Everyone has got different opinions when talking about student exchange programmes. Most claim, that they are immensely helpful when learning to speak a new language, while some label them as useless wastes of one’s time. In my opinion and from my experience, student exchanges are immensely beneficial for improving your lingual abilities. But how can they transform the way you speak, and in which ways do you benefit from them?

1.      Getting out of your comfort zone

For a lot of students participating in a student exchange might be scary or even intimidating. But if you don’t participate, you won’t know how the experience might have turned out to be. And whether it might be calling your host family for the first time, or asking strangers for directions in a foreign city: You will definitely have to step out of your comfort zone during your time abroad. 

2.      Meeting new people

While spending time abroad, you will have to communicate with lots of different people. The first ones will often be your host family. Most students get to know the family they are going to spend time with prior to visiting, but that decision is optional. During your visit, you might have to go to school, where you will need to communicate with your teachers and other students. If you want to, you can keep in touch afterwards, and stay friends long after the exchange is over.

3.      Getting to know a new culture

Wherever you choose to go, the chances are high that the country and culture you visit will be different from your own. This is a wonderful opportunity to widen your horizons. Maybe you’ll get to know a different taste of music, participate in social events or try the local dishes.

The possibilities are endless.

4.      Enhancing your speaking abilities

When living in another country, your speaking abilities will be tested and improved. This might happen without you noticing it. While being confronted with different social situations, speaking a foreign language starts to feel more natural and comfortable. Don’t be discouraged if it feels hard, every beginning is difficult.

During a student exchange programme, you will gain experience in a lot of different aspects of your life. Speaking a foreign language will be easier and your understanding will be improved. Apart from that, you begin to feel more confident when speaking and in your everyday life.

Participating in a student exchange is an incredible experience, which everyone can benefit from. If you haven’t participated in one yet, consider it. It might change the way you think.

Elena Diehl