Reflecting on our recent study-abroad success: A truly immersive experience for Japanese student

At Languages United, we recently had the pleasure of welcoming a group of Japanese university students for a two-week intensive study-abroad programme, and what an inspiring experience it was – not only for the students but for us as well. This immersive course was designed to combine focused language learning with hands-on, real-world experiences, helping students to not only improve their English skills but to gain a deeper appreciation of British culture and life.

A glowing testimonial from one of the professors who brought these students reflects just how successful the course has been:

"I'm a professor at a university in Japan who has been taking students to the UK for nearly 20 years, and I can honestly say that I have never coordinated a study-abroad programme with nicer people or encountered a more wonderful language school! Literally all of the staff at Languages United made the effort to get to know all of my students personally and were genuinely concerned for their welfare. Their encouraging, friendly demeanours were enormously helpful in enabling my students to relax and enjoy their uniformly excellent and stimulating English classes. The quality of the teaching was so good, in fact, that it has inspired me to incorporate some of their ideas into my own teaching (and there can surely be no higher accolade than that!). Furthermore, and having encountered what I thought were Bath's nicest people in the office at Languages United, I was amazed to find that the host families to which they had assigned my students were just as warm and personable. My students could barely bear to drag themselves away to return to Japan!

If you are thinking about doing a homestay in the Bath area and/or developing your English language skills, then it is my firm conviction that you can do no better than to go through Languages United – a supremely professional institution that has somehow managed to retain a family feel. You'll love it!"

Course overview: a focused, holistic approach

The two-week programme for our Japanese students featured a comprehensive range of learning opportunities that not only enhanced their English language proficiency but also provided practical, life-enriching experiences. Here’s a breakdown of what we offered:

• 30 hours of focused English lessons: These included everything from language foundations to life skills
• Project-based learning: Students engaged in real-world projects, practising their English by interviewing locals and conducting research.
• Homestay accommodation: A key feature of our programme, living with local families allowed students to experience British life first-hand.
• Free afternoons with their university lecturer: These were filled with visits to cultural and historical sites, such as the Roman Baths and the city of Bristol, allowing students to explore the rich history of the UK.

AfFull Immersion experience: Learning beyond the classroom

The success of this programme goes beyond the classroom, and it’s the immersive nature of the course that truly sets it apart. Students not only honed their English skills but also relaxed into the language through everyday interactions with host families and locals. This "full immersion" allowed them to absorb new vocabulary naturally and intuitively, making language acquisition feel less like a task and more like an exciting part of their day-to-day life.

Whether visiting iconic landmarks such as the Roman Baths or engaging in lively conversations with their hosts, students embraced every moment of their time in the UK. They were able to explore British culture in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, which deepened their understanding of the language and the world around them.

Success stories - 3 Cs: Confidence, Communication, and Cultural understanding

By the end of the two weeks, the progress our students had made was remarkable. The focused lessons helped to sharpen their employability skills and interview techniques making them more competitive in their future job markets. The project-based learning gave them opportunities to apply their English in practical, real-world scenarios, while also enhancing teamwork, critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills.

Living with local families was a key highlight for many students, giving them a truly authentic experience of British culture. Many of them built strong bonds with their hosts, which further boosted their confidence in speaking English. As their professor noted, "some students could barely bear to leave their host families when it was time to return to Japan"!

Conclusion: A memorable and enriching experience

The success of this programme reflects the values at the heart of Languages United: offering high-quality, personalised teaching in a supportive, nurturing environment. We aim to ensure that every student feels not only motivated but also cared for, allowing them to achieve their language goals while making lasting memories.

We are proud to say that this two-week course has left a lasting impact on our students, enriching their lives both personally and professionally. From enhancing their employability skills to deepening their cultural understanding, they left with a renewed sense of confidence in their English and a deeper connection to British culture.

We look forward to welcoming more students in the future and continuing to deliver transformative learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. Feel free to contact us or visit www.languagesunited.com

The Languages United team