Using The Globe To Your Advantage: Traveling Abroad To Learn A Language

With globalization comes a reconnection of the worldwide community and an increase in curiosity of other cultures and languages. Whether your curiosity of languages starts at the secondary school level when you are obligated to learn a language to satisfy your graduation requirement or at the post-secondary level when you genuinely want to learn about a foreign language, the curiosity is there.

Why learn another language? The world is getting smaller and employers look favourably at applicants who speak multiple languages and have international study or work experience. Those who have gone through language programs abroad feel that the experience is one of the most educationally rewarding ones they have experienced.

Although it seems that most of the knowledge on other languages is offered in a classroom, there are other ways to learn the language while at the same time, studying the culture. There are programs that will allow you to travel abroad while learning a foreign language and give you the chance to study the culture. Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced speaker, traveling and studying abroad can open the doors to many new ways of thinking, acting and living. Not only will the experience lead to adjustments, personal growth and a far greater understanding of the way of life in other parts of the world but you will adopt a sense of adventure.

Total immersion is the fastest way to learn a language. For example, if you were interested in learning Spanish, what better place to learn it than Cancun, Mexico.
Cancun is perched on the western tip of the Yucatan peninsula and is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the Caribbean. Through a program at Languages Abroad, you can travel to Cancun and study at a small school located right outside the main tourist area. There are 25 lessons per week, and classes are conducted by university educated native speakers that have years of teaching experience. Prices vary depending on how long you plan on studying abroad and what type of accommodation you prefer but you would be looking at paying an upward of $1000 for a 4-week program.

Another program offered by Languages Abroad is learning Thai in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountainous countryside and is close to both Burma and Laos. It offers a region of Thailand perfect for the traveler who wants an alternative learning holiday. Programs start every month of the year and a four week program will cost you over $1500 CDN with each additional week being over $500 CDN. After classes are over for the day, the program allows plenty of time to discover the host country, culture and customs. For most of Languages Abroad programs, the minimum age requirement is 18.

First Step World offers certified language courses across the globe and has language schools where you can learn Spanish, Italian, French, German, Portuguese, Chinese or Japanese in more than 100 travel destinations worldwide. These courses are designed for all levels beginning from beginner to advanced. They are also a leader in student travel education and welcome participants each year from around the world. They offer the largest selection of language courses, accommodations and cultural activities available on the market today.

When searching for the program that is most suitable for you, you will be bombarded with information. There are some vital things to remember when planning on traveling abroad to learn a new language. You must do some preliminary research about the country where you want to study. Keep an eye on the news; current events can often influence the learning environment, both positively and negatively. Make some preliminary decisions about what you want to achieve. Do you want to concentrate on learning the language? On meeting people? Or on some special interest, such as music, art history or business? Decide on how much you can realistically afford. Keep in mind most of these programs don’t include airfare, passports, visas or permits, and travel and medical insurance. You will need some money for your personal spending and also if you wish to partake in any additional activities. If you want to get academic credit at your university for courses done somewhere else, you must get approval of the specific course before you go. Once you have received all the application forms for the program you wish to attend, you should fill them in carefully and neatly. Many European application forms require a lot of information; most will also require a passport-sized photo. And of course you will need a valid Canadian passport (application forms are available from any post office; allow a good 3-4 weeks for this to be completed). Depending on where you go, you may need a student visa as well. Don’t leave anything to the last minute! Also keep in mind, the programs vary from location to location and many do not offer wheelchair access or have not been designed for students with limited mobility. Depending on your chosen language and locations, ensure there is easy access to both the school and accommodations or special arrangements can be made. Finally, get the appropriate vaccinations before you leave for your adventure!

While in your chosen destination, you must remember that you are immersing yourself in an environment and culture that is different than the one you came from. You need to be flexible and open minded to changing your approach and habits; you will need to try new foods and perhaps accept that meal portions may be smaller or larger than you are used to. Language isn’t the only thing you will be learning; you will need to learn and adapt to the body language, city layouts, bus schedules and payments, shop closing times, mealtimes, table manners and social history of the country. Be sensitive in your dealings with others and try not to let your own habits become a fixation when facing new situations.

Have a sense of adventure and remember why you are studying aboard in the first place. Open your mind, be patient and curious. Take it all in and have the time of your life!

If you are interested in traveling abroad to learn a second language, check out these program sites for more information:

http://www.languagesabroad.com/
http://www.studyabroadlinks.com/index.htm
www.abroadlanguages.com/
http://www.firststepworld.com/