Long Term Benefit of Immersion Programs

I, personally, have not been able to find any real data as to the benefits of immersion programs, though I do think there is some. Possibly I just am unaware on the proper search term to use in Google. Specifically, what is the language ability after one month, six months, a year? Has the level of the second language been maintained, improved, or is the student back to square one? Once the immersion program is over, how does a student keep the momentum going?

Attending a language immersion program can be lots of fun and very beneficial to the language learning process. Many, many schools exist all over the world for those wishing to learn a second (or sometimes third and fourth) language. Have you noticed that almost every school, at least those listed on the internet, claim that their school is different? I did a quick check on Google (1,380,000 hits) using the term, “Spanish Immersion Programs”. Out of the few selections that I actually clicked, the sales pitch was about the same.

I find it just as interesting that out of so many immersion programs for those wanting to learn Spanish, there is very little, if any, feedback from students other than the initial “I had a great time” story.

When a student initially returns from their immersion program they still have the excitement flowing through them. The exposure to a different culture, a different way of living is definitely a benefit of immersion programs. And, I think most do actually learn a great deal of language from immersion programs. What, however, are the long term benefits?

Choosing The Right Program

Trying to decide which Spanish learning program is best can be a real challenge. A quick check of Google shows more than 1,380,000 possibilities when using the search term, “Spanish Immersion Programs.” Likewise, “Learning Spanish” results in 90,100,000 hits; “On Line Spanish Courses” has 75,400,000 hits. This is, as they saying goes, just the top of the iceberg. In other words, the selection of options is overwhelming.

So, how does one decide which program, school, book, etc. is the best? I wish that I had the magic answer. I would certainly be very rich if I had the magical answer. The truth, though, is I don’t, and it appears that neither does anyone else. Basically, it is a stab in the dark. However, there are some preliminary things you can do before spending your money.

Ask yourself what type of learner are you. Are you a visual learner? Do you learn better in groups or one on one? Do you learn better in a class room setting or by yourself? These are just a few of the questions you should be asking yourself before committing to a Spanish learning program. Once you know which type of program will match to your learning style you then need to be realistic as to the amount of time you are able to devote to your studies.

There are many debates as to the best method of learning Spanish, or any foreign language. We have the grammar approach, the conversation approach, the immersion approach. Which is the right way to learn? My answer – who knows? I think a combination approach is probably the best, but I think really it depends on what you, as the learner, want to accomplish.

Are You Dedicated?

Being dedicated is a key to learning Spanish as second language. Are you dedicated? The problem, as I see it, is too many people give up before they really get going. This is not, however, always the fault of the student. A quick Google search and you will find hundreds of advertisements claiming to teach you Spanish within hours of buying their program. Don’t believe it! I can only give my opinion, but in most cases you are wasting your money. There are too many “free” options available to you.

Language learning, like many other learning experiences, is an on-going process. You learn one word or phrase at a time. I read once in another forum, http://www.translatorscafe.com that you need to live your second language for a minimum of five years in order to “internalize” your second language. There is a lot of truth to this statement. Unfortunately, not everyone is in a position to spend five years in another country. There are the small issues called, money, family and work. Still, there are ways to learn.

Learning is done in increments. To remain dedicated you need to focus on making small accomplishments daily. Eventually, you will look back and say, Wow! I am actually communicating in my second language. How did this happen? It happened through your dedication to learning. Did you know that by spending just one hour a day doing something (anything) with your second language you will advance much quicker than you ever dreamed?

But it is discouraging when I can’t remember words, phrases, and those awful grammar rules. Who said you would not get discouraged? Let’s be honest, you will get discouraged. This does not mean you need to give up. It means you need to take a different approach. When those feelings of discouragement start creeping into your head take a look at what you have accomplished during the learning process. How many more words, expressions, grammar rules do you know now that you didn’t know six months ago? Probably way more than you ever dreamed possible. Be proud of your accomplishments and then add something new. Add a new word, a new phrase, a new grammar rule. Again, learning is done in increments.

Everyone has a different approach to learning a second language. Attending a formal school, learning through tapes and books on your own, internet, immersion programs, are just a few. How are you learning your second language? Do you have some recommendations for others?

I think next I will write about “Immersion Programs” what happens when the immersion is over? Have you attended an “Immersion Program”? What happened when it was over?

Until next time, keep learning!

Testing your second language level

Some feel you must have years of schooling to master a second language. Some say an immersion course in a country of your second language of no less than five years is required. Some feel you must be able to recite the grammar rules. So, how do you really know your level of language mastery? The answer really is simple. Use the language. What? Use the language. Yes, that is what I said – Use the language!

You see, regardless of what level you rank on those exams that are supposed to determine your level of competence in a given language i.e., beginner, intermediate, advanced, the true acid test is your use of the language. How far can you go without reverting back to your native tongue? What, in other words is your breaking point? Is it a few minutes? Is it an hour? Is it all day?

My theory is the longer you are able to remain in your second language the higher your level. This, of course, does not mean you will not make mistakes. After all, very few of us are perfect in our native language, let alone a second language.

Here are a few starters for you:

1) Change your cell phone commands to your second language.
2) Have your bills come in your second language.
3) Watch T.V. only in your second language.
4) Only shop in stores where someone can speak your second language.
5) Use those ATM machines in your second language.
6) Eat at restaurants that speak your second language.
7) Speak to telemarketers in your second language.

You get the idea, I hope. The more you are able to convert to your second language the higher your ability of communication in that language. The most enjoyable for me is number seven. I just love speaking only in my second language to telemarketers. Some times they hang up, which of course hurts my feelings. I am being sarcastic here. At other times to my delight the telemarketer switches languages. I still tell them no to whatever they are peddling, but at least I did it in my second language.