Countries are separated by cultures and even languages. Does it not fascinate you that every country has their own language? Even in each country, regions are set-apart by several dialects. When you speak Italian, most probably the Italian you know would only be applicable to Milan. Or say you go to China or Hong Kong, the language they speak is not limited to Cantonese. But that is the beauty of language and learning another is as amazing for each language speak a story or even the history of a country.

Not all people are interested in venturing into learning a new language. For the most part, learning a new one especially during your adult years post challenges and arduous studying is demanded. Learning a new language is as fun as learning a new culture, or delving into another idea. Most of us frown on the idea of learning a new language because of the effort put on it. Bet you remember asking why you have to take electives in foreign language. Later on though, you would acknowledge the real benefits of knowing one.

Although, learning a second language is incorporated in the curriculum, most students still have a hard time when actually using what they have learned in practice. Despite the in depth curriculum on the subject, students fail to communicate through the language when exposed to it. Studies claim, that although teachers never fail to teach correct grammar,usage in practical conversations fall short. In the advent of cassette tapes, on line learning, the same predicaments are still observed. Thus, the back up of the second language immersion. What exactly is getting immersed to a second language?

Language Immersion is a means of learning a second language. Immersion programs can be traced back to 1960s particularly in Canada. It was an experiment program initiated by middle-income English-speaking parents to induct their children to appreciate the traditions and culture of French-speaking Canadians.

To learn a language takes a lot of time. The more time students are exposed to comprehensible and accessible input in the language they are trying to learn, the more they will speak the language. Contemporary immersion approaches to teaching second languages attempt to maximize the time students are exposed to the language. Students are given most time to practice the language than learning it by the book. To quote “ The central characteristic of immersion is the teaching of language, content, and culture in combination without the use of the students' first language.”

Students are required to speak about something when learning a second language. The concept behind the second language immersion program is for academic subjects and other activities to be incorporated using the second language so as students will not have the difficulty trying to translate what they learn in their daily activities.

Types of Immersion Programs

After the experimental second language immersion program started in Canada, several types have evolved. Some programs can be classified through age of the students starting off with Early immersion wherein students begin learning the second language as early as 5 years old. Middle immersion on the other hand begins at the age of 9 or 10 whereas Late immersion is composed of students begin between the ages of 11-14.

Other extended type of second language immersions are as follows:

a. Total immersion

b. Two-way immersion

c. Partial immersion

d. content-based foreign languages in elementary schools

e. FLES programs

f. FLEX ( Foreign Language Experience)