Yes—if the class is small and built around communication.
In small, interactive English classes abroad, students often speak for around 20+ minutes per hour across different activities. In larger or more lecture-based classes, speaking time can drop to just a few minutes.
At a glance:
In a communication-focused English class abroad, speaking time is high because students are actively involved throughout the lesson. In larger or more traditional language school classes, speaking opportunities are less frequent—often limited by class size and structure.
That difference is not obvious when you compare schools online. But it directly affects how fast you improve.
When students explore options like CEL Canada, they often focus on destination, schedule, or accommodation. What matters just as much—often more—is how much you actually speak during the day.
The Misconception: “I’ll Be Surrounded by English Anyway”
Many students assume that being abroad automatically means constant speaking practice.
In reality, it depends heavily on how the class is structured.
From what we see every year, two students can spend the same number of weeks in Vancouver—and have completely different outcomes. One becomes confident speaking in everyday situations. The other still hesitates ordering coffee.
The difference is rarely motivation.
It’s usually how often they actually speak in class and beyond.
In some English classes abroad, students speak only occasionally. In others, they are constantly involved.
That gap adds up quickly.
And the problem is: you often only realize this after a few weeks—when changing course or school becomes difficult.
How Much Speaking Time Do You Get in an English Class Abroad?
Speaking time is not evenly distributed. It changes throughout the lesson.
In a typical English class abroad, time is divided between:
- teacher explanations
- structured exercises
- speaking activities
The key difference is how much of that time is interactive.
In communication-focused language schools, a large part of the lesson is built around pair work, discussions, and real-life situations. This is where students actively use English—not just listen to it.
In more traditional formats, most of the lesson is teacher-led. Students follow explanations and complete exercises, with fewer opportunities to speak.
In our schools, students usually notice this within the first few days. They expect to sit and listen—and instead find themselves speaking much more than anticipated.
What Determines How Much You Speak
There is no exact number—but there are clear patterns.
What matters is not just the activity itself, but how often you are actively involved during the lesson.
Three factors determine that:
1. Class Size
Class size does not change how much you speak inside a single pair exercise. That part is usually balanced.
What it changes is how often you get the chance to speak during the lesson.
In smaller classes:
- you move through more speaking activities
- teachers involve you more frequently
- there are fewer “waiting moments”
In larger classes:
- fewer students are called on
- transitions take longer
- some students naturally become passive
A common pattern across our locations is that students in smaller classes start speaking earlier—even if they feel uncomfortable at the beginning.
2. Teaching Style
Some English classes abroad are built around explanation.
Others are built around communication.
In communication-focused language schools:
- students work in pairs and small groups
- discussions are part of almost every lesson
- speaking is expected, not optional
In more traditional formats:
- the teacher speaks more
- students listen and complete exercises
- speaking happens less frequently
3. Structure of Activities
Not all speaking activities are equal.
In well-structured English classes abroad:
- students move through several short speaking cycles
- partners change regularly
- participation stays high
In less structured environments:
- activities are longer and less dynamic
- some students speak a lot, others very little
What This Means in Practice
If you look at real language school classrooms, the difference becomes clear:
- Small, highly interactive classes (6–8 students)
→ students often speak for around 20+ minutes per hour across different activities - Medium classes (10–12 students)
→ speaking time is moderate, with more waiting time between turns - Large or lecture-style classes (15+ students)
→ speaking can be limited to only a few minutes per hour, especially for quieter students
These are not exact measurements—but they reflect what students typically experience in English classes abroad.
Why Speaking Time Varies Between Language Schools
Not all English classes abroad are structured the same way.
The biggest differences between schools usually come down to:
- class size policies
- teaching approach
- how actively participation is encouraged
Many schools advertise a maximum class size—but the actual experience depends on how classes are run day to day.
In smaller, communication-focused language schools, speaking opportunities are built into the structure. In larger schools, they often depend more on the group dynamic.
Speaking Practice Doesn’t Stop in the Classroom
One thing students often underestimate is how much the city itself influences speaking.
In Vancouver, where students spend a lot of time outside the classroom, this becomes even more visible.
After class, students don’t just go home.
Some walk along the Seawall in Coal Harbour, still talking about class topics. Others sit in cafés, switching between languages—but trying to stay in English.
On Fridays, plans start forming:
- exploring Gastown
- organizing a weekend hike
- trying kayaking in False Creek
These moments are not structured—but they are where speaking becomes automatic.
And students who are already used to speaking in class benefit the most from them.
What to Check Before You Book an English Course Abroad
If your goal is to improve speaking, this is where your decision should focus.
Before choosing a language school, check:
- Average and maximum class size
The average shows what you can expect most of the time. The maximum shows how large the class can become. Together, they give a realistic picture of your learning environment. - Lesson structure
Are classes discussion-based—or mainly teacher-led? - Nationality mix
Will English be the only common language in the classroom? - Participation expectations
Are students expected to speak regularly—or can they stay passive?
If these elements are not clearly structured, your speaking time depends largely on luck—on the group, the teacher, and the dynamic.
If your goal is to improve speaking quickly, choosing the right English class abroad becomes critical.
Who This Works For — And Who It Doesn’t
This approach works well if you:
- want to improve speaking confidence quickly
- are willing to participate actively
- learn best through interaction
It may feel challenging if you:
- prefer to observe rather than participate
- feel uncomfortable speaking frequently
- expect lecture-style teaching
Many students start in that second group.
Then something shifts.
Even quieter students usually begin to speak more after a few days—because the environment encourages it in a supportive way.
A Typical Moment in Class
Tuesday morning, around 10:30.
A student hesitates mid-sentence, searching for a word. A short pause.
Another student helps. The teacher lets it happen.
The sentence continues—imperfect, but clear.
Ten minutes later, the same student speaks again. This time without stopping.
That’s how progress actually looks.
What Many Students Realize After a Few Weeks
At the beginning, students focus on what they learn:
- vocabulary
- grammar
- exercises
After a few weeks, the perspective changes.
They notice:
- how often they respond without translating
- how quickly conversations flow
- how much less they hesitate
From what we see every year, the students who improve the most are not those who study the most—but those who use English most consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get enough speaking practice in an English class abroad?
Yes. In small, communication-focused English classes abroad, students typically speak much more because participation is built into the lesson structure.
How much speaking time do students usually get per class?
In highly interactive classes, students often speak for around 20+ minutes per hour. In more traditional classes, speaking time can drop to just a few minutes.
Do small classes really make a difference?
Yes. Smaller classes increase participation, feedback, and speaking opportunities, which leads to faster progress.
Is speaking in class enough to become fluent?
No. Classroom speaking is essential, but real fluency develops when you also use English outside class in daily situations.
Key Takeaways
- Speaking time depends on how often you are actively involved
- Small, interactive English classes abroad create significantly more speaking opportunities
- Teaching style and class structure matter as much as class size
- The environment outside class reinforces daily speaking
- Consistent use of English—not passive learning—drives real progress
If you want to improve your speaking, don’t just choose a destination.
Choose the right class structure.
If you want to understand how schools differ in structure and teaching approach, it helps to look at how they are accredited and organized
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