Do you want to set off on a trek through Asia for quality immersion language learning? It’s a great option to improve your language skills by surrounding yourself in any of the wonderful Asian countries rife with natural beauty, diverse culture, and of course—delicious food! So, keep reading, because here we’ll discuss 8 budget friendly travel destinations in Asia for language immersion!
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What Is Language Immersion Learning?
Budget travelers will be pleased to know that they can get valuable speaking practice while learning a new language via immersion techniques. These techniques involve quite literally immersing yourself in an environment that forces you to interact with the world in the foreign language you’re trying to learn.
If learning languages while visiting the most affordable countries in Asia sounds like your goal, let’s discover the budget-friendly travel destinations that will work wonders for language immersion!
If you want to get a head start on your language immersion learning so that you’ll be prepared when your feet hit the stomping grounds of wherever you are, consider checking out the Ling app. With over 60 languages to explore that will teach you basic vocabulary and phrases, you can bet you’ll know to hail a taxi ride on a scooter in Thailand or order a refreshing cup of cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) at a vendor stall in Vietnam.
Language Immersion Programs: An Overview
If you do a quick internet search for language immersion programs, you’ll probably find a ton of options to choose from. Research done on elementary school children and language immersion programs says that these programs are amazing at working towards fluency by revolving instructional learning and conversations in the foreign language. A young child’s language development is a perfect window to take advantage of language immersion programs!
Immersion language learning seems to be effective for all ages, though. Adults looking to immerse themselves in a country’s native language are highly motivated to absorb and acquire language skills. After all, they have an emotional desire to speak the same language as the locals for effective communication.
Budget Friendly Travel Destinations In Asia For Language Immersion
There are a bunch of language immersion programs to popular destinations in Asia (budget-friendly options included!) tailored for adults. These programs encompass language learning with incredible volunteer opportunities that get you interacting with the friendly locals. Let’s check them out!
1. Vietnam
Vietnam is the cheapest country on this list to take off to, which makes it the perfect budget-friendly travel destination for language immersion learners. People tend to argue over which of these fabulous Asian countries have the best food, and Vietnam has lots to praise in that arena. Bahn mi, rice paper rolls, and a piping bowl of pho are some of the great things you’ll find in Vietnam. You could take your language immersion to the next level by sinking your teeth into the charming nightlife here.
2. Indonesia
Indonesia has a little bit of everything. Language immersion can be a pleasure here if you’re into natural scenery like volcanoes and ethnic diversity that includes a mix of Muslim and Buddhist cultures. You can expect to hear two languages here—the primary lingua franca of Indonesian and the most common spoken language—Javanese.
3. The Philippines
Already considered one of the most affordable countries in Asia to visit, travelers love trekking to The Philippines for a guaranteed awesome trip to any of the 7,000 islands that make it up. Here’s a hot tip to keep costs low: munch on Filipino street food. And here’s a great tip to keep your trip fun: hit up a karaoke bar and spend a magical night singing with the local Filipinos who notoriously love karaoke.
4. Laos
Travelers can expect Laos to be a paradise for adrenaline and thrill-seeking. With plenty of cliffs to dive off of, white water rafting, kayaking, and hiking, Laos is a cheap spot for language immersion while having fun. There are tons of opportunities for English speakers to volunteer and teach English here, as there is a high demand for language teachers.
5. Sri Lanka
Say “Aayu-bo-wan!” (ආයුබෝවන්) to Sri Lanka! Home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, this place makes an amazing site for the history buff-centric tourists who love checking those places out. Teeming with wildlife and white sandy beaches, Sri Lanka is awesome for language immersion if you enjoy the outdoors.
6. Thailand
Backpackers have enjoyed traveling in Thailand forever. Those who know about Thailand’s budget-friendly costs are well aware that its vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and stunning temples make it a wonderful place for anybody, especially people who want to engage in language immersion. What better place is there to stretch a shoestring budget than island hopping around Thailand, flexing your Thai skills by ordering Pad See Ew and banana pancakes at a vendor stall?
7. Cambodia
The local Khmer people make this budget-friendly destination such a gem and great for language immersion interactions. Home to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, Cambodia is one of the places perfect for beach lovers dreaming of learning Khmer while surrounded by stunning nature with dense jungles and green scenery.
8. Mongolia
Have you ever heard of yurts? Mongolia is full of these fantastic, lightweight, and easy-to-erect shelters. Travelers can expect to sleep soundly amongst a fascinating landscape deep within the Gobi Desert or Altai Mountains. You can expect the nomadic families here to be hard-working and dedicated, especially with their sheep herding. If learning Mongolian the nomadic way sounds like your cup of tea, then immersion learning here will be perfect for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most common questions about language immersion in Asia.
1. Which Country Is The Best To Study In Asia?
While everyone has a different opinion on this, there are a number of Asian countries that will serve as awesome home bases for studying a new language with immersion. Travelers and language learners tend to like countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
2. How Do You Do Language Immersion?
Steps to effectively do language immersion are easier than you think! It’s as simple as interacting with the world as you normally would but in the target language. Do everything in a foreign language, like listen to music and watch movies, read books and street signage when you’re out taking a stroll, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
3. How Many Hours Of Language Immersion Is Effective?
As long as you can make a bit of time for speaking, reading, or writing in the new language you’re trying to learn, you can bet a little will always do better for you than nothing. The best way to implement language immersion is by making it a habit. If you’re abroad, just make it a part of your daily routine to go out and explore the world in all its glory! Even as little as 10 minutes a day will contribute to your overall learning.
Wrapping Up
Now that you’ve reached the end of this post, are you feeling inspired to get out into the world and start learning a new language in an affordable destination somewhere with pristine beaches, lush jungles, ancient temples, and tasty street food? Total immersion in the cheapest countries in Asia sounds like a dream come true!
I encourage you to do your own research on language immersion programs and which country in Asia will best match your goals. Remember to consider the cheapest countries for a budget hack and weigh your options based on what you will enjoy learning the most. A lifetime of memories and unforgettable experiences await!
