#LanguageImmersion

[utahabroad]

3 Tips for Studying Abroad (for Language Learners)

By: Joe, Social Media Scholarship Recipient, Akita International University

So, you want to study abroad to {insert country of choice here} to learn {insert said country’s native language here}. Great! I highly recommend you follow through on your decision, as you will certainly gain immeasurable life experience–experience you will most certainly never regret. But before you get ahead of yourself and book your flights, lend me your eyeballs for a second and let’s think together about some of the considerations you’ll need to make to get the most out of your upcoming adventure.

1. Research Potential Host Universities

Not only is it important to understand what classes your options offer (you know, to make sure it’s possible to take those nine credit hours of Japanese language courses that you need for your degree),  but it’s also important to understand the academic/student life climate at your host university or program.

For example, my current host university (Akita International University), despite being in the rural countryside of Japan, teaches all of its non-language-based classes in English. On the one hand, this is very beneficial because even for students with one semester of Japanese language under your belt, you can still come here to study Japanese and quickly knock out a couple of gen. ed. requirements with it. (Double check that your home university will allow this.) However, the downside to this is that every student here speaks English, and if it’s easier for everyone at the lunch table to speak English, they will. Not speaking or hearing the language you’re learning, especially at meal times, can make it difficult to get that true “immersion experience” your academic advisor is telling you about.

2. Research the Location

Similar to tip #1, the social climate of the city or town or village you’ll be living in is also important. For me, I had previously lived in Tokyo for two months, so I was looking for some contrast with something a little more countryside (and, boy, the countryside is what I got). But I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard people complain about how far from the city the campus is! Did they not do any research? Probably not. Don’t let that happen to you.

If, like me, you’re okay with taking a 40-minute bus trip each way just to get to the closest grocery store, go for it, but know ahead of time that that’s what you’re getting into. Reversely, be prepared to know that you might to have to get used to the sound of train tracks and the nightlife right outside your dorm window if you’d rather be studying in a major city. Additionally, if you’re looking for that tried-and-true immersion experience, consider that larger cities might be more English-friendly than the countryside and that the folks living in the countryside might speak a bit of a different dialect than what’s traditionally taught in the classroom setting. (Picking up some of these dialectical quirks could impress your language professors back home, though your mileage may vary.)

3. Be Ready to Invest in Field Trips/Excursions Away from Campus

Finally, to get this “language immersion experience” I keep mentioning, be prepared to spend a little money on field trips that your learning abroad program, host university, or even other local organizations may offer. You may be fortunate enough that someone may offer these excursions for free or at a steep discount to students, but no matter what, you should seek them out and take advantage of these wherever possible. I’m talking about the field trips that will take you to museums and aquariums and the like. They sound cheesy and touristy, and they are, but these places are rich in opportunities to utilize the language skills you’re currently acquiring to not only navigate the environment but also talk to shop-owners, read signs about exhibits, etc.

Ultimately, it boils down to this: you want to make sure that the language immersion experience you want to seek out is what you’re going to get. Not all sizes fit one, and the best way you’re going to benefit from your program is to do your research, embrace what you end up with when you’re finally there, and never give up the search for more opportunities to practice, practice, practice! Best of luck on your study abroad adventures, and safe journey to you travelers.

Bonus Tip: Do a Homestay!

I can’t think of a single person I know that has not learned something from doing a homestay experience. Yes, it will be uncomfortable. Yes, you may not even end up liking the people you stay with (though I doubt that will be the case). But the important thing is that you will get to experience life much closer to the perspective of your host family’s culture, and that is an experience I can guarantee you will learn from one way or another.

[rie-k-photo]

Proctor Academy Study Abroad Segovia Spain-43 by proctoracademy http://ift.tt/2xbDSYb

[peilincorbanese]

My beautiful loving friend, @angellihuihua. I don't know why I didn't move the big spoon out of her face. We met more than a decade ago when Naïa went to Angel's Mandarin Immersion Summer camp in Chicago. Angel runs a language immersion program (multiple languages)for schools in Chicago and DC. Not only is she the CEO of Little Linguists Academy, she is also the mom of two amazing kids. So great to catch up today. ❤❤ #chicago #littlelinguistsacademy #languagelearning #languageimmersion #mandarinImmersion #spanishimmersion #taiwanesewoman #womenleaders #entrepreneur (at Happy Lamb Hotpot, Chicago) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRVCL4Znu5D/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sassywerewolftree]

How to Book Flights for a Language Immersion

Book cheap flight tickets and hotels- https://trailtravelz.com/

Traveling for a language immersion experience can be both exciting and transformative. Whether you're planning to immerse yourself in Spanish in Barcelona or delve into Mandarin in Beijing, booking the right flights is crucial to kick-starting your language adventure. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process smoothly:

1. Research Language Schools and Programs

Before booking your flight, research reputable language schools or immersion programs at your destination. Consider factors like program duration, teaching methods, and student reviews to find the best fit for your language learning goals.

