How to choose a language school?
Choosing a language school can be daunting, especially for first time travellers as there are many factors to consider. As experts in the field of teaching English to international students, we’ve put together a list of essential factors to consider to help you make the best choice:
1. Determine your learning goals
Before choosing a language school it’s important to determine what you hope to achieve by learning a new language. Do you need it for work, travel, or personal development? Knowing your goals will help you select a language school that offers the right course and program to meet your needs.
2. Find the right location
What good is an excellent language school if you have to commute for an hour or more to reach it? A little convenience goes a long way. Consider the location of the school. Is it close to your home or workplace? Is it in a suitable location with easy access to public transportation?
Ruby Institute is located in the heart of Melbourne CBD and is only a short distance from Flinders St station. You’ll find everything you need within walking distance like shops, restaurants and medical facilities. According to the QS best student city rankings 2023, Melbourne is Australia’s number 1 student city for the 8th year in a row.

3. Program offerings
There is no wrong way to learn a language. When choosing your school, look at the programs offered by the school, including the type of courses (group, private, online), the level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), and the duration of the classes.
Ruby Institute offers high-quality face-to-face ELICOS General English programs covering 6 levels from beginner to advanced. We’ve tailored our programs to suit every need with day and evening programs. We also provide VET qualifications led by industry experts in Leadership and Management and Marketing and Communication ranging from Certificate IV to Advanced Diploma.
4. Class size and atmosphere
The smaller the classes, the better the learning experience. While it does sound fun to have many classmates, it can become difficult to focus as that means less attention is dedicated to each student.
At Ruby Institute we focus on students well-being and improvement. Class size doesn’t exceed 18 people to let the teachers help each individual’s progression. Develop your English skills in a fun environment with a friendly student mix and participate in our different extracurricular activities like movies, museum, beach day,…
5. Check the costs
The cost of a language course can vary greatly between schools. Make sure to compare the cost of courses, materials, and any additional fees, and choose a school that fits within your budget. Price is important, although knowledge is invaluable.
At Ruby Institute we are mindful of the living cost of international students and we offer affordable tuition fees without any hidden costs. We believe that quality matters and only provide the best courses.
6. Teachers qualification and experience
Teachers qualification and experience: There’s no good school without good teaching staff. The quality of your language learning experience will largely depend on the quality of the teachers. Look for a language school that has experienced, qualified, and enthusiastic teachers who are dedicated to helping students reach their language learning goals.
At Ruby Institute, we only hire teachers with TESOL qualification and experience in teaching English to international students. Our students are our priority and we are supporting them in every step of their learning journey.
By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose a language school that meets your needs and provides you with the best possible language learning experience.