Language lessons in Cambridge

There are many things that set Cambridge apart from other cities, like its university, its rowing championships, and its beautiful sites. This and the many other city attractions are the reason why so many people from around the globe end up living here, which has resulted in Cambridge having a very diverse population. In fact, according to the 2016 census, 10% of city residents were born outside the UK and spoke other languages than English at home, which makes it an ideal location for those interested in learning languages, as they can immerse themselves in almost a hundred different languages and get to know many fascinating cultures without having to leave the city. 

The most commonly used languages after English are Bengali, Punjabi, Cantonese, Urdu, Polish and Portuguese, but there are many others you can hear around Cambridge. On top of that, due to the many different immigrant communities that are present in the city, there’s a rich cultural life that you can explore, and many multicultural events and institutions you can visit. Because of this, if you decide to learn a second, a third or even a fourth language in Cambridge, the way you experience the city will change drastically. Not only will you connect with a larger sector of the local population, but you will appreciate the various cultures that can be found in the city much more, so start your journey to becoming multilingual today and you won’t regret it! 

Where to study foreign languages in Cambridge

Known for its academic excellence, Cambridge offers many places to study languages. If your plan is to become a language professional, you should take a look at the interesting language programmes at the University of Cambridge Language Centre. Here you’ll find courses at different levels in more than fifteen languages which not only cover the basics skills you need to become a proficient speaker, but also the cultural aspects of the language you choose to learn. On the other hand, if you are the kind of learner that prefers to create your own learning programme, you’ll find plenty of useful resources in many languages at the Cambridge Central Library, located at 7 Lion Yard. If, for example, you’re interested in learning Cantonese, there are many materials you can check out, like Chinese (Cantonese): the Short Course by Paul Pimsleur, a useful audiobook for beginners that want to learn at their own pace and Basic Cantonese: a Grammar and Workbook by Virginia Yip, a book suitable for learners wishing to move beyond elementary level. The library also has books to keep you motivated to learn languages, such as The Bilingual Brain and What it Tells Us About the Science of Language by Albert Costa, which explains the positive effects bilingualism has on the brain, and Languages Are Good for Us by Sophie Hardach, a celebration of the huge linguistic diversity that is open to all of us at birth. 

Language exchange groups in Cambridge

No matter which language you’re currently learning, if you attend the Weekly Language Swap organized by Cambridge International Friends, you’ll find plenty of language partners from all over the world to help you boost your conversational skills. This fun event takes place at Six Bells, a great local pub located at 11 Convent Garden on Wednesdays at 8 pm, and every language learner is welcome to attend, regardless of their skill level or their target language. If you’re a newcomer, you can attend a bit later so that you don’t have to wait for people to arrive, and don’t forget to say “Language Swap!” when you enter, as it’s a tradition among group members to do so the moment they enter the pub. 

Cultural institutions and events in Cambridge

If are interested in expanding your knowledge of the local art scene, don’t miss out on the many events that are part of the Cambridge International Arts Festival. This amazing arts and culture festival was designed to highlight young local artists and also to showcase international talent. It takes place at many venues around the city, including The Fitzwilliam Museum, located on Trumpington Street, which has an impressive collection of over half a million beautiful works of art, The Mumford Theatre, at Anglia Ruskin University on East Road at the heart of Cambridge, which is committed to producing a diverse, accessible and inclusive programme, and The Corn Exchange, one of the UK's most popular music and arts venue, located at 2 Wheeler Street. This festival provides the perfect opportunity to get to know some of the best artists from all around the world and meet other like-minded people in the area who love art as much as you do, so next April, don’t forget to check out its annual programme. 

Language jobs in Cambridge

According to local studies, every year there are 4,000 new businesses in the city, but almost 30% don’t last more than 2 years. This means that if you’re planning to start your own enterprise in the city, you need to prepare as much as you can in order to stand out from other businesses in Cambridge and have a successful career. The best way to do so is to start learning languages, as this will allow you to attract more clients and investors not only in the foreign-born community, but also in other countries where you can access international markets that help you expand beyond the city limits. Alternatively, if you don’t have a job and want to land a well-paid position at of the top companies located in the city like EY, Apple and IBM, learning German, Spanish, French, Norwegian, Italian or any other language that you happen to be interested in will increase your chances to landing a job there and impress most local employers. 

Get started now!!!

If you only speak English, you’re missing out on the many wonderful chances Cambridge has to offer for those who speak at least two languages or more. So, the smartest thing you can do is to start a language course at Listen & Learn, the best place to study in the city. No matter what language you’re interested in learning, if you send us a quick enquiry today, we’ll find a suitable native teacher who will create a unique language course just for you! So what are you waiting for? Contact us today and let us help you reach your full potential!