Walking down the streets of a new city, breathing in smells of local food, hearing snippets of a conversation in a language that is not familiar. For years, select St. Paul Academy and Summit School students travel to Spain, France, or Germany on language exchange trips and return back feeling accomplished, with improvement in their language skills after experiencing a new culture firsthand.

Some students choose to participate in the trip and others in the exchanges, and some feel inspired to go on both. With each happening every other year, the opportunity is something that shouldn’t be allowed to slip by.

To learn a language through immersion in the culture provides meaningful and lasting benefits. Completely surrounding oneself with the culture, language, and vibe of a country creates an exciting learning environment. Students will experience everything firsthand; the food, the unique activities, culture, and even learning some slang terms that most wouldn’t know.

The idea of being in a place where this new language becomes the primary form of communication pushes the use of the language as much as possible. The language exchange trips provide a new form of learning other than sitting in a classroom. From seeing the sights in the ancient cities in Spain, to speaking and getting to know a host family in France, all of the situations are new and unique, allowing for an interesting way to learn.

For any students who are skeptical about participating in these trips: take a risk. Whether that means going on the trip or the exchange, pushing oneself to be put in exciting, possibly uncomfortable, and exciting situations will ultimately be beneficial. No matter the language, country, or type of trip, students will experience adventures, improve their language skills, and create unforgettable memories with strangers and friends alike.