2. Choose the Right Travel Dates

Flexibility with travel dates can often lead to significant savings on flight costs. Use flight comparison websites or apps to explore different departure dates and times. Aim to arrive a day or two before your language program starts to acclimate and settle in.

3. Look for Direct or Convenient Connecting Flights

Direct flights minimize travel time and potential language barriers during layovers. If connecting flights are necessary, ensure you have ample time between connections to avoid stress and potential delays.

4. Consider Budget and Travel Insurance

Factor in your budget for flights, accommodation, and daily expenses during your language immersion. Additionally, consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances that may affect your trip.

5. Pack Essentials for Language Learning

Beyond your usual travel essentials, pack items that will aid your language learning experience, such as language dictionaries, phrasebooks, and language learning apps downloaded on your devices.

6. Arrive Early and Immerse Yourself in the Culture

Upon arrival, give yourself time to settle into your accommodations and explore the local culture. Engage with locals to practice your language skills from the get-go and immerse yourself fully in the language and customs of your destination.

[utahabroad]

Exploring Cuba through Community Engagement and Language Immersion

By: Colton McFarland

Program: Cuba: Complexity, Community, and Change

Term: Fall Break 2017

“Being able to learn more about and visit Cuba opened my mind to a different way of thinking about life. In America, we start with ourselves; but in Cuba, they start with the community. It has given me a different perspective on how I can help others be a better member of my community.”

Earning the Community Engagement Badge: 

There are so many different opportunities that are built into the program that fulfill the requirements for the badge and they were all fun. One of my favorite things we did was visit a Catholic preschool and give our time helping children. The school was well organized and clean. We were able to learn about the history of the school and the many benefits that it provides to the community. Their main focus is to provide care to children of single working mothers. 

Earning the Language Immersion Badge:

If you are wanting to enhance your Spanish skills, Cuba is a great place to visit. The population is very knowledgeable and willing to talk to you. This makes for easy and interesting conversations. The Cuban people are well versed so you can  literally talk to them about anything from music, politics, sports, medicine, the economy whatever you are interested in.

Transferable Skills:

The main skills I learned are to be more open and willing to help others. The Cuban people are very   caring for each other and are always willing to help one another. I have tried to be more willing to help others at work and in my community since my trip. It makes everyday life more enjoyable when you are helping those around you. I have found that no matter who you are, you have something to offer and there is always someone out there that needs help.

[anabelearning11]

How Spanish Immersion Programs Improve Language Learning

Immersion education or immersion is a learning technique that enables efficient learning of a second language. The Spanish immersion program refers to a language learning process in the class where the medium of classroom instruction will also be Spanish. Visit us!

[langualogy]

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning” - Mark Twain www.Langualogy.com . . . . . #languageteaching #languageenthusiast #languagevideo #languageimmersion #poliglotas #languagecoach #polyglots #languagenerd #languagecoaching #poliglotte #languagepractice #languages #languagetips #psychologia #languagecafe #languagestudents #languageaddict #learninglanguage #language_school #languagetravel #languageteacher #languagegoals #languagestudies #language #language_learning #languagelearners #languagelearningisfun #passionforlanguages #languagemotivation #Langualogy https://www.instagram.com/p/CTH45xPJbW7/?utm_medium=tumblr

[pursuewithin]

It must have been a long weekend. . Because - week (feels like) 2000 of distance learning started and I realize I can understand Chinese via the zoom meetings the kids have!!! . Then the coffee kicks in and I realize no, I don’t know any more Chinese the teacher is mixing in English and Chinese in the meetings. 🤦🏼‍♀️ . Oh boy. . 9 LONG days left... . . #chinese #distantlearning #distancelearning #languageimmersion #isschooloutyet #lila #coffee #morecoffeeplease #caseofthemondays https://www.instagram.com/p/CAp7g_9DCau/?igshid=14pe2nkv99qi8

[scottgabby]

Ma famille d’accueil

During my time in Dijon, I am staying with a “famille d’accueil,” or host family. My host mom’s name is Amélia and she lives with her husband Fernando, their 20-year-old daughter Chiara, and their cat, Blue. Amélia and Fernando don’t speak English, so I have definitely been putting my French language skills to the test. I can usually understand what they are saying as long as they speak slow or if they repeat themselves a few times. And if all else fails, Chiara learned English in school so she can translate or we turn to google for help. Amélia and Fernando are so patient with me and have welcomed me into their home with open arms.

