Do you have to go far away to learn languages?
Following our competition, which allowed three people to win three months of online language courses, the question arises: is it necessary to go far away to learn languages? E-learning, stays in Europe or on the other side of the world, Languages and Travel, your language travel agency in Brussels, helps you make your choice and weighs the pros and cons of these different training options.
It might seem contradictory for an agency that offers language immersion programs abroad to also offer online courses, as was the case during our "Great Capitals Game" competition. But on closer inspection, it's not so contradictory. At L&T, we believe this type of training can perfectly complement classroom learning. E-learning helps you progress or refine your skills. Among the advantages: choosing the time that suits you best and connecting from any computer or tablet with just an internet connection.
Our conviction remains unchanged: nothing can ever replace language learning with native speakers. For both the ear and pronunciation, immersion guarantees rapid and significant progress. It's no wonder that every year, thousands of young people (and not so young) take part in it.
For every need, there's a language immersion program
But do you really need to go far to truly immerse yourself in a language? Actually, the most important thing is to ask yourself the right questions to find the program that best suits you. Do you need to learn the language quickly or even immediately, or is it part of a desire for continuous progress? Traveling programs, au pair stays, immersion with a private tutor, nature projects… Not everything is available in Europe, nor, conversely, in the United States, Australia, or Canada. And sometimes you'll have to go against the grain to achieve your goal. For simply learning English, Malta is popular in the summer, thanks in particular to its sunshine and lifestyle. England also has many advantages. While perhaps less fashionable and less exotic than Oceania or the United States, for example, English schools there remain excellent choices for language learning. A little further west, Ireland, with its breathtaking landscapes, has the advantage of being less expensive.
Allow a minimum of three weeks to a month to travel outside Europe
While it's not necessary to travel to the other side of the world to perfect your English, some people are determined to leave the Old Continent. A perfectly respectable choice. However, you need the time. For just a week or two, going outside of Europe might seem excessive. If, on the other hand, you're lucky enough to be able to extend your stay, a wealth of destinations awaits: Canada or Australia, of course, but also South Africa or New Zealand. An opportunity to discover a new culture, naturally, and to encounter different accents. In this context, a Working Holiday Visa remains one of the best options for having the time to truly appreciate these exceptional countries.
Your commitment is at the heart of the project's success
In any case, distance has no impact on the quality of an immersive experience, as we reminded you In a previous article, the 7 commandments to ensure your successWhether you're 200 kilometers away in the heart of the United Kingdom or nestled in Sydney or Toronto, your desire to discover the language will be the key to a successful trip. But also: the level of the teachers, the quality of the on-site infrastructure, or the number of participants in the courses or program. This argument applies equally well to those of you with a strong Hispanic interest when choosing between Spain and South America. Budget aside, of course.
Unfortunately, those wishing to improve their Dutch will have little choice but to travel to the north of the country or cross the border into Amsterdam. So, beyond e-learning and all the information you can find online, that's precisely why agencies like ours exist: to help you make an informed decision!
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