Learning the English language doesn’t have to be boring! With experiential travel, students can improve their communication skills. Interacting with people, participating in culture and communicating with others in everyday situations will increase their skills. They will get the opportunity to order food at a café, get their way around a new city and work alongside people of various backgrounds.
Learning English Beyond the Classroom
While using traditional methods of learning a language will give you a good foundation, many struggle to use what they have learned about grammar in real-life situations. Whilst you will know how to form sentences, it can be hard to use them in real life. By travelling, you will put yourself in situations where you will have to use English.
You will be placed in situations where you will have to think on your feet. Asking for directions, talking about where you are staying, visiting local markets and meeting other travellers will all help to get you using your language skills.
Building Confidence Through Real Conversations
Improving speaking skills can be challenging as many learners are afraid to make mistakes when using English. When on a trip learners will have the opportunity to practice speaking with people of different accents, speech and ability. This will teach them that you do not need to speak fluently, but rather clearly to ensure you are being understood, while also understanding what others are saying and responding appropriately.
For example, individuals who choose to volunteer in Africa may interact with international volunteers, local communities, and project coordinators. Participating in community initiatives can create opportunities to discuss shared responsibilities, exchange experiences, and develop relationships while using English in meaningful contexts.
Expanding Vocabulary Through Everyday Experiences
Learning lists of words can be useful. However, if new phrases can be linked to real life examples, it will help learners to remember them. They will be able to acquire new vocabulary based on their experiences. If they visit a restaurant, then they will learn related vocabulary to food, if they visit places of historical interest they will learn the appropriate descriptive vocabulary to use when talking about culture. They may also learn specific vocabulary relating to outdoor activities.
The vocabulary will be learned in context, meaning that they understand their meaning and how they can be used. They will have lots of practice using the vocabulary. When they are travelling, they are likely to see similar phrases in different situations.
Developing Listening Skills and Understanding Different Accents
Being confident in speaking requires understanding what people have said to you. When speaking with others quickly you need to know what they are saying. When travelling internationally, you will be exposed to a variety of accents, pronunciations and speech patterns. This could be noticeable if you travel to Australia, South Africa, Ireland or the United Kingdom. By listening to people in real life scenarios, you become more flexible. Learners will gradually develop their knowledge of recognising common phrases, understanding context and listening to conversations.
Social activities can be extremely useful. By going on group trips, attending workshops, cultural activities or living in shared accommodation, you will be regularly interacting with people of varying language backgrounds.
Understanding Culture and Communication
Language and culture are closely linked. Knowledge of the structure of grammar can be beneficial but understanding cultural differences such as social norms, humor, politeness and conversation rules can be gained through travel.
Learners will have a better understanding of how to start conversations, disagree, ask for something and use colloquial expressions depending on the situation. They will have a better understanding of the social aspect of language through observing these interactions. Learners will have meaningful conversations through participating in cultural activities. This will allow them to talk about traditions, local history, food and everyday customs. This provides a variety of topics to talk about and will increase their vocabulary and general knowledge.
Making Language Practice Part of Every Journey
An active learner will see many benefits to experiential learning; however, simply going to an English-speaking location may not lead to a huge improvement in your language skills. Create opportunities for conversation whilst on your travels.
You can utilise group activities, events in the area, workshops or by simply chatting with fellow travelling companions. Setting yourself small goals can help keep you on track with learning a few new phrases every day. For example, set yourself a goal of having 3 conversations or learning 5 new phrases.
Turning Travel Experiences into Lasting Language Skills
With experiential travel, you can put your English into practice. English is more than simply learning new words and complex grammar. It is about being able to interact with others naturally. As interaction is an important part of any trip, you are guaranteed an exciting, memorable, and rewarding time whilst improving your English.
