Learning a new language is an excellent opportunity to liven up your life, improve your work opportunities and add spice to your travel plans. Whatever the reason is for your desire to add to your linguistic abilities, you should definitely consider doing the learning in country if at all possible. Perhaps the best way of learning a new language is to take structured classes in the country of interest. Here are some of the reasons why in-country makes sense.

? When you live in the country, you are able to put yourself in a situation where

nearly everyone you come in contact with speaks the language you are trying to learn. This means that you have dozens or even hundreds of teachers to help you practice your new language skills. They may laugh at your efforts to begin with, but most people are willing to be helpful and to correct you when you mess up a word or an accent. If you are in a more structured language class at the same time as you are living in the country of interest, you have the best of opportunities to learn the language. Finding yourself surrounded by teachers coaching you through the learning process can only be found living in-country.

? There are factors involved when you learn a language in-country that are not

replicable by simply learning in a classroom. Every country has cultural aspects that you can experience only when you are learning the language. For example, if a country has a particularly type of music that is well known globally, you may have learned about the music and may even know some of the words associated with the subject. However, actually experiencing a performer in the midst of presenting this music to an audience will add an understanding of the music and the culture as well as shades of meaning in the language that is not available by any other means.

? When you live in-country, especially if you live in a setting where you don't hear

your native tongue, you will learn the new language much more rapidly. It has been said that using total immersion techniques will result in a working understanding of the language in less than six weeks. You will be able to function fairly quickly if you are hearing and studying the language 24/7.

? Of course, another reason for in-country learning a new language is the chance

to travel and experience the sights and sounds of a country other than your own. There are always the touristy spots that are open to everyone. Only when you can communicate in the language of the country can you learn more about the people and the sights that are off the beaten path.

So, next time you are thinking about a vacation in Argentina, for instance, why not combine it with a structured in-country course in the Spanish language. You will be able to take advantage of comfortable housing, structured classes and total immersion in the language. You will still be able to visit the major tourist areas while learning the language.