If you are thinking about taking a language course, you often have several options: Intensive course, twice a week or the more relaxed rhythm of just once a week? Choosing the right model depends on what you want to achieve, how much time you can invest and which way of learning suits you best. Here is an overview to help you decide:

Intensive course: the fast track to your goal

How does an intensive course work?
Intensive courses are designed to make great progress in a short space of time. They typically take place daily, often with longer classes, e.g. three to four hours.

Who is it suitable for?
If you need to learn a language in the shortest possible time - for example before a trip, a job change or studying abroad - an intensive course is ideal. An intensive course is also the right choice if you are particularly motivated or have more time and can concentrate fully on language learning. At WU, intensive courses usually take place during university breaks.

*Advantages

• Quick results: You immerse yourself intensively in the language and make significant progress in a short time.

• Regularity: The high frequency means there is little time to forget what you have learned.

• Structure: The intensive units create a fixed routine.

Disadvantages:

• Time-consuming: For working people or people with a busy daily routine, an intensive course can be difficult to fit into their schedule.

• Stressful: The high intensity can quickly become overwhelming if you have other commitments.

• Even after the course, you have to keep at it to consolidate what you have learned

Twice a week: the happy medium

How does this course work?
A language course that takes place twice a week combines regular training with sufficient time to process and practise what you have learned.

Who is it suitable for?
This rhythm is ideal if you want to make noticeable progress but are not under absolute time pressure. You can plan enough time between lessons for homework and revision without feeling like you're constantly running behind. There are language cafés and tandem programs that you can easily attend at WU.

Advantages:

• Balance: You study regularly without it completely dominating your everyday life.

• Sustainability: There is enough time to repeat and consolidate what you have learned.

• Flexibility: Two appointments per week are feasible for most people.

Disadvantages:

• Slower progress: Compared to the intensive course, it takes a little longer to reach a certain level.

Once a week: Relaxed learning

How does this course work?
A course that only takes place once a week is the most relaxed way to learn a language. It is particularly popular with working people or people with a busy schedule.

Who is it suitable for?
If you are not in a hurry and want to learn the language at your own pace, a course with one appointment per week is ideal. However, you should keep yourself active between sessions so that you don't forget what you have learned. You can combine the course with tandem learning, for example, which should also take place once a week.

Advantages:

• Little time required: Perfect for anyone who has a lot on their plate.

• Long-term planning: Ideal if you want to learn a language over months or years.

• Stress-free: The weekly rhythm is manageable and leaves room for other activities.

Disadvantages:

• Slow progress: It takes significantly longer to reach a new language level.

• Less intensity: Without personal commitment between lessons, progress can be slow.

• Difficult to get started: The time between lessons can be too long for beginners.

Conclusion: Which course is right for you?

Your decision depends on your personal goals and your everyday life:

• Do you want to make progress quickly and are you prepared to invest time? Then an intensive course is right for you.

• Are you looking for a good balance between learning and free time? Try two sessions per week.

• Do you want to learn the language long-term and stress-free? Then start with once a week.

Whatever you choose, the important thing is that you stick with it and integrate learning into your everyday life. Good luck finding the right course!