes:
Language placement test and end-of-course certificate
Standard Course: 20 lessons per week (15 hours), Monday to Friday, covering speaking, listening, reading and writing
Study Club free of charge at most destinations: 4 lessons per week with lesson recaps and homework support
Available as add-ons:
Intensive Course: 30 lessons per week (22.5 hours), with afternoon sessions from 13:00 to 14:30
Workshops (10 additional lessons per week): Business English, Communication Skills, Job Applications and Interviews, Public Speaking and Presentations, English Drama
One-to-One Course (also available online before or after your stay)
Club 50+ Course in Málaga and Florence: 20 lessons plus 10 hours of activities per week
University Pathways programme (12 weeks)
Accommodation is booked and priced separately. Options vary by destination and include homestay, shared residence, studio apartment and hotel. Most include full board or half board. A placement fee applies in addition to the weekly rate.
Good to know: Textbooks are available on loan at school for a small weekly fee. A letter of acceptance for visa purposes is available at an additional charge. You are free to arrange your own leisure time, and many destinations offer optional activities and excursions at extra cost.
What shapes the price
Four factors determine what you pay for language courses abroad:
Destination. Each of our 15 destinations has its own price level. Mediterranean destinations such as Malta and Málaga offer particularly strong value.
Duration. The longer you stay, the lower your weekly rate. From 9 weeks onwards, most of our schools apply a reduced per-week tuition price.
Course type. The Standard Course (20 lessons per week) is the most affordable option. Intensive Courses, Exam Preparation, Business workshops and One-to-One tuition each have their own rate.
Accommodation. Homestay, shared apartment, residence, studio and hotel options each come with their own price point. Some include breakfast, half board or full board.
Every adult programme comes with a placement test on arrival, an end-of-course certificate and free access to our Study Club. For an exact quote based on your destination, dates and accommodation, we are happy to prepare a personalised offer.
Certificates that open doors
Upon completing your SPRACHCAFFE course, you receive a personalised certificate free of charge at all 15 destinations. It states your course type, duration in lessons and weeks, and the CEFR level you achieved.
Recognised qualifications take this further. IELTS alone is accepted by more than 12,000 organisations worldwide, according to the British Council. Our teachers are experienced in preparing students for IELTS, the Cambridge Advanced Certificate, TOEFL and TestDaF, giving you verified proof of your abilities and a concrete asset for your career development.
The people you learn with
One of the most rewarding parts of a language course abroad is the people you share it with. From day one, you find yourself surrounded by adults from all corners of the globe. Each brings their own story and their own perspective.
In our small group classes, the mix of nationalities is an active part of the learning process. Every classroom conversation is a genuine cross-cultural exchange. Practising with classmates who think differently from you sharpens your skills far more effectively than any textbook exercise. The international atmosphere continues beyond the classroom: you share apartments with fellow students, explore the city after class and swap recommendations over coffee.
The friendships you build here tend to last. People who arrive as strangers leave as contacts, collaborators and often lifelong friends.
I loved my experience in this hotel. Very friendly and polite staff, always with a smile and trying to help you. They offer students a variety of activities to discover Malta and meet people everyday. Stanley as a manager of the place, is very nice and funny, and a super good guide for trips!! Also, Alcides, responsible of activities for adults was very dynamic and cared a lot about the students. It was a pleasure to spend one week there because I shared my experience with very interesting people and I felt at home. Thanks for everything, hoping to come back soon!
Eva Gracia Córdoba, SPRACHCAFFE student in St Julian's, Malta
Summer language courses
People have different reasons for booking a language course abroad. SPRACHCAFFE offers four programme types for adults, each designed to help you achieve a specific goal.
Short courses (1 to 2 weeks) - best for professionals refreshing skills without a long absence. Confidence gains are immediate; CEFR level changes usually need 4+ weeks.
Standard courses (3 to 8 weeks) - the most popular adult duration. Long enough to settle in, build friendships, and reach a new CEFR level. Available year-round at all 15 destinations.
Summer courses (June to August) - intensive programmes with full days of learning, an international atmosphere, and the largest activity programmes of the year. Especially popular in Malta, Málaga, and Barcelona.
Long-term courses (3 to 12 months) - include the SPRACHCAFFE Long-Stay programme and the University Pathways route (12 weeks, for entry to English-speaking universities). The perfect choice for full immersion.
All programmes include the following core features: an accredited school (Instituto Cervantes in Málaga and Barcelona, FDSV in Frankfurt and Munich, and the British Council in London); qualified teachers; vetted accommodation; an optional activity programme; and on-site support from arrival to departure.
You come for the language. It's the people and places that make you never forget it.
