Live an international experience It's always fantastic, and if we also take advantage of the opportunity to learn English during our stay abroad, we win twice. I'm sure you have a friend or acquaintance who has done a English course abroad over the summer and told you how much fun they had and how much they learned. You're probably now considering doing the same next summer. If so, and you finally decide to do it, congratulations! You're about to make a very wise decision.
In this article we would like to talk to you about how experiences abroad, whether to do a intensive English course, or any other language, can help you not only improve your language skills, but also expand your general knowledge.
Reasons why you should take an English course abroad
If you're still wondering whether taking an English course abroad this summer is a good option, here are a few reasons that might convince you:
- You will learn to get by in English
During your stay abroad, you'll be forced to speak English: there's no room for embarrassment here. The fear of making a fool of yourself is one of the biggest obstacles to improving your oral expression. This will be your opportunity to take the plunge and leave any insecurity behind, since, whether you're chatting with classmates or ordering a coffee, you'll have to do so in English. These situations will not only allow you to gain fluency in expressing yourself, but will also help you improve your oral comprehension and acquire new vocabulary.
2. You will obtain an English degree
If you meet the course objectives, such as completing the exercises and attending, you'll receive a certificate of participation. Although it's not an official certificate like those from Cambridge, it's still a valuable way to demonstrate your English proficiency.
3. You will make friends from all over the world
In these courses, you'll meet people from different countries with the same goal as you: learning English and having an international experience. If you've never had friends from other countries, you still don't know how enriching it can be to learn about other cultures, try typical dishes, or even learn words in languages you don't know. I'm sure that in your English academy in Cartagena You also have good friends, but most of them are probably Spanish and there isn't much of a cultural exchange.
4. You will get to know a new city
Not everything will be attending English classesYou'll also have time for sightseeing. English summer schools that host international students often organize excursions and activities for all their students. You'll be able to see the main monuments, visit museums, try the local cuisine... It's all part of the cultural immersion, essential for learning a language completely.
5. You will live an international experience
It may seem trivial, but it isn't. In an increasingly globalized world, knowing how to navigate international environments is key. It's true that traveling abroad and spending a few weeks away from home without your friends or family can be daunting, but it's worth it. This experience will help you mature, make you more resourceful, and help you cope with new situations like getting lost in a city or not quite understanding something. Don't worry, you'll know how to solve it and come out stronger.
What to consider when thinking about taking an English course abroad
When planning your English course, you'll need to consider several important factors. Here are the main ones:
- Duration
Define the dates you'll be available, as you'll need to check course availability during that period. We recommend a minimum duration of three weeks, as the first few days are for adaptation, and then you'll really begin to enjoy and benefit from the experience.
2. Budget
This is a key point. Depending on your budget, you can determine the course length and destination. Many schools offer complete packs with classes, accommodation, and even flights. A course in the UK or Ireland can usually be cheaper than one in the US, for example.
3. Destination
What is the best country to take an English course? Any English-speaking country is a good choice, but each has its own peculiarities. If you're going in the summer and the weather is important to you, you should know that the United Kingdom and Ireland tend to be rainier and colder. If you're looking for sun and good weather, Malta It is a very popular destination for summer English courses.
Learning English is a long-term process. It's not enough to just sign up for a good English academy to attend weekly classes (although this is essential). There are many ways to reach a good level, and taking a course abroad is, without a doubt, one of the most effective. We recommend you live this wonderful experience, enjoy it to the fullest, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn.