Language Learning and Work Experience Programs

Language learning and work experience programs are a great way to study abroad and to immediately put these new language skills to good use in a work environment. The benefits of participating in one of these programs are great, and there are many different ones to choose from.

What is a Language Learning and Work Experience Program?

A language learning and work experience program is usually a study abroad opportunity that combines a language learning course with some form of work experience. Different language schools offer different types of these programs, some will be paid work experience, though others will not.

What Happens on a Language Learning and Work Experience Program?

These programs will be organised as a complete package through the language school of your choice. Not all language schools offer these programs though, so your options for choosing one will be more limited than they would if you were just studying a foreign language abroad. Exact structures of the course will vary with the different language schools too, though a common format would be to spend several weeks studying the foreign language, then several weeks or more working. Your place of work will have been pre-arranged by the language school, so you don’t need to worry about finding your own employment.

Will You Receive a Wage?

Whether you receive a wage on a language learning and work experience program really depends on what kind of program it is. Some language schools offer work experience programs for younger students (age 16 and up), and these usually are not paid positions. Those for students aged 18 and up may be paid work placements, in which case you would receive the minimum wage. Some language schools also offer what are called ‘internships’ which again may be paid positions, but this can vary.

What Will a Language Learning and Work Experience Program Cost?

Whether or not you receive a wage for the work experience part of these programs you need to be aware that you will have to pay for the language learning part of your course. This is because the language school still has to employ a teacher to teach you and this costs them money. Fees vary so make sure you know the costs before signing up.

What Kind of Work Experience Positions are Available?

Typically language learning and work experience programs are available in the service sectors, so this would include working in restaurants, shops, the travel and tourism industry, or in office administration. Internship programs are more aimed at specific areas, depending on the career you want to get into. Examples include Law, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Administration, Accounting, Engineering, Travel and Tourism, and more.

What are the Benefits of a Language Learning and Work Experience Program?

There are numerous benefits to these combined language learning and work experience programs. First you get to have several weeks of language lessons, then you get to use these new language skills within a work environment. When you are working amongst people who are speaking the language you have just been learning it immediately gives you the chance to put your new language skills to good use. This benefits you because you will be practicing and picking up extra vocabulary as well.

Working in a foreign country also enables you to get to know more about the culture of that country, which in turn helps you to develop international business skills that will no doubt help in your future career. A language learning and work experience program will also greatly help your future career because employers are bound to like the skills you will have picked up and are more likely to want to employ you.