You spend so many years in school learning one or more languages, only to forget them straight away after you graduate. Almost every school leaver knows this problem. Maybe you've always wanted to learn another language but never had the time or opportunity? Then I can only recommend a language course abroad.
What awaits me?
At first glance, a language course seems like school, which means sitting in a classroom 5 days a week and doing assignments. In the course you will not only learn the language, but also a lot about the foreign culture and way of life, as your teacher is local. You will meet many people from all over the world and experience your host country like a local.
Why should I take a language course?
A language course is of course recommended before studying a foreign language or starting a career. Many German universities are also offering more and more English-language courses or modules. But a language course after completing your studies is also extremely useful, as employers often require a certain level of foreign language knowledge and this will significantly improve your international career prospects. For this you usually need an official certificate, which you acquire at the end of the language course by passing a test. The best known is the English TOEFL certificate. You can determine the length of the language course individually, although the range is usually between one and 24 weeks, so that you can also spend your semester break abroad, for example. However, the effectiveness of a one-week course can be disputed. The best thing about the language course is that you can apply what you have learned directly in everyday life. In addition to the academic benefits, you will of course also learn a lot for your personal life. Since you are alone in a foreign country, you learn to become more independent and self-confident. Don't forget the people from different cultures that you get to know. In addition, despite school, you have enough time to discover the area and your host country with its sights.
But where do I actually want to go?
Of course, this depends on which language you want to learn, because the world is completely open to you. There are particularly many offers in English-speaking countries. However, you are not tied to the classic countries such as England, Australia or the USA; you can also improve your English in Singapore, South Africa or Malta. But there are also many offers for Asian languages, such as Chinese, Japanese or Korean, which you can then learn in the relevant country. But if you don't want to go that far away, there are also countless offers in other European countries. This is particularly advantageous if you are interested in a future in European politics or business.
And don't worry, like other stays abroad, you don't end up in a remote village, but the schools are always in locations that are particularly interesting for young people, such as big cities or well-known beach settlements.
And where am I staying then?
There are many different options. Each organization offers different accommodations, but you can of course also look for accommodation privately. The organizations usually offer accommodation in a student dormitory, your own apartment or with a host family. Personally, I would recommend a host family to everyone, as this is the best way to get to know the foreign culture and way of life and also to deepen the language. Nevertheless, you have to be aware that you are more restricted because you have to stick to the family rules, no matter how absurd they seem to you. This also makes it harder to find a connection than if you live in a student dormitory.
Which organizations are there and which one is right for me?
As soon as you search for language courses on the Internet, you will be flooded with organizations that at first glance all seem the same. If you are interested in a more popular country, then you should be able to find it at any organization. Here you would have to pay particular attention to the prices and locations of the schools, as these can vary greatly. The type of course (e.g. intensive, student or vocational preparation courses) or the extracurricular offerings can also be very different. The website ( https://www.sprachreisen.info/n-Sprachreisen-provider.php ) compares all language courses and filters the one that suits you after you have selected your interests. I can also recommend everyone to visit a trade fair in advance, such as the Ju-Bi trade fair, as you can find out more about the organization's contacts there.
What do I need to pay attention to in advance and how can I best prepare?
This particularly depends on how long you stay abroad. In general you can say that the longer you are away, the longer you have to prepare. So that you don't forget any of the important documents and applications, your organization will help you prepare. No matter which country you go to, you have to take care of international health insurance beforehand. Whether you receive child benefit during this time depends on how many hours per week the course has, whether you are a student and how long the course lasts. In many countries you also have to take care of a visa beforehand. The application can take a long time, which is why I would advise everyone to start early. Certain entry and protection conditions, such as vaccinations, should also be considered and carried out long before leaving the country. In general, you should familiarize yourself with the customs and manners of the host country before you arrive in order to avoid one or two faux pas. Otherwise, I can recommend everyone to pick out places in advance that they would like to visit during their stay, because as we all know, anticipation is the greatest joy :)
Everything you need to know about a language course abroad, summarized.
