Studying vocabulary and linguistic theory at home with a textbook is one thing; living abroad and immersing yourself in the language is quite another. Furthermore, only one of these strategies has been shown to accelerate language learning—spoiler alert: it involves leaving your house. Even though each of these approaches can help you acquire useful language abilities. Here are precisely ten reasons why we believe that studying a language overseas is the ideal option.
1. You will be fully immersed in the language: Learning a language is something you cannot escape. Every engagement you have with the local culture, whether it be by talking with your host family, watching local TV, eating takeout, or even reading the ads pinned up all over the town, will broaden your vocabulary and improve your comprehension of the language.
2. Your mother will be pleased: In addition to getting to live overseas for a while with friends, your parents will also think it's a terrific idea. Earn-win! Taking a language study overseas is an experience of a lifetime; not only will you gain cultural awareness but your confidence and independence will also grow. Mom is aware that in addition to providing you with an amazing experience, you will gain priceless language and life skills that will enable you to realize all of your potential on the personal and professional fronts.
3. You must put your new abilities to use every day: It's inevitable to put all of your newly acquired language abilities to use every single day when you live overseas as practice makes perfect. Best of all, though, it doesn't feel like practice. You won't have any trouble joining in and keeping up when everyone around you is speaking in their original tongue. Getting directions, seeing a movie at the theatre, and looking up the surf report in the area are all examples of simple everyday language exercises.
4. You'll meet a ton of new people: There's nothing that quite shouts "friends for life" like running into someone who moved far from home and is looking for new mates to spend out with. You can be sure that your foreign classmates will be a varied and fascinating bunch of people to laugh and learn from, and one thing you will all have in common is your newly acquired language! Remember to interact with locals as well; having conversations in their native tongue is one of the finest methods to hone your listening skills, solidify your language proficiency, and gain insight into the way of life there.
5. It all comes down to "life experience": you're not just picking up a language; you're picking up survival skills in a foreign land. Local life differs from life at home wherever you travel. Living overseas is both exhilarating and difficult, involving everything from establishing friends to riding the bus to social pleasantries to food shopping. You can tackle everything else life throws at you once you conquer these minor obstacles.
6. It looks fantastic on your CV or resume: First of all, studying a language demonstrates to potential employers or college admissions committees that you are a focused, committed student with the kind of super-awesome brain capable of picking up a foreign language. But when you pair this with evidence that you've risen to new difficulties and managed life overseas with ease, all of a sudden, you're the complete deal.
7. Just consider EVERY trip: Learning a language overseas is (almost) like taking a single, extended vacation. Even if you have to study and attend class, you also get to hang out with new people and see a whole new city. Right outside your door lies a completely uncharted territory that begs to be explored.
8. You will pick up practical expressions and colloquialisms: Books and lectures won't teach you how to avoid embarrassing yourself in front of your new acquaintances or keep you up to date on slang. Living the language is the best approach to becoming fully conversant in another language socially.
9. It's a chance to take up new interests: Select a study abroad location that provides a distinct atmosphere from your hometown, and seize every chance to explore novel experiences. If diving is something you've always wanted to do, go to Malta or spend your free time learning how to surf professionally in San Diego. You might fall in love with hiking after exploring the forests outside of Vancouver, or you might decide snowboarding is your new lifelong passion after spending the winter in Tokyo and visiting the ski resorts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, picking up a new language overseas can be a fantastic opportunity with many of advantages. It looks fantastic on your CV or resume and offers chances for language practice, cultural immersion, and personal development.
Also Read: