Learning English in the “Athens of the North”
Language school in the heart of Scotland
The “Athens of the North” - that is what the German writer Theodor Fontane called Edinburgh. The Scottish capital, with its impressive and beautiful medieval architecture, has certainly earned this name. The enchanting city of culture is perfect for a language stay. It is no coincidence that Edinburgh has been voted the best place to live in Great Britain several times. Here you can experience over 300 years of history first-hand. The city’s high quality of life comes not only from its cultural offerings but also from the many possible activities around the city.
The district of Leith, for example, offers a picturesque harbour atmosphere by the sea. And if you feel like going a little further out of the city, you can take a trip to Loch Ness – and get to the bottom of the myth of the monster – or simply take in the green hills of the Scottish Highlands.
Edinburgh is so popular with language students above all because of its historic centre, the medieval Edinburgh Castle and its location by the water.
We are in close contact with our partner schools on site, all of which are very centrally located. The professional teachers at the language schools in Edinburgh ensure that you achieve the greatest learning success in the shortest possible time. In the Scottish capital, language students from all parts of the world have the perfect opportunity to explore the area through the many leisure activities and to make new friends.
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Impressions of Edinburgh
Learning in the centre of Edinburgh
Our partners’ language courses
Our partner schools are accredited by the British Council and regularly checked by us in person, so we can assure you of the best quality. Besides their excellent location in the centre of Edinburgh, the schools offer a wide choice of different language courses. Young English learners can improve their language skills from as young as 7, and there are also exciting offers for the 50+ age group. It is even possible to take English lessons for various professions. As the world becomes increasingly connected, English is in demand in many sectors. Do not worry if your English is not yet fully developed: from beginner to expert, there are offers for every level. At Edinburgh’s language schools, you can also choose the intensity of the courses, i.e. the number of lessons per week.
As it is particularly important to the language schools to introduce participants to the culture and to create a relaxed atmosphere among them, they all also offer a varied social programme.
The range offered by the language schools in Edinburgh can therefore be summarised as follows:
- General English
- One-to-one lessons
- Certificate preparation (Cambridge, IELTS, BULATS)
- Academic English
- English for professions - marketing, human resources, law, hospitality and much more
- English for teachers - Erasmus+
- Holiday courses
- Group courses
- English for ages 50+
- University preparation
If what you are looking for is not included, send us your special course request and we will take care of finding the right thing for you!
Accommodation at our language schools
A great advantage of the accommodation in Edinburgh is its central location, from which the language schools are easy to reach. You are free to choose whether to stay with a host family, in a residence or in an apartment. Host families, which are visited regularly by the schools, are the most affordable form of accommodation. With a family, language students also have the advantage of getting to know Scottish culture first-hand and improving their language skills through direct exchange with native speakers.
Staying in a residence gives you the opportunity to make international friends and practise your English with people from all over the world. Here, as with a host family, you can choose between a single or double room. If you prefer private apartments, you get a discount through the language schools. In any case, we will find accommodation in Edinburgh that matches your wishes.
You can also choose your meals to suit you best. If you do not want to worry about anything, why not go for full board? If you want to try out the many restaurants and cafés, half board or just breakfast is a good choice.
Leisure activities in Edinburgh
When it comes to leisure, you have a wide choice in Edinburgh. You can plan your language course abroad so that there is a bit of everything. Whether it is a day in the medieval “Old Town” or the neoclassical “New Town” followed by refreshments in a traditional tea house. And then perhaps a day out in nature at the weekend, in one of the many national parks in the picturesque Scottish countryside?
Here we have gathered some inspiration for your language stay in Edinburgh.
Sightseeing
Foodie paradise
Edinburgh is known for its old city centre and above all for Edinburgh Castle – a medieval castle towering over the city. It is part of the “Old Town”, whose architecture gives the city a fairytale quality. Besides the Old Town, there is a second city centre: the “New Town” is characterised by its neoclassical style and, with its splendid columns and ornaments, contrasts with the Old Town’s winding little lanes. Princes Street Gardens are the perfect place for a breather from the busy main shopping street. Enjoy the wide variety of flowers and the sight of historic monuments. If you spend Christmas in Edinburgh, do not miss the traditional German Christmas market held in the Gardens.
