Gap Year, Time out and Sabbatical - Theme

What is a language course?

• A language course is a series of lessons in which you learn the basics of a language in a short period of time.
• The average duration of a language course is 50 to 100 hours spread over several weeks or months
• A language course differs from a language study mainly in having a lower intensity, lower study pressure and less focus on the scientific side of a language
• A language course normally costs an amount comparable to other courses. Sometimes you can “trade” a language course by taking lessons from someone who wants to learn to speak your language

Why learn a language and take a language course abroad?

• Helpfulness: once you speak a local language somewhat you are immediately better able to communicate with the person you would like to help, and can also make yourself more helpful
• Involvement: once you speak another person's language you become closer to that person. It strengthens your sense of being involved, and part of the local culture
• Experience: going abroad to learn a language is one way to get out of your comfort zone
• Creativity: learning a language is a way to better use your creativity. For example while searching for descriptions or using hands and feet
• Empathy: you train yourself to immerse yourself in a different way of speaking and often a different way of thinking

What do you need to learn a language and take a language course abroad?

• Being environmentally aware: no matter where you are taught you will always have to consider your surroundings. Each country has its own rules and customs that you will have to follow to a certain extent.
• Be organization-conscious: every school or educational institution also has its own teaching method or vision on education. Also consider the limitations/challenges some schools face due to lack of funding or facilities.
• Communication ability: already some prior knowledge of the local language is not a must but a great advantage

To what extent are you insured when taking a language course or a language year abroad?

What is a German language course?

• A German language course is a series of lessons in which you are taught the basics of the German language in a short period of time.
• Course levels range from level A1 for beginners to C2 for the highest level.
• TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is an advanced-level language exam. It covers the levels B2 to C1 and is internationally recognized as proof of language proficiency to gain admission to higher education
• A German language course lasts an average of 50 to 100 hours spread over several weeks or months.
• A German language course normally costs an amount that is comparable to other courses.

Why should you learn German and take a German language course abroad?

• Networking: German is an important language for people who want to work internationally, especially within Europe, in tourism, trade and technology, for example.
• Helpfulness: as soon as you speak a local language to some extent, you are immediately better able to communicate with the person you would like to help, and you can also get help yourself better
• Involvement: as soon as you speak the language of someone else, you become closer to that person. It strengthens your feeling of being involved and being part of the local culture. Experience: going abroad to learn a language is one of the opportunities to step out of your comfort zone
• Creativity: learning a language is a way to learn to use your creativity better. For example, when searching for descriptions or using hands and feet
• Empathy: you train yourself to immerse yourself in a different way of speaking and often a different way of thinking

What do you need or can you do to learn a language and take a language course abroad?

• Being aware of your surroundings: wherever you are taught, you will always have to take your surroundings into account. Every country has its own rules and customs that you will have to adhere to to a certain extent
• Being aware of your organization: every school or educational institution also has its own teaching method or vision on education. Also consider the limitations/challenges some schools face due to lack of funding or facilities.
• Communication skills: some prior knowledge of the local language is not a must, but it is a great advantage

What is the best place to learn German abroad?

• Germany: You will find a wide range of language schools, especially in cities with a university, such as Berlin, Munich, Heidelberg or Hamburg.
• Luxembourg: Nice and centrally located in Europe. Luxembourg city is a pleasant city to learn German and apply it directly in your work or studies.
• Switzerland: A fairly expensive destination for your language lessons, but you get a fantastic environment in return. The most popular is Zurich, but also look at Bern or Engelberg for your German language school.
• Austria: Combine learning or improving your German with a view of the Alps or even a ski slope. Large language schools are often located in Vienna, but you can also find good language lessons closer to the slopes.

What are the risks of a language course or a language year abroad?

• The coverage of your health insurance may be cancelled if, for example, you go and work abroad.
• You may suffer from homesickness and want to go home earlier (but there is a lot you can do about it, and prepare for it!).
• You may have problems with the organization with which you are going abroad (read more about solving problems abroad).
• What are the consequences if, for example, you end up in hospital? If you end up in hospital, you may have to pay the costs yourself if you have not taken out insurance that covers your activities.

Are you insured for a language course abroad?

• A language course abroad will be covered by your current travel and health insurance if you are not going abroad for too long, are not going to do paid work or undertake special activities. In other cases, special insurance is often recommended or sometimes necessary.
• Read more: Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
• Read more: Verzekeren van een taalcursus of schooljaar het buitenland (NL)

What is a Spanish language course?

• A Spanish language course is a series of lessons where you learn the basics of the Spanish language in a short time
• There are several international standardized certificates: DELE, SIELE, CELU, TELC, DIE and ECL. DELE and SIELE certificates are most common when a proof of Spanish proficiency is requested
• A Spanish language course lasts on average 50 to 100 hours spread over several weeks or months
• A Spanish language course normally costs an amount comparable to other courses.

