Language courses and schools abroad: Practical information

In theory, general language courses start every Monday. Some schools propose beginners courses at fixed dates. Official exam preparation courses (e.g. Cambridge) are proposed 2 to 3 times per year at fixed dates.

If you have made up your mind to travel abroad, do not delay in undertaking all of the steps. By enrolling on time, you benefit from more attractive prices on your flight and have more time to complete the necessary administrative steps (visa request, extension of your health insurance, announcement of your departure etc.). In addition, your wishes concerning accommodation will be more easily satisfied if we can begin searching in advance.

Fill the on-line enrolment form and mail/fax it to us or send it to your enrolment agency.

• We will confirm the course enrolment, accommodation and flight within seven days of receipt of your enrolment form. This confirmation has all the details of your course, accommodation and journey. A deposit is then to be paid within 10 days.
• Information on low-cost flight prices will also be included, without any obligation, if you have noticed it in the enrolment form.
• We will send you the final invoice 5/6 weeks before your departure.You have to pay the outstanding amount, in swiss francs or in foreign currency before your departure.

ESL - Language studies abroad also proposes the booking of flights for all destinations, at very competitive prices, to you. Do not hesitate to ask us for an offer without obligation. If you mention it on the enrolment form, we will send you a price offer for a favourable flight, on an informative basis.

ESL offers a wide range of insurance options, including cancellation fee insurance, baggage insurance and flight replacement insurance. You will receive detailed information with the confirmation of your course. For health insurance, you should contact your health insurer and make sure that you are covered abroad.

Do you wish to travel abroad in the next few days? If circumstances don't allow for you to enrol a long time in advance, we can organise your stay in the space of a few days!

• Europe
  The arrival day is Sunday, the departure therefore takes place on Saturday. It is possible to arrive before the weekend on request. In this case, the additional nights will be invoiced.
• Overseas
  The same goes for the overseas schools of our brochure. Nevertheless, due to the time difference and the long journey, we recommend to students to travel during the week. In this case, the additional nights will be invoiced.

All of your travel documents are provided to you approximately 10 days prior to your departure. They include a travel guide, the detailed description of your accommodation, your plane ticket, your flight plan as well as general information on the school and your destination. In addition, we provide you with documentation which is as complete as possible on the chosen country.

Teaching does not take place on bank holidays (national holidays etc.). If the classes are not compensated for by our partner schools, the missed hours are not refunded.

Small schools (S)
Studying in a school with 30 to 70 participants has many advantages: a relaxed friendly environment, concerned teachers, and small classes. However, the full range of levels and course types is not always available.

Medium-sized schools (M)
With 70 to 100 students, they combine the advantages of small and large schools: good technical equipment, a wide range of activities, many levels, personal contact and good flexibility.

Large schools (L)
Schools with 100 to 300 students offer courses for almost every level, an excellent technical infrastructure and a wide range of activities.

Very large schools (XL)
Schools with over 300 participants offer the same advantages as large schools, although it will be very difficult for you to meet all the other students!

Course dates and fees as featured online are valid for the current year. If you are planning your language course for next year, you can use this information as an indication. Prices and dates for next year are generally available from July on. Don’t hesitate to call us to for up-to-date information on dates & prices before their publication (end of September). We receive many enrolments several months in advance so that we can guarantee popular courses or accommodation, or satisfy your specific wishes. By enrolling before November for the following year, you will usually pay the same price as for the current year. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for more info.