If you want to expand your horizons or get ahead in your career, one of the best things you can do is to learn English. As the most widely spoken language across the globe, English is the international language of many industries, and can open up new career opportunities both in your home country and overseas. Equally, learning a language like English will be of huge benefit if you want to travel abroad – nearly everywhere you go, you’ll be able to make yourself understood if you can speak English.

Of course, it’s possible to learn English in your own country – there are specialist language schools all over the world, while many colleges and universities also offer English language tuition suitable for all ages and abilities. However, if you really want to improve your skills and broaden your horizons, then why not consider learning English in London? By coming to London for your English tuition, you won’t just benefit from the teaching of native English speakers, but you’ll also get to immerse yourself in British life and culture. This will give you a much richer and wider experience, and should help you improve your skills and prospects even further.

However, learning English in London isn’t right for everyone. Here are some things to think about before you commit:

1. Can you afford it?

It’s really important to remember that the cost of learning English in London doesn’t just involve your tuition fees. You’ll also need to budget for your travel to the UK, accommodation in London, and your living costs while you’re there. Of course, if you work, you should also find out whether it’s possible to take a paid sabbatical or if you’ll need to live without your earnings for a while. In short, you should make sure you know how much learning English in London will cost and how you’re going to pay for it.

2. Do you have the time?

London language schools offer a wide range of courses, including differing durations ranging from a week up to a year. It’s important to consider whether you can afford this time away from home, in addition to whether you can afford it financially. For example, if you have a family, will you really be able to face leaving them behind for a period of time? If you’re in a busy job, will taking time away from the office help or hinder your prospects? Make sure you’re realistic about the time commitment involved and what that will mean for your life back at home.

3. Can you find the right course for you?

Make sure you don’t just commit to the first English language course you find – it’s vital you think about what you want to achieve and ensure you choose a course that will offer what you need. That could be anything from a focus on English conversational skills through to a course that specifically covers English for business purposes. The good news is that there are hundreds of English language schools in London, each offering a range of courses, so it’s highly likely you’ll find what you’re looking for. When you’ve found a course you’re happy with, you should also check that the London language school offering it has a good reputation – you can check this by finding out if it’s accredited and inspected by organisations like EAQUALS and the British Council.

Take your next steps

If you’ve thought carefully and decided that learning English in London is the right step for you, then it’s time to get in touch with your preferred London language school. Find out how to book your place on a course – then you can start making the necessary arrangements to come to London and begin the next exciting steps to broaden your horizons.