The time spent learning in another country is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has the potential to offer many advantages. Not only will you have the advantage of learning a new language and living a different culture first hand, but also this type of experience will enrich your resume. It’s no secret that companies are looking for candidates who have studied abroad,so this can be a point in your favor after your studies when it’s time to find work. However, in order to reap all the potential benefits, you will need to know how to get the most out of your language course abroad.
Plan ahead to get the most out of your language study abroad
Plan your experience in advance and so, you will ensure not only a basic agenda for your stay abroad, but also the activities you will probably do. It’s important to make the most of your time. Of course, you don’t have to plan something for every hour of the day, but knowing what the possibilities and activity options are will be very useful and beneficial. Plans can always be changed on the fly, but getting a general idea of what you want to do and how you’re going to invest your time is always fine.
Start by first wondering what your goals are for your trip and what you want to achieve. Are your reasons for going to study abroad purely personal or related to employment and training? When organizing your free time, don’t forget to leave some time for study and homework,as this is the main reason for your trip. Try to find out in advance how much academic class time you’ll have once you start your study abroad, leave a few hours of practice and self-study, and use the rest of your free time to get out and immerse yourself in your surroundings.
A great way to find detailed information about planning your trip is to contact others who have already had a similar experience abroad. If you don’t know anyone, you can join Facebook groups or other social networks and engage in a conversation with others who have already experienced language study abroad. There is no better person to answer your questions than someone who has already done their language course abroad.
Programming your language study abroad
As for your trip abroad, there are a few other things to consider as well. When looking for the best program or course, some schools offer discounts if you book your trip well in advance or during the low season (usually from September to April, with the exception of January in the southern hemisphere); while others offer a reduced rate if multiple people together make a reservation. Actually, this would be a fantastic way to travel with the comfort of a friend or family member who has interests similar to yours, have their support and company, and also at the best price!
For some, learning sharing is a beneficial way to absorb even more experiences, so if you’re one of these people, scheduling your trip with a companion might be a great idea. However, it’s important not to try to speak in your mother tongue with your travel companion all the time. The language in which you must communicate should always be the language spoken at the destination in order to make the most of your experience.
In addition, when organizing your study trip abroad, it is important that you schedule your trip well in advance so that you really have the opportunity to enjoy the local culture and sights, and not just the classes and study time. Trying to fit in too many activities in a short time, in general, does not allow you to take advantage of that time, nor absorb all the experience you will have. Since these types of erculation programs are language immersion programs, the best way to make the most of them is to giving enough time to mingle with the environment and learn the culture. It is recommended that language programs abroad be 10 to 12 weeks, if possible. As this is not always feasible, it is recommended for at least 3 or 4 weeks to get the most out of your language course abroad.
Preparing your bags for your study trip abroad
Preparing luggage is always a challenge and can be especially difficult when you are preparing to travel abroad for a long time. Of course, you want to make sure you have everything you need for the time you’ll be away. However remember that it is very important not to overdo it with your luggage, you will always bring more things around the corner: gifts, souvenirs…
Just wear what you need, even if that requires laundry in your destination city.
You must include your travel documentation and always keep it by your side. It’s a good idea to have the itinerary, copies of credit cards and travel checks, prescription information, Important phone numbers related to your trip and personal and emergency contacts all with you in duplicate, plus leave a copy at home in case you need the information later.
Currently that information can be stored on smartphones, which makes the task much easier. It’s always important to keep a backup of all the information
Once there, enjoy yourself
Your study trip is for educational purposes, but with good planning your language course abroad will also be an opportunity to have fun. Keep your expectations in line with reality: it’s not a full-featured sightseeing trip, so don’t always expect the glamour of a five-star hotel. Keep in mind that you are not in your country and that customs can be very different: be open, adapt to the environment and enjoy it like the natives.
Once your attitude is in tune with the surroundings, visit sights, try the local cuisine. Be a traveler, not a tourist. Don’t always forget to sleep well, eat in an orderly manner, and plan your activities to make the most of your language journey.
In Ynsitu you have a wide range of language courses abroad to carry out this experience in the best possible way. Go ahead!