In recent years, it has become increasingly common to send teenagers to spend a school year in an English-speaking country, such as the United States or the United Kingdom. In Spain, around 15,000 ESO and Bachillerato students go abroad to study every year . Parents see this option as an opportunity for their children to improve their level of English and live an enriching cultural experience.
However, is it necessary to spend a year abroad to learn English well? Or is it a fad that shows social status rather than a real necessity? Let’s analyze it.
The importance of English today
A study by Pearson states that by 2024 there will be more than 1.5 billion English speakers in the world, and that more than half will have learned it as a second language. It also highlights the impact of mastery of English on improving career opportunities and personal development.
In the professional and academic fields, mastering it is an essential requirement in key sectors such as technology, science or international business. According to the World Economic Forum, 54% of internet content is in English , which demonstrates its importance as a global language of knowledge.
In this context, many parents consider that taking a course in an English-speaking country is an effective way to achieve advanced language proficiency. But is this the only way?
Advantages of spending a year abroad
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience with multiple personal, academic, and professional benefits. Immersing yourself in a new cultural and linguistic environment improves your command of another language and develops key life skills. In addition, this experience can open doors in the academic and professional realm, as many universities and companies value international experience. Here we look at some of the main benefits .
- Language immersion : Studying in an English-speaking environment allows young people to be in constant contact with the language, both in the academic field and in everyday activities. This immersion forces them to practice the language in real contexts, promoting rapid learning.
- Personal development : Living abroad fosters skills such as autonomy, adaptation and resilience. Being away from family and facing new cultures, students develop greater independence and maturity.
- Improved opportunities : Studying abroad can open doors to prestigious universities in those same countries. Many companies value international experience, which can make a resume more attractive.
Some disadvantages of going away for a year
But not everything is rosy. Studying abroad is not without its drawbacks , such as the following:
- High cost : According to LAE International Education , the average cost of studying abroad varies significantly depending on the country and institution. In the United States, it ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 per year, including tuition, housing, and other expenses.
- Emotional impact : Although the experience can be enriching, separation from family and friends can be difficult for some students. Loneliness, culture shock, and adjusting to new ways of teaching can lead to stress and anxiety.
- Academic difficulties upon return : Spending a year abroad can mean losing continuity in the educational system of the home country. Sometimes, students have to repeat courses or find themselves behind when they return.
Is it necessary to travel abroad to learn English?
Despite the benefits of total immersion, it is possible to learn English without spending a year abroad. There are affordable and effective alternatives that offer similar results, albeit at a slower pace.
- Bilingual courses and programmes : There are academies and intensive programmes designed to teach English at an advanced level in a short period of time. In Spain, the British Council and the Ministry of Education organise them in collaboration with 91 schools and 58 secondary schools, spread across ten Autonomous Communities, Ceuta and Melilla.
- Short stays and summer camps : Instead of a full year, many students opt for short stays, such as summer courses. These programs, which usually last between 3 and 8 weeks, combine English classes with cultural and recreational activities.
- Virtual exchanges and technology : With the evolution of technology, language learning is no longer limited geographically. Numerous platforms such as Duolingo or Italki allow you to practice English with native speakers via video calls or chats .
- Consuming English content : Exposing yourself to the language through movies, series, podcasts and books is another effective way to improve language skills.
To do?
While spending a year in an English-speaking country offers advantages, it is not the only way to learn the language. Families who cannot afford the costs or who prefer their children not to spend so much time away from home have effective alternatives that can produce similar results. Bilingual programs, short stays, use of technology or constant exposure to English through audiovisual content are all viable options for achieving advanced English proficiency.
In a globalized world, learning English remains a necessity, but how to do so depends on each family’s resources and circumstances. In the end, the key is to make the most of the opportunities available to achieve the best educational and personal results.
Author Bio: Jose Luis Gonzalez Fernandez is Assistant Professor of Mathematics Didactics at the University of Castilla-La Mancha