Seamless integration, including a personalized orientation and a welcome city tour to help you feel at home immediately.
Study English for Longer, Succeed for Life!
Are you ready for a life-changing experience learning English abroad?
Whether your focus is on upgrading your language skills, preparing for university or gaining career skills, you’ll have 6 to 11 months to become fluent, live like a local, and make lifelong friendships. Kaplan’s Academic Year Abroad will enhance your English in an immersive, supportive environment designed to equip you for success. It will give you the confidence and practical experience needed to thrive in real-world academic and professional settings.
It’s a truly life-changing journey experienced by thousands of students like you every year.
Why choose an Academic Year Abroad with Kaplan
Fully immersive English in Kaplan destinations
With over 20 destinations to choose from—ranging from vibrant global capitals to smaller but hugely welcoming communities—you can focus on your academic or professional goals through a semester or even a full academic year abroad.
Wherever you go, we promise the time will fly by!
Master English. Reach your goals
We have a program for every need as well as upgrades to maximize the experience. Select yours and begin your journey to success!
Language and Culture
Become proficient. Embrace a new culture. Live like a local.
Choose 6, 9 or 11 months to become fluent
English for the real-world with expert teachers and guest speakers
University Preparation
Ace your IELTS or TOEFL.
Program certificates from Georgetown University, Dartmouth College and more
Designed for ambitious students planning to study in top institutions
Professional Preparation
Succeed in your career with a career-focused program.
Get certificates in Business, Media, Communication, Arts, Fashion and more
Perfect your English for a competitive global economy
Tailored programs to suit your requirements
Do you want to improve your speaking confidence, ace an academic exam or get ready for the professional world? Tailor your program and start your academic adventure.
*Courses are subject to regulatory approval/accreditation
Most popular
Intensive
Perfect your speaking, reading, writing, listening, grammar, while building a big working vocabulary.
Intensive
Want to master every aspect of English? This program sharpens your skills in speaking, reading, writing, listening, grammar, and pronunciation, while also expanding your vocabulary for effective communication in real-world settings.
Key facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
-
20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
-
8 Lessons of Specialist Skills = 6 hours
-
3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
-
4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: All Kaplan schools excluding London 30+
Minimum age: 16 Entry level: Elementary to Advanced English
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Semi-Intensive
Build a strong foundation of the English language while also having enough time to explore your chosen city.
Semi Intensive
Build a strong foundation of the English language while also having enough free time to explore your chosen location and have fun with friends! Take part in our social activities, immerse yourself in the city, and make the most of this adventure!
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 27 lessons per week
-
20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
-
3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
-
4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: All Kaplan schools excluding London 30+
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: Elementary to Advanced English
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Multi-Destination
Choose to study in a new Kaplan city every three months and turn your language journey into an adventure!
Multi-Destination Year
Students travel the globe to create their own dream Academic Year Abroad by combining two, three or four locations, each destination with a minimum of 12 weeks.
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Destination available: All Kaplan schools excluding London 30+
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: Elementary to Advanced English
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
TOEFL®
Work with expert teachers in targeted lessons to pass the TOEFL® exam and gain access to life in North America.
TOEFL®
Gain access to work or university life in North America with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®). This English language proficiency test is required for access to numerous colleges and institutions across US and Canada. Choose this program and you’ll feel ready to ace the exam, with targeted lessons, practice tests and expert teachers who’ve helped numerous students pass.
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
- 20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
- 8 Lessons of Specialist Skills on TOEFL® = 6 hours
- 3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
- 4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: New York, Boston, Toronto
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
IELTS
Strengthen the 4 language skills needed to ace the IELTS exam—required by institutions across the UK.
IELTS
Strengthen the four key language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—needed for you to ace the IELTS: an important language proficiency exam required by many universities and companies across the UK and Ireland! During this program, you will take part in highly-focused lessons covering each section of the exam, as well as learning test-taking strategies that will have you pass IELTS in record time!
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
-
20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
-
8 Lessons of Specialist Skills on IELTS = 6 hours
-
3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
-
4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: Bournemouth, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Oxford, Dublin, Toronto, Vancouver
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
English for Academic Pathways
Build the language skills you need to succeed academically. That’s how to score top marks!
English for Academic Pathways
Want to be completely prepared for success in an academic setting? This program is ideal if you want to develop essential language skills and test strategies for academic success while preparing to achieve top results in an official English exam.
