With growing opportunities, learning a new language isn’t necessary to study abroad
Students completing a study abroad program often cite learning a language as their top priority. But what about students interested in studying abroad who don’t want to learn a new language? What about students for whom language learning is extremely challenging?
With a growing number of opportunities for language-optional education abroad, students can gain valuable skills, lifelong lessons, and exciting experiences from living in another country without the worry of language barriers. With many programs, no prior knowledge of the language is required, and students can choose from a variety of course topics besides language (although language study is always encouraged if the student seeks a greater cross-cultural experience). Here are a few ideas to consider:
Study abroad in English-speaking countries. In USAC’s Australia (Gold Coast, Melbourne), New Zealand (Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington), U.K. ( Brighton, Bristol, London, Reading), and Ireland (Cork, Galway) programs, adjusting to the culture merely means getting used to the accents.
Enroll in courses taught in English. Yes, even if the country is not primarily English-speaking, you have English options. All USAC Specialty Programs offer courses taught in English, as well as many host institutions on USAC Partnership Programs. For example, check out global studies courses in Bengaluru, India; marketing and journalism courses in Khon Kaen, Thailand; European studies and sustainability in Lüneburg, Germany; business and economics in Maastricht, Netherlands; and many more.
Get the basics covered. For people who aren’t majoring in a language, USAC offers non-intensive language options, too. The Multidisciplinary Studies in English (MSE) option in Lyon, France, requires only one 3-credit French language course, compared to the nine credits required for the Intensive French Language (IFL) option. This leaves room for an intercultural communication course and 6–12-credits of any English-delivered elective of your choosing.
Use translation apps. With increasing technology, translation apps are becoming more accurate and many offer additional ways to translate, including speech-to-text and using your phone’s camera to translate an image. Try Google Translate for most languages, or Papago if you’ll be in an Asian country.
USAC alum Sophie Cadran expressed the transformative nature of her experiences in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and the new perspectives she gained through being the linguistic minority. Sophie shared an anecdote of trying to order a meal during a festival one night.
“Excited to try some regional food, I practiced my order in Italian before reaching the volunteer at the counter,” she said. “Things went smoothly — until she asked a follow-up question far beyond my Duolingo learning. A kind local behind me noticed my confusion and stepped in, though he didn’t speak English either. I walked away with a meal I hadn’t intended to order (though it was delicious) and the exchange left me mentally exhausted — but also with a new perspective.”
Sophie went on to share how experiences like that allowed her to gain a deeper appreciation of language barriers and communication. Like Sophie, students can walk away from a study abroad program with better communication skills — verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual — just by experiencing a new culture, even if language study isn’t the top priority of their time abroad.
With the great variety of English-taught courses across USAC’s many programs, study abroad programs in English-speaking countries, and translation apps, language barriers are not the obstacle they once were. Students can experience a vibrant, incredible time abroad even without speaking the local language, and will return home with valuable communication skills and new perspectives.
