Learning English abroad

English courses  and camps abroad pairs classroom lessons with daily, real-world immersion. Since 1983, SPRACHCAFFE Languages Plus has offered CEFR (A1–C2) courses for juniors (13–17) and adults (18+) across eight schools in Malta, the UK, Canada, and South Africa. 

Programs include preparation for major exams like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge Qualifications (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency).  

Juniors & Adults

Global Language

English is the world's most widely used international language for travel, study, business, and online communication.

Cultural & Travel

Thanks to our international nationality mix, you practise English naturally every day

Career & Salary

English skills significantly improve job prospects, access to international companies, and chances for promotion

Certificates

At the end of your course, you receive an official certificate confirming your language level and participation.

I love my experience in this hotel. Very friendly and polite staff, always with a smile and trying to help you. They offer to 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 super good guide for trips!! Also, Alcides, responsible of activities of adult people, he was very dinamic and care 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]

Adult Courses vs Kids' Camps

At our English schools, adult courses and language camps for teenagers are designed with different goals and structures in mind - because adults and young learners engage with language in fundamentally different ways.

Adult English Courses

Our adult courses offer clear goals and measurable progress in a structured yet flexible environment. Choose a Standard Course with 20 lessons per week or an Intensive Course with 30 lessons for faster development. Exam Preparation and specialised workshops add 10 focused lessons per week for those with specific targets. All classes are CEFR-aligned, and groups are capped at 15 students to ensure personal attention and active participation.

Explore adults courses in: Malta, England, Canada


English Language Camps for Teenagers

Our teenage camps combine a 20-lesson Standard Course with a fully supervised activity programme - because real fluency builds inside and outside the classroom. Lessons take place in international groups of up to 15 students, creating a naturally motivating environment where English becomes the shared language between new friends from around the world. Afternoons bring sports, excursions, and social events where teenagers practise English without even thinking about it, building confidence and independence along the way.

Explore juniors camps in: Malta, England, Canada

Staff very friendly and professional, very good school

Marcella Capista [London, UK]

Communication is key

Communicative practice — not grammar drills alone — is the mechanism through which classroom English becomes active fluency. Research on second-language acquisition consistently shows that the most effective approach combines comprehensible input (Krashen, 1985) with comprehensible output (Swain, 1985): listening and reading build passive understanding; speaking and writing move passive knowledge into active fluency.

In an English-speaking country, this happens automatically. You order coffee, ask for directions, chat with classmates from across Europe, Asia, America, and navigate daily life entirely in English. Cambridge Assessment English estimates that learners reach next CEFR level after 200 hours of study — but immersion abroad compounds those hours with constant authentic exposure that home study cannot match. 

At SPRACHCAFFE, native-speaker teachers build grammar and vocabulary inside the classroom; the city outside takes over the rest.

Lifelong bilingualism is associated with enhanced executive function - attentional control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility - across the lifespan, according to research by Bialystok and colleagues published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences (2012). For adult English learners, this translates into measurable transferable cognitive skills beyond the language itself.

source: Bialystok, E., Craik. (2012). Trends in Cognitive Sciences

Not sure where to go?

Criteria 🇲🇹 Malta 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇨🇦 Canada 🇿🇦 South Africa
Core Positioning Safe, social campus lifestyle Authentic & prestigious English immersion Premium, multicultural experience Adventure & transformative immersion
Overall Atmosphere Mediterranean, relaxed, community-based Urban, historic, dynamic Modern, open, nature-oriented Inspiring, diverse, energetic
Safety Level Very high High Very high Good with structured support
Travel Distance (from Europe) Short Short Long-haul Long-haul
Price Level €€ €€€ €€€€ €€
Academic Reputation Solid Very strong Strong Good
International Diversity High (especially in summer) High Very high High
Professional Environment Moderate Excellent Strong Developing
Accommodation Options Campus, residence, host family Host family, residence Host family Host family, residence
Lifestyle Experience Beach, sunshine, social life Culture, landmarks, city life Nature + vibrant cities Nature, culture, unique experiences
Climate Advantage Mild year-round Variable Cold winters European winter = summer
Emotional Impact Community & fun Prestige & tradition Global mindset Personal growth & inspiration
Long-Stay Potential Very good Good Excellent Excellent
Best Value for Money Strong Moderate Premium pricing Strong
School locations St Julian's, St Pauls Bay London, Brighton Vancouver Cape Town

Malta is the second-fastest-recovering ELT destination in the world, with non-EU students keeping ELT weeks stable in 2024 even as EU enrolment declined. According to Malta's National Statistics Office, Malta's English Language Teaching sector is one of only two among the world's top eight English-study destinations to exceed pre-pandemic enrolment levels - the other being Ireland.

source: Malta National Statistics Office;

Why learning English abroad is so effective

  • Speed. Immersion compresses the timeline. Where home study typically takes 200 hours to progress one CEFR level (Cambridge Assessment English), intensive immersion abroad - 20-30 lessons per week plus daily real-world use - typically delivers the same progress in 8 to 12 weeks of full-time study.
  • Authentic exposure. You hear native accents, slang, idioms, and regional variation that no textbook covers. The variety acclimatises your ear for global communication.
  • Confidence. Three weeks of ordering food, asking for directions, and discussing weekend plans in English does more for fluency than three months of grammar drills at home.
  • Recognised qualifications. SPRACHCAFFE prepares students for IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English Qualifications - recognised by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in over 12,500 institutions
  • Cultural and career value. According to the European Commission's Eurobarometer, English is ranked the most important foreign language for children's future by 85% of European parents. Peer-reviewed research finds wage premiums of 5-15% for English-language skills in non-English-speaking labour markets (Liwiński 2019, Empirica).

