Take two… duo destinations with ESL

Travel February 26, 2013

Do you like chocolate or vanilla ice cream? Warm summer sunshine or snowy days? Ronaldo or Messi?

Hey, it’s perfectly ok to like both!

With this in mind, let us present some of our finest destinations for duo language courses, where you spend time studying in two (or more) locations. These courses are ideal if you want to see more of the world, meet more people and have a wider range of experiences during your study abroad trip.

The featured destinations are just some possibilities that have been selected to complement each other but don’t hesitate to ask if you have something special in mind. We have organized many bespoke duo destination courses and, as with all of our adult courses, our service is free of charge.

Here are some popular combinations:

Montreux – Lyon

Lyon-Montreux
Photos: Alex Hammond, Fulvio

Little more than 200km from each other, Lyon and Montreux is the perfect doubleheader if you want to combine your French course with a taste of the good life.

Lyon is France’s gastronomic capital, a place where each meal is a treat under the gentle southern sunlight.

Over the border in Switzerland, you would be hard-pressed to find a more stimulating destination than Montreux, on the Lake Geneva shoreline.  A beautiful town with serious rock and roll heritage thanks partly to its legendary Jazz Festival, Montreux is a seductive town all year round, with spectacular views of the Alps.

Berlin – Freiburg

Berlin-Freiburg
Photos: Ana Raquel S. HernandesClément Belleudy

One is at the cutting edge of techno music, fashion and art, the other is a delightful hideaway in the Black Forest, famed for its local wines and beers. Berlin and Freiburg combine to give you a real overview of Germany north and south of the Weißwurstäquator.

Madrid – Barcelona

barcelona-madrid
Photos: Greenwich PhotographyIvan Walsh

There is no love lost between the two cities, but to really understand the significance of Spain’s regions, you’ve got to visit both of the country’s largest hubs. And they are both exhilarating: Gaudi’s architecture and the Barri Gòtic in Barcelona, the galleries and nightlife of Madrid… and a shared passion for good wine, food and football.

Bocas del Toro – Boquete (Panama)

boquete-bocas-del-toro
Photos: José David LeivaArvind Grover

Up in the mystical Panamanian mountains, Boquete offers a wonderful sense of community. Panama’s Eco-Adventure Capital is a thrilling place for an adventure in nature.

Our partner in Boquete also has a centre on the pristine Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro, famous for their secluded golden and white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and great waves to surf. In the evening, the irresistible Salsa and Merengue beats will soon have you dancing!

You may qualify for a free trip between the two locations. Find out more about this offer.

Beijing – Shanghai

china
Photos: sanfamedia.comtengri555

Sample the two sides of modern China. Beijing is the power nexus, as it has been for centuries. The fascinating historical sites of the city attest to that. Shanghai is the city of business, where the future awaits among the thronging streets.

Spend 6 weeks in each city and ESL will pay for your connection between the two. Find out more about this offer.

Russian double

moscow-petersburg

Photos: Shutterstock

The Russian-speaking world extends longitudinally across half of the globe. The variety of cities within that area is bewildering, from St Petersburg with its classical architecture to the Asian ports of the east.

Combine a Russian course in Moscow and St Petersburg, immerse yourself in the heart of Russian power and the soul of Russian culture.

Portugal – Brazil

lisbon-brazil
Photos: Alex Hammond

Europe’s most westerly capital city, Lisbon, is a traditional point of departure for the New World. Combine a Portuguese course in Portugal’s gorgeous capital with time in one of Brazil’s thrilling hubs, whether by the beach in Rio de Janeiro or in the heady atmosphere of Salvador de Bahia.

Have a look at more recommendations by ESL counselors about multi-destinations language travel:

If you have an idea for a duo course of your own, we would love to make your dream come true! Check our Special deals or contact your local ESL office and let’s make it happen.

By Christian Boveda

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