Why Learn A Language Abroad?
Learning a language is one of the main reasons students choose to go abroad. Everyone’s motivation is different — some want to study Proust in the original French; others just want to be able to strike up a chat with a Latin cutie. Though most people would like to learn another language, many also believe they’d never be able to become multilingual. However, a stint at a language school abroad tends to have quick and effective results that amaze even the biggest doubters.
Language schools provide some real advantages over traditional study abroad programs. They are usually more affordable than an accredited university; they tend to be more flexible than your typical study abroad program, and they can provide you with the intensive immersion experience that’s the most effective way to learn a language. Being surrounded by the language – hearing other people speak it; being forced to speak it in cafes, shops, and train stations; seeing newspapers and billboards in that language — has an imprinting effect that’s impossible to replicate in a classroom a few times a week.
Language schools are as varied as the languages themselves: Some adhere to formal methodologies and modules while others are far less structured; others combine language instruction with cultural outings to get a real flavor for the language; some combine teaching with volunteer work or an internship so you can use the language in real-world experiences.
Here are some common questions and answers related to learning a language overseas:
What is the best and easiest language to study?
There is no best language, or even easiest; your personal motivation dictates what you should study. English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese are the top three most commonly spoken languages in the world. Other popular and widely spoken languages are French, Arabic, German, Japanese, Italian, and Russian.
For many native English speakers, “romance languages” (such as Spanish, Italian, and French) tend to be easier to learn than others, as they share the same Latin roots as the English language. Languages that require the learning of a different alphabet and writing/reading structure (including Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Arabic or Hebrew) often prove to be more difficult, but not impossible. A good teacher, a program suited to your needs, and a full immersion experience are the best assets to learning a challenging language.
How are language schools flexible?
Most language schools allow you to tailor a program to your needs. Many schools start every Monday; at some you can start anytime. Classes range from groups to one-to-one instruction.
What is one-to-one instruction?
One-to-one language instruction is an intensive and challenging language acquisition format that, combined with a full immersion experience, will get you speaking the language faster than any other method. Imagine spending the day — just you and your instructor — conjugating verbs, practicing vocabulary, and telling stories. There’s no sleeping in class; in fact you can’t even daydream. You don’t have to wait your turn to practice dialogue and you don’t have to be embarrassed asking rudimentary questions.
Advantages of One-to-One Instruction:
* Your conversation level will improve enormously. Your speaking confidence will increase as well.
* You’ll have an opportunity to talk informally with a native speaker every day.
Disadvantages:
* Your learning is dependent upon the quality of your instructor.
* Your tongue (and brain) will get tired, especially in the beginning, from speaking a foreign language so much.
Group instruction has many benefits, too. Learning with fellow classmates can provide a more rigorous instruction pace, fellow students to meet, socialize and learn with, and it’s usually more affordable than one-to-one instruction. A good medium between “solo” and “group” instruction is to learn a language with a small group of just a few other students.
Where is the best place to study Spanish/ Italian/ French/ etc.?
The best place is any country where your targeted language is the national language of that country, and where most of the population speaks it. For widely spoken languages such as Spanish and French, there are options on multiple continents: Canada, Europe, and Africa for French instruction; the Americas or Spain for Spanish instruction. The country you choose is up to you: your budget, your goals, your personal reasons for wanting to speak the language. You might find that Austria is a more affordable place to learn German than Germany; or that you prefer the castellano style of Spanish spoken in Argentina over the more traditional Spanish language style of Mexico or Peru. And even if there’s just one nation that widely speaks your targeted language, most countries have a multitude of language schools in various locations. You could learn Italian in a charming village in Tuscany, or in a bustling neighborhood in Rome — it depends on what you prefer.
Can I earn college credit?
Before considering the credit option, you should determine why you want college credit. If you are trying to satisfy a core language requirement at your university, you may find that a language proficiency exam may satisfy that requirement. Many language schools offer accredited courses, but your college or university may not accept them. If college credit is a must for you, remember that many language schools are affiliated with U.S. universities and can provide a transcript for an additional fee. Many universities have their own Centers for International Students abroad which will provide you with a transcript as well as a higher ratio of Ph.D. instructors. The crucial item to remember is that each college and university has its own criteria for accepting credits, so if it’s important that you earn credit for your language instruction, check with your study abroad adviser or student adviser before you settle on a program.
Can I learn a language in a month?
Probably not, but you can begin to learn the language and have a solid foundation on which to base future language learning. Your language acquisition will depend upon your teacher, school, commitment, and length of study. Most students will develop confidence, which is the most important tool for language learning. You will feel more comfortable speaking, listening, reading, writing, and trying to communicate in your new language.
One thing is certain: in most other countries, you will meet other English speakers. You’ll probably be tempted to speak in your native language with them quite a bit. The real challenge — and the key to faster and better language acquisition — will be to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, stay with a family, and try to make local friends. You’ll make the most out of your time in that country — and you’ll have people with whom you can keep in touch (using your new language) after you go home.
Should I use a language placement service?
At first glance you may be skeptical as to the credibility of someone who lives in the U.S. but can reserve your space in a school in Chimaltenango. But, in many ways these agents and organizations provide a great service. Typically their fees come from the schools, so you pay nothing or next to nothing for their service. They can also provide you with orientation information in English before you go. It is usually in their best interest to connect you with a quality school, as they may hear from you when you return home. However, you can always find language schools on your own — search on GoAbroad’s Language Schools Directory [www.languageschoolsguide.com].
Can I work/ volunteer/ take other classes and still study at a language school abroad?
Some job positions overseas offer free or reduced-cost language instruction to their employees. This is especially true of English teaching positions in places such as China, Taiwan, or South Korea. There are also other unique language combination programs including volunteering and language study, adventure sports and language study, or cultural classes (such as cooking or dance) and language study.
Should I study a non-traditional language?
You should study a language because you want to use it. But if, when you get home, nobody you know speaks Urdu, it might be a challenge to keep the skills you’ve learned fresh. Sometimes, learning an exotic language can be like a gift to yourself, studied purely for its beauty or history. You may want to travel to some pretty far-flung locations, and speaking with the locals there might be worth the work even if you never speak it anywhere else. However you choose a school, be sure to pack your patience and flexibility alongside the sunscreen and camera. You’ll not only be seeing the world, but you’ll be able to understand what the world is saying.
Things to consider:
* When signing up at the language school, you might want to request that your instructor be changed each week. That way, you are insured a variety of instructors and won’t necessarily be stuck with the first instructor you are assigned, regardless of their teaching ability. There’s no guilt or hurt feelings, as this is not an unusual request for many language schools.
* You may become very close to your instructors. Be considerate of their culture; certain questions and dialogue topics may be off limits.
* The teacher gets paid whether you learn or not. It is up to you to insist that the teacher is constantly challenging you. It is very easy to spend your days taking walks with your language teacher, but it’s not necessarily the best way to learn a new language.
