Language study abroad?

Question

I've studied spanish and italian all through highschool and college. I'm good at both but nowhere near fluent. I can't swing leaving the country for two years with the peace corps or anything yet, but I want to get some real world experience with both langauges and reach fluency sometime before I die.
I've heard of these intensive language programs abroad that put you through two weeks of study and you come out with a whole lot more competency than when you went in. Some people say, however, that this is a waste of money and I'd be better off backpacking like I usually do. What's your take?

Answer 1

A study abroad program is the best way to learn a foreign language for many. The idea is not just that the program puts you through coursework at a more accelerated rate, but that when you are out of class, the entire world around you is speaking that language. Everywhere you go is a huge language lab.

Besides, there are only so many times in your life you'll have the opportunity to take a study abroad. And they really aren't as expensive as you might think.

Good luck!