Category — Study abroad

For those of you looking for English courses in USA this summer, here are three tips to find the best English courses here in the United States.

First, pick the right location. English courses in New York and English courses in Boston are the most popular choices for international students. For those looking to study in a bustling city with lots of things going on all the time, then New York is the perfect choice. But for those looking to be close to the most prestigious universities in USA (Harvard and MIT), then Boston is the best choice for you.

Second, choose the right course. If your main goal is to advance your English skills in the shortest amount of time, then an intensive English course is the right one for you. But if you’re looking to have fun and enjoy your vacation, then take a part-time course instead. If you’re a business executive, many English schools in the US also offer executive English courses for professionals.

Third, select the right housing option. You can choose to stay in an apartment or a hotel or a student residence. But if you are looking to improve your English skills, then consider living with a host family. That way, you can practice your English skills even when you’re outside the classroom. To find a host family to stay at, consider asking one of your language partners here at MyHappyPlanet.com who lives in the city where you want to study in.

There is no better time to come and take English courses here in the US than in the summer, especially here in the Northeast (New York and Boston particularly) where the summer is a lot nicer and warmer compared to the winter. No wonder we see so many international students here from June - August!

Preparing to study a language abroad is an exciting yet sometimes daunting feat. From friendly waiters at the cafe around the corner to deciphering labels at the grocery store, everything will seem unique and new. With classes to choose, languages to learn and anticipation coursing through your bones, it’s hard to make sure everything is in order, especially when it comes to your housing.

It’s natural to have tons of questions on your mind. Where to stay? How much is it going to cost? Some schools may offer housing for studya-abroad students, which is often a toss up. On one hand it makes the process a bit easier but at what price? Are you going to be surrounded by other students who are also studying abroad? If so, wouldn’t it be more authentic to immerse yourself in the culture you’re there to learn.

Short-term property rentals are a great way to become apart of the heartbeat of a foreign culture, while having a place to truly call your home. These properties are rented by individual owners and offer the privacy and amenities of home without breaking the bank. FlipKey.com is a great resource with property listings all over the world that are reviewed by past guests to help you find the right place. Book your home and get yourself one step closer to life abroad.

Interested in studying English in Boston, USA? Boston is the intellectual capital of USA and is one of the most popular places in the United States to study English. There are a total of 70 universities and colleges in the Boston area. More importantly, the world’s most famous institutions of higher learning, Harvard University and MIT, are both located around Boston.

MyHappyPlanet’s office is also located in the Boston area, just a few steps away from MIT. Having lived and worked here for a few years, I can say that the vibe here is unique; the environment, conducive to learning. No wonder there are tens of thousands of full-time students in Boston. And no wonder Boston has emerged as a popular destination for international students seeking to improve their English language skills!

For those interested in studying English in Boston, here’s a link to see popular English courses in Boston.

Interested in studying English in USA? So many MyHappyPlanet members have told us that they are practicing English with native speakers online, with the hope of eventually coming to USA to further enhance their English speaking skills and immerse themselves in the American culture.

Although it has become increasingly difficult for international students to obtain visas, USA remains the top place in the world to learn English. The good news is that if you are going to the U.S. primarily for tourism, and want to take a short course of study of less than 18 hours per week, you may be able to do so on a visitor visa. However, if your course of study is more than 18 hours a week, you will need a student visa.

For those of you interested in pursuing an English language course here in the United States, here’s a list of popular English courses in USA. And here’s a resource for more information on student visa regulations.