General vs Intensive English: Which Course Should You Choose?
- marketingIELS
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
If you're planning to study English in Malta, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is choosing the right course.
Many students ask us:
Should I choose General English?
Is Intensive English worth it?
Will I learn faster with more lessons?
The answer depends on your goals, your schedule and how quickly you want to improve your English.
Let's compare both options to help you decide.
What is General English?
General English is the most popular choice for international students.
At IELS Malta, this course includes 20 lessons (15 hours) per week, focusing on all the essential language skills:
Speaking
Listening
Reading
Writing
Grammar
Vocabulary
What is Intensive English?
Intensive English includes everything covered in General English, plus 10 additional lessons every week, for a total of 30 lessons (22.5 hours).
Those extra lessons place greater emphasis on communication, helping students build confidence through more speaking and listening practice.
Which course is right for your goals?
Choose General English if you:
✔ Want to improve your English gradually
✔ Want a balance between studying and travelling
✔ Plan to stay for several weeks
✔ Enjoy learning at a relaxed pace
✔ Are combining study with sightseeing or remote work
Choose Intensive English if you:
✔ Need faster progress
✔ Want to maximise your time abroad
✔ Need English for work or future studies
✔ Enjoy a more intensive learning experience
✔Are preparing for future exams
✔Want maximum speaking practice
Can I upgrade later?
Yes.
If you start with General English and later decide you'd like more classroom time, you may be able to upgrade to Intensive English, subject to availability.
Why study English in Malta?
Whichever course you choose, learning English in Malta means you'll continue practising outside the classroom every day.
At IELS Malta, students learn in an international environment with classmates from around the world, while enjoying Malta's Mediterranean lifestyle, vibrant culture and English-speaking atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
There isn't a "better" course—only the one that best matches your goals.
If you're looking for flexibility and a balanced study experience, General English is an excellent choice.
If your priority is making faster progress and getting as much English practice as possible, Intensive English is likely the better option.
No matter which course you choose, you'll improve your English through quality teaching, daily practice and full immersion in one of Europe's most popular destinations for language learning.
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