Language Immersion Courses in Australia

Because the national language of Australia is English, few people from English-speaking countries undertake the long journey to Australia solely for the purposes of studying a language. However, for non-native speakers seeking a safe, exciting, and challenging place to learn the language, Australia is an excellent option. Australia is often overlooked due to its location and the fact that it is not as “high-profile” a study destination as the United States or the UK, but the friendliness of the people and the beauty of its landscapes more than make up for these issues. It is also worth pointing out that Australians are renowned for being among the most friendly and hospitable people in the world, so if you need help but have trouble speaking English fluently, they will be happy to assist you.
 
People traveling to Australia to learn English should be aware that Australian English has a distinct accent and vocabulary. Although it is perfectly intelligible to native speakers from elsewhere in the world, people who are just learning the language may take a while to get used to it. You are likely to hear words that would not be used elsewhere (such as “chook” for “chicken”), and many sounds are produced differently with an Australian accent.
 
Some people may travel to Australia for an immersion in languages other than English, particularly anthropologists who want to study Australian Aboriginal Languages. The Aboriginal language family includes literally hundreds of distinct languages from the many diverse and complex cultures that exist in different parts of the continent. Due to the ancientness of their culture (Australian Aboriginals have been living in their ancestral homelands for over 40,000 years, far longer than any European society) they are of great interest to anthropologists and linguists. Thus, there is significant need to study their languages. Of course, it is also possible to find language courses in a huge number of other languages – from French to Arabic to Chinese – in Australia, but because these languages are generally not spoken in Australian society, there is no “immersion experience” available.
 
While researching English-language programs in Australia, the most important consideration is location. Australia is a massive country – an entire continent, really – and it offers everything from deserts to marshes, mountains to beaches, large thriving metropolises to tiny rural villages. The great majority of language courses will be found in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, but by no means all. One of the best reasons to come to Australia as a student is the many opportunities for outdoor travel in Australia’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Consider seeking out a program in the rural northern area of Queensland or the mild, Mediterranean-like climate of Perth and other western locations. Australia offers a dizzying variety of study locations, and the quality of language instruction will be high no matter where you go.