There is little debate about the benefits of knowing a second or foreign language. The research is clear in terms of cognitive development, higher levels of academic achievement, and employment opportunities. Historically, Europeans, with their closely-bordered lands, have managed to become masters of several languages. However, in the U. S., few school districts are set up teach any international language to a high level of competence.
For adventurous souls who want to know other cultures, share a bon jour with a Paris shopkeeper or offer efaristo for a delicious Athenian supper, there are a variety of language-learning options including community college classrooms, CDs, MeetUp and even online courses. All have their advantages but the essential missing element in each are real people to talk to and in-country experience.
With a little planning, you can take that desire to become proficient in French, Spanish, Serbo-Croatian, or Arabic, to a higher plane by choosing and attending a country-based language center. You can expect to pay far less for a program abroad and yet reap impressive and transferable benefits.
With this journey to a new language, there are practical issues to consider:
Step 1: Choose the Language
If you have studied French, or German, or Spanish in junior or high school, you can reactivate the language by returning to its study. Strangely, our brains don't completely forget those lessons. The data is stored and can be retrieved. Some people are attracted to a language because it partners a personal interest: yoga and Hindi, or Japanese and flower arranging, for example. Naturally, the greater your involvement, the higher the motivation to learn.
A Belgian policeman on why he wants to learn Moroccan Arabic: “We have a lot of Moroccans''
in Belgium, and I want to be able to speak with them in their own language.”
Step 2: Choose the Place
Close your eyes, spin the globe, and drop your finger on any location; you will probably be able to find a language program. From Zahgreb to Santiago, language centers have the welcome mat out for people from all over the world. Recently, I had a break and decided to attend an Arabic course in Morocco. Several cities offer such courses, but I chose Rabat, both for the course and the weather.
A young French woman, wearing hajab (a headcovering used among Muslim women): “My
family is of Moroccan ancestry, but I was born in France, so I don't speak Arabic. I want to
learn the language of my heritage.”
Step 3: Choose the Program
It's your money. Look for what you really want. Large or small center? Set program or flexible? Individual instruction or small group? Housing provided or make your own arrangements? Meals available at extra cost or inclusive? The website for the program should detail all of these and other issues. Read them carefully. If the program caters to English-speaking students, they should have someone in the office who can answer questions if you call. Pictures of the center and its facilities can be deceptive, but they help to orient the school in time and space.
I chose Qalam wa Lawh in Rabat, Morocco. Qalam has three levels of coursework in both derija (the Moroccan dialect of Arabic) and Modern Standard Arabic. Two, four, and six hour programs are available. A full kitchen serves a continental breakfast, mint tea at break-time, and Moroccan dishes for lunch. The center sits in a lushly blooming garden that becomes a classroom when weather permits.
Look for a center that does not require payment ahead of time, or only asks for a deposit. This saves the hassle of discovering that you've booked yourself a lemon without recourse to cancellation.
A student from the University of Maryland studying Modern Standard Arabic: “Learning a
language abroad completely changes your perspective of other countries and international
events. It also gives you an unbiased view of the culture.”
Reasonable Expectations
- An intensive instruction process, with much of the instruction done in the target language.
- A syllabus clearly outlining the goals of instruction over specific periods: one, two, three, or more weeks of instruction.
- Excursions to the local attractions. These may be included or at additional cost. Students at Qalam took trips to the Sahara, Fez, and Marrakesh.
- Basic proficiency for life essentials after one week. This would include the ability to ask “Where is …?”, “How much?”, and to express needs, “Take me to ….”, “I want ...”.
Remember that this will be a cognitive journey. You cannot learn a new language if you never let go of the old one. Immerse yourself in the country where you are studying; take every opportunity to talk to local residents, and try new foods with discretion. Aladdin had his “Open Sesame”. Yours can start with a “Sign me up!”
Barbara Castleton - Researcher, writer, teacher, trainer, and collector of stamps on her passport, Ms. Castleton currently works and lives in North Africa.
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