Why should you learn the Spanish language and take a Spanish language course abroad?

• Networking: Spanish is the most important language in the world after English. 350 million people speak Spanish as a native language and almost 150 million as a second language. Spanish is the official language in 21 countries. In Latin America, which is becoming an increasingly important trading partner, Spanish (and hardly English) is largely spoken. It is estimated that within 50 years, half of all US residents will have Spanish as their native language.
• Helpfulness: as soon as you speak a local language to some extent, you are immediately better able to communicate with the person you would like to help, and you can also help yourself better Involvement: as soon as you speak someone else's language you become closer to that other person. It strengthens your feeling of being involved and part of the local culture.
• Experience: going abroad to learn a language is an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone in the Netherlands Creativity: learning a language is a way to learn to use your creativity better. For example, when searching for descriptions or using hands and feet
• Empathy: you train yourself to immerse yourself in a different way of speaking and often a different way of thinking

What do you need or can do to learn Spanish and take a Spanish language course abroad?

• Be aware: wherever you take lessons, you will always have to take your environment into account. Each country has its own rules and customs that you will have to adhere to to a certain extent
• Be organizationally aware: every school or educational institution has its own way in which they provide education or teaching. Just like with the limitations/challenges that some schools have due to a lack or abundance of money or facilities
• Ability to communicate: some prior knowledge of the local language is not a must, but it is a great advantage

To what extent are you insured abroad?

• What are the risks of a language course or a language year abroad?
  • Your health insurance coverage may lapse if, for example, you work abroad
  • You may suffer from homesickness and want to go home earlier (but you can do quite a lot about it and prepare for it!)
  • You may have problems with the organization you are traveling abroad with (read more under solving problems abroad)
• What are the consequences if you end up in hospital, for example?
  • If you end up in hospital, you may have to pay for the costs yourself if you do not have insurance that covers your activities
• Are you insured for a language course abroad?
  • A language course abroad will be covered by your regular travel and health insurance if you do not go abroad for too long or do not undertake any paid work or special activities.
  • In other cases, special insurance is often advisable or sometimes necessary
• Read more about it or take out insurances for activities abroad: Insure your way around the world

Argentina

• Learn Spanish in bustling Buenos Aires, at the foot of the Andes or in beautiful Patagonia. After completing the language course, you can participate in volunteer projects to immediately put your Spanish knowledge into practice and really get to know the Argentine people. You can also participate in all kinds of active tours, skiing, horse riding, etc.
• Courses are given in Bariloche, Buenos Aires and Córdoba, among others.
• The courses take place at international language schools and are available at all levels: from beginner to advanced, in a group or individually and from one week to longer periods.

Bolivia

• Bolivia is known as the Tibet of South America because it is the most isolated and highest of all the Andean countries. A beautiful country to get to know better, especially in Sucre, located at an altitude of almost 3000 meters
• During the course, activities are often organized to introduce you to Bolivian cuisine, dance and sights in and around Sucre. You can take the course in a group or individually.

Chile

• You will take the course in a pleasant neighborhood of Santiago de Chile at a small and friendly language school. Due to its ideal location between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, there are many opportunities for adventure. This way you can combine the language course with a ski course at the weekends. Many weekend excursions are also organized by the language school, such as rafting and salsa lessons.

Cuba

• Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Cuban people. You can combine the language course with learning traditional Cuban dance and music or with a diving course.
• During a course you can also stay with a host family to really get to know the people and their culture
• Courses are given in Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Trinidad, among others.

Costa Rica

• Active volcanoes, beautiful beaches and the impressive tropical rainforest. More than a quarter of Costa Rica is a protected nature reserve, making it a wonderful country to study Spanish. There are also ideal opportunities for rafting, kayaking and diving and you can combine your language course with a surfing course or with volunteer work.
• Courses are given in, among others: Playa Tamarindo, San Jose and Jaco Beach.

Dominican Republic

• With its clear water, white beaches with palm trees and hospitable people, the Dominican Republic is a true tropical paradise. You will take the course in the beautiful colonial district of the capital Santo Domingo. Here you can combine Spanish with taking a cooking course or a culture course, where you will learn more about the background and history of the country.
• Courses are given in Santo Domingo, among other places.

