Categories
English

What's Your Purpose In Studying Abroad?

Before selecting a destination for studying abroad, it's essential to define your learning goals and evaluate how the experience will benefit you in the future.

What’s your purpose in studying abroad? This should be the first question you should ask yourself even before selecting a destination.  Defining your learning goals and evaluating how this experience will benefit you in the future are important factors to consider.

Which question should go first?

Contrary to popular belief, choosing the destination country is not the first step. First, you should decide what goal you intend to achieve by participating in a study abroad program.  You should also consider what language you would like to learn and take into account the experience you would like to discover. For example, California is a dream destination for many students due to it’s warm and sunny weather!  Students are also free to pursue their goals when studying abroad in California while interacting with various cultures from around the world.

Only after defining your goals, you’ll be able to make crucial decisions regarding your journey abroad, such as the language you intend to study, destination country, language school, and length of stay.  Keep in mind that upon arriving to your destination, your goals may possibly change.

Studying abroad is a unique experience that should be approached with an open mind.  This kind of experience is a big investment and careful planning is highly suggested.  Specialized agencies are a great resource to use in the planning process. CEL has several partners in your country that are available to help you take the first steps to embark on this unforgettable experience!

Happy language students at CEL Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

Patrick
Patrick
Himmelberg
CEO
Patrick
English
Becoming Fluent In English: How To Improve Speaking And Writing Skills

Becoming Fluent In English: How To Improve Speaking And Writing Skills

Improve your English speaking and writing skills effectively at the College of English Language in Los Angeles, with personalized instruction, modern teaching methods, and a supportive learning environment.

English
English Speaking Skills: How Can I Enhance Them?

English Speaking Skills: How Can I Enhance Them?

Enhancing speaking skills requires effective pronunciation, varied tone, and confidence, best achieved through practice and guidance from a reputable language school like the College of English Language in Santa Monica.

USA & Canada
Pourquoi Vancouver attire les étudiants qui ne veulent pas d’un séjour linguistique « classique »

Pourquoi Vancouver attire les étudiants qui ne veulent pas d’un séjour linguistique « classique »

Analyse éditoriale expliquant pourquoi Vancouver est une destination idéale pour un séjour linguistique structuré et rassurant, particulièrement adaptée aux étudiants francophones souhaitant progresser en anglais à leur rythme, avec une vraie immersion au quotidien.

USA & Canada
USA or Canada for Learning English? How to Choose the Right Language Stay

USA or Canada for Learning English? How to Choose the Right Language Stay

A balanced, experience-based guide to choosing between the USA and Canada for learning English. Learn how environment, not country, shapes progress — and how to apply the CEL Decision Lens™ to your own learning phase.

Témoignages d’étudiants
Mon séjour linguistique à CEL San Diego : entre cours, rencontres et vie californienne

Mon séjour linguistique à CEL San Diego : entre cours, rencontres et vie californienne

Découvrez comment mon séjour linguistique à CEL San Diego a transformé mon anglais grâce à l’immersion et la vie californienne.

Student Stories
Taking a Gap Year to Study in San Diego: My Dream Came True!

Taking a Gap Year to Study in San Diego: My Dream Came True!

Hannah from Korea spent a month at CEL San Diego during her gap year—and loved it. From structured, high-level classes that boosted her speaking skills to making international friends and exploring local highlights, her time was both educational and unforgettable. She recommends CEL for anyone looking to improve English while enjoying life in the U.S.

Study Abroad
How to Stay Connected With Friends and Family While Studying Abroad (Without Losing the Experience)

How to Stay Connected With Friends and Family While Studying Abroad (Without Losing the Experience)

Staying in touch during your language stay: keep strong connections with family and friends without missing your experience in Vancouver. Clear routines, time zone tips, and the right balance help you truly settle in.

Local Life
5 Things That Surprise Students About Living in Vancouver

5 Things That Surprise Students About Living in Vancouver

International students arrive in Vancouver with a mental picture from Google Images — mountains, ocean, rain. The reality is different. Five honest surprises from students who've studied English here, from the city's diversity to how dry the summers actually are.

2026-05-09
2026-05-08