Can I study abroad in English in a non-English-speaking country?

Yes. Many universities now offer English-taught courses and degrees, especially at master's level, though availability depends on subject and institution.

Is studying in another language much harder?

It is more demanding at first, especially reading and writing, but it can accelerate language learning. Your level and support matter.

Do I need to take a language test?

Usually yes, for the language of instruction. Required levels and tests vary by program.

Will I make local friends if I study in English?

You can, but you need to make an effort, since English-taught classes often attract many international students. Local clubs and language practice help.

Which is better for my career?

It depends. Studying in the local language helps if you plan to work in that country, while English may be enough for international or home-country careers.

Studying Abroad in English vs Another Language: How to Choose

A growing number of universities around the world teach in English, which has changed what "studying abroad" can mean. You can spend a semester in Italy without speaking Italian, or study for a master's in the Netherlands entirely in English. That choice raises a real question: should you study in English because it is easier, or in the local language because it is richer? Neither answer is universally right. Each shapes your academic life, your social life and what you take home.

Policies and offerings vary by country and institution, and language rules have changed in some countries. This guide explains the trade-offs. It is general information.

The short version

	In English	In the local language
Admissions	English test, wider choice of programs	Language test at a high level, narrower choice
Academic load	Lower language barrier	Heavier at first, reading and writing are slower
Daily life	Possible in English in some places, but easier with local language	Natural immersion, daily practice
Friendships	Many international friends, local friends take effort	More chances to meet locals
Language growth	Depends on your own efforts outside class	Fast, because you use it constantly
Career value	Good for international roles	Strong for local employment
Stress	Lower in class, possible isolation outside	Higher at first, more rewarding later

What studying in English involves

In English-taught programs, lectures, readings and exams are in English, and many classmates are international. This is common in master's programs, business, engineering and some bachelor's degrees in northern and western Europe, parts of Asia and elsewhere.

Advantages:

A wider range of programs is open to you if you do not speak the local language.
Easier admissions. English tests are familiar, and often required.
Quicker academic progress, since you use a language you know.
International classroom, with many perspectives.
Flexibility to choose a country for other reasons.

Limits:

It is easy to stay in an English-speaking bubble and not learn the local language.
Daily life, bureaucracy and jobs still use the local language.
Local friendships take more effort.
Policies on English-taught programs may change.

What studying in the local language involves

Studying in the local language means attending lectures, reading texts and writing exams in that language. Universities usually require evidence of a high level of proficiency, shown by a recognized test.

Advantages:

Deep immersion, and rapid language progress.
Access to local courses and the full range of the curriculum.
Easier integration into student life and local friendships.
Stronger local job prospects.
A distinctive experience, and a skill that employers value.

Limits:

High language requirements for admission.
A steep learning curve, particularly in reading speed and academic writing.
Greater risk of lower grades if language is a barrier.
More stress at first.

Admissions and requirements

English-taught programs usually require an accepted English test or evidence of study in English.
Local-language programs require tests in that language, often at an advanced level, or completion of a preparatory course.
Some universities offer a bridging year or intensive language course before the degree.
Check deadlines, since language test results may be needed early.

Our guide to how to choose a study abroad program explains how language fits into your decision.

Academic difficulty

Studying in a second language is cognitively demanding, even if you are fluent.

Reading takes longer, and you may miss nuance.
Writing essays and exams takes more effort.
Lectures are tiring, especially with fast speech, accents and technical vocabulary.
Group work requires fluent communication.
Assessment may not consider language, so your grades can suffer.

You can reduce the strain: record lectures if allowed, build vocabulary lists, attend language support classes and ask professors for clarification. Many universities offer writing centers and tutoring. If your level is borderline, consider a lighter course load for the first term.

Daily life and friendships

In English-taught programs, you may be surrounded by international students, which makes friendships easy but less local. Make a point of joining local clubs, sports and volunteering, and practice the local language.
In local-language programs, you are immersed from day one, which can be exhausting but fosters friendships with locals and a stronger sense of belonging.
In either case, shops, offices, landlords and health services mostly use the local language. A little effort goes a long way.

Our guide to making friends while studying abroad explains how to meet people in either setting.

Language growth

Local-language study gives constant practice, and many students reach fluency within a year.
English-taught study does not guarantee any local language learning, unless you make it a priority.
A hybrid approach works well: take English-taught courses alongside local language classes.

If language learning is a main goal, choose a setting where you must use the language daily. A year is far better than a few weeks.

Cost

English-taught programs can cost the same or more than local-language ones, particularly for international students.
Local-language programs at public universities may be cheaper, and sometimes have lower fees for those who qualify.
Language courses before or alongside study add cost, but also add value.
Extra time to reach the required level can add to total cost.

Compare total costs, including the time needed to prepare.

Career value

If you plan to work in the host country, the local language is a major advantage, often essential.
If you plan to return home or work internationally, an English-taught degree may be enough, though a second language is a plus.
Employers value language skills, but only if you can prove and use them.
Combining both can make you particularly attractive in international fields.

Think about where you want to work in five years, not just next semester.

Judging your readiness

Ask yourself honestly:

What is my current level, measured by a test, not by confidence?
Can I follow a lecture, read academic texts and write essays in that language?
How much time do I have to improve before I go?
How do I cope with stress and uncertainty?
What support is available at the host?
What is the cost of failing a course?

If you are unsure, take an intensive course, try a short summer program in the language or start with a mix of English-taught and local-language courses.

Hybrid options

English-taught courses plus a language class, a common choice for exchange students.
A preparatory language year before a degree.
A summer intensive program to test your level.
A homestay, which provides daily practice outside class.
Language tandem partners, where you exchange practice with a local student.
Gradual transition, starting with English courses and adding local-language ones.

These let you grow into the local language without risking your grades.

How to decide

Write your goals, and rank language, academics, career and cost.
Check what is available at your target universities.
Test your level with an official exam.
Talk to returnees who studied in each way.
Consider a hybrid approach.
Decide, and prepare a plan for language support.

A worked example

Imagine a student who wants to study in Germany. She has intermediate German, but would struggle with technical lectures. She enrolls in an English-taught master's program and takes a German course alongside, joins a local hiking club and lives in a shared flat with German housemates. After a year, her German has improved so much that she can handle conversations and basic work tasks. She decides to apply for jobs in Germany that value her bilingual skills.

She chose a path that matched her level and her goals.

Common mistakes

Overestimating your level.
Choosing English-taught programs and never learning the local language.
Underestimating how tiring study in a second language is.
Ignoring support services.
Not checking program language policies.
Choosing only by ease.

A quick checklist

Do I know what language each program uses?
Have I tested my level officially?
Do I have a plan for language support?
Do I know how language fits my career plans?
Have I considered a hybrid option?

Final thoughts

Studying in English can make an international experience accessible, while studying in the local language can make it transformative. Be honest about your level, think about your goals and consider a hybrid. Whatever you choose, make a point of using the local language in daily life.