Five reasons to study languages abroad
Learning a new language opens up a whole world of culture, literature, acquaintances, experiences, and career opportunities. Here are five good reasons to spend a semester abroad and learn a language at record speed!
This text is translated using AI.
View the original article here.1. You learn much faster
Becoming fluent in a language without being able to practice it is almost impossible. You can learn to understand phrases and sentences, and perhaps even read books in the language – but having a simple conversation often feels difficult if you don't get to practice. There is a difference between writing and speaking, and it is only through trying and failing that you can truly become familiar with the language.
Even though you have been learning English at school since you were quite young, you probably would not have been nearly as good at understanding and speaking it if it weren't for the fact that we in Norway are so surrounded by English words and expressions through video games, music, movies, TV shows, and so on.
When you can hear the language being spoken around you every day, and have to use the language to navigate your new life abroad, you will make rapid progress.
2. You become acquainted with a new culture
When you study languages abroad, you simultaneously become familiar with the local culture. There is a world of literature, music, traditions, and knowledge that one can never fully grasp in a translated version.
A semester or a year abroad will provide you with a unique opportunity to get under the skin of a completely different culture than the one you grew up in.
Getting to know other cultures is exciting and enriching, and can make you start questioning some of the values and norms from your own country.
3. You have fun while you learn
Many people find languages fascinating, but memorizing grammar is often not at the top of the list of favorite activities.
Developing an understanding of grammar is undoubtedly an important part of learning a language, but hours of memorization will get you nowhere if you don't feel that the knowledge is beneficial.
As an international student, the grammar lessons will be balanced with exciting activities and encounters in everyday life and leisure time.
You can learn a lot by striking up a conversation with an eccentric troubadour you meet at the local pub, or by going to the movies to watch a film in the local language and trying to understand what's happening.
4. You have a stronger position in the job market
No matter what you want to work with in the future, language skills will be a great addition to your resume. The working life is becoming increasingly international, and the ability to collaborate across nationalities is important in most industries.
Having completed a semester or a year abroad will also tell employers that you are someone who dares to seek out the unknown and is open to other cultures. This is a bonus in almost any career path you choose.
5. You challenge yourself and grow as a person
Moving to another country with a completely different culture is both fun and challenging. Initially, it can feel overwhelming and demanding to navigate the new society. You might not understand much of what is being said around you, and you have to familiarize yourself with a whole new set of norms and rules for behavior.
Why study Spanish in Buenos Aires?
- Argentina
- Spanish in Argentina
- Introduction to Spanish in Argentina
- Spanish with exphil and exfac
- Inspiration
Why study Spanish in Buenos Aires?
In the first few weeks, you must constantly challenge yourself to practice a language you do not master, and often you will feel that you are not succeeding. You must try to establish a routine in the new country while still having a feeling that you are on vacation.
Eventually, however, you will notice that the new experiences help you grow as a person. By pushing yourself a little out of your comfort zone, you may find that you can handle more than you think.
The right words will eventually come more quickly, you will fall in love with the food, the music, and the people – and when the time comes to go home, you will seriously consider whether you might as well just stay here forever.
Are you curious about studying Spanish?
We offer Spanish studies in two amazingly exciting countries: Costa Rica and Argentina.
Here you can receive instruction at two levels, depending on how much you already know.
You can check your level by taking our Spanish test.
If you are a beginner, we also offer basic courses in both countries that will enable you to study in Spanish after the course.
