5 Original Travel Destinations to Study English 2026

Learning English while traveling is one of the most effective ways to master the language. Immersing yourself in an English-speaking country forces you to practice daily, sharpening your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in real-world scenarios.

But not all study-abroad destinations offer the same experience. The best places combine high-quality language schools, cultural richness, and affordability, making them ideal for both short-term courses and long-term English immersion programs.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the best travel destinations to study English, whether you’re looking for an intensive English course in a bustling city, a laid-back experience in a scenic town, or a budget-friendly option. I’ll cover destinations that cater to every type of learner—whether you prefer the structured environment of top-rated English language schools or the flexibility of practicing with native speakers in a casual setting.

From the academic prestige of Oxford and Cambridge to the multicultural hubs of New York and Sydney, each destination has unique advantages. You’ll discover where to find affordable tuition, vibrant student communities, and the best opportunities to enhance your English proficiency through everyday interactions.

If you’re serious about improving your English while experiencing new cultures, keep reading—I’ve rounded up the top English-learning destinations to help you make the most of your study-abroad journey!

1. Singapore, a futuristic and multicultural city

Singapore is the perfect place to practice English while getting to know a multicultural and safe city . You may not know that in Singapore English is the official language , but Chinese, Malay and Tamil are also spoken . So, if you ever get stuck with grammar, at least you'll know that you're not the only one dealing with more than one language.

Why learn English in Singapore? This city-state offers a unique mix of diversity , with sci-fi skyscrapers, amazing street food (oh, the famous hawker centers ), temples of all religions and public transport that runs like clockwork. Plus, the universities and English academies are of an excellent standard . And if you ever get tired of studying, you can always take a stroll around Marina Bay or escape to Sentosa Island to recharge your batteries.

→ Here we tell you the 10 must-see and must-do things in Singapore

2. Hawaii: Learning English in the Paradise

If you're going to learn English, why not do it in one of the most beautiful and amazing places on the planet ? In Hawaii, in addition to taking lessons in schools with native teachers who will probably arrive to class in flip-flops, you can practice with locals who have a clear and slow accent.

And the best part is that after hours of studying, there are endless activities waiting for you : hiking volcanoes, snorkeling with sea turtles or simply enjoying an epic sunset with a mai tai in hand. Honestly, we don't think there's a better way to learn a language.

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3. Malta, the Mediterranean jewel where you can learn English

Malta is the ideal choice if you want to learn English without giving up the sun and the sea, and without having to cross half the world . This small country in the middle of the Mediterranean has English as its official language , along with Maltese, which means that you can practice anywhere, from a café overlooking Valletta to on a boat heading to the Blue Lagoon.

It's an ideal destination for young people , as there are areas packed with bars and clubs where you can put into practice what you've learned in class with students from all over the world. You're likely to make more progress in a night out in Paceville than in a w

eek of grammar lessons (or so they say). And if you need a break, you can always visit prehistoric temples, swim in turquoise waters or explore the 'Game of Thrones' locations in Mdina.

→ This is all there is to see and do in Malta

4. United Arab Emirates, a luxury destination

If you like impossible skyscrapers, shopping malls where you can lose yourself for hours among exclusive shops and the feeling of living in a world of luxury , there is no other place like the United Arab Emirates. Here, although Arabic is the official language, English is the language of business and is spoken practically everywhere.

Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have top-notch English schools and a huge international community, with expats from all over the world. You’ll have no trouble practicing your pronunciation while enjoying a cup of tea in a tea shop, haggling over prices in bazaars, or better yet, while hanging on for dear life on a 4x4 desert safari.

And if at any point the temperature reminds you that you are, in fact, half a step away from the sun, there will always be an absurdly large shopping mall waiting for you with enough air conditioning to simulate a Siberian winter.

→ We tell you the must-sees in Dubai and the places to visit in Abu Dhabi without fail

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5. South Africa, one of the best original destinations to learn English

And we come to one of our favourite countries… If you are looking for an original destination where you can learn English while living epic experiences, we can do nothing but recommend South Africa. The best thing about studying in the Rainbow Nation is that you can combine classes with unforgettable experiences , in a unique environment, although full of contrasts.

Charming cities like Cape Town will instantly captivate you, safaris to see the 'Big Five' will captivate you, hiking routes with impressive views are ideal for the more adventurous, whale watching trips in Hermanus and you can contemplate these giants just a few metres away, or cheer yourself up with excellent wine tastings in the vineyards of Stellenbosch.

In addition, the cost of living is more affordable than in other English-speaking countries, which will allow you to enjoy an enriching stay without breaking the bank in the process.

→ Here are the Top Curiosities in South Africa

Ultimately, there are many more options for studying English in the world than London, New York or Sydney… Whether you choose the modernity of Singapore, the beaches of Hawaii, the history of Malta, the luxury of Dubai or the adventure of South Africa, the important thing is that you enjoy the process (and that you study, of course).

Learning a language is much more than memorizing lists of verbs : it's immersing yourself in a culture, making new friends, and hopefully returning home with amazing anecdotes (and impeccable English). Do you know of any other original destinations where you can study English?

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