Prepare your language stay online: some e-learning sites to know
We are often asked “what do you advise me to prepare for my language stay ?” or “ what should I do after a language stay to maintain my language level?”
Online self-learning or e-learning
Several online methods have been developed recently and this is a good way to prepare for a language stay, ensure follow-up, and continue to improve.
Often, before a language immersion trip , the biggest worry is precisely the language level. “I don’t speak enough English, I’m a little scared at the beginning. Will I be able to understand what people are saying to me?” Don’t worry, that’s normal. We all go through this. But you could reduce this stress by starting to learn before you leave. In addition to any language courses you might be taking in Belgium, here are a few online methods that we think are relevant:
– ALTISSIA Currently offers 6 languages:
- English
- Dutch
- German
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
Altissia's strengths
- Unlimited access 7 days a week – 24 hours a day
- Adaptive level test
- Access for all levels, from beginner to expert (A1 to C2)
- University method developed within the Catholic University
of Louvain-la-Neuve (UCL) - “Daily News”: Every day, activities centered around a video and a news article
- Everyday and professional vocabulary
- Speech recognition and pronunciation exercises
- Corrected practical exercises (vocabulary, grammar, comprehension…)
Enjoy a 50% discount on Altissia's online courses thanks to our partnership with Languages & Travel: click here to take advantage of this offer today !
– BBC English 6 Minute English : free online English learning. The BBC, a well-known British broadcaster, needs no introduction. But are you familiar with the “6 Minute English” tool? At Languages & Travel, we really like it. It consists of topics covered in 6 minutes: the “lesson” begins with a short dialogue on a given subject. You plug in your headphones and listen. Difficult vocabulary related to the topic is explained in English, a great way to expand your vocabulary. A new lesson is added every week. You can click on all the lessons from this year or last year. 6 minutes of English a week—you'll find the time, won't you? And if you have an hour, for example, do several lessons by choosing the topics that interest you.
Do you live in Brussels and are you currently unemployed?
Actiris , the Regional Employment Office, has funded a new language self-learning software called Brulingua ( www.brulingua.be ). This interactive and dynamic online multimedia platform is designed for job seekers registered with Actiris. Brulingua currently offers four languages: Dutch, English, German, and French. Registration is free and will allow you to learn one or more foreign languages before going on a language immersion trip or working abroad on a working holiday visa in Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, with Languages & Travel, of course!
Specialized vocabulary specific to the kitchen, restaurant and hotel reception
Here's another great tool for students, interns, and workers in the hospitality (hotels, restaurants, and cafes): Euro Catering , www.eurocatering.org . Practice with this free language learning website if you're interested in, studying, or working in this sector. With 11 languages available, it's sure to keep you busy during those long winter evenings: English, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian, French, as well as Norwegian, Polish, Slovenian, Finnish, Galician, and Gaelic! Languages & Travel recommends that young people use the English module before heading off on a working holiday visa to Australia, Canada, or New Zealand if they plan to work in the hospitality industry (hotels, restaurants, and cafes).
Euro Catering is a project funded by the European Commission. Several schools from various European countries participated in the development of this tool, including our own Haute Ecole Louvain en Hainaut (Mons) .
Share this article or suggest other online self-learning you've used and enjoyed by leaving a comment below. Thank you!