Language immersion programs introduce a new language along with the cultural background the language is associated with. These programs are an excellent way for students to learn another language and become bilingual.
The process is voluntary and encourages students to take their teachings beyond the classroom and associate themselves with another culture. Immersion programs aren’t just focused on teaching the language itself, they also focus on teaching other subjects like science, math, etc in the language.
Students learn a new language while not being forced to give up their native language. For example, a native German speaker doesn’t have to give up speaking it in order to pursue his studies further in the English language.
What are the Benefits of Language Immersion Programs?
Being bilingual comes with benefits other than just being able to speak and understand another language. Language is power and that is demonstrated in the ability of bilingual students to be better at academics.
Research has shown that students enrolled in language immersion programs show enhanced academic skills. This stems from the fact that they have to put in some extra effort to learn things in new language.
These students develop a range of skills including mental flexibility, advanced critical thinking skills, and non-verbal problem-solving skills.
Here are some overall benefits of language immersion programs:
It Promotes Global Citizenship
Language immersion can promote the concept of being a global citizen. These programs are opposite to normal language classes where the students sit, write notes, and do assignments.
Language immersion focuses on the usage of language in real-life scenarios. Not only do students learn the language, they completely immerse themselves in the culture as well.
This allows for individuals to become familiar with two languages and two cultures at the same time.
It Opens Up New Opportunities
Being able to understand a language in its cultural context can open up new opportunities like learning new dialects and slang. As a result, students go beyond learning basic grammar. They will learn the essence of the culture that the corresponding language represents.
When these students move back to their hometown or even if they move to another country, they will reap the benefits of understanding multiple cultures.
This knowledge of a new language will also allow them to be more mentally flexible and accepting of new concepts and cultures.
How Can Universities Support Immersion Programs Learning?
Language immersion can begin at the grassroots level. There are many pre-schools that offer such programs for younger children. However, the need for learning a new language is more pertinent at the university level.
But learning a new language can be a daunting experience for foreign students.
Here is how universities can make the process smoother:
Utilizing Interpretation and Cultural Envoys
Universities can make the process smoother for their students by giving them access to online interpretation services. Interpretation services allow students to take their learning experience beyond the classroom.
Students can take these apps around and use them to make sense of day-to-day talk between peers and the surrounding population.
This also gives universities a nudge in the direction of creating a complete cultural experience. A great way to support these foreign students is through investing in cultural clubs and activities for foreign students.
Steps like forming an association of native speakers as cultural envoys with foreign students can help them feel welcomed. This can also help them form a bond with the native culture through the envoy.
By Using Technology
Technology has revolutionized the language-learning sphere. The presence of language learning applications and programs has made it easier to learn and practice new languages.
Universities can make use of these advancements. For example, the introduction of their own language learning app. An even simpler route is to introduce course learning in the other language on the university Learning Management System.
Taking these measures can allow the students to learn at their own pace and also practice the language in their own time.
Using technology to create entertainment-based learning environments can work as well. For example, encouraging students to watch old and classic movies and make notes on them. This can serve as an effective way of teaching them both the language and the cultural context.
Technology also gives universities the unique possibility of conducting these immersion programs without the students’ physical presence on campus. Distance learning and implementation of these programs are made easy by using online meeting and learning tools.
Promoting and Encouraging Diversity
Cross-cultural learning has no disadvantages. If anything, it can help create more aware and flexible individuals at the end of the program.
Language immersion is all about promoting diversity and inclusion. The idea of immersing yourself in another language is to really understand the cultural context and meanings along with the language.
Universities should highlight experiences and factors that make a culture unique and promote that uniqueness. Native and foreign students should share their anecdotes. Festivals on both ends should be regarded and celebrated with an explanation of their background.
Giving students the opportunity to not only learn about the culture of the country they’re studying in but also promote their own unique cultures can make them feel included and appreciated.
Summing Up
Language immersion presents a unique opportunity for countries around the world. They can promote the influx of better students and an educated workforce from across the globe by introducing such programs.
Learning a new language is a tedious experience for foreign students and often the reason why they choose not to pursue higher education in other countries.
However, language immersion allows foreign students to stay true to their native language and culture. At the same time, they get the opportunity to learn about another culture through its language. This can serve as a motivator for these students and promote cross-cultural learning.