Monday, 9 January 2012

Studying Abroad In A Country Where You Know The Native Language

For many students, studying abroad at some point during their college careers is essential. After all, there's no better way to enhance your appreciation and understanding of another culture than to spend time in that country living and learning among locals. For some students, however, studying abroad can seem intimidating. If this is the case for you, picking a country such as England, which shares a language with the U.S., may be a good move.

If you have not traveled extensively in the past, moving to a foreign country for a semester or two can seem overwhelming. A common concern among students is not being able to speak the language of their host country. After all, many college students in the U.S. are not fluent in any languages other than English. For students who are looking for a study abroad experience that is rewarding but manageable for less seasoned travelers, England may be a great choice.

Just because the United States was once colonized by England and therefore shares a common language, does not mean you won't get a unique and life-changing experience by spending a semester abroad in this country. You will certainly experience some degree of culture shock in England as you would in any other country. After all, manners, behaviors, and customs are a bit different in England than they are in the U.S. You may find people to be more reserved and polite. You might find habits such as "queuing" at bus stops or apologizing for no reason at all to be charming.

Of course, you'll also enjoy England's history and culture. You will want to go to Westminster Abbey and Stonehenge. You can even pay a visit to William Shakespeare's birthplace, the small town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The ease of knowing the native language already will make tourism less tricky. For students who may be nervous about getting around on their own in a foreign country, England should be relatively easy to navigate. After all, you are able to read maps and road signs with ease as well as ask for help when you need it.

For students studying abroad in countries where English is not the primary language spoken, it is often necessary to take classes that are taught in English, rather than in the native language of the country you are living in. This means not mixing as much with local students. In England, however, this won't be a problem. You won't miss out on any aspect of college life due to language barriers.

When it comes to nightlife, cities such as London are surprisingly energetic and exciting for college-age students. Of course, you should always exercise caution when partying too hard in a country you are not completely familiar with. Knowing the language, however, makes it a bit safer to let loose and have fun during your free time.

England is one of the most popular places in the world to study abroad for good reason. Its beauty, history, and cultural richness make it a number one destination for college students all over the world.

If language barriers and lack of experience as a traveler are keeping you from having the study abroad experience of a lifetime, you should study in England. You'll get the best of both worlds: the wonder and excitement of acclimating to a new country as well as the security of sharing a common language. Even a short summer abroad can give you a life-changing experience
Study A Broad

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