Introduction

Why learn a language overseas?
One of the best ways to learn a language is to learn it in the country where it is spoken. Not only are you normally taught by native-speaking teachers, but in your free time, you will have plenty of opportunity to practise what you have learnt in class that day. Language travel is not advised for those who have never studied the language before - so some experience of a language is recommended. There are many different types of study opportunities. From spending two weeks learning Spanish in rural Ecuador to six months studying English in a big city in the USA, there is something to suit everyone.

Why enrol at a high school or university overseas?
A higher education qualification gained overseas – be it at secondary school level, a degree or an MBA – is certainly an asset to your CV. Not only will you possess relevant academic qualifications, but you will automatically possess fluent language skills too. In addition, your experience of life and of other cultures will be broader. In fact, you may gain access to opportunities unavailable in your home country.
Many educational institutions have established international student communities, and employ members of staff specifically to deal with any problems they may experience. Again, the options available for overseas study are broad, from a small high school in New Zealand to a prestigious university in the UK.

Language lifestyle
What happens in your free time? Aside from spending time with the international friends that you will make, many language schools provide opportunities to visit the local area and take part in a range of activities, some of which may be included in the price of the course. Activities can range from horse riding and tennis to beach barbeques and meeting students from a local school. Many schools have an activities coordinator.
Some language schools also arrange social events in the evenings, such as discos or outings to the theatre. Of course your free time can also be used to explore the region where you are staying. All schools will provide information about using local transport.

Education lifestyle
Most universities and colleges have on-site facilities for the benefit of all students, which includes you. Sports centres, swimming pools, libraries, computer centres, student cafés, bars and restaurants - you will be able to take advantage of all these services.
Universities and colleges also have a student union and student societies, such as the Chess Society or the Rowing Club, where special interest groups arrange regular meetings and events. At some universities and colleges, there is also an International Students Society.
All students like to socialise, and there are many opportunities to make friends and enjoy the attractions of the city or town where you are staying.

Accommodation options
While studying at a language school, there are three main types of accommodation on offer to choose from, although their availability will vary from school to school.
One of the most popular options is the host family, where you live with a family which very often has children of its own. The advantages of this option are that you have added possibilities to practise your language skills and learn about the culture of your host country. This is generally the cheapest option too.
Residential accommodation is another choice which may appeal to you. Some language schools have on-site accommodation, normally with dormitories or shared rooms at least. Residential blocks can include cafés, swimming pools and other amenities, and of course many of your fellow students will be staying here.
Finally, some schools will offer to arrange accommodation in an apartment or house in town, sometimes with other students from the school. This option offers you more freedom, but it can be expensive, and it may also require a minimum stay of at least three months.
Most high schools provide residential accommodation in or very near the school, again in shared rooms or dormitories. Placements with host families can be arranged for year-round accommodation or just for the holidays if you are unable to return home.
At colleges and universities, there are usually more options available. Many students choose to stay in halls of residence - blocks of single or shared rooms for up to 200 people which may also provide some meals - while campus accommodation centres can also help you find a rented flat in the local area. Again, host families can be arranged, depending on the individual college or university.

Do you fancy rock climbing while learning Spanish? Brushing up on your rodeo skills as well as your English language? Aside from general language courses, there is a whole host of more unusual language learning products available, many of which a reputable language travel agent or adviser will be able to tell you about.
Language courses are also available for professional purposes, such as English for law or Italian for medicine, or for “special” purposes such as Italian for fine art or Spanish plus ecology. Exam courses are offered by most schools, leading to a recognised certificate of language learning ability (see each country section for a list of the main exams available).
Home tuition is a term which refers to a specific type of language course. Students live and learn the language in a teacher’s home. Generally tuition is restricted to one or two people at a time, which allows for a faster rate of language acquisition. One-to-one tuition is also available at many language schools.
Language courses with work experience/placement are available in most countries, although availability will depend on whether you are legally allowed to work in a particular country (see each country section for details). The actual work placement is usually unpaid and can be a relevant introduction to your chosen field of employment, for example, graphic design or hotel and catering.
If you are thinking about using your languages for further study in another country, then a language for academic purposes course might be best for you. These courses teach you study skills for use later on in your academic career, and prepare you with relevant language knowledge to cope with your academic studies. Courses are usually a minimum of four weeks long, stretching up to one year depending on your original level of language ability.
Finally, most schools offer special summer vacation programmes, which combine language tuition in the morning with a busy schedule of varied activities in the afternoon.

DY Vong Sy (18) from Cambodia is a student at Cambridge High School in New Zealand.
'I have been in New Zealand for almost three years now. I started in the fifth form and wish to attend Massey University next year. I was directed to Cambridge High School by an educational agency based in Singapore. I chose the school because of its good reputation and because it was recommended to me by the agency. The school is well beyond my expectations. It is a good school that has up-to-date facilities and courses which address all of my interests. The students and staff gave me the warmest welcome when I first arrived here and since then I have never felt better when I was chosen to be Deputy Head Boy of the school this year.
The best thing about studying here is that it fulfills all my dreams. It makes me a better person, one who can adapt to different cultures and learning in a modern society. I am totally in love with New Zealand, the landscape, the trees, the mountains and especially the snow. The people are interesting too. The weird thing about New Zealand is that people eat ice-creams throughout the year, in the rain or snow.'

Humayun Wahab (23) from Pakistan is a business student at Acadia University Canada.
'I wanted to study overseas so that I could explore the world and broaden my knowledge and thinking while learning about different cultures. I got to know about Acadia from my friends who were already studying here and then I found out more about the university through the Internet.
The best thing about studying here is the teacher-student ratio. We have around 40 students in every class so it is very easy for students to approach the professor if they have any academic problem, and for professors to get to know the students. The second-best thing is the environment. Since Wolfville is a very small community, everybody knows each other and everybody is friendly and helpful.
I find it interesting that anyone who passes you by greets you like they have known you since you were born. They have a smiley face and say, 'Hi!' or 'Howz it goin'?'. This attitude makes you feel that, no matter which country or culture you are from, you are accepted as one of them.'