Alternatives to Studying Abroad
From OSU Wiki
International Language Institutes
While studying abroad—gaining invaluable cultural, personal as well as language experiences—is something that is precious and nearly irreplaceable, there are other options. Studying abroad is a costly time consuming creature, one alternative is attending a language institute. Often a student may find that they desire international experience but find themselves lacking time and or the funds for such a quest. A foreign language institute may well be both advantageous and exactly what is desired.
Two understandable and noticeably apparent points support language schools over studying abroad. First of all most language schools place students with host families, allowing the students to be immersed in the language and culture at home as well as in the school. Oregon State University (OSU) study abroad students usually live in international housing that is exactly that: housing for international students; where most times the primary language spoken is English. The cultural interactions that one experiences while staying with a host family in a foreign environment far eclipses those that are available while residing in international student housing. A student receives this additional education for a fraction of the price as that of student housing arranged by Oregon University System (OUS) study abroad programs.
Secondly, language institutes are consistently more economical than OUS study abroad programs, the downside is that most times OSU does not recognize these institutions as accredited. Translation: Students do not receive college credit for courses. And why would they? One OSU Foreign Language and Literatures Professor is quoted as saying “They [OSU Abroad Programs] received over two million dollars in the 05-06 school year through their study abroad programs.” One would deduce that they therefore have little motivation to collaborate with outside institutions in order to support students transfer credits. Students do however, ordinarily increase their language capacity tremendously within a shorter period of time than a semester of study abroad (most language institute courses run from 2-8+ weeks), and this is accomplished while spending far less than one would in a year or even a term studying abroad.
So, as you can see, a foreign language institute can be both more culturally enlightening and less expensive than studying abroad. For students that do not have the time to take a term or a year off and spend the estimated $20,000-$30,000 (OUS Germany Website) for a study abroad, a quick 2-6 week language institute course during the summer or even winter breaks might just be what the professor ordered!
The Europa-Kolleg
In Germany, between Frankfurt and Hannover lies the 1,000 year old city of Kassel. Since 1967 The Europa-Kolleghas taught intensive German language courses to over 40,000 students from over 80 countries. They teach 2-15 week courses year round that focus on German grammar, pronunciation and German culture. Their cultural program involves guided museum tours, cultural excursions to historic cities as well as relaxed Kolleg-Abends (evenings).
Upon arrival students are placed with host families for the duration of their stay. The families are spread throughout the city and do not, generally, speak English to the students. This ensures that German immersion is entirely inclusive. Speaking German for 2-4 weeks straight (in class as well as in the home) exponentially amplifies the student’s language capacity and enhances the lectures.
Classes are well structured and progress through the morning until lunch. After an hour “Mittagessen” the group assembles for a variety of activities that range from elocution lessons, city and museum tours, to cultural or theatrical films. Instruction is by qualified and experienced teachers that modify course material to fit individual classes’ needs. The classes are split into different proficiency levels and are small in size, 6-15 students. The focal point of the classes revolves around oral, written and reading communication but vocabulary and pronunciation are also spotlighted.
Kassel and the surrounding area are right in the heart of Germany. The dialect is considered the most non-regional in Germany, another reason to study there. It is home to the “documenta”, one of the largest modern art exhibits in the world. Even without the “documenta” Kassel has enough art exhibitions to raise one’s eyebrows. It is also home to the Brothers Grimm, the three parks, three palaces, neo-gothic and Baroque castles, is the main town on the German Fairytale Route as well as the famous statue of Hercules. Its location, cultural history and general ambiance make Kassel a wonderful place to study.
