To improve your English, there is nothing like immersion. But what exactly is language immersion? Let's take a look at the different types of language immersion for English that are best suited for adults, young and older.
What is language immersion?
You have probably been told many times that there is nothing like immersion to improve your language skills. However, has anyone ever explained to you precisely what it is?
In language immersion, learners are encouraged to learn a second language in the same way they learned their native language. It consists of living in, and fully immersing yourself, in the linguistic and cultural context of your target language.
For example, if you are learning English, you can practice English language immersionduring a stay in an English-speaking country where you will put your mother tongue aside. The goal is to use only the language of Shakespeare during your entire stay, and in many different situations.
However, there is more than one type of language immersion. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of language immersion for the English language.
Immersion and courses: the winning combo of the English language stay
A linguistic stay can last from one week to several months. It allows you to take advantage of a period of break in an English-speaking country during which you can live an enriching cultural and linguistic experience.
Generally, language stays are established around two main axes:
- language courses;
- life in the country of immersion.
You can choose the pace of your courses, ranging from a few hours per week to full days of classes. It depends on your needs and what you expect from your stay. These English coursesare organized by language schools or can be given on a one-to-one (individual courses) by independent teachers.
For immersion lifestyles, there are several options. To fully immerse yourself in the culture of the country, the best option is to stay with a host family. Your family will introduce you to their way of life, the cultural life of their city or region and will be there to help you in your daily life as well as helping you practice your English outside of class.
Note: you can use the Worddy platform to find the best language stays in English-speaking countries!
Woofing: learning English in immersion while learning about organic lifestyles
Woofing (or wwoofing) is the practice of helping out farmers in exchange for room and board. What does this have to do with language learning? By choosing to woof in England or in another English-speaking country, you benefit from a stay in total immersion for a low cost. No rent or food to pay. On the other hand, you will have to provide some effort to help your farmer hosts.
While woofing, you will not have language classes, but you will be able to converse with your hosts and with other woofers. In your free time, you can enjoy leisure activities that your host region has to offer: visiting museums, discovering the atmosphere of pubs, going to the cinema to watch movies in English... The choice is yours!
Visit the official WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) website to find your English immersion stay in the countryside.
Working as an au pair: language immersion with a family
The au pair worker is provided with food and accommodation by a host family in exchange for domestic services. Most of the time, this involves childcare and homework help. In addition, the au pair usually receives financial compensation.
An au pair stay is an excellent way to immerse yourself linguistically while earning your first money. This type of language immersion is very popular among young adults.
They can benefit from an experience abroad before going to university, for example. Some programs also require the au pair to take a few hours of language classes each week.
England, United States, Australia... There are many destinations and the parameters vary greatly from one country to another! The stay can be for one month, 6 months or even a year. However, you must meet certain conditions:
- be between 18 and 30 years old;
- know at least the language of the host country (notions);
- some countries also require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Many programs and associations offer to put young au pairs in contact with host families. For specific procedures, you can also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are interested in.
Work or volunteer experience abroad: an enriching language immersion
If you are no longer of age to work as an au pair, or if you are looking for a different kind of language immersion, there are other options available for you. You can choose to gain work experience abroadto enhance your language skills and your resume.
This can be done through a fixed-term contract, an internship or a volunteer mission. In addition to improving your English, you will develop your professional skills and your network.
As a volunteer, you will usually work in an international and multicultural environment that encourages exchanges on a meaningful projects.
The most important thing in this type of language immersion is to choose your mission carefully, whether it is professional or volunteer. There are a few important points to consider in order to ensure that your experience goes as smoothly as possible, such as
- the level of language required to complete the mission;
- the length of the stay;
- the accommodation (which you will generally have to find by yourself)...
To each their own type of language immersion!
As you can see, there is not just one type of language immersion to practice your English. You can opt for a traditional language stay for an immersion 100% focused on your language progress.
Woofing or volunteering will be perfect for you if you want to give your time for free while enjoying the benefits of language immersion. Au pair work or a professional assignment abroad will help you improve your English while developing your skills.