I loved my experience in this hotel. Very friendly and polite staff, always with a smile and trying to help you. They offer students a variety of activities to discover Malta and meet people everyday. Stanley as a manager of the place, is very nice and funny, and a super good guide for trips!! Also, Alcides, responsible of activities for adults was very dynamic and cared a lot about the students. It was a pleasure to spend one week there because I shared my experience with very interesting people and I felt at home. Thanks for everything, hoping to come back soon!
Eva Gracia Córdoba [St Julian's, Malta]
All SPRACHCAFFE destinations
Language
City
Country
Quick overview
English
St. Julian's
Malta
Sun-soaked Mediterranean island with SPRACHCAFFE's flagship Club Village campus — pool, beach, social spaces, and year-round sunshine steps from the coast.
English
London
England, UK
The world's most international city. British Council accredited school — ideal for professionals targeting career-focused English in a world-class urban environment.
English
Brighton
England, UK
Creative seaside city with Victorian charm, a buzzing social scene, and SPRACHCAFFE's beachfront residence. A relaxed, characterful alternative to London.
English
Cape Town
South Africa
Breathtaking city framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic — extraordinary landscapes, rich culture, and English immersion unlike anywhere else in the portfolio.
English
Vancouver
Canada
One of the world's most liveable cities. Mountains, Pacific coastline, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and SPRACHCAFFE's school in historic Downtown Vancouver.
French
Nice
France
The jewel of the Côte d'Azur, between Monaco and Cannes. Sun, beaches, world-class museums, and the most glamorous setting in Europe to learn French.
French
Rabat
Morocco
UNESCO World Heritage capital where ancient medinas meet modern boulevards. The only destination offering both French and Arabic immersion in one city.
Arabic
Rabat
Morocco
UNESCO World Heritage capital where ancient medinas meet modern boulevards. The only destination offering both French and Arabic immersion in one city.
Spanish
Málaga
Spain
Sun-soaked Andalusian city on the Costa del Sol. Instituto Cervantes accredited, steps from the beach — warm, relaxed, and deeply Spanish in character.
Spanish
Barcelona
Spain
One of Europe's most exciting cities — Gaudí, Las Ramblas, Mediterranean beach, and world-famous food. Intense urban energy alongside intensive Spanish tuition.
Spanish
Havana
Cuba
One of the world's most unique cities — classic cars, colonial architecture, extraordinary music. An unforgettable off-the-beaten-track Spanish immersion for adventurous adults.
German
Frankfurt
Germany
Germany's financial capital and the natural choice for professionals targeting business German. FDSV-certified, with excellent transport links across the country.
German
Munich
Germany
Bavaria's beloved capital — tradition, culture, world-class food, and genuine Gemütlichkeit. A warmer, more characterful alternative to Frankfurt for German immersion.
Italian
Florence
Italy
The cradle of the Renaissance — the Uffizi, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and extraordinary food. Learning Italian here is a full immersion into la dolce vita.
Chinese
Beijing
China
China's ancient and modern capital. The only place where Mandarin immersion is total and unavoidable — a powerful, ambitious choice for any adult learner.
Our teachers are friendly, qualified, and professional in their approach. Each of our schools is staffed year-round with professional language teachers, so you benefit from consistent, high-quality tuition regardless of when you join.
Are they native speakers?
Yes. For the online programme, the brochure states clearly that all teachers are highly qualified and have years of experience in teaching their mother tongue - confirming native speaker status. This same standard applies across our schools.
What is their background?
The materials highlight the following about our teaching staff:
They use the latest and most effective textbooks and up-to-date materials, covering all four key language skills: speaking, reading, listening, and writing.
They conduct placement tests to ensure every student starts at the right level.
They give regular progress tests and feedback to keep your learning on track.
For exam preparation programmes, they are experienced in preparing students for internationally recognised qualifications such as IELTS, Cambridge Advanced Certificate, TOEFL, and TestDaF.
For the University Pathways programme, teachers and placement consultants work together as a team to support students throughout their entire journey.
SPRACHCAFFE language courses abroad run from 1 week to a full academic year (up to 48 weeks). The most common adult bookings are:
2 weeks - entry, refresher, or a short professional break. Includes 40 standard lessons (30 hours of tuition). Most learners advance one CEFR sub-level.
4 weeks - the most popular adult duration. Long enough to settle into the city, build real friendships, and reach a new CEFR level.
12 weeks - full immersion or exam preparation (FCE, CAE, IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF). Recommended for measurable level changes (e.g. B1 → B2).
24 to 48 weeks - academic-year programmes for the most ambitious learners, including our University Pathways route.
Many SPRACHCAFFE programmes also qualify as Bildungsurlaub (educational leave) in Germany, allowing eligible employees additional paid days off work to attend.
At SPRACHCAFFE, an adult Standard Course with 20 lessons per week starts from around EUR 220 per week in Malta, our most affordable destination. The final price depends on where you go, how long you stay, the course type you choose, and the accommodation that suits you best.
