Intensive language learning can be a great way to learn a new language swiftly and effectively. However, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you have a large team that needs to learn a language fast.
In this guide, we will explore the ins and outs of intensive language learning – what it is, why it’s effective, and most importantly – how you can make intensive courses work for you.
We will provide our expert tips and advice on how to make the most of your time so that you can achieve your language learning goals in record time. Let’s get started!
Intensive Language Learning 101
How long do intensive language courses take?
While the exact timeline will vary depending on the specific course you choose, according to the FSI if we are able to put in 10 hours a day to learn a language then basic fluency should take 48 days for easy languages, and 72 days for difficult languages.
When compared to how long a language takes to learn with only one or two hours a week, intensive courses offer a significantly shorter timeline. Intensive learning academies can often offer you a course that will provide all the language skills you need to succeed in your next project even with a short deadline.
In fact, intensive language courses can take as little as one week to four weeks to complete. At SIMON & SIMON, we offer intensive language courses that allow you to choose your intensity from 1-4 weeks, as well as the option of either full or half-day classes in your target language.
Why opt for intensive language learning?
There are several academic courses in which you can learn a new language. Compared to traditional methods, intensive language courses offer several advantages. The most obvious benefit is the speed at which you can learn a new language. If you only have a limited amount of time or hours per week to fit in language lessons, then intensive lessons are the best way to make the most of that time.
In addition, intensive educational courses allow you to immerse yourself in the language from the very beginning. You will be surrounded by native speakers, and led by a qualified native speaker to ensure ample opportunity to practice speaking your chosen language in a real-world setting.
This is in contrast to less intensive methods, such as self-study, which can often result in you never using the language you are trying to learn in real-life scenarios.
Finally, intensive language course content is often more engaging and enjoyable than traditional methods. This is because you are actively using the language from day one, which makes the learning process more engaging and interactive, and helps you to rapidly improve your skills at the same time.
How effective are intensive language courses?
One of the main benefits of an intensive course is how effective and efficient they are. In fact, studies show that students of intensive study, report higher motivation and learning confidence.
If you are able to commit to a few weeks of either a full-day or even a half-day course, you will be surprised at how quickly your language skills will develop.
The amount of progress you make will also depend on how much time you are able to dedicate to your studies outside of class and immerse yourself in the language, as well as your own language level and motivation.
Of course, the effectiveness of an intensive language course also depends on the quality of the teaching. At SIMON & SIMON, our experienced and certified teachers use blended, communicative and task-based training methods to make sure you are actively using the language and progressing as quickly as possible, whether learning at our language centre or in the comfort of your own home or office.
How Do I Know If Intensive Courses Are Right For Me?
There are many situations in which intensive courses could be the perfect solution for you.
If you have a tight deadline coming up for a work project where international business communication is going to be vital, or you are travelling for business soon, an intensive course could be perfect for you.
Additionally, if you feel like you need to jump-start your language learning journey, or if you have been struggling to find the motivation to stick with it, an intensive language course can be a great way to get back on track.
In addition to this, some key points to consider are your language level and how much time you are able to commit. If you are a complete beginner, starting with an intensive course can be a great way to lay the foundations for your language learning journey.
And if you are struggling to find the time to commit your team to regular classes, then an intensive course could be a more flexible solution for you and your business’s aspiring leaders.
What’s the Best Intensive Language Learning Schedule?
We recommend either half-day or full-day classes, depending on your availability. If you can commit to a few hours every day, you will be surprised at how quickly your language skills will develop, and if you can commit full days to your learning, you will make even more progress.
Of course, the most important thing is that you find a schedule that works for you and that you are able to stick to. If you miss too many classes, it will be difficult to catch up, so make sure you understand your availability before you commit to a course.
Some things you may want to consider when deciding on your learning schedule could include:
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- What does your workday look like? Do you have the hours to dedicate to your training? Do you have any major projects or deadlines coming up that will require your full attention?
- Do you have any other commitments that could interfere with your studies, such as family or social obligations?
- How much time are you able to dedicate to your language learning outside of class?
- Are you able to commit to extra studying or language immersion at home or during your lunch break?
- What is your motivation for taking an intensive course?
At SIMON & SIMON, our half-day intensive classes are held from Monday to Friday, 9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm. Our full-day classes are held from Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm.
Both our half-day and full-day classes are designed to be as intensive as possible, with a focus on active participation and constant language use. This means that you will be speaking, listening, reading and writing from the very first lesson.
Final Intensive Language Learning Tips
The most important thing to remember when learning a language is that it takes time and dedication. Intensive courses are a great way to fast-track your progress, but they are not a magic bullet – you still need to put in the hard work.
Some final top tips and best practices for intensive language learning include:
- Make sure to know and communicate your goals and deadlines to your course provider in advance of the training. This will help them design a course that is tailored to your specific needs.
- Be realistic about your availability and make sure you are able to commit the necessary time to your studies.
- Use all the resources available to you, including online resources, apps, books and extra-curricular activities to immerse yourself in the language.
- Finally, don’t forget to have fun! Learning a new language should be enjoyable, so make sure you find a course and schedule that works for you.
Intensive language courses are an excellent way to learn a new language quickly and effectively. If you are looking for a way to fast-track your language learning journey, then an intensive language course from SIMON & SIMON could be the perfect solution for you.
Our trainers are all expertly trained with years of experience teaching their target language, meaning you only get the best of the best. We offer intensive courses in Spanish, French and Arabic, and Business Language Courses in a range of languages to suit your needs.
