Learning English is an essential part of academic, professional and social life today. However, one of the questions students are most curious about is this: is it necessary to go abroad to learn English, or is it sufficient to attend a good course in Turkey?

Both options have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will examine the differences between language schools abroad and English courses in Turkey in full detail.


Language Schools Abroad: Advantages

1. Learning in the Language’s Country of Origin
Learning English in countries such as the UK, the US, Canada or Australia allows you to immerse yourself in the language’s culture. This accelerates the learning process.
2. Constant Opportunity for Practice
Abroad, you speak English not only in the classroom but also on the street, in the supermarket, in cafés, and amongst friends. This enhances fluency.
3. Exposure to Different Cultures
Overseas language schools offer the chance to meet students from all over the world. This both broadens your social circle and helps you understand different accents.
4. A Strong Asset on Your CV
The statement “I studied abroad” is a highly impressive detail on your CV during job interviews. Employers prefer candidates with a global outlook.

Language Schools Abroad: Disadvantages

● Cost: Accommodation, flight tickets, living expenses and tuition fees are quite high.
● Visa Procedures: These can be complex and time-consuming for students.
● Adjustment Issues: Differences in language, culture, dietary habits and climate can make adaptation difficult.
● Being Away from Family: This can be particularly challenging for younger students.

English Courses in Turkey: Advantages
1. More Affordable Costs
The best English course options in Turkey offer much more economical solutions compared to studying abroad.
2. Proximity to Family and Work Life
When you attend a course in your own city, you can learn English without severing family ties, whilst continuing with your work or school life.
3. Qualified Teaching Staff
Today, many courses in Turkey offer high-quality education with foreign instructors and internationally certified teachers.
4. Better for Exam Preparation
If you are preparing for exams such as the YDS, TOEFL, or IELTS, it is much easier to find exam-focused programmes at courses in Turkey.
5. Hybrid Learning Options
Thanks to online English courses or hybrid learning, you can attend classes from home without wasting time.

English Courses in Turkey: The Downsides

● Lack of a Natural Language Environment: Unlike abroad, your opportunities to practise on the street are limited.
● Lack of Motivation: It can be difficult to focus on lessons whilst carrying on with your daily life.
● Accent Differences: Some courses may only have Turkish instructors, which can slow down the development of your accent.

Which Option Suits You Best?
When making a decision, you should ask yourself the following questions:
● What is my budget?
● Is my goal to become fluent in English in a short time, or is it exam-focused English?
● Can I be away from my family or work for a long period?
● Am I ready to live abroad?

If you have a generous budget and your goal is to learn English in a natural environment, an overseas language school is a sensible choice. However, if you wish to learn English professionally, at a reasonable cost and in a shorter timeframe, high-quality English courses in Turkey may be the right choice for you.

English with American Time: International-Standard Education in Turkey
American Time is one of the leading institutions in Turkey offering ‘international-standard education’.

The benefits of American Time:
● A team of expert foreign and Turkish instructors
● Conversation-focused lessons
● IELTS, TOEFL, and YDS preparation programmes
● A hybrid system combining online and face-to-face learning
● Affordable prices and flexible payment options
● Branches available in many cities across Turkey

When you study at American Time, you benefit from the advantages of an English course in Turkey whilst also enjoying a high-quality experience akin to studying abroad.
Both overseas language schools and English courses in Turkey offer different advantages and disadvantages for students. Your choice depends entirely on your budget, goals and lifestyle.
If your budget is limited but you’re seeking a high-quality education, you can achieve your goals in a short time with American Time English courses. If you have the opportunity, you can consolidate what you’ve learnt with a short-term experience abroad following the course.
Remember: The most important secret to learning English is the right method and consistent effort.