Foreign Language Learning by Immersion
Learn the Language in Place while Surrounded by its Speakers
Oct 6, 2008
Whatever strikes a chord with you is out there waiting to open up your world. But many students, living, as most North Americans do, in a monolingual environment, tend to fear the whole idea of foreign language study, believing that it is near impossible to become a fluent speaker of another country’s or culture’s language. Some believe they can’t study abroad until they master a foreign language in the classroom at home. Others limit themselves to only England or Australia, believing those to be the “easy” options. Some just dream and never strike out for other shores, trapped by a barrier they never tried to cross.
However, there are plenty of language schools and courses designed to give you the basic introduction to their country’s language after you arrive. Immersion language courses take a multitude of forms, from highly organized language schools filled with students from all over the world, to family home stay type programs where, with some guidance and outside support, you study on your own, learning by immersion in the same way a child of the family would – by listening and trying out what you hear.
Language Learning: You’re in Charge
Language immersion is completely different from studying grammar and vocabulary in a classroom. For one thing, the subject matter of your study surrounds you 24/7. For some, the feeling of sink or swim is exhilarating, while others dog paddle quickly for the ladder. Most people go through up days and down days, and you do need real determination to stick it out through those dry times when it seems like nothing will ever make sense again. Considering all the factors, choose a course that's right for you.
The other main difference between language immersion and classroom based study is that in the classroom you can’t control the subject matter. You find yourself memorizing things you never expect to say, like “Where is the telegraph office?” or “I want to buy a new dustpan.” On the other hand, in immersion courses, your needs and interests determine each day’s new lesson. Whatever it is that you do want to buy is easy to memorize because you need it right now. Later, you will plug in new items to a sentence you have already used in the shops, and your communicative competence grows by leaps and bounds. Take time to think through your own needs, and assess your readiness for study abroad.
Increasing Your Language Competence
This competence in the language, and the ability to use it in real situations, is the primary advantage of immersion language learning. Given a certain amount of commitment, persistence, and good, old-fashioned hard work, anyone can learn to communicate in a new language.
Each of the world’s languages gives its speakers a different set of lenses through which to observe and analyze the world. Each one creates a slightly different perspective on reality. So the more languages you speak, the more different perspectives you can see from and the more detailed and well-informed your world view will be. Language learning by immersion can be an exhilarating challenge and a truly transformative education. Don’t deny yourself!
For more information, see the website Transitions Abroad for literally dozens of opportunities.
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