Studying language courses abroad can be a real advantage – here we look at the top 5 reasons why it could be the right move for you.
The best way to become fluent in a new language probably isn’t to fall asleep with a set of headphones on, listening to hours of tapes of someone translating words and phrases of a foreign tongue. Nor is it best to be sat in a classroom where a teacher tries to drum the basics into you. The most effective way, agreed by experts, is to learn the language of your choice in its native country.
1.You will learn the language quicker
By studying Spanish in Spain or French in France, you will pick up the language far quicker than at home. This is because everywhere you turn the language you want to learn is being spoken and written; you are surrounded by it. By learning a language abroad there is no opt out; you can’t go back to speaking English when you hit a difficult moment – you will learn to use your skills to get around the situation. By studying language courses abroad, you will experience those differences in culture and over time you will adapt to different scenarios in daily life, picking up the quirks of society in that country. By eating the food, buying groceries…even taking the bus – these actions will enable you to learn appropriate words and phrases for everyday situations – and help you apply them far quicker than if learning in a classroom or at home. It has been proven that immersing yourself in the culture is the best way to learn a foreign language.
2. Broaden your horizons
Exploring a new country can open your mind to a world of new cultures and experiences. Don’t confine yourself to one language and limited opportunities. See the world and smple different ways of life; broaden your mind. You may decide the best way to do this is to learn a new language while exploring the world. The idea of going abroad to study a language course may seem a little alien to you right now, but who knows what could be just around the corner and what opportunities may come your way?
3. Improve your career prospects
Did you know that those who have a second language earn between 10-15% more than the average employee? By studying a language course abroad you may well be broadening your own horizons - and enhancing your pay packet. Employers will always look more favourably on those who have a second language - it helps you stand out from the crowd when putting forward your CV. They know they can turn to you for that important overseas trip or for when that foreign investor arrives. And who knows, may be at some point in the future you may decide that the career of your dreams lies overseas.
4. It could be healthy for you…and make you smarter
According to sources, people who are bilingual are more tolerant to mental illnesses such as dementia, by improving cognitive skills. An article published in the Daily Mail recently reported that academics at the University of Edinburgh detected a pattern of slower mental decline among the bilingual in a group of 835 people born in 1936. They were given an intelligence test in 1947 at the age of 11, then retested in their early 70s between 2008 and 2010. A total of 262 participants could communicate in at least one language other than English. Of those, 195 learnt the second language before the age of 18. Those who spoke two or more languages had significantly better cognitive abilities in their 70s than their peers. The strongest effect of bilingualism was seen in general intelligence and reading tests.
5. Travel and see new places
What better way of learning a language is there than to combine it with exploring the world and meeting new people? Why stay at home and learn from audio tapes when you could be in Paris learning French, Barcelona learning Spanish or Athens learning Greek? It’s a big wide world out there so make the most of it!
For more information on studying language courses abroad, contact us on 01736 740000 or email info@livelanguagesabroad.co.uk.
You can also find out more about this on our language courses abroad website
