When considering a work or study placement abroad in a foreign country, you may wonder if having strong language skills is essential. Many groups that we work with do already have a very high language level and it does make some difference (but it is not essential). When we have groups with a high standard of language, we are able to organise even greater work and study placements abroad. However, that doesn’t mean that if your group doesn’t have strong language skills, they can’t get the most out of an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme mobility in another country.
We Work With Students Of All Language Levels
Some groups just don’t yet have a firm grasp of their destination’s language but that doesn’t mean they can’t still take part. We even work with those at beginner level and do our best to ensure that we still organise a superb trip, while always taking into consideration their language level.
When we encounter these types of groups, we take steps to create experiences related to their level, but also the types of experiences that help to dramatically improve language skills in what is a very short amount of time.
Attend Language Workshops
So, firstly, to facilitate better learning, prior to going abroad on a work or study placement, we encourage these groups to attend language workshops related to their Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme stay. These workshops make sure that students improve their skills before going abroad but they also ensure that students pick up valuable colloquial language and phrases, as well as understand what to expect when they eventually arrive in their host country. Workshops include language-based activities, and every workshop has been tried and tested. In fact, we’ve had hundreds of groups attend our language workshops, improving their conversational language skills and the feedback is always excellent.
Anyone Can Participate!
The most important thing to remember is that anyone can enjoy an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme stay, even if their foreign language skills are minimal. These types of mobilities abroad are there to improve language, and they do.
We’d recommend taking language workshops, downloading language apps and online courses to improve language prior to going abroad. Encourage your students and learners to use their language skills as much as possible prior to departure and especially upon arrival.
Of course, it also helps if students and learners have a basic understanding of English as it is so widely spoken. However, do explain to them before they depart that having a level of English won’t be enough and they shouldn’t just rely on it (unless they’re travelling to the United Kingdom or another English-speaking country). Remember, not every person speaks English so encouraging students and learners to pick up basic language skills related to their destination country is always our recommendation.
Find out more about our language workshops, Erasmus+ and the Turing Scheme by getting in contact with our team here.
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