Indicative weekly prices for the Standard Course (20 lessons per week, tuition only)
Destination
Standard Course from
Typical accommodation from
Malta (St. Julian's)
EUR 220
EUR 182 (Standard Apartment)
Spain (Málaga)
EUR 185
EUR 170 (Standard Apartment)
Spain (Barcelona, summer)
EUR 220
EUR 690 (Residence, full board)
England (London)
GBP 140
GBP 260 (Homestay, self-catering)
England (Brighton, summer)
GBP 200
GBP 350 (Residence Seafront, shared)
France (Nice, summer)
EUR 300
EUR 350 (Residence)
Germany (Frankfurt)
EUR 210
EUR 230 (Standard Apartment)
Germany (München)
EUR 210
EUR 520 (Homestay, breakfast)
Italy (Firenze)
EUR 260
EUR 290 (Shared Apartment)
Canada (Vancouver)
CAD 290
CAD 300 (Homestay)
Prices shown are entry-level starting points for adult programmes (1 to 8 weeks) and reflect the 2026 price list. Last updated May 2026.
Four factors that shape your final price
Destination. Malta and Málaga offer the strongest value for money. London, Vancouver, and Nice in peak summer sit at the higher end of our portfolio.
Duration. The longer you stay with us, the lower your weekly rate. From 9 weeks onwards, you benefit from a reduced per-week tuition price at most of our schools. In Málaga, for example, the Standard Course drops from EUR 185 to EUR 160 per week.
Course type. The Standard Course (20 lessons per week) is our most affordable option. If you prefer to learn faster, you can choose the Intensive Course (30 lessons), Exam Preparation, Business workshops, or One-to-One tuition, each at a different rate.
Accommodation. Homestay, shared apartment, residence, studio, and hotel options each come with their own price point. Some include breakfast, half board, or full board, so you can match your stay to your budget and lifestyle.
What is always included with SPRACHCAFFE
Every adult programme we offer comes with a placement test on arrival, an end-of-course certificate, and free access to our Study Club, which gives you 4 extra lessons per week of homework support and lesson recap at no additional cost. You also enjoy free WiFi at the school and the warm atmosphere of our international Club Village.
For an exact quote based on your destination, travel dates, and accommodation preference, we are happy to put together a personalised offer.
SPRACHCAFFE adult programmes (age 18+) are booked as three separate components: tuition, accommodation, and optional add-ons. There is no bundled package and no mandatory leisure programme - adults choose their own combination.
Tuition (what is included in the course price)
Language placement test and end-of-course certificate
Standard Course: 20 lessons per week (15 hours), Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 12:30, covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing
Study Club: included free of charge at most destinations (4 lessons per week) covering lesson recaps, homework support, and creative brainstorming
Maximum of 10 to 18 students per class depending on the course type
What is not included but available as an add-on
Intensive Course: 30 lessons per week (22.5 hours), with extra afternoon sessions from 13:00 to 14:30
Workshops (10 additional lessons per week): Business English, Communication Skills, Job Applications and Interviews, Public Speaking and Presentations, English Drama
One-to-One Course (also available online before or after your stay)
Club 50+ Course (Málaga and Florence): 20 lessons plus 10 hours of activities per week
University Pathways programme (12 weeks)
Accommodation
Booked and priced separately. Options vary by destination and include homestay, shared residence, studio apartment, and hotel. Most include full board or half board. A placement fee applies in addition to the weekly accommodation rate.
Important notes
Textbooks are available on loan at school (small weekly fee)
A letter of acceptance for visa purposes is available at an additional charge
Adults are free to arrange their own leisure time, though many destinations offer optional activities and excursions at an extra cost
Minimum age for adult programmes is 18
The adult programme is notably more independent than the junior offering. There is no structured supervision or mandatory leisure programme. You have full flexibility to explore your destination at your own pace, while benefiting from high-quality daily tuition.
One of the most rewarding parts of a SPRACHCAFFE language course is the people you share it with. From the moment you walk through the door, you find yourself surrounded by adults from all corners of the globe, each with their own story, their own reasons for being there, and their own perspective to bring to the table.
In our small group classes of up to 12 students, the mix of nationalities is not just a backdrop - it is an active part of the learning process. Every conversation in the classroom is a genuine cross-cultural exchange. Practising with classmates who think and communicate differently from you sharpens your language skills far more effectively than any textbook exercise ever could.
The international atmosphere continues beyond the classroom. Whether you are sharing an apartment with fellow students, exploring the city together after class, or simply swapping recommendations over coffee, you are constantly using and refining the language you are learning. At SPRACHCAFFE, we have seen for over 40 years how this kind of immersion - academic and social at once - produces results that stay with you long after you return home.
The friendships you build here tend to last. People who arrive as strangers leave as contacts, collaborators, and often lifelong friends. That is the SPRACHCAFFE difference: a language course that opens not just doors, but the world.
