A Few Differences Between the United States and Turkey

There are many differences between the United States and Turkey. Learn about some of them and get prepared for your life of a Turk expat.

Live Abroad: 10 Reasons to Choose Canada for Your New Home

Choosing the country, where you want to live is never easy. Let us help you with our article about 10 reasons why to move to Canada.

Get Ready to Study Abroad with Our Useful Tips

You must be so excited! You’ve already booked your language course abroad and you’ve bought your flight tickets. Very soon you will embark on a journey to an English-speaking destination to study abroad.
Are you feeling a bit anxious? Don’t worry, that’s completely normal. As much as we all love travelling and exploring new places, a trip abroad is always a bit stressful. We understand that at LAL, which is why we’ve written down for you a number of tips on how to prepare for studying abroad.

1. Learn More About Your Destination

The unknown can be scary, especially if it’s your first trip abroad on your own. This is why it’s important to do some research about the place you’re going to visit. Learn about the cool places to see, read what people say about your destination on travel forums and check out how it all looks like on Google maps.
Did you know that on our website many schools offer a virtual trip around the premises? Thanks to this functionality you can get a sense of how it would be to study abroad, before you’re even there. Visit our website and check out other English courses abroad. 

2. Make Sure You’re Ready

The travel preparation cannot be completed without you making sure that everything is ready. Have you taken care of your visa? Do you have a packing list?
There are many important details to take into account when you’re about to leave your country to study abroad. One of the ugliest surprises you can get, for instance, is to find out that you can’t charge or use any of your appliances because the plugs there are different than the ones in your home country.
Try to connect with people who have already travelled to a given destination. You can also ask your LAL contact for some insight to avoid such situations and as much info as they can provide you with about your English course abroad.

3. Learn the Basics of Local English

Another thing that will help you in your preparation for study abroad, regardless of your current skills, are the basics of the local variation of English.
Yes, English speakers from different countries can understand one another pretty well but it makes one’s life much easier to know at least a few words of local slang. Do you know that in informal South African English “a robot” means “traffic lights” and in British English slang “a glass of beer” is called “a pint”?
Learn some useful local vocabulary and impress your friends at the school and your teachers during your English course!

4. Linguistic Travel Preparation 101

Apart from the basics of the local lingo, you may want to practice chatting to native speakers. To study abroad means, first and foremost, to communicate with others in a foreign language. You’ll get plenty of practice there but you’ll feel much more confident, if your first conversations happen before your journey. Find a language partner from the country you’re travelling to for a few session before your trip or try socializing with local expats.
You can also opt for listening to recordings of the local accent as initially it may be challenging to understand it, if you’re used to a different variation of English.
Are you going to the UK? Remember to check out this list of British series to improve your pronunciation. Whatever your destination, take our word for it – you’re going to have a much nicer trip if you work on these skills rather than test them for the first time at the airport.

5. Brush up on Travel Vocabulary

Speaking of airports…it would be useful for you to have some travelling vocabulary mastered. That’s probably one of the best travel tips anyone could give you to help you avoid stressful situations. You’re on your way to study abroad, after all – you’re meant to be excited and not scared.
Have a notebook with the most important phrases with you and don’t forget to carry a hard copy of a small dictionary. We love everything digital too but up in the air you may not be able to use your Internet connection when you need it. Seeing that you still have Internet access at the moment, why don’t you check out our vlog to learn some useful travel phrases? 

6. Remember About Your Goals

You almost know everything now about how to prepare for studying abroad. There’s still one more thing you should remember and this is that… you’re going there to improve your English!
Studying abroad can be an absolutely amazing adventure. You’ll meet people from countries all around the world, you’ll explore a new destination and you’ll learn about other cultures. You’ll definitely have a lot of fun!
Nevertheless, don’t forget that your primary goal is to learn English. You can hang out with your compatriots all you want but remember to use English even with them. Do your homework like your teacher says for the best results. Last but not least, swap a supermarket for a corner shop to maximise your exposure to real life conversations.

It’s quite natural to be slightly stressed before you get on the plane to study abroad. Fortunately, the tips from our guide on how to prepare for studying abroad will help you ease the anxiety. An English course in an English-speaking country is a truly amazing experience and we’re sure you’ll really enjoy it.

