In summer, I especially want to talk about learning English and other foreign languages for tourists.
Still, knowledge of a foreign language and spanish to english at a level that allows you to find a common language with others is an important component of psychological comfort for a tourist. The ability to explain yourself in any situation is a guarantee of self-confidence and peace of mind for a tourist, especially when traveling with children. Well, besides, the ability to speak a foreign language strengthens self-esteem. Attempts by a tourist to communicate with gestures usually do not look quite presentable.
Of course, in popular tourist places, there have long been Russian-speaking staff in hotels, restaurants and shops. But still, without knowledge of a foreign language, the lion’s share of impressions is lost for a tourist, the very taste of the country, the culture and mentality of its people. Yes, and the trip can be more expensive if you suddenly need a Russian guide or translator.
What languages do tourists need? Depends on which countries you like to visit. Of course, English is very widespread in the world, so at least basic knowledge of English can be considered a necessary minimum for a tourist. However, in non-English-speaking countries, the ability to speak English is mainly related to large cities or popular tourist centers. In small towns, people prefer to communicate in their native language. Yes, and taking into account Brexit, English officially ceases to be the language of the European Union.
Spanish is spoken in the world no less than English. And if you like to go on vacation to Spain or travel around Latin America, then knowledge of Spanish will not be enough for you.
With the French, the situation is quite simple: they do not like to speak any language other than French, elegantly justifying themselves with the saying: “We are capable of foreign languages just like a Spanish cow.” Therefore, there are no options with France: the tourist needs to speak French!
Polite Austrians will be sincerely grateful to you if you speak German with them. Moreover, for the Austrian version of the German language, we have a program separate from the Bundesdeutsch.
In Germany, the tourist will also have significantly more opportunities with German than with Russian or English, although both are more or less common in the former East and West Germany, respectively (again, mainly in large cities).
German, French and Italian will help out the tourist in Switzerland. And in Italy, without an Italian tourist, there is nothing to do at all.
How do you choose the right study program to help you master the necessary travel skills and vocabulary?