The United Kingdom is the world's most popular destination for English-language study, with an estimated 38% global market share in 2024 (BONARD). The country's 309 English-language teaching centres span every region of the UK, with particularly significant concentrations in London, Brighton, Bournemouth, Camden, Eastbourne, and other coastal and historic cities.

source: BONARD; English UK

Find out more

The cost of studying English abroad with SPRACHCAFFE depends on a few key factors:

  • Your destination
  • The duration of your stay
  • Your course type
  • Your chosen accommodation

What influences the price?

  • Destination - Living costs vary by country and city. Malta offers a more affordable option compared to major capital cities.
  • Season - High season, especially summer, often has higher prices because of more demand.
  • Course type - A Standard Course (20 lessons per week) is more economical than an Intensive Course (30 lessons per week).
  • Accommodation - Host families are usually the cheapest and offer a rich cultural experience. Residences or private apartments often cost more.
  • Duration - The longer you stay, the lower the price per week often becomes. Long-term programs offer particularly attractive weekly rates.
  • More services - airport transfers, insurance, workshops or extra activities may influence the total cost

Make your personal calculation here

What does your program include?

  • Language course with qualified teachers
  • Placement test before arrival
  • Course certificate at the end
  • Accommodation of your choice
  • Organised an activity programme for teenagers
  • Support from our local team
  • Personal guidance before and during your stay

Teen programs often offer supervision and a planned leisure schedule. This helps create a safe and fun international environment. Adult programmes focus on flexibility and independent exploration.

Plan your budget with confidence

Also, to your course package, you should plan for:

  • Flights or travel costs
  • Local transport (if needed)
  • Personal expenses and leisure activities
  • Optional excursions

We prepare a personalised quotation tailored exactly to your needs. You get clear pricing with no hidden fees. This helps you plan your language journey with confidence.

The right destination depends on the experience you want to live. With SPRACHCAFFE, you improve your English in inspiring locations that combine quality teaching with authentic cultural immersion.

  • England - Tradition and culture

England offers a classic language experience. You explore historic cities, famous landmarks and true British life while practising English every day. It is ideal if you want to learn the language where it originated and enjoy a mix of history and modern city energy.

  • Malta - Sunshine and international flair

Malta combines English learning with Mediterranean lifestyle. You study in a relaxed atmosphere and meet students from around the world. After class, you enjoy beaches, culture and outdoor activities. It is perfect if you want sunshine and a vibrant international community.

  • Canada - Nature and modern lifestyle

Canada offers welcoming cities and impressive natural scenery. You practise English in a multicultural environment and gain confidence quickly. It is a great choice if you want a balance between urban life and outdoor adventure.

  • South Africa - Diversity and great value

South Africa, especially Cape Town, offers breathtaking landscapes and cultural diversity. English is widely spoken, giving you daily speaking practice. You benefit from excellent value for money and a truly unique learning environment.

SPRACHCAFFE's English programmes are offered to two audiences:

  • Junior camps: teenagers aged 13 to 17, with full supervision, organised activity programmes, and curfew for under-18s. Available in Malta, the UK, and Canada.
  • Adult courses: ages 18 and above, with flexible course types from Standard (20 lessons/week) to Intensive (30 lessons/week), Exam Preparation, and Business English. Available in Malta, the UK, Canada, and South Africa.

Both formats welcome all CEFR levels (A1 to C2) and follow placement testing on arrival.

Visa rules depend on your nationality and your destination:

  • Malta (EU member). EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no visa required. Non-EU citizens: typically Schengen short-stay visa (up to 90 days within 180); longer stays require a Maltese student visa.
  • United Kingdom (post-Brexit). Most non-UK nationalities need a Standard Visitor Visa (Short-term Study) for courses of up to 6 months; longer courses require a Student Visa. EU citizens now also require a visa or eVisa.
  • Canada. EU and most Western nationalities can enter on an eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation) for courses up to 6 months; longer courses require a Study Permit.
  • South Africa. Many nationalities receive visa-free entry for up to 90 days for short courses; longer stays require a Study Visa.

Working while studying is generally not permitted on short-stay tourist or Schengen visas. UK and Canadian student visas may allow limited part-time work - typically up to 20 hours per week during term time - depending on course length and visa type.

SPRACHCAFFE provides enrolment confirmations and supporting documentation for visa applications, and guides students through the process. Final responsibility for visa eligibility rests with each country's immigration authority.

Which English certification should I take?

The most widely recognised English certifications are:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - jointly issued by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge Assessment English. Recognised by over 12,500 organisations worldwide. Most common requirement for UK, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand university and visa applications. Valid for 2 years.
  • TOEFL iBT - issued by ETS (Educational Testing Service). Most common for US university admission. Accepted at 12,500+ institutions in 160+ countries. Valid for 2 years.
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE) - issued by Cambridge Assessment English at the University of Cambridge. Valid for life with no expiry date.
  • TOEIC - issued by ETS for business and workplace English, particularly in Asia and Europe.
  • Pearson PTE Academic - fully digital, AI-scored, accepted for UK and Australian visa applications.

With SPRACHCAFFE, you join a vibrant international community where people from different cultures come together with one shared goal: improving their language skills and experiencing the world.

Our schools welcome students from Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and beyond. This diversity creates a dynamic atmosphere where English becomes the natural language of communication from day one.

You share your experience with:

  • Teenagers gaining independence and confidence
  • University students preparing for global careers
  • Young professionals developing international skills
  • Adults combining travel with personal growth

Inside the classroom, you learn in small, multicultural groups. Outside the classroom, you explore the city, take part in activities and discover new perspectives together. You celebrate different traditions, exchange ideas and form real connections.

With SPRACHCAFFE, the international community is more than a mix of nationalities. It is a supportive network where friendships grow, cultural understanding deepens and unforgettable memories are created.