Why Language Learning is Important
One of the major benefits to be gained by participating in a foreign exchange program is the chance to become fluent in a new language. Speaking and understanding the language is the key to acceptance in any country, even in countries where English is a commonly-learned foreign language. Generally, the host family, Rotary club, and school will expect the student to have at least some understanding of the language upon arrival. Remember, you will be attending school as an integral part of your exchange. The teachers are not expected to be able to speak English for your benefit. Set yourself up for success academically as well as socially and culturally by showing your willingness to learn the language.
If a student arrives in their host country and does not understand anything that is said to them, they may immediately feel isolated and alone. They will likely have a more difficult time communicating with their host family and connecting to their host culture. The more you learn about your host language prior to your departure, the more quickly you will be able to assimilate into your host family, school, and community.
However, if in the first few weeks and months you need to use English to communicate, you should not be ashamed to. It is important to make good first impressions with your classmates and others, and while you should try in your host language first, it is even more important to build a relationship (which will open up language learning opportunities down the road). It is also important that you take care of official business like visa paperwork, banking, etc., which can be challenging in English, let alone a new language (your host family can help with this). Exchange is a marathon, not a sprint. Strike an appropriate balance early on, realizing that every English conversation is a missed opportunity to become immersed in your new language and culture.
Language Learning Expectations
Rotary expects all participants in the long-term student exchange program to give their best efforts to learn their host language. You will be hosted in a country where the native language is not English. YOU must make a conscientious, disciplined effort to learn your host country’s language as quickly as possible. You have about six months between country placement and departure to study the language of your host country. This is ample time to acquire a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary of the language of your host country, which you will build on during your exchange year. It would be blatantly disrespectful to arrive in your host country with no basic grasp of the language. It reflects poorly on you, your country and culture, and Rotary. Many of our exchange partners are expecting that after three or four months in country, exchange students will be able to speak, read and write with fluency and have demonstrated considerable effort to acquire the language. Lack of effort and proficiency can be a reason to send you home.
Some of you have been placed in a country that speaks a language that you can study (or have already studied) in your US school. Unless you have been involved in an immersion program, your school language studies will not provide you the level of proficiency that you will need before you depart. You will need to study above and beyond your high school language classes. Our expectation is that you will prioritize language learning by making time in your busy schedules for studying. You will be amazed at how much you can learn by setting aside thirty disciplined minutes every day.
Before you go, what should you know about your host country?
Students should be able to answer the following questions about their host country before starting their exchange:
- How do you say hello and goodbye?
- How do men and women generally dress? Which types of clothing are considered appropriate and which are not?
- What is a typical day like in the host country? When do people eat meals? What meals do they eat?
- What is considered taboo?
- When are national holidays, and how are they celebrated?
- Is there a predominant religion? If so, what important religious events are observed, and how are people with different beliefs received?
- What are common leisure activities? Which sports are popular, if any?
- What is the government structure? Who are the current leaders?
