Learning Swedish the easy way

Whether you are already an expatriate or considering the move to Sweden, learning the language is one of the biggest issues to deal with. Since most Swedes have mastered English, it's all too easy rest on your language laurels. But sticking to English can prove risky.

At the time of your departure, there is every chance that you will have hardly any knowledge of Swedish. And for a good reason: Swedish is neither famous for being easy to learn nor widely spoken outside of the country's border.

English - the international, universal language - is predominantly understood and spoken by all Swedes. So the prospect of sticking to English may seem attractive.

While some people assume that the 'job' of an expatriate boils down to finding work and a place to live, this is far from the truth. Settling abroad for an extended period of time is much more than securing an apartment and calling family back at home once a week.

Moving to a foreign country involves immersing yourself in both local and national culture if you want to fit in. And the best basis of integration is language.

It acts as a link to culture, dialogue, encounters and a way to gain people's trust. Speaking the local language is therefore the key to a successful business, following the principle of exchange and sharing.

At first thought, learning Swedish might seem a daunting task. Although considered complicated and boring, Swedish is a language like any other. Anyone is able to learn it as long as they are ready and motivated. And as long as they enrol on quality Swedish courses.

There are the usual objections: "Studying Swedish is useless. I can speak English and just drop into the nearest bar to meet local people and get to know the language and culture better over a shot of aquavit.”

Everyday situations, professional relationships and even administrative tasks offer many opportunities to practise Swedish and will allow you to acquire useful conversation idiomatic expressions.

However, they cannot and never will replace intensive courses taught by qualified teachers. And you may have to admit that a bar isn’t exactly the best place for learning business Swedish.

There is a solution that combines both approaches, (introducing Swedish lifestyle with a language course): learning Swedish in the teacher's home. This is a unique opportunity to benefit from effective methodology with clear objectives and qualified teachers, recognised by quality control organisations.

Your best bet is to book your stay with a certified organisation that is specialised in arranging long-term language travels and courses around the world including, of course, Sweden

Among the plethora of organisations that provide these kind of services, Swiss agency ESL – Language Studies Abroad has 15 years experience in the sector and a stellar reputation among language learners.

ESL – Language Studies Abroad is an agency like no other. Not only does it offer attractive holidays but it is specialised in arranging language courses abroad, including Sweden.

For instance, a language school in the teacher’s home is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the country at your own pace while enjoying tailor-made, business-oriented tuition that is adapted to your specific objectives.

The concept is simple: before your professional stay, you live directly in your teacher’s home for several weeks. As a result, you get the best of both worlds - daily life in an authentic Swedish family as well as intensive language tuition, taught by a qualified teacher.

The advantages of this type of programme are wide and varied, especially for professionals. You have the possibility to choose your place of stay, experience a personalised language programme and choose of the intensity and content. which is ideal for those who need to acquire language skills specific to their field.

What's more you are immersed in Swedish way of life, enjoying meals at the teacher’s home, visits and outings as well as exclusivity, since you are your teacher’s only student during the entire duration of your stay.

In this way, you won’t get a chance to break character and speak English or your mother tongue. That is a considerable asset if you want to learn the language in the best conditions.

Based in Montreux, Switzerland, ESL has an office in Gothenburg. For 15 years, it has been providing courses for adults, executives and professionals wishing to improve their knowledge of Swedish in Sweden with an entirely personalised programme.

ESL was awarded best agency in Europe by its peers in 2010 and 2011 during the LTM Star Awards ceremony in London - a prestigious ceremony that recognises the best language travel agencies in the world. Such recognition is yet further proof of ESL's competence and dedication to its clients.

For more details about our language programmes, visit our website ESL – Språkutbilding Utomlands and feel free contact us for further information.

ESL – Language studies abroad (Head Office)
Grand-Rue 50
Case postale 1204
1820 Montreux 1
SWITZERLAND
Tel: +41 (0) 21 962 8880
Email : info@esl.ch

ESL – Language Schools
Grand-Rue 42
Po Box 1206
1820 Montreux 1
SWITZERLAND
Tel:+41 (0) 21 621 8888
Email: info@esl-schools.org