Ecuador

• For nature lovers, learning Spanish in Ecuador is a dream; there are countless species of birds, insects and rare plants. A visit to the Galápagos Islands should not be missed. If you also want to get acquainted with the culture, you can combine the course with a cultural program with visits to museums and other sights or with volunteer work.
•  Courses are given in Quito, Montanita and Banos, among others

Guatemala

• Guatemala is Latin America in extreme form. Here the volcanoes are the highest and most active and the Mayan ruins are the most impressive.
• During or after the course in the center of Antigua you can visit the ruins in the jungle of the Mayan city of Tikal, volcanoes and coffee plantations on Lake Atitlán and the market of Chichicastenango where thousands of Indians from all over the region come together.

Mexico

• Sun, siesta, tacos, tequila, hammocks and sombreros. During your Spanish course in Mexico you will find that this country has even more to offer, such as the impressive Mayan culture, ruins, museums and beautiful landscape.
• You can take Spanish lessons in small huts in Playa del Carmen, a characteristic colonial building in Oaxaca or next to the swimming pool in Cuernavaca. After the lessons you can enjoy the white beaches or try to master one of the Mexican folk dances.
• You can also combine your language course with doing volunteer work. Courses are given in Cuernavaca, Oaxaca and Playa del Carmen, among others.

Peru

• The riches of the Incas, the beauty of the landscape, the exuberant wildlife and the strong, colorful character of its people make Peru a beautiful country to visit. During a language course in Cusco you will be in the heart of the former Inca Empire in a language school with its own travel agency that organizes excursions every weekend, so you can go rafting, horse riding and visit ruins in the area.

Spain

• Fiestas, Flamenco, tapas, street life, visits to beaches or beautiful cities, from Andalusia to Catalonia: learning Spanish in Spain can be done how and where you want.
• By combining the course with dance, sport or culture, you choose your ideal experience of Spain.
• You can take courses throughout main land Spain, including in Madrid, Málaga, Valencia, Barcelona and Salamanca, or go to a Spanish island like Ibiza or Mallorca

On which schools can you teach English abroad as a foreigner or as a (non) native speaker?

• When you are going to teach abroad, this can range from a paid job as an English teacher at a local school in Asia to helping children with their English at a nursery school somewhere in Africa.
• As a non-native English speaking foreigner, you have the most opportunities as an English teacher at a primary school or as a private teacher.
• In addition, there are also opportunities within secondary education and special education.
• The general rule is that as the age of the students increases, the requirements for your experience and diplomas also increase.

What do you get out of teaching or helping at a school abroad?

• Helpfulness: for rewarding work you often get as much, or more, back than you put in.
• Involvement: it strengthens your sense of involvement with a group of children or adults who want to develop or need help.
• Experience: you are pulled out of your comfort zone and experience all kinds of things every day.
• Creativity: you can really use your creativity when creating or using teaching materials or lesson content.
• Empathy: you train yourself to immerse yourself not only in another culture but also in the thought processes of your students.
• Income: if you teach English abroad, you can often earn enough to pay for your stay. If you have been able to get one of the better positions, you can usually live well on it or save something to be able to travel further afterwards.
• Flexibility: you strengthen your ability to flexibly look for solutions for situations that suddenly arise.

What do you need or can you learn if you teach or work in the education sector abroad?

• Being aware of your surroundings: wherever you teach, you will always have to take your surroundings into account. Every country has its own rules and customs that you will have to adhere to to a certain extent.
• Being aware of the organization: every school or educational institution also has its own way of looking at education or teaching. Here too, you will have to take more account. Just like with the limitations/challenges that some schools have due to a lack of money or facilities.
• Communication skills: knowledge of the local language makes your work a lot easier and of better quality.
• Being able to be convincing
• Being able to plan
• Being able to radiate self-confidence

Where is the best place to go when you want to teach English abroad?

• Southern Europe: Spain, Italy and Portugal.
• Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Qatar.
• Africa: Egypt, South Africa.
• Eastern Europe: Hungary, Czech Republic.
• Asia: China, Thailand, Vietnam.
• Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile.
• Check out the JoHo WorldSupporter partners that offer TEFL courses

To what extent are you insured for the risks while teaching abroad?

• There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance for paid or unpaid work abroad, or at least check your insured situation carefully.
• The local organisations generally don't offer any or only offer very limited insurance.
• There is a chance of accidents because, for example, you are doing work with which you have little experience.
• During your work abroad in specific cases, you will need special insurance to remain insured against illness and accidents.
• Read more about Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme

In Dutch:

• Read more: Vrijwilligerswerk in het buitenland verzekeren (NL)
• Read more: Stage in het buitenland verzekeren (NL)
• Read more: Werken in het buitenland verzekeren (NL)

Working as an expat around the world and abroad

Working abroad as an expat: orientation

• What is working as an expat abroad?
• Why should you work as an expat abroad?
• What do you need if you want to work abroad as an expat?
• To what extent are you insured for risks when doing expat work abroad?
• What are the most popular countries to do expat work abroad?