Study Abroad Information |
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►Why study abroad? |
Studying abroad is widely considered the best way to learn a language. Unlike classroom study, where you may only hear the language for a few hours each week, studying abroad immerses you in it every single day. I learned more in the seven months I spent in Spain than in the many years I had studied Spanish in a U.S. classroom.
When I first arrived, I could barely understand the woman I lived with. Her words felt too fast, and I often struggled to follow conversations. Yet, after seven months of living abroad, I could understand almost everything she said when she spoke at a normal pace. This kind of progress—true listening comprehension and fluency—simply can’t be matched in the classroom.
The key advantage of studying abroad is total immersion. From the moment you wake up until the time you go to bed, you’re surrounded by the language—on the street, in shops, in public transportation, and at home. Even simple daily routines, like ordering food or asking for directions, become language practice.
After a few months, many students even report that they start thinking or dreaming in the language. This natural shift shows how deeply your brain is absorbing it. Instead of memorizing vocabulary lists, you’re living the words in real situations, which makes them stick.
Studying abroad isn’t just about academics—it’s also about exploring the world. On weekends, you can take short trips to nearby towns or landmarks, and while living in the country you’ll discover places most tourists never see. Locals can introduce you to hidden gems such as small villages, festivals, or traditions that aren’t found in guidebooks.
These authentic cultural experiences not only enrich your travels but also deepen your understanding of the language. You’ll pick up regional expressions, local slang, and cultural references that make your communication more natural.
Language and culture are deeply connected. When you live in another country, you don’t just learn words—you learn the meaning behind them. For example, in Spanish, the word compadre describes the relationship between parents and godparents, a concept that doesn’t exist in English. The fact that there is extensive vocabulary around this relationship highlights its cultural importance in Latin communities.
By studying abroad, you gain a broader worldview. You start to see your own culture with new eyes and develop empathy for different ways of life. These insights make you not only a better language learner but also a more open-minded global citizen.
Adding study abroad experience to your résumé can give you a strong advantage in today’s global job market. Employers value candidates who can adapt to new environments, handle challenges, and communicate across cultures. Even if you’re not completely fluent, showing that you’ve studied abroad demonstrates independence, resilience, and international awareness.
For those pursuing careers in international business, education, diplomacy, or tourism, the language and cultural skills gained abroad can be especially valuable. In many cases, they can open doors to global career opportunities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of studying abroad is the friendships you make. You’ll connect not only with people from the country where you are studying but also with other international students from around the world.
My niece, for example, met a German student during her study abroad program in Argentina. They eventually fell in love, and today she lives in Germany, speaking three languages fluently. Stories like this show how friendships abroad can turn into lifelong bonds and even open the door to future travel opportunities as you visit each other in different countries.
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What to look for in a study abroad program
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced - Teachers
Pronouns - Pronunciation Rules - Verbs - Irregular Verbs
Vocabulary - Grammar - Pronunciation - Spelling