The traditional school run language exchange has been part of the language learning experience for decades. However, as technology, politics and culturehave changed, so has the language exchange experience. Technology, alongside the emergence of relatively inexpensive global travel, has changed the language exchange experience for parents, giving them more choice and access to security. So, how have language holidays changed for parents?
Larger Range Of Places Their Child Can Visit
The range of languages being taught in British schools has changed due to demand and geo-political changes. In addition to the traditional languages of French and German, there is now a much larger range of European languages available, such as Spanish and Italian, to a broader range of languages. The rise of the Chinese economy has seen the British government encourage schools to diversify and adapt. This, and demand from parents, has seen the introduction of Mandarin as a subject in British schools.
Affordable Air Travel
This change in demand and the rise in affordable global travel have opened up the possibility of exchanges in China. With links to the continent improved through the development of the Eurostar, individual travel is more affordable, giving parents different options beyond a school run group exchange program.
Technology
One of the biggest developments for parents is the role of communication; previously, families would send their child on an exchange, and apart from an occasional brief phone call and maybe a postcard, there would be limited contact for the worrying parent. However, mobile phones and laptops mean that children are now only a Wi-Fi connection away. This also means that whilst your child is away they can keep and regularly upload photos and memories from their trip via social media. This is another way of staying in touch in real time. No more collect phone calls or waiting for photos to develop.