Language schools

International chains (EF, Kaplan, Berlitz) — standard, pricey. Local schools — cheaper, variable quality. University courses — academic prep + a path into the university.

Price per hour, not per week. Group size (8–12 optimal). Accreditation: British Council, EAQUALS, FDSV. Check if textbook, level test, certificate are included.

Standard 15–20 h/week — light pace. Intensive 25–30 — a level in 2–3 months. Super-intensive 35+ — fast but draining. Visas often require 18–20 h minimum.

English: Malta (cheap), UK, Ireland. German: Germany, Austria. French: France, Montreal. Spanish: Spain, Latin America (2–3× cheaper).

Short courses (≤90 days) — tourist/Schengen visa. Longer — student visa. Language + work — only with a permit (Ireland 20 h/week, Germany — not for language courses).

'Level guaranteed in a month' — marketing. Non-accredited schools — worthless certificates. Agent markups — book directly, comparing with the school's site price.