If you have any questions regarding your stay with LAL, remember to drop us a line and we’ll gladly answer your questions. To better prepare for your trip, remember to also explore other posts on our blog.  

How to Convince Your Parents to Let You Study Abroad

Learning English abroad is an unforgettable adventure but convincing your parents to allow you to go can be tough! Read our post and find out what arguments to use to make your dream come true.

5 Best Things to Do in Sea Point

Cape Town is an amazing city for your language adventure abroad. You’ll love the urban landscape as well as its stunning natural beauty. What’s more, the local LAL school is situated in the vibey area of Sea Point.

Study Abroad in Your 30’s: Myth Debunker

Would you like to study abroad in your 30’s? If the answer is “yes” but you’re hesitant because of things you’ve heard, this article has been written specially for you! Today, we’re going to confront the myths about studying abroad in your 30’s to show you what you can really expect from such an experience.

3 Best Destinations to Study English in Canada

Many people decide to study English in England or in the United States. These destinations have been popular for years but it’s good to know that they’re not the only ones out there. Today we’re going to tell you a bit more about another English-speaking country to consider, if you’d like to study abroad… Have you ever wondered how would it be to learn English in Canada?

A Teenager Travels to Learn English Abroad: Myths vs Reality

Parents often freak out just thinking about their children going away on their own. Especially the idea of a teenager travelling to a different country alone brings many different thoughts to people’s minds. Is sending your teenager to learn English abroad really such a scary thing or have you just been exposed to too many myths on the topic? In this article, we will explain how it really looks like when a teenager studies at LAL.

Learn English During English Riviera Holidays

Do you need holiday but you also feel that you really need to work on your English skills? We have a great solution for you that will allow you to combine business and pleasure: learn English in England and experience English Riviera holidays at the same time.  

Have you ever heard about the borough of Torbay in Devon? This amazing location has not one but three picturesque towns to offer to visitors: Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. This place full of sandy beaches and tourist attractions is also known as the English Riviera. Sounds tempting? I promise you that holidays spent there will be an unforgettable and relaxing experience. You won’t even notice how and when your English has improved.

                                                  Sunbathing and Co.

What can you do there when you’re out of the classroom? The South Devon coastline is very diverse. It’ll pleasantly surprise the fans of sun-bathing with its beautiful beaches. That’s not all what you can expect, though! You can go for an adventure to explore secluded coves or find rockpools. If you need a bit of an adrenaline rush, climb up one of the cliffs and look down…

                                          Walks and Hikes in the Area

Do you prefer to be active instead of lazing around endlessly? Don’t worry! The incredible English Riviera has a lot of green and wooden areas for you to explore on foot. You can go for a hike with your friends from school and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, while burning calories from all the delicious local meals you’ve eaten.  

                                          Be Active in Your Free Time

Is walking not adventurous enough for you? No problem! There’s plenty of water activities in Torbay that may be more to your liking. Here’s just a sample of what you can do in this gorgeous area: water skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding and many, many more activities! Take your pick today or wait till you’re there to see what you’re in the mood for. 

                                              Have a Beer… or Two

Would you like to taste local beers during your visit too? There’s a countless number of places in Torbay where you can sit and have a pint like a real British person. Traditional English pubs are mixed with modern bars, so you’ll definitely find your new favourite spot there.

                                         Visit Local Historical Sites

If you’re interested in learning English as well as expanding your knowledge of the British history, the borough will not disappoint you. There are many great locations just a stone’s throw away from Torbay but why not enjoy what’s under your nose first? Check out the Spanish Barn where prisoners used to be held, Napoleonic forts in great condition and Agatha Christie’s holiday home. 

                                       Enjoy Countless Events in Torbay 

During English Riviera holidays, you should also explore numerous events that happen there throughout the year. Have a look at our picks and decide what tickles your fancy: 

• Torbay Steam Fair 
• Brixham Pirate Festival 
• England’s Seafood Feast 
• Torbay Carnival Week 
  
• Occombe Festival 
  
• BMAD Motorbike Festival

Sounds good? Check the dates, get your tickets and don’t forget to have all the fun! 

                                           Museums Can Be Cool Too

Do you like museums? Torbay gives you an opportunity to explore them too. You’ll have a lot to do, if you want to see them all.  
Torre Abbey Museum gives you a chance to go through 800 years of history at one go. The museum also has a number of art galleries and for the fans of Agatha Christie, a Potent Plants Garden. Torquay Museum will take you even further back in time, telling you about geology, archaeology and people of South Devon. If that’s not enough, top it up with a visit to Brixham Heritage Museum. It’s housed in an old police station and is completely free to visit!

I hope that our list of things to do in South England has inspired you to come and study in our school in Torbay. If you want to learn English in England, the English Riviera is one of the most beautiful and exciting locations to do so. We’re looking forward to meeting you in person!    

The Cost of Studying Abroad: Learn English in an English Speaking Country

Is it really expensive to study English in an English-speaking country? The cost of studying abroad will depend on many factors. It’s usually possible to find an option that will be suitable for both you and your budget.  
Today we’re going to deal with the most common misconceptions about the cost of learning English in a foreign country. If you want to know how to study abroad without breaking the bank, this post will definitely be useful for you. 

Myth 1: I Can’t Afford It

This is a very common complaint…coming from people who haven’t even researched the cost of an English course abroad. First of all, there are many different courses that you can choose from. Do you want an intensive course or are you happy with a standard number of hours? Are you okay with learning in a group or will you only consider private tuition? Do you want to learn English to improve your general language skills or does a highly specialised course better suit your needs? These questions are all very important, if you’re trying to evaluate the potential cost of an English course in an English-speaking country. Try to answer them, before you even think about choosing a destination. 

Myth 2: Some Destinations Are More Expensive Than Others

There are many different expenses involved in planning a trip to an English-speaking country and plane tickets are often the most expensive part of the whole plan. 
On the surface, a language stay in Malta may seem cheaper than the one in Fort Lauderdale. You should remember, however, that everything is relative. If it’s cheaper for you to fly to a “more expensive” destination, it may turn out that the overall price of your experience there is lower than in a different, “cheaper” destination you’ve been considering. Don’t let labels such as “expensive” and “cheap” discourage you from doing proper calculations, when choosing your destination.

Myth 3: I Have to Spend a Lot Of Money During My Stay

This isn’t true. We encourage our students to use our services for both the course and accommodation. When that’s paid for, there’s not much left to organise and pay for. Of course, you need to take into account the price of flight tickets when considering studying abroad. However, once you’ve paid for your flights, it’s entirely up to you how much money you’re going to spend during your language stay.
Depending on your destination, your LAL accommodation may even have some meals included in the price! The remaining food expenses depend on your choices. You may opt for expensive restaurants or for quick and convenient food options. 
Remember that excursions aren’t obligatory. You can decide yourself, which trips you’re really keen on and which ones you’d rather skip.  

Myth 4: I Can Just Learn English in My Country

There are many people who have become fluent language speakers without leaving their country. English courses are led by qualified native English and native-level teachers all around the world. At the same time, no one can deny the linguistic benefits of a trip to an English-speaking country. 
Would you like to improve your language skills fast? The experience of language immersion, such as the one offered during the LAL language stays, is one of the best ways to improve your English level quickly. When you’re in an English-speaking country your language learning is not limited solely to the time you spend in the classroom. You need to communicate in English with everyone around you: your friends from the school, the staff, people on the street. English surrounds you at all times: you hear it on TV, on the bus, in a museum… There’s no way to escape it and it’s a great opportunity to become more fluent in English!   

Myth 5: I Will Never Save Enough Money to Learn English Abroad

You’ve thought about everything… You’ve chosen the destination and the course that’s a great match for your needs. You’ve even decided that your trip should be one-month and not three-month-long, as you initially imagined, to cut the cost of studying abroad. Still, you don’t have enough money.  
What to do now? Don’t despair and start saving! Think about all the take-away coffees, lunches at restaurants and clothes that you don’t really need. Cut the small daily, weekly and monthly expenses that don’t make a difference and get an experience of a lifetime for the money saved.  

I hope our myth-debunking post helped you get a more optimistic view of the cost of studying abroad. Remember about the facts and don’t listen to the myths, regardless of how many people spread them. See you at one of the LAL schools soon!