How to prepare before a language course abroad: level, placement test and starting online with your school

Updated 4 November 2026

A language course abroad goes further when you arrive ready: you are placed in the right class from the first day, you understand more of what happens around you, and you spend your weeks abroad improving instead of catching up. Here is what to prepare, in order, and an option many students do not know about: starting online with the same school before you travel.

1. Know your level (roughly) before you book

Schools describe their classes with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). You do not need an exact level to book, but a rough idea helps you choose the course and the number of weeks. Two free ways to estimate it:

The CEFR self-assessment grid of the Council of Europe: short descriptions of what you can do at each level, for any language.
For English, the free Cambridge English «Test your English».

When you book on LanguageBookings.com you choose your level in the form; the school uses it to plan your class.

2. The placement test: what to expect

Most schools check your level with a placement test, on the first morning or online before you arrive. It usually combines a written part (grammar, vocabulary, reading) and a short conversation. Do not prepare it as an exam: the aim is to put you in the class where you will learn most. If after a day or two the class feels too easy or too hard, tell the school: changing class is normal.

3. Practise in the weeks before you travel

Listening every day: podcasts, series or radio in the language, even 15 minutes. The first days abroad are hardest for the ear.
Speaking: a language exchange partner (tandem) or a friend who speaks the language. Practise the situations of your first day: introducing yourself, the transport from the airport, your accommodation, shopping.
Useful vocabulary: numbers, dates, directions and the words of your daily routine.
Beginners: learn the alphabet, pronunciation and basic greetings before you arrive. You will follow the first lessons much better.

4. Start online with your school before you travel

Some of the schools on LanguageBookings.com also teach live online group classes: the same school, its teachers and its method, from home. A few weeks online before the trip has clear advantages:

You arrive with a better level, and you can start in a higher class.
You already know the school and how it teaches when you walk in on the first day.
You only pay for the course: no flights, accommodation or visa for those weeks.

And if you cannot travel this year, an online course with a school abroad is also a cheaper way to keep learning with native teachers. Some examples:

German evening course online with F+U Academy of Languages in Heidelberg: Tuesday and Thursday, 18:30-20:00 Heidelberg time.
Online General English (A1-B2) with Speak Up London: 6 hours a week, small online groups.

See all of them on online language courses with real schools. Each course page shows the school's time zone and converts the class times to your own time.

5. Documents and practical details

Check early whether you need a visa for your destination and course length (the official immigration website of the country is the reference), what health insurance you need, and what the school includes (materials, registration fee, placement test). If you have questions about a course, ask us before booking: we answer in your language.

Booking with LanguageBookings.com

Online and in-person courses are booked the same way: you only pay a deposit, which is part of the course price, and with a card it is only authorised until the school confirms your place. If you find the same course cheaper on the same terms, we match the price.