Learning English is never easy. But there are some ways to learn English that are much more effective than others. LTC can’t remove the hard work, but we can make reaching your goals more achievable.
The most effective way to learn English is to immerse yourself in it – something all language experts agree on. The more you hear, read and speak English, the better yours will become. And eventually, you’ll begin to think in English, and, according to many of our students, dream in it too. English will become your second nature, rather than your second language.
So, immerse yourself. Study English in England with LTC and get the results that you want, whilst at the same time enhancing your career prospects and making new friends.
What is immersion?
Immersion is defined in a number of ways. It is the action of surrounding something or someone completely; deep mental involvement in an activity; and a method of teaching a foreign language by the exclusive use of that language.
At LTC we fully immerse you – teaching you exclusively in English, in England and of course most of our students will be staying with a host. Learning a language in this way is so much more effective than studying online or through a self-taught audio course.
By way of an example, imagine you are cold and shivering and then immerse yourself in a hot bath. Immediately, you feel the benefit. In a similar way, by immersing yourself in the English language fully, by studying in its origin, you will immediately see results. Dipping your toes in will only go so far.
The evidence for its effectiveness
Don’t just take our word for it. The effectiveness of immersion as a technique for learning languages has been proved in study after study.
Blom neimo lu neep li praz
The phrase ‘blom neimo lu neep li praz’ (the square blom-piece switches with the neep-piece’) is from one of the most famous studies. Professor Ullman and his research team devised a thirteen word language called Brocanto2 that could be used to describe the moves in a game similar to chess.
One group of people were formally taught Brocanto2. Another group were informally immersed in it, picking it up through experience. Both groups successfully learnt the language then after five months both groups were retested.
The study found that, when speaking Brocanto2, the immersion group displayed brain wave patterns that were almost identical to those that can be seen from a native language speaker using their own language. This was not the case for those who were taught formally.
Professor Ullman effectively demonstrated that immersion makes for better language learning because it makes you think like a native speaker. It gives you the confidence and comfort that a native speaker feels when they use their own language.
Informal versus formal learning
Another academic study led Shahrzad Mahootian, a professor of linguistics at North-eastern Illinois University, to suggest that language learning can be divided into formal and informal learning.
● Informal learning is best explained as how we first learn language from our parents when we are very young.
● Formal learning would be closer to our experience later in life learning a second language through instruction.
Professor Mahootian discovered that the reason immersion is so effective is that, although it may be instructional, it also mirrors the natural way that we first learned a language.
Why study English in England?
Immersion certainly has the backing of linguists and scientists, and we see its effects every day at LTC. It really does work. The reason it works for us is a combination of motivated students, dedicated teachers, 25 years of experience and the fact we offer language courses in England.
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The benefits of studying abroad
Numerous benefits of studying abroad have been identified by evaluating the college and career paths of those who have done it. The results of such studies are a revelation, and offer a ringing endorsement of international study.
Here are some headline statistics from various studies:
● 97% said studying abroad results in increased maturity
● 96% reported increased self-confidence
● More than half are still in contact with friends first met while studying abroad (data was collected between 1950 and 1999)
● 98% said that living in another culture and studying abroad made them understand their own cultural values and biases better
● 87% noted that studying abroad positively influenced their later educational experiences and 75% asserted that they acquired new skills and experiences that developed their career path
Studying abroad can literally be life-changing. It has been shown to offer enduring academic, career, intercultural, personal and social benefits.
6 reasons to study English with LTC
The benefits of studying abroad increase further when you learn a language in a country of native speakers. You can immerse yourself in English in any classroom in the world, but you cannot continue to learn it on the bus, in the shop, at the cafe or in the park. Here are seven reasons to study English in England:
1. Learn more
There’s no doubt about it: the best way to learn English is to be immersed in a culture that speaks it. Surrounded by the language on a daily basis will help you learn more quickly, more effectively and more deeply.
2. See more
Our schools are located in Ealing in West London, Brighton and Eastbourne. Brighton and Eastbourne have easy journeys to London so Iconic sights such as the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are on your doorstep, as well as London’s best shopping districts and historic sites such as Stonehenge. Europe is also just a hop over the Channel, and you’ll have plenty of new friends to explore it all with.
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3. Understand more
A language is part of culture and, living in England, you can experience its culture first-hand.
You’ll come to understand its people, their lives and their society. You will learn about their beliefs, their values and their world views. In turn, this understanding may help you to explore your own culture more deeply.
Knowing England and English culture may also prove to be instrumental in future career opportunities: after all, you won’t only speak English, you’ll have experienced the country.
4. Develop further
Much of your learning will take place outside the classroom. Your language skills will develop by living with an English family and meeting English friends. You will also develop new skills beyond the language. You will learn to adapt to new situations and a new culture. This exciting opportunity is your chance to discover new strengths, new abilities and solve new problems.
5. Find friends for life
Before you know it, you’ll have friends amongst your fellow students who come from countries around the world. Many students stay in contact with their host family long after finishing their study, whilst others bond with locals over a game of football in the park.
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6. Give yourself the edge
Studying in England could also open future career doors. It’s a globalised world and many employers will value your commitment to learning English and look to capitalise on your knowledge of England.
Your CV will have a competitive edge. Your time studying abroad will show you are self-motivated, independent and a problem solver. That’s exactly the sort of person most employers look for. On top of this, your English skills will help you seal the deal.
Ready to immerse yourself?
Studying abroad is a big decision, but something you won’t regret! Contact us today to find out more about our immersion style learning. LTC London email [email protected] +44 (0)20 8566 2188 , LTC Brighton [email protected] +44 (0)1273 735975 , LTC Eastbourne [email protected] +44 (0)1323 727755.
