How Learning Languages Help You Abroad

The importance of learning a foreign language cannot be over looked. Knowing how to truly communicate and connect with others is an essential life skill. Knowing to speak more than one language is an essential skill that allows you to interact with the world in a more direct way. The reasons why many persons don’t learn new languages is based on deep seated-myths.

In this article, we’ve put together ways foreign languages can help you. By the time you are done reading this article, you will know how learning languages help you greatly when you travel abroad.

5 Ways Foreign Languages Can Help You

• The Connection With Others

Our ability to connect with others in their language is an incredible gift. It’s one of the most vital aspects of the human experience. Knowing the language of other people automatically makes you a local regardless of wherever you are, and opens your world. You will build friendships of a life time. This is one great way learning languages help you when you are abroad.

• More Opportunities in Your Career

Language skills can set you apart from your peers. There’s a high demand for bilingual professionals, regardless of industry or skill level. Nowadays, employers are looking for professionals who can flawlessly communicate with clients in growing foreign markets. Your career ambition mixed with language skills will keep you ahead of everyone else.

Learn More: Top 10 Tips to Improve Your Learning and Study Skills

• Sharpens Your Mind

Research have shown that people who speak more than one language have better memory, concentration and listening skills, as well as problem solving and critical thinking skills  Also, bilingualism helps prevent mental aging and cognitive decline.

• Strengthens Your Connection with Other Culture

Studying abroad avails you the opportunity to experience a new life and culture. Your ability to communicate in another language helps you appreciate traditions, religion, art and history of the people associated with that language. This leads to tolerance, empathy and acceptance of others.

• It’s Easier to Become a Polyglot

There are countries where more than one language is spoken. Research have shown that learning a second language makes it very easy for you to learn more. When you learn a new language, you develop new brain networks charged to learn other languages spoken in the same country.

The world is increasingly becoming interconnected. Many students have built language skills as part of their goal. Over time, immersion has proven to be the most effective way to learn a language. Many students therefore consider studying abroad. 

What Are The Benefits of Studying Abroad?

Studying abroad can benefit students greatly — academically, professionally and personally. Let’s consider a few benefits here:

• Opportunity to See the World

The benefits of studying abroad include the opportunity to experience new terrain, natural wonders, museums and tourist attractions in the host country. Plus, when you’re abroad, you’re not limited to traveling to the country where you’re studying – you can see neighboring countries too! For example, studying in France gives you the opportunity to travel to different parts of Europe.

• You Learn About New Cultures and Perspectives

When you study abroad, you will find surprising new foods, customs, traditions and social environment. You will see that you better understand and appreciate the people and history of the country. You will have the opportunity to witness a new way of life.

• Opportunity to Create Lifelong Friendships

During your studies abroad, you will study and live with students from the host country. It gives you the opportunity to really get to know your colleagues and build lasting relationships.

• You are able to improve your language skills

Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a new language, and there is no better way to learn than to dive right away.

Learn Also: Why Do You Want to Study Abroad Essay

Learning a new language is not easy. Because you’re learning something new, you will need patience, hard work, and perseverance. However, there are things you can do to make it easier. It is important to have motivation. So I ask you, “What is your motivation for learning a new language? It’s important to focus on your motivation.

How Does Studying Abroad Improve Language Skills? 

Language immersion helps your brain to function like that of the native speaker. For instance, in English language, just imitating the speakers’ pronunciation will help you learn English faster. While studying abroad, you will experience a new life and culture. One way to greatly enhance that experience is having an understanding of the local language.

Studying abroad provides the opportunity for you to expose yourself to the foreign language via music, TV, film, and other media. Also, classroom learning and speaking with locals on the street can be a form of exposure to that language.

The key to learning a foreign language is having a strong motivation. The benefits of learning a second language outweighs any reason not to. As a young person (student), build your language skills. Learn to speak, at least, one language that’s not your native language.

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