How can study abroad programs effectively teach language and culture?

Studying abroad, especially in a country which speaks a language you have never had to use in your daily life, is very challenging. I believe the university, as well as your fellow students can contribute in a big way to make the experience more rewarding rather than difficult and challenging. What I loved about my university was that it insisted that the foreign students learn the language as a part of the curriculum. I'm sure that helped many students get acclimatized to the new culture and new environment. But I also believe that it wasn't enough. The language classes need to be more practical and less about grammatical rules so students can step out of the classroom and actually have a conversation and build confidence.

One thing to keep in mind is the make up of the other students in the program. Will you be with other students from your university the entire time? How will that make you feel? Will you be able to immerse yourself in a new culture? If you are not with other students, will you feel alone?

Studying abroad in a foreign country with a different language and culture can be challenging, but maintaining an open mindset is key. During my master's program overseas, I greatly benefited from peer-learning. Collaborating with fellow students on group projects allowed me to not only improve my linguistic abilities and inter-personal skills but also gain valuable insights into their cultures, food preferences, and interests, making adaptation to the new environment much smoother.

Many times, the course names (especially those with interesting abbreviations) could be misleading. So always check the syllabus and see if the course suits you well.

You may need to be braver and more outgoing than you're used to in order to use the language you're learning and join in groups of people you're not familiar with. Be bold! Try new things, and say yes when invited. Prepare questions and have some conversation starters ready for interacting with your hosts. The students who improve the most do these things: they don't stay in their room all the time! Offer to help at home. Volunteer. Don't dismiss intergenerational opportunities; often people much older and younger will be interested and spontaneously interact with a foreign student.

It's interesting to observe how local people spend their free time. At first it might be best to keep your eyes and ears open without making too many comments. Watch the local news and make an effort to read local newspapers. Many universities offer language 'exchange' opportunities and you will be able to meet others interested in practicing your native language. This might be an opportunity to have a relatively 'safe' space to ask your questions about local culture.

Perfecting the accent in a foreign language can be challenging. To improve my pronunciation, I found watching movies and shows in that language on OTT platforms with subtitles incredibly effective. It not only immersed me in the culture but also guided me to the right pronunciation.

Recognizing that learning a new language can be a humbling journey often marked by more lows than highs, it's crucial to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

Learning a new language and adapting to a foreign culture can be mentally taxing, especially for foreign students juggling academic commitments. It's essential to be culturally sensitive and adaptable, particularly when navigating the intricacies of social etiquette and customs.