Learn a Foreign Language Overseas – Statistics of Success

Numerous studies have been performed specific to learning a foreign language overseas. While learning online or in a traditional classroom setting is one option, what most studies have found is that people who immerse themselves in the culture will actually learn quicker and more effectively. For this reason, the number of people interested in learning a foreign language is growing with most now choosing to travel abroad where they can gain firsthand experience of the language, culture, and people.

Sure, traveling to a foreign country for the sake of learning a language is the more expensive route but with there being higher success rates, this is a decision that makes perfect sense. While learning the language, your time spent in a foreign country also creates the opportunity to sightsee, mingle with the locals, taste the native cuisine, and live the lifestyle. All of this combined is why learning a language abroad is so successful.

Some of the statistics gathered on people from the United States going to foreign countries includes the following:

• In 1994, approximately 76,000 students traveled overseas whereas in 2004, the numbers climbed to around 190,000 and only 7% went to learn a second language.
• Of all overseas destinations, the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, and Spain are among the top, all of these being English speaking countries as well.
• The number of women versus men going overseas to learn a language is much greater. Of the 6,912 living languages, close to 516 of those are near extinction.
• The language that has the most native speakers is Mandarin Chinese.
  Papua New Guinea currently has 820 languages used, being the country with the greatest number of distinct languages.
• From 1982 to 2000, the number of people enrolling in advanced foreign language classes has grown significantly.
  

Keep in mind that learning a foreign language by going overseas involves four skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as four unique dynamics that will build knowledge to include vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and culture. The four skills will help you develop confidence in your communication skills, especially while talking to the native people, while the last four factors are needed to succeed in learning the four skills. Using the opportunity to learn a language overseas gives you much more insight, making learning easier, but also making you much more proficient.

Studies have also shown that people who have higher success in learning a foreign language abroad have a good understanding of the language they want to learn and the reason for learning. For instance, you need to have a language in mind, understand the reason for learning that language, estimate the amount of time you will need to spend in another country to achieve the desired skill level, and have a cohesive plan as to the ways in which the learned language will integrate into your future plans.

One of the most important things you will need to decide before you head off to a foreign country to study a language is why you want to learn that particular language. Once you know this, you will then look at the way the language would be used so you can determine the level of skill needed. For instance, if you are learning Spanish language to converse with family and friends, the type and intensity of learning would be different than if the language would be used in the medical or technical field. If you are just interested in the basic Spanish language, you can even consider an online Spanish language course that gives you a basic overview.

The following are just a few of the reasons most people decide to study a language overseas:

• Make a career change.
• Gain language skills to advance at a current job.
• Travel for pleasure and mingle with the locals.
• Secure work in another country Personal gratification.
• Communicate with friends, family, co-workers, or other people you see on a daily basis.
• Increase your knowledge of the world or heritage.

One of the greatest quotes regarding learning a foreign language came from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, which says:

“Foreign language instruction should be part of every child's education. A language is more than sounds and syntax but a culture, a way of thinking, and a perspective on the world. Each language is a precious resource that must be studied, used, and preserved precisely because a language opens the mind to new possibilities. The study of language is the study of life, literature, history, and thought. It is nothing less than the study of our world and of ourselves.”