How long does it take to master English through full immersion?
Do you want to learn English abroad or improve your level, but you don't know the average length of time it takes to progress through English immersion? To properly organize your project, it is important to know how long it takes to learn English through immersion, reach a certain level or become bilingual in English.
English language immersion involves spending time in an English-speaking country and practising the language daily, interacting with native speakers.
If you are interested in rapid progress, motivated by a specific objective or if your time is limited, you will benefit more from immersion in English which includes an intensive English language course. For example, if you want to prepare for a language certification, such as the IELTS test or the C1 or C2 level in the Cambridge English exams for example.
If your motivations are more personal (for example, experiencing an English-speaking country or doing a gap year), if you are planning a long-term trip and if you are naturally independent and organized, free immersion in the host country may be more suitable for you.
English language immersion involves immersing yourself in the English language and culture through everyday contexts. In terms of learning, staying in an English-speaking country allows you to get used to the accent in order to develop automatic listening comprehension, and to memorize turns of phrase and vocabulary quickly and naturally. Learning English abroad also allows the linguist to feel more comfortable speaking English and to express themselves much more fluently in a variety of situations.
Ultimately, it is by spending time immersed in an English-speaking country that one can hope to become bilingual in English. OISE offers intensive English language courses, perfect for concrete progress in English through immersion.
The number of weeks you require to study will vary depending on your starting initial level and your desired target level. Here, below is an estimate of the time needed to speak English based on the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
From beginner to level A2
When you start, the time needed to speak A2 English is 1 to 3 months depending on the intensity of learning and immersion.
Level B1-B2
To achieve B1 or B2 English, it takes approximately 6 to 9 months of work for each level. These are the levels where it is easiest to progress quickly and significantly.
Level C1 and above
English levels C1 and C2 are the most difficult to achieve. To become fluent in English or bilingual in English , it takes more than a year of work and regular practice for each level. Improving your English level most often involves immersing yourself in an English-speaking country through short or long-term stays.
Intensive immersion generally accelerates progress and allows you to reach the desired level in a few months, or even a few weeks depending on the initial level.
The time it takes to learn or improve your English depends on certain factors specific to the learning environment. Here are some of the most essential factors for rapid and lasting progress.
A 100% English-speaking environment
Through immersion, progress in English is exponential thanks to a concrete and lively relationship with the language. By constantly interacting with native speakers, the apprentice linguist is confronted with different accents in real conditions (where comprehension can be more difficult than in a classroom) and practices in varied contexts. He dares to express himself and feels more and more comfortable in the language, which is reflected in the fluency and quality of his oral expression. It is important to get out of your comfort zone and meet native English speakers.
Serious educational support
For rapid and effective progress, a supervised language course delivers significant results. Linguists benefit from the guidance of native teachers who closely monitor their progress. The knowledge acquired during classes is directly put into practice on a daily basis through immersion. Educational support provides a studious framework in which the language apprentice is guided in their progress based on their initial level and their language objectives. This type of coaching is a real accelerator for learning English quickly through immersion.
The number of study hours per day
The amount of progress in English achieved is influenced by the number of hours dedicated daily to practising the language. The more the linguist practises their English (by interacting with native speakers for example), the more they gain confidence and fluency in the language.
OISE language courses offer structured support tailored to the student's needs and goals. The intensive, personalized course packages take place in a motivating environment that encourages students to give their best. This atmosphere promotes optimal progress over a short period of time.
Why choose a supervised language stay?
By focusing intensive effort and work, an English language course optimises learning time. This format allows for rapid, concrete results by providing an immersive, interactive and supported environment.
Measurable and concrete results
The teachers assess the trainee's progress, correct common mistakes to gradually eliminate them and guide them in their in their personal study projects.
At OISE, English language courses take the form of one to one lessons or lessons in mini groups. This allows the teachers to understand each student's level, objectives and needs in order to provide tailored advice. This personalised coaching with constructive feedback and motivating support. undoubtedly leads to concrete and useful results.
Gaining self-confidence through active immersion
The language stay provides a reassuring framework in which the apprentice linguist feels comfortable speaking English, even when making mistakes. By daring to express themselves without fear of misunderstanding or judgment from their native speakers (an unfounded but persistent fear among language learners!), the trainee becomes authentic in their linguistic immersion in English and their learning. In this way, the student develops a confident relationship with English.
The teaching method specific to OISE intensive English language courses:
● A strong commitment: OISE is committed to taking each intern beyond their language skills to help them acquire bilingual skills that are absolutely useful in professional, practical, or academic contexts.
● Personalised support: the student and teacher work together to establish goals and design a strategy to optimise learning through personalized content.
● Responsible teachers: teachers take responsibility for the trainee's results. They demonstrate motivation and high standards to create positive synergies and encourage the trainee to give their best.
● A dedicated teaching team: teachers are selected for their academic qualifications as well as their human qualities. They are attentive to the well-being of their students and create a stimulating learning environment conducive to effective progress.
What to remember
Learning or mastering English can take more or less time depending on the goals set and the learning environment. English language immersion abroad, the daily hours devoted to practising English, and the intensity of educational support are key factors in determining the time needed to become fluent in English. An intensive language course lasting a few weeks can lead to as much progress as a free immersion programme lasting several months. All you need is to dedicate yourself fully and invest in rigorous training.
Study on an intensive English language course with OISE
Looking for complete immersion and personalised support? OISE offers tailor-made programmes to help you make rapid and lasting progress in your English.
The personal attention offered by an OISE intensive English language course offers you all the keys to successful language learning.
It can take up to one year to become fluent in English. This requires serious language learning and/or immersion with regular interactions in English.
Can you really make progress in one month of immersion?
It is entirely possible to make progress in just one month of immersion. The extent of progress made and its sustainability depend on the quality of the English language immersion and the intensity of the learning environment. A serious language stay allows for remarkable progress in one month or less.
What is the difference between free immersion and supervised immersion?
Free immersion refers to a type of stay abroad in complete autonomy. The linguist is not accompanied in his or her daily life there, nor in his or her learning. Supervised immersion takes place within the framework of an intensive English language course, where the linguist attends classes and is advised by native teachers.
Which OISE formula for rapid progress?
For rapid progress, OISE particularly recommends its flagship programme: the Tutorial programme. This is a formula of individual one-on-one lessons with the teacher, offering 15, 20 or 25 hours per week. The “one to one” approach allows for the creation of 100% personalised courses, adapted to the level, profile and aspirations of the trainee.
What are the average results after an intensive English course?
The results of an intensive English language course vary depending on the initial level of the student, the length of the language course, the number of hours taught daily, the quality of the supervision, etc. In general, one can still expect greater oral confidence, better mastery of syntax, increased vocabulary, clearer pronunciation and sharpened oral comprehension.
