Perfect destinations to learn new languages

Almost no one doubts how incredibly enriching it is to learn new languages. Every language we master opens doors to a different world, allowing us to connect with new ways of doing things and broadening our horizons. There are many ways to learn a language—you can do it self-taught or by enrolling in a language academy.

Nevertheless, experts and experienced learners alike agree that immersion is the most effective method. In other words, traveling to the source—the very heart of the language—to learn it. That’s why today, we’ll show you some of the best destinations if you want to master a new language. You’ll discover not only linguistic benefits but also the added value in terms of personal growth and enjoyment.

Pack your bags—we’re going on a language-learning adventure!

Why learn new languages through immersion?

From a cognitive perspective, learning a new language requires a massive transformation in our brain’s physiology. Our brain must make an extraordinary effort to absorb a vast amount of information in a short period. Think about it this way: every time you learn a new language, your brain essentially opens a “new branch office” to store all this fresh knowledge.

Put simply, when you decide to learn a new language, you’re essentially developing a “parallel brain.” Sounds a bit creepy, right? But don’t worry—it’s more of a metaphor than a literal process. What this really means is that your brain needs to develop new cognitive and memory areas. And these areas only grow when exposed to intense, immersive, and holistic learning experiences.

This doesn’t mean that taking French classes from 5 to 7 every Thursday is a bad idea. But if you truly want to master a new language, you have to push your brain to its limits. Just like with physical exercise, real progress happens when you follow a full-on training routine. And the most effective way to achieve this? Total immersion.

Changing your mindset to learn new languages

Total immersion forces the brain to restructure all its processes. Almost instantly, the areas responsible for thinking, memory, and mental agility must adapt. In other words, they have to “wake up” by activating a survival mode.

When learning a new language through immersion, your brain takes the “adapt or die” approach quite literally. To your mind, there’s no difference between being in a foreign country with an unfamiliar language and being stranded on a deserted island. Do you see where we’re going with this? For your brain, learning becomes an urgent necessity, not something it can procrastinate.

This is why stepping out of your comfort zone—leaving your home and country for a new environment—transforms your brain. In this daily struggle to “survive,” your mind does extraordinary things. Add to that constant exposure to the language, and you have the perfect formula for learning.

It almost feels like magic! From a practical perspective, immersion is one of the most effective ways to master a new language. What you learn in a single day of total immersion can be equivalent to weeks of occasional classes. Think about it like this: you’ll have lessons 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Can I do it from home?

Of course! Learning a new language from home is not only possible but also the most common approach. You can enroll in language academies, hire private tutors, study intensively, or take online courses. All of these options are effective and yield excellent results.

We would never say that total immersion is the only way to learn a language. Although, it’s not about choosing one method over another. Immersion doesn’t cancel out formal classes—on the contrary! Many language experts recommend structured lessons because they help you learn correctly and provide valuable tools through proven teaching methods.

That said, even if you study at an academy in another country, your interaction with the world around you will accelerate your progress. This exposure shapes your perspective and makes learning more natural and sustainable over time. And the best part? Every moment outside the classroom becomes part of an exciting adventure!Now, if all of this has you eager to pack your bags and set off on a language-learning journey, we’ve got some great tips for you! Before you choose your next destination, let’s explore some of the best places to learn new languages. Let’s dive in!

Learn a new language at its source

Before exploring the best destinations to learn a new language, it’s important to clarify something. The places we’ll discuss aren’t necessarily the ones where the language is spoken “the best”. Nor where the academies have the highest rankings. We’re not claiming they are superior to other options. Instead, these destinations come highly recommended by students who have lived there for extended periods while learning a new language.

In other words, these places offer an ideal combination of affordability, quality education, safety, and student-friendly environments. They have years—sometimes centuries—of experience welcoming international students. Meaning their academic, social, and cultural infrastructure is highly supportive. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top-rated destinations for language learning.

Canada: The perfect destination for learning English or French

Canada boasts one of the world’s most advanced infrastructures for international students. Plus, being a bilingual country, you can learn either English or French, depending on the region you choose. In fact, some cities seamlessly blend both languages in daily life.

If you want to master a new language, Canada offers a wide range of high-quality immersion programs. But contrary to popular belief, top-quality education in Canada doesn’t always mean sky-high costs. Many study plans are surprisingly affordable while maintaining exceptional quality.

In cities like Vancouver, Manitoba, Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, you can immerse yourself in the language while enjoying a world-class educational experience. Canadian universities offer comprehensive programs for international students, often including accommodation in student residences, meals, and extracurricular activities. All of this takes place in one of the safest countries in the world, making it an attractive option for language learners.