Apart from that, Holyrood Park, with its highest hill Arthur’s Seat, offers the perfect opportunity to admire small lakes, cliffs and the impressive flora and fauna. After a hike up Arthur’s Seat, you are rewarded with a view of Scotland’s capital - absolutely worth seeing.
Right next to the park is Holyrood Palace, an official residence of the British monarch, which can also be visited.
If you like being active, be sure to explore The Meadows. The park in the south of the city is a popular meeting place for outdoor and ball sports, but it is also wonderful for a relaxed picnic where you simply lean back and watch a game of cricket or tennis.
Food and drink
Music hotspot
If you need a break from all the sightseeing, numerous classic tea houses such as The Colonnades at the Signet Library are perfect for afternoon tea. Although tea has a big place in the history of the kingdom, there are also award-worthy cafés. Particularly recommended are Artisan Roast and Brew Lab, whose exceptional coffee creations will make any coffee lover’s heart beat faster.
When it comes to food, classic fish and chips are everywhere. The Scots swear by their national dish, haggis. If the somewhat acquired taste of the national dish is not for you, you will find something in one of the international restaurants. And of course, thanks to the proximity to the sea, fresh seafood in Edinburgh is an absolute delicacy.
Shopping
Crazy about fashion
Edinburgh has no shortage of shopping. The main shopping streets are Princes Street and George Street. Shopping could not be more beautiful, as Princes Street gives you a direct view of Edinburgh’s picturesque Old Town. If you like things a little more luxurious, Multrees Walk is the place for you. You can also spend your shopping day in the three shopping centres Ocean Terminal, Waverley Mall or Gyle Shopping Centre. For true vintage fans, the Grassmarket and Victoria Street are highly recommended, as their small shops are full of such treasures. Things are a little more alternative in the West End artists’ quarter. Here you will find many independent shops and food retailers for whom healthy and sustainable food comes first.
Creative hotspot
Art is free
Edinburgh is also known above all for its wide-ranging cultural scene.
Numerous festivals take place every year: for example the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – one of the largest cultural festivals in the world - where you can marvel at dance, comedy, theatre, circus performances and much more for a whole month. The International Film Festival and the International Jazz and Blues Festival are also highly recommended while you are in Edinburgh.
As for the city’s museums, the National Museum of Scotland is really worth a visit. Here you can learn about the country’s fascinating history free of charge on 5 floors and catch a unique view of the city from the roof terrace.
Edinburgh is definitely not short of art collections and theatres either. If you want to spend the evening at the theatre, you will be spoilt for choice.
As Edinburgh is a popular destination, you will of course also find more than enough souvenir shops – especially on the Royal Mile – with classic tartans and bagpipes.
But anyone who thinks Edinburgh is just a tourist city is mistaken.
Edinburgh is above all a student city; around 10% of its inhabitants are students. The University of Edinburgh is also one of the best universities in Great Britain and is mentioned in the same breath as Oxford and Cambridge.
As befits a student city, there are many places to go out in addition to the huge cultural offering. Most of the bars and pubs are around the Grassmarket – a medieval market square in the Old Town - our tip for you: The Last Drop. If you have never tried Scottish whisky, you will definitely find it here.
Getting there
By plane, Edinburgh can be reached from Germany in approx. 2 hours and from London in one hour – and, as befits a capital, it is also well connected to other Scottish cities.
Edinburgh’s airport is close to the centre, so you only need to allow 25 minutes’ travel time.
For a surcharge, the schools offer you an airport transfer from the airport to your accommodation and back.
Why a language school in Edinburgh?
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Edinburgh is compact: the Old Town, New Town and many sights are easy to reach on foot.
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The medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
