London is one of the planet's truly global cities. Alongside Tokyo and New York, it is a bustling hub of arts, business and culture that draws visitors and immigrants from all over the world, enchanted by its reputation and history. This immigration to London has given it a unique mix of cultures and languages from all corners of the globe. Many of these new arrivals take an English course in London upon arrival, to brush up on basic language skills while the mixed nature of the city is reflected by the huge variety of language classes available within the M25. Classes can be taken in every major language and can be arranged at a time that suits the learner. It is often said that you are never further than 20ft from a rat in London. Similarly, you are rarely more than 100ft from a language teacher.

In recent years, the number of people taking a Mandarin course in London has gone through the roof. Progressive, outward looking businesspeople are well aware that China holds the key to fantastic wealth and that markets in the world's most populous country are not nearly as developed as those in the western world. London is full of such progressive, outward looking businesspeople. Sadly, the English education system does not adequately provide for these people, meaning that courses to learn French in London are often necessary for anyone wishing to do business with their closest neighbours.

The shocking state of language provision in British schools has created a situation where the only ones to benefit are private language schools who are there to 'mop up' the mess left by underfunded and neglected state school language departments. Spanish courses in London are accordingly full of people who have to pay for private tuition as a result of decades poor provision in school. For more information on the state of state language provision in the UK, check out CILT's website, which is packed with useful information and news.

Apart from covering for the inadequacies of the English education system, private language schools offer classes in languages which are outside the normal spectrum. One common example of this is a Japanese course in London. Many people view Japanese as a complex language and a challenge to learn. They are right on both counts, but it is hugely rewarding one progress is made. It is considerably easier to learn Italian in London, particularly if you can already speak Spanish, French or Portuguese: the other common Roman languages.