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Catalan is the language spoken in Barcelona, Spain
Living abroad may require the acquisition of new language skills. For some learning a new language is as easy as riding a bike and for others it may feel like the conquest of Mount Everest.
Here are some tips to help you make the learning experience a smooth one:
Sign up for a foreign language course at your local community college before you move abroad.
Community colleges permit non-credit or non-degree seeking students to undertake courses at affordable community college prices.
Consider a summer session if you do not want to spend an entire semester in the classroom. Summer sessions are generally 2-3 months in duration and classes are generally 2-3 hours, two to three days a week.
Learn via the internet.
The internet is a wonderful option whether you are already abroad or still preparing for the move. Learning a foreign language online permits you to learn at your own pace and in the privacy of your home or office.
Web Spanish is a program that offers basic to advanced courses for students with broadband internet connections anywhere in the world.
Remember, a reliable internet connection is crucial for studying online. If you are moving abroad mid-course make sure the country you are moving to has reliable internet service.
Enroll in a language course abroad.
Foreign universities, public schools and private institutes offer programs for foreign residents fresh off the airplane.
Visit the Embassy website of the country you are living in or moving to for a list of schools that offer courses.
Another option is to inquire with foreigners already living abroad. Friends, co-workers or online forums are a great source for locating a course that has already been tried, tested and proven by fellow colleagues. Read “overseas connections” for tips on creating and leveraging your social network abroad.
DIY Programs
DIY or Do-It-Yourself courses are what most people initially invest in when learning a new language. You can purchase an in-depth course such as Rosetta Stone, which can cost hundreds of dollars or go to your local library to borrow books, CDs and DVDs for free.
DIY courses are a perfect tool for adults that already have basic foundation or for those that have a natural aptitude for learning a foreign language.
Total Immersion
Finally, studying a foreign language doesn't require years in the classroom or reading books. Total immersion forces the learner to practice what they already know and build upon that foundation.
Total immersion offers what classroom or textbook languages courses do not; a real-life, hands-on education.
Through total immersion you will learn the local accent, dialect, and slang. You will be a much better communicator if you know which words and phrases to use when interacting with the local culture.
The key element to learning a new language is to practice, practice, practice! Practice truly does make perfect and if you don't use it you lose it! Don't let your time and effort go to waste.
Expect errors and mistakes, there's no need to be afraid or timid of them. The gesture of just “trying” to speak the language is generally appreciated by the locals.
“Do you speak English?” is the last question you should ask and not the first when living abroad.
You can read more about Rachel Gamarra's experiences living abroad by visiting her blog at Rachel in Peru.
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