I took French throughout high school and took FREN 503 at UNH, which is their intermediate level. I took that class over a year ago and have begun to forget a lot of French vocabulary. However, I’ve only been in France for a few days and I’m already starting to remember most of what I learned and am picking up on new words and phrases too! Nothing like an immersive program that makes you learn a language and fast.

I’ve added some photos of my bedroom if you want to see. It has a beautiful little balcony that I’ve been using to catch up on my reading, too. Tomorrow, I am going to the Université de Bourgogne to take my French language placement exam for my classes so stay tuned for a blog update after!

Au revoir,

Gabby

[rassiascenter-blog]

Spongy is looking forward to meeting everyone at ALPs next week! We are busily working on preparing for another great program #rassiasmethod #rassiascenter #languagelearning #languageimmersion #hanovernh #dartmouthcampus #dartmouthalumni #summerstudy

[bilingual-nation-blog]

What it means to be immersed.

Simply, it’s that you invite the language into your identity.  You say “I am learning that I can speak French” to your friends, your boss, your teachers, your mom, your little cousins, and most importantly to yourself.  It’s donning an identity and seeing how it fits around you.  It’s looking at other people who wear French like their pajamas while you put it on with heels a little too high and pants that stick to your skin like plastic. To simplify it further, it means you are hearing the language, tasting the language, sensing the language, seeing the language, manipulating the language, adapting the language, making the language your bitch.  

[soulpowercoach]

They called me "Dat Gurl w de Hearin Problem" in HS. #TrueStory #EpawntCollehPawk #Atl #CultureShock #WaitWhet #LanguageImmersion #UnspeakableJOY

[utahabroad]

Exploring Taiwan through Language Immersion

By: Maureen Petty

Program: National Taiwan University

Term: Academic Year 2017-2018

“Learning abroad is an invaluable experience that I believe one must go through in order to become fluent in their language of choice. Not only does learning abroad help improve your language skills, but you will also learn about the local culture which is a very important component to learning a language.”

Earning the Language Immersion Badge:

Living and studying in Taiwan for ten months has given me the opportunity to be immersed in a Chinese speaking country where I could practice my language skills daily and improve my language skills at a much faster rate than I would in the United States. Being immersed in a society in which they speak the language you are studying is such an invaluable experience, and a must if you hope to gain fluency in the language. Besides improving my language skills, I was also able to learn a lot about the culture of Taiwan, which is a very important component to learning a language. Not only am I better at communicating using Chinese, but I am also able to understand and communicate with those who come from Taiwan as I can understand their culture and norms. By learning abroad in Taiwan and immersing myself into their language and culture, I am better able to understand the people and the language, which will ultimately help me in the professional world where I hope to use my Chinese language skills. Learning abroad has given me a once in a lifetime experience that has enhanced my overall student experience at the University of Utah.

Transferable Skills

In the future I hope to either go into international business or work for the government in national security. Chinese is a very important language for both of those jobs. By knowing Chinese and understanding the culture, I will be able to use Chinese in a professional setting, whether it is giving a business proposal to Chinese business partners or translating transcripts for the state department. Learning abroad has also helped me in school, as I am better able to communicate and understand my Chinese classes here at the University of Utah. Learning abroad has also helped me become more open with the international students on campus, as I know what they are going through.

[istoji]

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Yesterday we enjoyed a lot!! #languageexchange #tapas #flamenco #students #friends #spanish #english #tradition #culture #goodfood #goodatmosphere #experience #enjoy #learn #cultureimmersion #languageimmersion #euroaceprograms #wedontstop

[anabelearning11]

Maximize Your Spanish Immersion Experience with These Quick Learning Tips

When you are immersed in a foreign culture, learning a new language may be both a thrilling and difficult task. Here are a few practical suggestions to help you get the most out of your Spanish immersion program in Mexico if you’re taking part in one and want to speed up your learning. Visit our Blog to know more!