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Learning
Languages Abroad
Thinking about learning a new language or brushing
up on skills you have already, how about studying it
overseas. Whether you're just beginning a language,
or have been studying one for some time, there is no
greater catalyst for learning than going on location.
 With
increasing international awareness, language courses
in the country where that language is spoken help you
become immersed in the culture and lifestyle of your
chosen country. Even those who have no previous knowledge
of a language can expect to have mastered the basics
after as little as a few weeks, allowing you to communicate
with the locals and put into practice the skills you
have learnt in the classroom.
With specialised language schools all over the world,
there are plenty of choices for those who want to combine
an educational course with a trip overseas. Courses
start at regular intervals and experienced native-speaker
teachers ensure that there is something for everyone.
Robert Williams spent four weeks at a language school
in France and says, "Studying in Paris was an ideal
way to improve my French whilst experiencing life in
a great city. Being immersed in French life meant I
was able to practise my conversational skills outside
the classroom and enabled me to make fast progress in
just one month!"
 One
of the most important benefits of language immersion
is having access to native speakers. While taking part
in overseas language courses you'll often have the opportunity
to live with local families in homestay accommodation,
experiencing first-hand real family life. Alternatively,
you could be sharing living arrangements with fellow
students from all around the world. Either way there
is time to make new friends, explore your surroundings
and really put your new found skills to the test on
a daily basis.
When you're learning a language on location, the whole
country becomes your classroom. The teachers, native
speakers who like to keep their students challenged,
use current political, social and cultural materials
to aid the learning process. This not only increases
knowledge of the target language, but also allows you
to learn about the country and more of its culture.
Once classes have finished for the day, there is plenty
of time to discover new surroundings and take advantage
of cultural and social activities organised by the school's
staff. These optional activities include sightseeing
trips, visits to the theatre and parties with your fellow
students, making sure that you don't miss out on the
fun and enjoyment of discovering a new country.
So, if you're considering learning a language, why
not do it the immersion way and study overseas. You'll
be amazed at how quickly you pick it up and really get
to know the country and it's people intimately. One
organisation which offers a large range of language
courses is Council Exchanges, for more information see
our website at http://www.councilexchanges.org
Contributed by:
Council Exchanges
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