Language Immersion – What Is It?
Language immersion is when you fully immerse yourself in an environment where the target language is spoken, requiring you to use it continuously. This can be done by moving temporarily to a city where that language is predominantly spoken.
Many students have opted to do this, especially when they are wanting to make fast progress. They might go to London, Cape Town, Dublin, Sydney or Auckland for three to six months, for instance. Some may choose to take a language course while there.
For intermediate students, another option would be to take a special-interest course in English rather than a language course specifically while living in a city where English predominates. One that aligns with their hobbies. For example, signing up for classes in art, cooking, cake-decorating, woodwork, creative writing or something else they have always wanted to do. It’s a win-win. Improve English, explore a new hobby that could morph into something cool career-wise and make new friends.
Of course, relocating for three months or so does involve costs. Airline tickets, accommodation, tuition fees and living costs for the duration of the stay all need to be factored in. Fortunately, there are many cities around the world where English is widely spoken. Some options are much cheaper than others. So, some research on cost of living in different cities is a good idea before heading off on an adventure of a lifetime.
As a comparison, the basic living costs for a student in London would be around $2500 while in Cape Town, it would be around $1400. These estimates are based on shared student accommodation, basic food and hygiene products.
Some of the students we have coached have done language immersion in both ways mentioned above, attending either a language school or a special-interest course They have reported benefits beyond language and many remember their language immersion trips fondly. Cultural exchange, new perspectives and a sense of fun and independence that international travel brings were some of the aspects they enjoyed most.
So, where will you be heading next year? Cape Town, Dublin, Melbourne? Maybe Edinburgh or Cardiff?
Discussion
What are your thoughts on langauge immersion?
Where would you want to travel to in order to be fully immersed in English?
What would be the most challenging part of doing a three to six month trip abroad?
Are you interested in taking a course related to your favourite hobbies? What subject would it be?
Where have you traveled to and which one was your favourite destination?
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