When people compare "cheap" English courses they usually compare weekly tuition. But the course is rarely the biggest line item. Add it all up and the ranking often changes completely.
The hidden costs no one advertises
- Flights — can equal a month of tuition, and vary hugely by region.
- Accommodation — homestay, residence or private rental; in the West this is often separate and expensive.
- Meals & living — a Western European city can cost more per week to live in than the course itself.
- One-time fees — registration, materials, visa, insurance and airport transfer.
Total-cost snapshot (per month, indicative)
| Destination | Tuition | Room & meals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA / UK / Australia | High | Extra, high | Strong immersion, highest total cost |
| Malta / Ireland | Mid | Extra | EU standards, seasonal pricing |
| South Africa | Low–mid | Extra | Great value, check safety and logistics |
| Philippines | Low | Often included | One-to-one + room + meals bundled — usually the best price-to-progress |
Why "all-inclusive" wins on budget
Destinations that bundle tuition, accommodation and meals into one price are easier to budget and usually cheaper overall, because you are not paying Western rents on top. That is the core reason the Philippines repeatedly comes out ahead on total cost: an intensive month with daily one-to-one lessons, a dorm and three meals a day can start around $800.
How to find your cheapest option
Compare total cost, not tuition — course + flights + accommodation + meals + fees — for your exact dates. If you'd rather skip the spreadsheet, a specialist can price two or three best-fit schools for you in a couple of days, at no cost.