Study Abroad Preparation: Rosetta Stone

We’ve all seen the commercials, especially around the 2008 Olympics of  Michael Phelps endorsing Rosetta Stone: It helped him learn Chinese before he went to Beijing to win a record 8 Olympic gold medals. As discussed in our newest e-report, AmeriSpan’s Guide to Cultural Adjustment, it can help immensely to have at least a basic background in the language you will be studying in your host country. This can help in many ways to ease culture shock and help you adjust more readily to your new, foreign environment. 


Rosetta Stone is undeniably to leader and most popular language learning software out there, with over 30 languages available. In fact, the US Marine Corps uses Rosetta Stone to train Marines in new languages. The philosophy behind Rosetta Stone is to teach you your second language the same way you learned your first. It is for all ages. Basically, pictures are shown of people, places, objects, etc. and you learn through context. The thought is that you will learn more naturally how to use grammar and construct sentences through trial and error.

If you are setting out on a study abroad experience without any knowledge of your target language, or say you’re a bit rusty, this language software can help to provide a foundation or refresher for your study abroad trip. Rosetta Stone is available in all of the languages taught in AmeriSpan’s language immersion programs including less-common languages like Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Polish, and Thai. To step off the plane and already know how to say basic greetings, ask directions, take a taxi, etc. will greatly ease your travel concerns and make your trip to your new home much smoother. Check out Rosetta Stone in your target language here

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