The Immersion Semester is a unique feature of our pioneering Bachelor of Education (Languages) programme. Regular readers of Joy of Learning will know that the Institute has, since its inception, taken pains to ensure that students majoring in language teaching have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of the language they are preparing to teach. Up to now, these immersion programmes have taken the form of relatively short term study tours to English or Putonghua speaking countries. The Immersion Semester builds on the considerable success of these earlier programmes by taking immersion one step further.

Building confidence as well as language competency
The Immersion Semester takes the lead from European models of language teacher preparation where the 'Year Abroad' is something language majors simply expect to have to do. Study undertaken in the country where the language is spoken as the mother tongue has recognised effectiveness in building more substantial proficiency gains, but also in providing a catalyst for the attitude change without which sustained development cannot take place. An extended and more comprehensive immersion programme increases self confidence and independence, creating more mature and proactive future teachers. The considerable investment which this entails is a key response of the Institute to community demand for improved language standards.