Learning a language during your Erasmus Plus program: benefits versus unpleasant surprises
We can’t say it often enough: learning a language is more than just a practical way of opening up to others and immersing yourself in a new culture. It’s a guarantee of open-mindedness and a demonstration of interest in the place where you are and its people. That’s the first major benefit!
From the point of view of European mobility, the Erasmus+ office raises awareness of the need for adequate language skills. On their official website, for example, it says: “Lack of language skills remains one of the main barriers to participation in European education, training and youth mobility programs.”
Farah, a candidate in the 2012-2013 Erasmus Plus program, remembers her arrival at La Sapienza University in Rome. Italian was a distant memory, linked to her LV3 in high school, and two years had passed since she’d first learned the language. The urgency to learn was quickly felt. Classes were held in the local language and university exams were, without exception, oral. Fortunately, language courses organized by the host organization of her Erasmus Plus program enabled her to raise her level. The moral of the story? Don’t rely on a skills base, and find out in advance about local assistance. Anticipation is key during your Erasmus Plus program, as places can be limited!
Read more: How to set up an Erasmus + international mobility internship
Language learning during your Erasmus Plus program: which methodology is best?
Erasmus Plus online language support. This is an official form of language support that can be used from anywhere in the world. Provided you have the computer equipment to do so! It is aimed at participants in the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programs. All official EU languages are covered, as well as Icelandic, Macedonian, Norwegian, Serbian and Turkish. It is possible to take courses before or during your Erasmus Plus program. All you need to do is contact your sending organization, which will provide you with your online log-in details. You can also test your level at the end of your Erasmus Plus program via a virtual test! So, are you tempted?
- Tandem once you’re here. Based on a give-and-take principle, once you’re in your host country, you can get together with someone who wants to master your language. He or she may have an Erasmus+ profile, have just returned from a European mobility program, or simply be a philanthropist. To connect with locals, there’s nothing better than posting an advert in your host school or university, or on dedicated Facebook groups. This initiative (as old as time!) helps to strengthen social ties and anchor your practice in your daily life… the opposite of virtual!
Both are free and available to all. For even greater flexibility, a number of mobile applications are available. To help you make sense of this sea of choice, here’s a short list of the ones we’ve tested and approved!
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