There are plenty of reasons anyone would want to learn a language. One could be relocating to a different country to study or work, while someone else works with people who speak another language and there’s a communication barrier. Whatever the case, with these few suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to making the right choice
What language do you want to learn?
It is essential to appreciate the institutions of learning one selects will be dependent on their budget or even how much they’re willing to spend. That said, knowing the language you want to learn helps you choose the top schools that offer the language. Visit their website or physical location of you can to try to establish if they fulfill your specification such as what time of year the units are and the resources they have.
Destination
Do you want to learn the language in a foreign country? You can look up recommendations and review online for the best place to learn a specific language. Once you have a shortlist, try and narrow it down by looking at the pros and cons of each location and how it fits into your lifestyle or needs. Though this may appear obvious, settle for a country where the language originated from or is a national language, and their accent is considered international.
Knowing where you want to go isn’t enough. Before you apply, look into aspects such as accommodation and living cost. How far away is the institution from your residents? Are you able to get a part-time job for your upkeep? At the same time, don’t stick to a specific set of countries, you’d be surprised at how there are equally prestigious language schools in regions that you’d not necessarily consider.
Who do you wish to communicate with?
If you, for example, work for an INGO and are moving to a country that speaks a specific language, it also makes sense to move to that country and learn it when immersed in the culture. It becomes easier to learn and retain the knowledge acquired. If you want to work in Europe, learning Spanish in Mexico would probably not be the best option if you’re an American. It may be closer to home, but a lot would be missed.
For those learning a language for a specific purpose, the classes you opt for would be different. You might go for an academic course if you want to understand a T1135 voluntary disclosure in another language while another for something more general. With that in mind, you’d be able to select the best fit for you.