Become your own translator and pick up a new language or two at these language schools in Singapore.
While most of us know at least one language – written or spoken – there’s always room to pick up another. Studies have shown that there are plenty of benefits to learning more than one language! For instance, learning a foreign language increases brainpower, improves multi-tasking skills and slows the onset of dementia. Besides the scientific perks, being multilingual also helps widen your social circle and expands your career potential. Very vital for today’s uber-connected world! With all these perks in mind, it’s time to sign up for fun and enriching courses at these language schools in Singapore.
Singapore’s best schools to learn new languages
1. For Vietnamese: Stanford Language Centre
If you’re pressed for time, get ready to take the fast track. At Stanford Language Centre, you’ll be perfecting the Vietnamese language in just two months. The teachers here make classes fun and enriching and are more than happy to answer any questions you might have (even if it’s after the class). Hanoi, here we come.
Stanford Language Centre, #04-18, 3 Coleman Street, Singapore 179804
2. For Chinese: Yi Mandarin
Next to English, Mandarin is one of the most spoken languages in the world. So sign up for the Conversational Mandarin course to start practising your daily convo skills. There are also Business Mandarin and Professional Mandarin courses at Yi Mandarin. It’s registered with the Ministry of Education, so you know the team here is basically licensed to teach. Classes are also kept small and you’ll be attended to by experienced trainers.
Yi Mandarin, #05-05, United House, Concorde Shopping Mall, 20 Kramat Lane, Singapore 228773
3. For Japanese: Ikoma Language School
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there are definitely some perks to knowing the language. Walking around in traditional kimonos, slurping on ramen, and ordering like a pro at an izakaya would be a dream. Its central location also means that you can conveniently pop by after work to take a class. You get options for basic Japanese classes or even preparatory classes for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Ikoma Language School, #12-07, Shaw House, 350 Orchard Road, Singapore 238868
4. For Korean: Sejong Korean Language School
As a Ministry of Education (MOE) Singapore-registered Korean Language Centre, Sejong Korean Language School is a legit spot for non-native Korean speakers to discover Hangul. You’ll be in good hands with native Korean teachers hired from top Korean universities and a custom-made specialist syllabus. Learning the Korean language and culture has never been easier! Besides, there’s only so much you can learn from sappy Korean dramas.
Sejong Korean Language School, multiple locations including International Plaza and Tampines
5. For Thai: Lingo Language School
Want to discover Bangkok on your own but the language barrier is stopping you? Well, say “Sa wa dee krap” to Lingo Language School! Located minutes away from Bugis MRT, you can either attend one-to-one private lessons or a semi-private one that’s kept small, or even a big class of 20 students – whichever floats your boat. You can wish “Kob khun krap/ka” to us once you’re a Thai ace!
Lingo Language School, #03-01, 87 Beach Road, Chye Sing Building, Singapore 189695
6. For Hindi: The Hindi Society Singapore
Thinking of watching Bollywood movies at the iconic Carnival Cinemas? Hold your horses; why don’t you familiarise yourself with a word, phrase or bunch of Hindi sentences first from The Hindi Society Singapore? You can start with its Adult Hindi Conversational Course, and eventually climb your way up to the Advance level so you can start sparring (albeit, linguistically) with your fave Bollywood heroes.
The Hindi Society Singapore, #09-04, Tai Seng Point, 11 Irving Place, Singapore 369551
7. For French: Alliance Française de Singapour
Alliance Francaise is where budding Francophiles can master the lovely French language. Not in a rush? Then take time to discover French through the ‘once a week’ or ‘twice a week’ programme that spans eight weeks. No time to waste? There’s also a fast-track course, four times per week, for the duration of a month. It even hosts a plethora of screenings of French films for you to catch and learn from!
Alliance Française de Singapour, 1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130
8. For German: Goethe-Institut Singapore
Expand your German vocabulary from just Guten Morgen, Bratwurst and Erdinger by attending German language courses at Goethe-Institut Singapore. Besides the formal classes that you can take, Goethe-Institut also hosts several events. A fun one is Goethe-Stammtisch, which is an informal group meeting. Here, you’re free to put your German language skills to the test with other German speakers, native or not.
Goethe-Institut Singapore, 136 Neil Road, Chinatown Complex, Singapore 088865
9. For Spanish: Spanish World Singapore
Thinking of investing money in learning a foreign language? Pick up Spanish at Spanish world Singapore. ‘Cos after English and Chinese, Spanish is the world’s third most used language! At Spanish World Singapore, it’s all about having an active learning approach. Expect lots of conversation training to help you chat with señors and señoritas. If you’re not up for small group sessions, opt for private lessons.
Spanish World Singapore, #28-37, Clifford Centre, 24 Raffles Place, Singapore 048621
10. For Dutch: AllWrite Language School
The English language has borrowed many words from the Dutch, so picking it up would be no biggie for English speakers, right? Well, learning Dutch is challenging, all the same, what more with the tricky accent and delivery. AllWrite Language School will take you through all the challenges. The centre offers many different options, and classes are also held in the evenings so it’s perfect for busy individuals.
AllWrite Language School, #08-07, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
11. For Russian: Russian Language Centre in Singapore
300 million people in the world speak this language so it’ll be useful when visiting Russia ‘cos foreign languages aren’t common in the country. And if you’re thinking of being an astronaut, you definitely have to learn Russian (go Google it). Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to read the Russian classics in their original language? The Russian Language Centre in Singapore offers basic and intermediate classes, as well as links you up to schools in Russia where you can learn the language in its origin country.
Russian Language Centre in Singapore, #04-01, 46 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058679
12. For Italian: Association for the Promotion of the Italian Culture in Singapore (Apics)
As you can tell from the name, Apics is a specialised centre to learn more about the Italian language and culture. There are language classes available for both kids and adults, ranging from online classes to a literary circle. You can also take your Italian language certifications here because Apics is an official exam centre. Study Italian – it might be a handy party trick to one day order a bowl of pasta in perfect Italian.
Apics, #10-11/12, The Adelphi, 1 Coleman Street, Singapore 179803
13. For Bahasa Indonesia: Bahasa Indonesia School of Language (Indo Slang)
Bahasa Indonesian is a fairly easy language to learn, with Indonesian words sounding exactly like how they are written. The language has Malaysian, Arabic, and Dutch influences, and also evolves with new street words and jargon. At Indo Slang, you can find high-quality conversational Indonesian language courses that will help you get better at the language and also improve your confidence in speaking it.
Indo Slang, #05-05, United House, Concorde Shopping Mall, 20 Kramat Lane, Singapore 228773
No matter the language, get ready for days of learning and enrichment at these language schools in Singapore.
