There is a special group of long term backpackers staying in our Toronto Hostel. They are here to study English and there are lots of them!
They usually arrive in groups from places like France, Spain, Mexico, South America, Japan and virtually every non-English speaking European Union nation.
The problem is that most of these “groups” retreat into a a comfort zone of cultural and linguistic similarities. Spanish speakers, French speakers, Japanese etc., tend to congregate and as a result don’t learn as much English as they could have.
Lovely little Maria from Madrid is an notable exception from this syndrome. When she is addressed in her native tongue, she invariably demands that English be spoken.
As a result, Maria’s English has shown a marked improvement in a very short period of time.
If only all language students would follow her example. Her time and opportunity are being used wisely. In this age of Globalization, superior English skills often translates as increased employment prospects.
