When you want to become fluent in a foreign language (and we’re talking slang, humor, behavior, and body language), you will quickly find out that Duolingo is not enough. Private lessons with native teachers might be of better help, but the best way to achieve fluency is always through language immersion programs abroad, in the home country of your chosen language.
Because it’s one thing to learn a foreign language in your own country, and it’s a completely different story when you are in the middle of it, listening to it 24/7 and being able to practice it just as much.
If you’re reading this, it means that you’ve exhausted all your learning resources and it is time to take your language learning to the next level. And to make sure you’re going to have a smooth transition, GoAbroad has put together a list of all things to do before leaving for language learning programs abroad.
You want to go into this prepared, and make sure you haven’t missed a single detail. Let’s compare lists!
Get a Downloadable Version of Our Pre-Departure Checklist for Upcoming Language Students Abroad
Why it’s important to have a game plan before you go
The three key words for anyone about to move to another country are: preparation, preparation, preparation. Yes, we know, that’s one word three times, but it doesn’t make it any less important.
If it hasn’t occurred to you yet, moving to another country is a big deal and you need to be as prepared as possible. Take out your notebook and a pen, and let’s go together through the list of pre-departure tips before language immersion programs abroad.
4 important things to do before leaving for your language immersion course
1. Get your documents in order
Hold your horses, there’s paperwork that needs to be taken care of first!
Is your passport valid? Did you check the visa requirements and take care of that paperwork? Remember, depending on the country you are going to, the visa requirements might differ, so do your homework!
How about your phone contract, insurance and medical check? Even if you’ve signed up with a cool program that will take care of the paperwork for you, it’s always best to have everything prepared and help speed up the process. The last thing you need is unnecessary stress before you start your new life abroad!
Let’s wrap it up!
- Passport
- Visa
- International insurance
2. Arrange your finances
Money, money, money! Even if you don’t have an affinity towards finances, you still have to get an affinity towards budgeting… one way or the other!
Right off the bat, start your budget with the price of the language immersion program you’ve opted for. Check if the price includes accommodation, meals, transportation, or even extracurricular activities.
If your program doesn’t cover such benefits, take your time to research the cost of living of your destination (studying in Mexico might be “healthier” for your pocket than Spain), consider living with a roommate or host family, and learn how to cook at home.
Make a plan for the things you want to do while participating in language learning programs abroad, things you want to see, visit, eat, shop, or experience, and put a tag on it.
Either consider taking a part time job while abroad (extra spending money AND interaction with the locals!) or add up a bit more to your budget. And don’t forget, a different currency rate can be used to your advantage!
GoAbroad tip —start saving up in advance, and consider beginning a fundraiser or even applying for scholarships.
Let’s mark them off:
- Housing
- Meals and groceries
- Transportation
- Currency exchange
- Extra curricular activities expenses
3. Check your work
And just when you think you’re done, you should do a double check on everything! Just like Santa does, he’s checking his list twice.
Passport, important documents, flights, and transportation should be set, accommodation should already be taken care of, you’ve informed your school or employer about your plans, you’ve said your farewells to friends and family, your alarm is set and you’re on time for boarding.
Don’t forget your enthusiasm and eagerness to embrace and immerse yourself in a new culture.
Almost done:
- Everyone is informed
- Documents are valid and in order
- Transportation and accommodation is set
- Budget is done correctly
- Everything is right on schedule
4. Tie up loose ends (and zip your backpack)
We most definitely did not forget about the most crucial task, which is packing! Check how the climate has been in recent years, during different seasons and pack accordingly. Also, don’t pack too much—you can always get a few items down there that will also make for a good memory.
For an even smoother transition and an idea of what is to come, you can always reach out to other students who might be attending the same class or program as you, or have already been in your shoes.
Going in with some insight and/or alongside a friend that shares your worries is always a comforting thought.
What's left?
- Packing (here’s our go-to intern abroad packing list)
- Research destination country climate
- Make a friend
You’re ready to start your language course abroad!
If you were feeling a bit uneasy before, by the time you’ve finished checking your language immersion program pre-departure checklist, you will enter this adventure with a whole different attitude.
Now all you have to do is say your farewells from friends and family, and embrace the new family that you’re going to make during your stay abroad.
Be prepared not only for a language development, but also for a personal development and maturity that will come with the time as you discover yourself, and how you deal with a new environment. It’s a challenge, but the most challenging things are the most pleasant and rewarding.
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