Why language learning
trips are the next big thing

Why language learning trips are the next big thing

More and more people are desiring something more from their holidays and vacations. Are you one of these who wants more?

Do you want to use your vacation time to learn a new skill or revisit an old passion or hobby?

This is how I discovered language learning trips and I haven’t looked back!

I like to think about language travel trips as how someone might look at trekking, surfing, yoga, photography or any number of other activity based trips and holidays. I travel to a place with the primary reason to learn a language. But of course, I will do many other things while I am there, including eating and drinking, sightseeing, touring around, and generally relaxing!

In a recent article, I read about the increase of travellers combining leisure and study and felt assured that my whole idea of language travel isn’t made up…! It’s an actual, real thing!

Did you know?

Did you know 23% of travellers in 2017 combined language learning and travel on a language travel trip? (from 2017 New Horizon survey, with more than 57,000 responses from 188 countries)

There is a growing desire amongst people to use their holiday time to benefit themselves – with many looking to acquire a new skill, according to the ABTA (UK Travel Agent Association).

“This is part of a broader trend for greater self-determination and control over one’s life and a subsequent demand for self-improvement,” (The Rise of Learning Holidays, Chris Maxwell, 2015)

“By immersing in something new, you’re forced to put your phone and laptop aside and focus on the task at hand, even if it’s only for a few hours. It’s a fast and effective way to switch your mind into holiday mode and at the same time stimulate your brain with something that is completely different to work. This often leads to some really creative thought processes that can, in turn, help you in your entrepreneurial life. Plus, meeting new like-minded people from around the world, who share a passion for the activity you are doing, is really appealing and inspiring, too.” (The Rise of Learning Holidays, Chris Maxwell, 2015)

Why language learning trips are the next big thing?

Being more interesting

What a conversation starter hey? You went where to study what??! Stretching ourselves outside our comfort zones makes us more interesting for sure. Adding a new skill, such as an overseas experience and a new language, makes us more interesting to potential employers too.

Appreciation for English language learners

Learning a new language gives you such an insight into how non- native speakers of English learnt the language. English is the most commonly learnt language worldwide. By us learning a new language, it really gives an insight into the challenges many people go through learning English.

A deep cultural understanding

Truly experiencing the culture and language of another country is one of the most exhilarating and exciting things you can do! Even on a short trip, it is possible to gain an understanding of a new culture. Tt might not be a deep understanding, but you will know more than you did before you started out. And that has to be a positive thing!

Strengthening our minds

So many research studies have shown that stretching our brains and studying a new language does great things for our minds. From staving off dementia to increasing our memory and attention span, it is good news for us that language learning has a cognitive benefit as well!

Realising we aren’t perfect

Starting as a beginner and speaking a new language is a quick and sure way to banish any ideas of perfectionism! You HAVE to put yourself out there – you have NO choice, especially if you are somewhere with no ‘back-up’ English options. I have so many memories of trying to order food in China and being nervous about getting it wrong and ending up with something completely different to what I’d hoped…! But it is part of the language learning journey – it builds resilience and strength and determination. All the qualities we need to succeed in everyday life really!

Getting that feeling of success

One of the reasons I am a language learning nut is the feeling I get when I can communicate in some way in the new language. It is a huge adrenaline kick and buzz – I’m not sure there’s anything else really like it?

Does anyone else experience this feeling when they communicate (and are understood) in a new language?

So if you want more from your holidays, and are dreaming of returning to your language studies or continuing your learning. What are you waiting for! Get out that door and get into a language learning travel adventure!

Read my post here – about why you should consider going on a language learning holiday!

For all my planning hints and tips, read this series of posts – covering how to select your destination

BIG NEWS – we are inviting Lingo Mama readers on our NEXT language learning trip to Vietnam!

Come and join us on a language learning trip!

Dates 8-13 November

5 nights in Ho Chi Minh City, (Saigon) with Vietnamese language classes, real-life language practice, welcome dinner and a Saigon Street Eats Food Tour.

All the info can be found here!

We can’t wait!

If you could go anywhere on a language learning trip, where would you go?

If you aren’t in a position to travel at the moment, would you consider doing a language learning holiday ‘at home’?

Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,

Lingo Mama

xx