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Timing, visas, budget, housing: the answers we are asked for most often, and the steps to get your project started.
Five steps, with the timings we recommend you keep to.
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We recommend starting your preparations nine to twelve months before your planned departure. Applications are usually submitted six to nine months before the start of the programme, while visa processing times can range from three weeks to three months, depending on the destination, visa type and individual circumstances.
A shorter timeframe may still be possible for some language stays, but the choice of institutions, programmes and departure dates may be more limited.
Not necessarily. For a language stay, you can generally join a programme whatever your current level, as classes are organised according to language proficiency, from beginner to advanced.
For university programmes, a minimum level of language proficiency is usually required, often B2 or above, depending on the institution and programme. Proof may be required through a recognised test such as the IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF or DELE, depending on the destination.
Yes, in many cases. Some institutions allow students to apply while they are still completing their current qualification, subject to meeting the final admission requirements.
You can submit the transcripts and academic results available at the time of application and provide your final diploma or certificate once it has been issued.
We verify the official status of the institution and the recognition or accreditation of the programme or qualification with the relevant authorities in the country concerned. We also indicate where you can check this information yourself. An international ranking is not, by itself, proof of accreditation or official recognition.
Recognition of a foreign qualification depends on the country, the qualification and how you intend to use it.
In France, the ENIC-NARIC centre can issue a comparability statement for certain foreign qualifications. We help you identify the appropriate procedure for your situation, but the final decision lies with the relevant authority.
Yes, and we recommend it. To maximise your chances, we generally suggest a balanced application strategy: one ambitious option, two realistic options and one safety option.
Application procedures and deadlines vary between institutions and countries. We track them in parallel to help you meet each deadline.
Required documents vary depending on the destination, visa type and your personal situation. Commonly requested documents include an admission letter, a valid passport, proof of financial resources, international health insurance and, in some cases, proof of accommodation. Depending on your situation, financial resources may need to be demonstrated through your own bank account, a foreign-currency account, or the bank account of a parent or financial sponsor.
The procedures and payment methods also vary depending on the destination and the visa application centre handling your application.
If you do not yet have all the required documents, LangHorizon can guide you through the relevant steps. This support does not constitute a guarantee of visa approval or automatic assistance with opening a bank account. We provide you with the document checklist applicable to your destination and situation and review your documents with you before submission.
Visa processing times vary depending on the destination, visa type, application period and individual circumstances. As a general guideline, processing may take from around three weeks to several months.
In many cases, the visa application can only be submitted once you have received your admission. This is why we establish a project timeline with sufficient flexibility for each stage of the process.
A visa refusal does not necessarily mean that your project has to be abandoned. We can help you understand the reasons for the refusal and identify the options available, which may include submitting a new application, appealing where applicable, strengthening the application or considering another destination or programme.
Each situation is assessed individually. LangHorizon can support you throughout the process, but visa decisions are made exclusively by the relevant authorities and cannot be guaranteed.
The “from” price corresponds to the tuition fees or programme cost for the duration specified in the offer. If accommodation is included, this will be clearly stated in the offer details. Unless otherwise specified, the price does not include international travel, visa fees, insurance or personal expenses.
Before you make a decision, we provide you with a detailed budget so that you have a clear view of the expected costs. Tuition and programme fees are paid directly to the school, university or institution concerned. Lang Horizon does not collect tuition fees on behalf of the institution.
Potentially, yes. Depending on your destination and situation, funding opportunities may include scholarships offered by host institutions, national schemes, regional funding and, in Europe, Erasmus+ when your home institution participates in the programme.
Eligibility criteria, funding amounts and application deadlines vary considerably. We help you identify opportunities that may match your profile and understand the conditions and deadlines that apply.
This depends on the destination, your immigration status and the conditions attached to your visa or residence permit. Some countries allow international students to work during their studies, subject to specific conditions and limits. These rules may also differ between academic periods and holidays.
We explain the rules applicable to your situation before departure. However, we recommend not relying on future employment income to balance your budget. Your financial plan should cover your essential expenses without depending on a job abroad.
Yes. Accommodation guidance and support are part of our service. We present the available options at your destination, such as homestays, student residences, private accommodation or shared housing, explain the relevant procedures and support you through the booking process. Accommodation is only included in the price when this is explicitly stated in the offer. In major cities, accommodation can be in high demand, so we recommend arranging it several months in advance whenever possible.
Health insurance requirements vary depending on the destination, visa type and programme. We check the requirements applicable to your project and make sure that your coverage addresses the relevant needs, such as medical expenses, emergency assistance and repatriation, and civil liability where applicable.
Your advisor remains your point of contact after your departure. We check in with you after your arrival to make sure your installation is going smoothly and remain available to guide you through your initial administrative steps, depending on your destination and situation.
This may include administrative registration, opening a bank account, residence permit procedures or other practical formalities related to your arrival.
The initial consultation is free and comes with no obligation. It allows us to understand your project, assess its feasibility and identify the most suitable options.
After this initial exchange, we provide you with written details of our services and fees, including a clear description of what is included, before you make any commitment.
Tuition, programme or registration fees are paid directly to the relevant school, university or institution.
Yes. A dedicated advisor will follow your project from the initial consultation through to your arrival abroad. Your advisor remains your main point of contact throughout the process, providing continuity and personalised support at each stage.
That is precisely what the initial consultation is for. You can come to us with a broad idea rather than a specific destination. We look at your academic or professional goals, budget, language level, constraints and preferences, then help you identify realistic options.
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