The Immersion Effect: How Studying Abroad Speeds Up Language Learning
When it comes to helping your child learn a new language, one of the most powerful methods is immersion. Rather than simply sitting in a classroom, your child can learn the language in real-life situations, surrounded by native speakers and their culture. If you're considering sending your child abroad to study a language, understanding how immersion works and why it's so effective could help you make a more informed decision. Let's explore the science behind how studying abroad can speed up language learning—backed by real research—and how Berlitz Study Abroad programs can offer this kind of immersive experience.
Why Immersion Works: The Science Behind It
It’s not just a myth—studying abroad really does make learning a language faster and more effective. According to a study by Thomas & Collier (2002), students in immersion programs tend to improve their language skills by 1.5 to 2 proficiency levels in just 6 months. That’s almost double the progress compared to students learning in a typical classroom setting. This is because immersion provides constant exposure to the language, helping students naturally absorb new words and phrases.
Another important study by Lightbown and Spada (2006) found that immersion learners retain vocabulary better and make faster progress in understanding grammar compared to students in traditional language classes. The reason? Immersion allows learners to experience the language in context—seeing and hearing it in real-life situations—which strengthens their memory and comprehension.
This is where Krashen's Input Hypothesis (1982) comes in. He argues that language acquisition happens best when learners are exposed to language that is just above their current level. Immersion creates the perfect environment for this, providing a continuous flow of new, but understandable, language.
Real-Life Benefits of Studying Abroad
What does this look like in practice? Imagine your child is living in a country where the language is spoken every day. Whether they’re ordering food at a café, taking part in a class discussion, or simply chatting with their new friends, they are constantly using the language. This is what leads to real progress.
In fact, a study by Myles & Mitchell (2004) found that students who spent time abroad in countries where the language was spoken improved their language skills significantly—by an average of 1.5 proficiency levels in just a year. That’s a huge improvement compared to the average gains from classroom learning.
The cultural experience also plays a big part. According to Byram (2008), understanding the culture behind a language is just as important as learning the words. When children study abroad, they learn not only the language but also the customs, idioms, and social nuances that make the language come alive. This cultural immersion helps international students understand the context in which language is used, making them more fluent and confident speakers.
Why Early Immersion Is Key
For parents considering sending younger children abroad, the benefits are even more significant. Research by Snow (2010) shows that younger learners are particularly adept at picking up new languages. Their brains are more flexible and able to absorb languages naturally, so the earlier they are immersed in the language, the faster they can become fluent.
Plus, kids are less likely to feel self-conscious about making mistakes, so they are more likely to practice speaking the language in everyday situations. This constant practice speeds up their language learning—something that’s harder to achieve in a classroom setting.
How Berlitz Study Abroad Can Make It Happen
Berlitz offers immersive language programs in Korea and Singapore, where your child can live and study in an environment rich with native speakers. These programs are designed to combine language learning with cultural immersion, allowing students to quickly build their language skills in real-world situations.
If studying abroad isn't an option, there’s no need to worry. Berlitz’s language courses, including those tailored for kids, use the Berlitz Method—an immersive approach that focuses on natural language acquisition. Whether in Singapore, Korea, or locally, your child can experience the same language immersion effect, helping them speak and think in their new language from day one.
The Benefits of Studying Abroad: Language Immersion, Cultural Growth, and Global Opportunities
With Berlitz, whether your child is studying abroad or in our local centers, they’ll have the opportunity to build language confidence through an immersive learning experience. Studying a language with Berlitz goes beyond academics—it’s about thriving in today’s interconnected world while gaining the skills to succeed in any environment.
If you're interested in studying abroad..
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Benefits of Learning German for Singaporean Students
Berlitz English Camp in Singapore
References
Byram, M. (2008). From Foreign Language Education to Education for Intercultural Citizenship: Essays and Reflections. Multilingual Matters.
Krashen, S. D. (1982). Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition. Pergamon Press.
Lightbown, P. M., & Spada, N. (2006). How Languages Are Learned (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Myles, F., & Mitchell, R. (2004). Second Language Acquisition and the Study Abroad Experience: The Effect of Immersion on Language Learning. Applied Linguistics Review, 19(2), 163-183.
Snow, C. E. (2010). Academic Language and the Challenge of Reading for Understanding. The Reading Teacher, 63(6), 490-494.
Thomas, W. P., & Collier, V. P. (2002). A National Study of School Effectiveness for Language Minority Students’ Long-Term Academic Achievement. Center for Research on Education, Diversity & Excellence.