Canada: few places make such a compelling case for doing a language course - as anyone who's ever done it will testify.
But for some people, away from all the seriously chic cities like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, the perfect destination for an English course in Canada is always going to be Whistler.
And, let's face it, there's one reason - over and above any other - that a student would want to study English in Whistler: skiing.
Skiing is at the very center of its existence, and lifts up into the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains run literally straight from the town itself, taking skiers high up into the blinding white of the peaks.
Sensational Skiing - At Great Prices! What really makes Whistler stand out amongst other ski resorts in North America is the sheer size of the area it covers: across its vast 5,000 acres there's over a mile of vertical drop.
And, from rank beginners to seasoned experts, across its many, many slopes there's something to cater for all abilities.
For keen skiers taking a language course in Whistler the best bit's still to come, though, as the ski resort offers a heavily reduced '4BUY4' season ticket to 17-25 students in British Columbia.
The only important thing to remember is that a little planning's involved, as you have to buy the pass before the season begins.
Summer Attractions During the summer months, meanwhile, Whistler is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
Given the town's spectacular alpine location, it should come as little surprise that fantastic opportunities for hiking, climbing and mountain-biking are practically endless.
Without the need for any expensive equipment or guides, hiking, particularly, is the ideal way to clear your mind after a day's studying.
As soon as you step outside the town limits, you're plunged straight into one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes imaginable.
A testing slog through Brandywine Meadows or a more leisurely stroll up nearby Cougar Mountain are foremost amongst a number of accessible trails.
But, ultimately, whichever way you look there's an almost unmatchable selection of walks leading off into the wonder of the great outdoors.
Bouncing Whistler Nightlife But it's by no means all lonely natural beauty and outdoor pursuits.
For the student who's picked Whistler for their English course in Canada, there are more than enough bars in which you can go out after class, meet people, practice your English, and generally just have a good time.
Given the numbers of 'work hard, play hard' outdoors enthusiasts who flock to the town, the bars are often pretty lively, too.
A small town it may be, but nightlife-wise there's a fair bit going on - and not just in ski season, either.
And with the whole area gripped by a sense of growing excitement as it starts to gear itself up for the Winter Olympics in 2010, there could really be no better place to take an English course in Canada!