Introduction to Language Learning

Introduction to Language Learning Course Overview

• Are you moving to a place with a new language, but plan to still do most of your work in English (or another language you already speak fluently)?
• Are you unsure how to be a successful language learner when you will only need the language for certain tasks in the community?
• Are you wondering how you can learn a new language alongside your other work and life responsibilities?

The goal of our Introduction to Language Learning course is to equip you to become a more efficient and effective learner of your new language regardless of the learning method — attending a language school, working with a tutor, independent learning, or a combination of approaches. Whatever your situation, we will give you a place to start and the tools to move ahead.

The course is highly customized to meet each individual’s needs and goals. It consists of four components: Individual Coaching via video call, Foundations, Language Learning Techniques (LLT), and Practical Phonetics. (See below for an explanation of each component.)

Audience

Introduction to Language Learning is a course for beginning learners who need a basic grasp of the language for daily life activities. It is ideal for those who plan to serve 1 - 3 years and those who may serve longer but do not plan for significant heart-language ministry. We suggest taking this course either before leaving home or within the first few weeks of arrival on the field.

Why It Matters

Especially as a beginner, learning languages more efficiently and effectively starts with you! We will show you how to make the most of your learning situation and equip you with skills to set goals and manage your own learning.

Format, Duration, and Cost

Each week, you will complete work on your own schedule through our online course management system, learning about language learning theory, practical techniques for language learning, and the sound system for the language you will be learning. Then, you will meet one-on-one with an expert instructor via video call to talk about what you've learned and your particular language learning situation. You will also work one-on-one to learn the phonetics (sound system) of the language you will be learning.

Our SLA courses are fully online and flexible to your schedule. This allows you to take it anywhere in the world and manage your own schedule. The course consists of 12 sessions, which you complete at your own pace. In the past, many learners have completed it in three weeks (approximately 3-4 hours a day every weekday) or at a more relaxed pace over six weeks, but we can accommodate and individualize the course so that it works for your specific needs.

Most of the work is done online using a course management system, as well as through individual meetings via video call with an instructor two or three times each week. In addition, you may work for a few hours with a language helper who is either a native speaker of your target language or another language. 

This course costs $850 and includes all course materials.