Studying abroad means that most international students will need to learn and use a foreign language. Living in a country is the best and fastest way to learn a language, but if you want to get your language skills up to speed before you arrive you should definitely consider using a language learning app. Some are free, others are paid for, here are four of the top apps on the market.
Duolingo
Perhaps one of the most popular free apps for language learning, Duolingo has over 30 languages to choose from. It views language learning as more than just brushing up on the most popular languages in the world. As well as the top languages such as English, French, Mandarin and Japanese, it offers practice in much smaller languages like Hawaiian, Irish and Navajo.
The company views language as a communication tool and focuses on what people actually need language for; you’re taught words and sentences then eventually asked to translate them. Over time, sentences get increasingly more difficult as your understanding of the language grows. The app mixes this style of learning with more interactive elements such as podcasts, stories and events.
Duolingo now has an English language test which is accepted by thousands of institutions, including universities all over the world.
Rosetta Stone
The oldest on this list, Rosetta Stone, has come a long way from its original format. Now a popular paid for app, Rosetta Stone is still going strong with its idea of immersion-only learning.
Like Duolingo, the app slowly introduces you to the language. Tasks get harder as you improve. However, Rosetta Stone differs by rarely providing translations for words, phrases, and sentences. Instead, it uses images and a trial-and-error method of vocabulary building that attempts to mimic how language learning works in person. As well as the app, Rosetta Stone also have paid-for online sessions with a real life tutor.
Babbel
Like Rosetta Stone, Babbel provides a comprehensive and guided language learning experience for paid users. However, it does offer some good features if you’re opting for the free version.
Babbel’s approach to language learning is very focused on what you, as an individual, may need to know. With stricter categorisation than some other apps, Babbel is great for those who need focused learning aimed at conversation for example, you are taught how to order food and arrange travel. This focus is particularly useful to international students who needs survival language skills.
If, however, you want a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of a language, you may find that Babbel isn’t necessarily for you.
Drops
Drops is a unique app on this list as it is designed to help increase vocabulary only. It uses pictures and activities to help you learn new words and phrases. Drops is the perfect app if you’ve already built a solid understanding of the language and you’re just looking to grow your vocabulary with relevant categories and words you may have never thought you wanted to know.
All these apps can help you prepare for your study abroad journey no matter the country you choose. Once you arrive and start studying, you can continue your language learning journey by still using the app and applying what you’re learning to your everyday life in your new country. Once you have mastered one language, why not learn a new one? Having language skills on your CV/resume will impress future employers who are looking for graduates who are citizens of the world.
You may find these resources useful when you study abroad:
- Useful English for banking
- Useful English for finding accommodation
- Useful English for different situations
- Useful English for socialising
You can find institutions offering English studies in the link.
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