Learning a second language?

Question

Im 18 years old and i want to learn a second language (im thinking mandarin). I want this skill so i can possibly live overseas and work. I was just wondering what the best direction to take is to learn a second language? Ive looked into TAFE courses but i wasn't sure if they would provide a sufficient education within that sort of area. If possible i also want to try and avoid the high costs of private tutoring. I live in Adelaide if that helps with any response.....

Answer 1

Honestly, the best and fastest way to learn a foreign language is full immersion: to learn the language IN the country where it is spoken. When you're surrounded by the language, you constantly see signs that are in that language; you are forced to have daily verbal exchanges with others in that language; and you start to think in that language much more quickly than if you are surrounded by English. It is probably easier and cheaper than you think to take a language course in China.

After you come home, you maintain your knowledge of Mandarin by keeping in email contact with your new friends from China; reading books and watching movies in Mandarin; taking more advanced classes at your local college or online... and preparing for your next visit to China! Remember that once you get to China, the cost of living is much lower than you're used to in the Western world, so the airfare may be high but the day-to-day living is MUCH lower than where you are from.

Here are some options for language courses you can look at:

http://www.languageschoolsguide.com/list...

http://www.languageschoolsguide.com/list...

http://www.languageschoolsguide.com/list...

http://www.languageschoolsguide.com/list...

http://www.languageschoolsguide.com/list...

http://www.languageschoolsguide.com/list...

You can also click here and look at all the programs offered:

http://www.languageschoolsguide.com/sear...

Or, if you'd rather "earn while you learn," you could teach English in China, and take Mandarin courses at the same time (and also be learning from your students)! China is one of the better countries in which to teach English as it offers relatively high salaries and good accommodations -- some positions even pay for your transportation costs and certification. You would need a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, which you can get online. (look here: http://www.teflcertificationabroad.com/s...

Here are some options for teaching English in China:

http://www.teachabroad.com/listingsp3.cf...

http://www.teachabroad.com/listingsp3.cf...

http://www.teachabroad.com/listingsp3.cf...

http://www.teachabroad.com/listingsp3.cf...

You can check all the Teaching in China programs here:

http://www.teachabroad.com/China.cfm

Seriously ... GO TO CHINA!

It will be the best gift you ever gave yourself!