Why you should start learning the host country’s language before you go abroad
Many students choose to study abroad so they can learn a foreign language. Maybe you took Spanish classes in high school and want to head to Spain, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica, or Uruguay to gain real-life conversation practice. Perhaps you want the challenge of learning a language with a unique alphabet, like in Korea, Morocco, Japan, Thailand, or China. Or maybe you’d like to learn a less-common language such as Afrikaans or Xhosa in South Africa, Gaelic in Ireland, or Latin in England. No matter what your language goals are for your time abroad, the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) offers programs for everyone.
Why it’s helpful
You might be asking yourself, “Why should I start learning the language before I go abroad? Isn’t the whole point of studying abroad so I can learn it?” Here are three reasons why you should start learning before you go abroad:
- Easier adjustment to your host country. Knowing a little bit of the language can help reduce culture shock and make it easier to navigate a new city.
- Start speaking from day one = better language acquisition. If fluency is your goal, you need to start speaking as soon as possible. While your time abroad might not be enough to become fully fluent, using the language from the day you step foot in your host country is the best way to start your journey toward that goal.
- Connect with locals. Even using simple phrases, such as “hello” and “thank you,” can help you connect with locals, and possibly even find a language buddy to help you practice.
How to start
Now that we’ve clarified why learning the language before you go abroad is worthwhile … how do you go about learning? Here are six ways to jumpstart your language learning before you go.
#1: Apps
No matter which language you’re interested in learning, there’s probably an app for it. Simply search “learn [language you want to learn here] app” online. Here are a few to get you started:
- Drops for vocabulary (choose from 50+ languages)
- Memrise or Busuu for complete language learning (grammar lessons, speaking, writing, reading, and listening)
- Duolingo for overall repetition
- HelloTalk for connecting with native speakers (and it has over 260 languages available!)
#2: Podcasts
There are two routes you can take here: listening to podcasts where someone is teaching you the language, or listening to someone speaking fluently in your target language. If you’re in the mood for a bite-sized grammar or vocabulary lesson, try the first option. If you want to passively listen to a native speaker while you clean, walk to class, or workout, try the second.
#3: Youtube
From free lessons to troubleshooting a specific grammar rule, and music videos to day-in-the-life, you’re certain to find something on YouTube to help further your language learning.
#4: Books
Don’t discount books as old-fashioned. They can be a great step-by-step guide to learning a language. Be sure to check out your local library and your university library too, as they might even offer free access to digital language learning resources.
#5: Classes at your home institution
If your home institution offers courses for your language of choice, don’t miss the opportunity. Even a single semester can be immensely valuable and give you words and phrases to use from day one in your host country.
#6: Language buddy
Talk to your international programs office on campus to see if there’s an exchange student who speaks your target language. You can also use apps like HelloTalk to message other language learners.
What next?
There you have it — six ways to learn your target language before you study abroad.
Check out USAC’s World Language Studies to dive deeper into your language course options. There are intensive language courses that allow you to complete up to two years of instruction in a single semester, as well as options for the more casual learner.
Prefer to study abroad without learning a new language? Check out this post about USAC’s options for study abroad that don’t require intensive language learning.
