Study trips in the field of modern languages have been recognised as one of the finest ways of improving language skills or developing new ones entirely. It has been repeatedly documented that the best way of studying foreign languages is to be immersed in the native country, allowing first person exploration and interaction with its culture and inhabitants.

Nowadays, there are opportunities to learn almost any languages from any corner of the world. That being said, the most popular places remain the USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy and China, all of which offer a variety of options at all levels.

Length of stay can generally vary 2 week introductory lingual courses right through to the participation of a full academic year abroad. The courses can be purely language orientated or connected with culture studies. Whatever the duration, international schools are perfect opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the world and meet wonderful new people from every imaginable background.

One of the most popular education companies specialising in academic degree programmes, cultural exchange, language course and educational travel is is Education First (Often abbreviated as EF). Details of the programmes on offer as well as entry requirements and application details can be found on their website.

The Socrates Erasmus Programme (European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students in its full format) is another student exchange programme popular across Europe. Students participating must in their second year of studying for a degree or diploma in order to participate in the scheme which offers a study period of at least 3 months abroad. Further information can be found through the Erasmus Student Network