STUDENT EXCHANGE
Beyond the
classroom
Learn a foreign language to enjoy the benefits of a student exchange programme There’s so much more behind certain school subjects or even student exchange programmes than meets the eye – benefits we never ever dreamt of, writes Anne Schauffer
T
ake French. A seductively beautiful language to listen to, and useful in that it’s spoken on five continents by about 265 million people, and used by numerous internationally respected bodies like the United Nations. Similarly, Spanish, German and more. But there are layers upon layers of both visible and invisible advantages to learning a foreign language, and the practical aspect is just one. Francesca Balladon, former UKZN Professor of French, has 36 years teaching experience in both
high and tertiary education: “Knowledge of a foreign language encompasses much more than a passing acquaintance with the grammatical system of the language. Learning the language requires knowledge of the patterns of living, acting, reacting, seeing and explaining the world of the target country.” She believes there are two compelling reasons around the value of learning languages other than your own country’s official ones: “Learning a foreign language has an educational worth which is pertinent in any geographical or social context, in
