When it comes to learning a foreign language, should you go to university, or select a particular language school? It’s not an easy question to answer, is it?
That’s because learning isn’t so cut and dried and the pros and cons of each need to be delved into, before such a decision can be made. Still, there is one question that can be easily answered and that is, is it better to learn a language in your home town, or in the foreign country in question?
We can learn a lot from books and CDs but there’s nothing beats being in amongst it all, living the language rather than practising in an educational environment that is foreign to the topic. You need to look no further than babies; they can talk before they go to school, as they were living the language and the culture before they were old enough for school. So, being amongst it all greatly improves one’s understanding.
So, what about university or language school – what’s the answer?
I’d look first at your personality. Are you outgoing? Do you like being in a hive of activity? Do you prefer your own company? Do you like group situations etc.?
Universities will be bustling places, whereas language schools will be more family-orientated, the latter catering for smaller numbers and not overflowing with hundreds of students all learning something different. University life will feel like a threat to some people and bliss to others. Language school may be too closeted for some people and prove ideal for others. So, what kind of personality do you have and how are you going to find the best educational setting for you?
UniSpain is an organisation that gives support to eager students of Spanish, helping the individual to find the most suitable course in the universities and language schools of Spain. Courses range from one month to one year and a package can help you secure the right course, the right accommodation and the right activities to get involved in, all taking your personal needs into account, so you’re guaranteed not to have to take on board something that you hadn’t planned for.
When it comes to learning, classes in language schools have fewer students than in universities, so there’s going to be more opportunity for personal interaction with the teacher, a better rapport with other students and a better feeling of value for you, the student. It feels good, doesn’t it?
In the university, you may feel more like a number than an individual and, while this doesn’t matter to some, it could affect an individual’s motivation for learning. If you’re a head down learner, university may be perfect for you but, if interaction really is important, the number of students may feel overwhelming.
If free time activities are going to play a big part in your satisfaction, these are provided mainly by language schools, although universities might arrange a few activities. If you prefer a university you can take advantages of UniSpain´s special All Included programs that includes a number of free time activities for Spanish courses at universities. We’re talking visits to bars and restaurants, museums and other places of interest, as well as daytrips to places close to your city of choice. Getting your feet under the table in this way makes the learning process much more important to you, as you’re living the life and putting all of your class work into operation.
Me, personally?
I’d go for the language school. I would be a mature student and more interested in enjoying the free activities, than getting involved in a university social life. I’d feel a little more individual down this route and more in control of what I would be getting out of my learning curve. That’s my personality, you see.
