Virtual Immersion...

One thing that I've learned since coming to the University is that there is a large population of international students. Many come to the states for a number of reasons; international business, global economics, or even just to learn English. The most important factor in learning any language is immersion. There is only so much you can learn in a classroom. Your proficiency is highly dependent on how much you surround yourself with the language. Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to travel.....YET. However people often confuse me for a native and, if not, they assume that I've lived in a Spanish-speaking country for quite some time. However, that is not the case. I believe that anyone can become fluent in a language without traveling to a country that speaks the target language. In fact, I know that anyone can become fluent in another language without traveling to a country that speaks the target language. After studying Spanish formally for four years in high school, I practiced when and where I could; soccer fields, restaurants, jobs, etc. After a while I decided it wasn't enough so for a period of about a year I did nothing but listen to music in Spanish, watch TV in Spanish, and speak even more often than I had been speaking. It takes a lot of drive and persistence, and most people aren't willing to do all of that. As a language student at my university, I pick up on a lot of everyday linguistic features that usually go unnoticed by business or chem majors. Here at ASU, there is a high middle-eastern population. It's easy to pick up on because these students always hang out with each other. Sadly, only a few of them will actually master English. Why? Because these students are a prime example of those students who go to another country and fail to immerse themselves because, rather than interacting with the locals, they only interact with people who speak their language. Sure, they take beginner English classes. However, their ability to effectively communicate in English will be sub-par. The same principle applies for Americans going to Europe to study for a semester or year and coming back and not having made any progress in Italian, Spanish, French or whatever language it was they were studying. This is because they only spent their time with Americans or speakers of English. In my opinion, it's a comfort thing. Getting out of your box and interacting with the natives will be the most effective thing you can do. Whether you're in your home country or abroad, immersion is key. Surround yourself with something unfamiliar and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.