Winter Wellness: Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Learn a New Language

The winter months, with their shorter days and longer nights in many parts of the world, provide the perfect opportunity to embark on the journey of learning a new skill set. For many passionate Freebird travelers, learning a new language becomes the ideal activity to stay busy during the winter season. Embracing the challenge of expanding linguistic abilities engages both the mind and body, preparing individuals for future travel experiences in the coming months.

Using winter months to learn a new language offers Freebird travelers a unique blend of cognitive benefits, cultural exploration, and social impact. This winter season, embracing the wonderland of language learning brings a realm of opportunities that extend far beyond linguistic boundaries.

So, as the snow falls outside, why not spread your Freebird wing’s and let learning a new language become the key to unlocking new travel destinations and experiences?

Language Learning Benefits for Travelers: Connect with Locals

Planning a trip to a foreign destination is infinitely more fulfilling when armed with the ability to communicate in the local language. Many individuals over 50 participate in “language tourism,” a unique blend of travel and language immersion. 

The primary goal of language tourism is to improve one’s language proficiency by taking advantage of language classes or immersion programs in the destination of choice, as well as embarking on cultural excursions and activities. 

Those interested in language tourism can take it to the next level by choosing to stay with local hosts and in close proximity to native speakers for an authentic language immersion. Explore homestay opportunities on the Freebird Club website here.

Language learners can also become advocates for social causes, participating in global discussions on cultural issues.Interested in learning more? Click here to discover more about Freebird Club’s partner, SPEAK, and their mission to use language as a tool for the social integration of migrants and refugees in your city and around the globe.

How Does Learning a Language Affect the Brain?

Different stages of life offer various advantages when learning a new language. Contrary to the belief that language acquisition is most effective during the early stages of life, recent studies suggest that adults, especially those over 50 years of age, who learn a new language, have unique cognitive advantages that extend beyond linguistic proficiency. 

These advantages include cognitive flexibility, such as the ability to switch between tasks seamlessly, improved memory function, stronger problem-solving skills, greater attention to detail, and an overall increase in brain health (Planck Institute for Human Development).