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Author: Dorioara Pinku
7 Tips Prepping For A Language Program Abroad
Whether you know zero vocabulary or you are an advanced speaker in a foreign language, a little preparation can help you get the most out of your immersion language program abroad. Below are some tips from study abroad veterans. Whether you plan to
1. Set Realistic Goals
Learning another language isn't easy for most of us. It takes time, practice and many mistakes. Go into a program with the goal of increasing your communication skills. Don't assume that you are going to perfect the language in so many weeks or months, it's too much pressure.
2. Bolster Your Vocabulary
If you are an absolute beginner, get a phrase book, preferably with a tape to accompany it (check out the Spanish phrase ebook given away at the end of this article). Learn some basics like: "Please", "Thank you", "Where is . . ", "How much. . . ", etc. Knowing these phrases and some hand gestures will get you by in a crunch. For intermediate or advanced speakers, we recommend learning as much vocabulary as possible before you go, including common idioms. Your language instruction will focus mainly on grammar, conversation and listening. The more vocabulary you have going into the program, the more ways you will get to apply the language.
All participants should bring a comprehensive dictionary, not only a pocket dictionary. Consider a guidebook that has a section listing local colloquialisms. This ensures that you will not travel to Ecuador or try to study in Guatemala with knowledge only of the Spanish commonly used in Madrid or Barcelona. Being prepared for local ( Next Page )
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