How you’ll learn

General language lessons

Sixteen of your lessons will focus on general language skills like vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, speaking and pronunciation. A further four teacher-led lessons will take place online in Project Sessions or in class using interactive learning tools. You’ll also have one 80-minute lecture per week. Each one will focus on a different subject –like history, art, local culture or current affairs.

Special Interest Classes (SPINs)

In addition to your General Language classes, you’ll have between 4 and 10 Special Interest Lessons (SPINs) for subjects that you’re interested in or that you’d like to use for your career or education goals. The SPIN lessons options you can choose from depend on what program you’re enrolled in and which classes are available during your stay. You can also take online SPIN lessons, which you can complete in individual Project Sessions.

Academic year abroad projects

As part of your EF Language Year Abroad Program, you'll also complete special projects that combine classroom lessons with real-world practice and research. They're designed to combine academic study with a unique cultural experience. All students will read a novel, make an academic portfolio of their work and enjoy study visits.

Outside the classroom

Traveling to another country to learn the language means a lot of opportunity to practice. To really advance your fluency, speak the language outside of the classroom and make friends with students from other countries. And remember, don’t be afraid to make mistakes!

Academic follow-ups

To ensure you meet your Academic objectives, you will meet at least once every six weeks one on one with EF teachers to discuss your progress, set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) linguistic goals and look at best practices to maximise your language development.

Homework

Your teachers will give you homework to complement your work in class. Ask your teacher if you’d like extra homework, practice or assignments.

Monitoring your progress

To check that you’re at the right learning level, there will be class tests and quizzes each week. We’ll also give you a progress test at the end of each study stage. You can follow your progress on EF Campus Learning.

Proof of your success

EF offers language exams in all the languages that we teach. If you’ve attended at least 80% of your classes, you can take the EF Standard English Test (EF SET) in your final week at school (English courses only). This test evaluates your language level using the internationallyrecognized Common European Framework of Reference standards. We can also prepare you for official exams in your study language. If you reserve them in advance – and they're available at your program campus. Talk to your school's Academic Team or EF office to find out more about exam dates, costs and availability.