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
- 20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
- 8 Lessons of Specialist Skills = 6 hours
- 3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
- 4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: Toronto, New York, Vancouver, Boston, Santa Barbara, Cambridge, Bournemouth, Oxford
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Business
Being fluent English is a game-changer, it can double your market value in industries such as tech and business.
Certificate in Business
Being fluent English is a game-changer—it can double your market value in industries such as tech and business, and open doors to international companies and global opportunities. Take your career further with Kaplan’s English for Business program, with targeted modules on workplace communication, networking, and management among others. You will build the confidence and language skills you need to thrive in business and stand out as a globally prepared and career-ready candidate!
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
- 20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
- 8 Lessons of Specialist Skills on Business = 6 hours
- 3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
- 4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Liverpool, London, Dublin
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Media + Technology
Into creativity, social media & AI? This is for you!
Certificate in Media and Technology
In today’s fast-paced digital world, strong communication skills and media literacy are a must. If you are passionate about creative expression, social media, and the future of AI, then this is the program for you.
Step confidently into the future with our structured modules that explore the intersection of technology, digital media, and the modern workplace.
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
-
20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
-
8 Lessons of Specialist Skills on Media and Technology = 6 hours
-
3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
-
4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: New York, Dublin, Toronto, London
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Communication + the Arts
This is the perfect opportunity to kick-start your career in media!
Certificate in Communication and the Arts
Persuasive storytelling forms the foundation of many marketing and media jobs. In this program, you will focus on modules that will show you how you can perfect these skills using the English language. From writing and delivering speeches to analyzing music and designing digital campaigns, this is the perfect opportunity to kick-start your career in media and beyond.
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
-
20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
-
8 Lessons of Specialist Skills on Communications and the Arts = 6 hours
-
3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
-
4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: New York, London, Los Angeles, Toronto
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Quarter 1: Building the foundations
See moreQuarter 1: Building the foundations
- Build a strong foundation of English starting from your English level
- Gain confidence through interactive activities, listening, and writing practice
- Prepare for academic and professional English in specialist skills lessons
Quarter 2: Expanding skills and confidence
See moreQuarter 2: Expanding skills and confidence
- Feel your fluency grow as you learn to express yourself naturally in everyday situations
- You will focus more on your specialized programs, with tailored lessons designed to suit your objectives
- Feel at home in the city and gain a deeper understanding of local culture
Quarter 3: Preparing to level up your English
See moreQuarter 3: Preparing to level up your English
- Your language skills grow stronger, bringing you closer to achieving your future goals
- Take part in hundreds of extra activities to strengthen your skills independently or in groups
- Capstone projects and certificates in specialized subjects are already enhancing your CV
Quarter 4: Getting ready for the future
See moreQuarter 4: Getting ready for the future
- Complete your final project and start preparing for your language exams or university application
- Take practice tests, study exam strategies, and use our University Placement Scheme to apply to one of our partner schools
- Enjoy your exclusive graduation, feeling equipped and ready for success
What do Kaplan students think?
If you're still wondering whether a fully immersive Academic Year with Kaplan is right for you, listen to what our students have to say—their stories might inspire your own journey to success.
Extra special benefits of an academic year abroad
Personalized orientation tour
Personalized orientation tour
Free exam access
Free exam access
Get a free TOEFL® or IELTS exam when you enroll in an exam preparation course.
Morning class bonus
Morning class bonus
Enjoy complimentary access to morning lessons, giving you more time to explore your chosen city in the afternoon.
Exclusive online talks
Exclusive online talks
Access online guest speakers and expert-led sessions on global careers, university applications, test strategies, and more.
Academic support team
Academic support team
Receive personal guidance and support from dedicated academic advisors and staff throughout your journey.
Graduation recognition event
Graduation recognition event
Celebrate your success at a special and exclusive graduation ceremony in recognition of your achievement.
Extended online learning
Extended online learning
Continue developing your skills with free access to K+ Online for 12 months after your course ends.
Frequently asked questions about an Academic Year Abroad
Do all the Kaplan schools offer the same courses?
Will I get a certificate after my Academic Year Abroad with Kaplan?
Which universities can Kaplan give me access to?
Does Kaplan offer accommodation for long-term students?
The best year of your life starts here
Our friendly consultants are waiting to change your life forever, just fill out the form below.