In less than four months, you’ll be immersed in a language that you probably don’t know.
(If you’re already fluent in French or German, color us impressed!)
Experiencing a new language in a foreign country is incredibly exciting but can also feel a little intimidating. Know that you’ll do just fine if you only speak English – it’s spoken everywhere we’ll go, and you’ll be accompanied by English-speaking tour guides for your entire tour. But it’s also been our experience that the locals appreciate the effort to learn a little of their language. Even a few key words and phrases can go a long way.
Curious to learn a little before you fly? Here are a few ways you can get started:
Duolingo
Free, online and gamified, Duolingo considers its app the world’s most popular way to learn new languages. Each lesson is bite-sized, designed to be completed in just a few minutes a day. While you won’t be fluent before you fly, if you start these lessons now, you’ll know how to greet people, find a bathroom, show your thanks, ask important questions and more. In fact, the company conducted a study that showed an average of 34 hours of Duolingo are equivalent to a full university semester of language education. Just in case you have some extra time to spare.
Rosetta Stone
Want something more in-depth? Rosetta Stone is a language software that’s been around for over 30 years that utilizes a “Dynamic Immersion” method that the company believes builds a deeper understanding of a new language. Available online or through the company’s app, users learn through a personalized learning plan that can include online modules, an audio companion and live classes and tutoring. This is a great option if you’re interested in learning beyond the trip itself. It’s important to note that Rosetta Stone isn’t a free service – make sure you understand the pricing options before diving in.
Pocket Language Guides
If you’re feeling old-school, nothing is more classic than a pocket language guide. And they’re still printed and sold by the millions! The guides by Berlitz, Lonely Planet and Rick Steves continue to reign supreme and feature quick reference guides with common phrases that will help you navigate your way through the charming towns and bustling cities we’ll explore in our travels.
Qu’est-ce que tu penses? (What do you think?) Want to dive into a new language before you leave this summer?
Whether you choose to hit the books or not, your English-speaking Tour Directors and local City Coordinators will be there for you throughout your experience, making sure you don’t miss a thing. And either way, you’re sure to come home with new greetings and phrases that you can amaze your friends and family with!