United States: Endless options for English learners

The United States remains one of the top destinations for those eager to master English. With hundreds of programs to choose from, you can find an option that perfectly suits your learning style and budget.

Many universities offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, where you can live on campus and experience American college life. Additionally, community colleges and specialized language institutes provide immersive programs with high teaching standards. And let’s not forget the countless private language schools spread across the country.

Given the vastness of the U.S., your learning experience will vary depending on the state you choose.

• The North offers a completely different lifestyle than the South.
• The West Coast has a distinct culture compared to the East Coast.

This means you have a full map of opportunities, ranging from budget-friendly courses to high-end immersion programs. Your choice will ultimately depend on your goals, budget, and preferences.

French in France: Ooh là là!

France is one of the most captivating countries in the world, known for its rich culture, unique way of life, and iconic atmosphere. French people are passionate about art, gastronomy, and their own distinctive worldview. Cities like Paris and Marseille exude an undeniable charm, but France offers a wide range of study options to suit every budget.

If you choose to study French in France, rest assured that you’ll have an unforgettable experience. French language academies have a global reputation for excellence, and the teaching quality is outstanding. On top of that, you’ll get to experience a lifestyle completely different from other parts of the world.

You can choose to:

• Study in a bustling metropolis like Paris.
• Immerse yourself in rural France, learning directly from locals.
• Experience the Mediterranean charm of the Côte d’Azur.

No matter which destination you pick, France promises a cultural and educational experience you won’t forget.

Spain: A paradise on earth for language learners

From the misty mountains of Galicia to the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast, Spain is an exceptional place to learn new languages. While it is the birthplace of Spanish, it’s also home to several co-official languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician, offering a unique linguistic experience.

Your time in Spain will vary greatly depending on the city you choose:

• Experience the fast-paced energy of Madrid, a city brimming with art, culture, and nightlife.
• Embrace Barcelona’s multicultural atmosphere, where creativity and history blend seamlessly.
• Discover Andalusian traditions or walk through the legendary landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha.

Beyond its cultural and linguistic richness, Spain offers another major advantage: affordability. The cost of living in Spain is significantly lower than in many other European countries. Evenmore, it’s even cheaper than certain Latin American cities where Spanish is also widely taught.

And if that weren’t enough, Spain’s culinary scene is among the best in the world. Combine that with a vibrant cultural scene, world-famous festivals, and a laid-back lifestyle, and it’s easy to see why you’ll never be bored in Spain!

Japan: The land of the rising sun

If your goal is to learn Japanese, there’s no better place than Japan itself. This mystical and futuristic nation is one of the most fascinating countries on Earth.

Japan is a place where ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology coexist in perfect harmony. Even so, Japanese are deeply respectful of their elders and traditions, preserving customs that have been passed down for millennia.

At the same time, Japan is one of the most technologically advanced nations, leading the world in innovation. This country has an exceptional infrastructure for international students, offering programs in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo, as well as in smaller towns across the archipelago.

Urban learners can immerse themselves in the fast-paced energy of Tokyo or Osaka. Traditionalists can experience life in rural Japan, learning Japanese in a more authentic and intimate setting.

Therefore, it’s important to note that Japan can be an expensive destination. Long-term stays require careful budgeting, as daily expenses and tuition fees can add up quickly. But for those who can manage it, learning Japanese in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Learn new languages anytime, anywhere

Of course! We know we’ve left out hundreds of incredible destinations. We haven’t mentioned the mystical experience of learning a language in China or India. We also haven’t covered the charm of countries like Egypt, Australia, or New Zealand. And we certainly haven’t explored the amazing language-learning opportunities across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

However, we’re sure you’ve grasped the most important idea: If you want to learn a new language… step out of your comfort zone! Pack your bags and set off on an adventure through a world filled with experiences, new cultures, and endless learning opportunities.

Use technological advances to learn faster and cheaper

Today, this dream is more achievable than ever. There are thousands of affordable travel options, study packages, flights, and accommodations that make language immersion easier and more accessible. And if you’re worried about communicating while still learning, there’s no need to stress.

With Talkao translation apps, talking to strangers in a foreign language is as easy as using your smartphone. With Talkao Translate, you can speak in over 125 languages—even if you don’t know a single word. Your mobile phone will act as a personalized translator, making communication effortless.

Worried about traveling to a country with a different alphabet? Forget about it! With the camera translation app, all you need to do is point your phone at the text. Then, you’ll see it instantly translated into your language. Artificial intelligence and innovations like augmented reality now make it easier than ever to speak and learn new languages seamlessly.

So, what are you waiting for? The world is ready for you—go explore and start learning! 

As a bonus for you, here are some of the most recommended destinations by international students.

Featured language learning destinations chart

Published Mon, 15 July 2024