人教全日制普通高中英语（必修）高三UNIT8-2

 Many language learners think that the best way to learn a language is to spend time in a country where the language is spoken. In the past, studying abroad was a distant dream for most people. Nowadays, however, it has become easier to find both opportunities and means¹. Many schools offer exchange programmes at various academic levels at a reasonable cost. There are programmes for junior and senior² middle schools as well as colleges. Some programmes offer a "homestay" service, ie visiting students will live with a host family. This is perhaps the best option³ for younger students, since it means that the student does not have to worry about meals and housing⁴. Living with a host family is also a wonderful way to learn about the culture in that country. Most exchange students say that they feel as if they were truly part of their host families and that they will always stay in touch.
 
       A year in a foreign country is not just about learning⁵ a language. It is true that exchange students usually become fluent⁶ in the new language, but most of them would probably tell you that they also learn many other things that are even more important. Being an exchange student helps you make friends with people from different backgrounds and understand another culture. One year is not enough to learn all about a country or a culturel of course, but it is enough to broaden⁷ your horizons⁸ and improve your understanding of the world. What is perhaps the most valuable is what you learn about yourself and your own culture. When you are at home, you seldom stop to think what kind of person you are and what your culture is really like. As an exchange student, you have to learn to depend on yourself and you will often be asked to explain your country and culture to others. It may seem strange, but many returning exchange students say that their year abroad made them understand their own country and culture for the first time.
 
      Studying abroad may have its disadvantages as well. While exchange students can learn many useful things, it is also possible that some of them may fall behind in their studies. Since exchange students always experience language and culture problems in the beginning, they will not be able to take classes at the same level as at home. Many parents worry about the safety of their children and may also be concerned about the cost.
 
      If you are thinking of spending some time as a student in a foreign country, you should begin by finding⁹ out as much as possible about different programmes. You will need to consider the cost and length of your stay. There are exchange student associations¹⁰ that can give you useful information. If you have never been abroad or travelled alone before, it is probably best to start with a shorter visit, perhaps a summer course. When you have collected the basic information, your next step is to compare different programmes. It is very important that you find an appropriate¹¹ course for you. Since it is a decision that affects the whole family, your parents should take an active part and help you find out what is best for you. You can also contact students who have been abroad to hear about their experiences.

1 means   

n.方法，手段，折中点，物质财富

参考例句：

• That man used artful means to find out secrets.那人使用狡猾的手段获取机密。
• We must get it done by some means or other.我们总得想办法把它干完。

2 senior   

adj.年长的；资格较老的，地位较高的；n.年长者，前辈；大学高年级学生

参考例句：

• My brother is senior to me by two years.我哥哥比我年长两岁。
• They are senior students.他们是高年级学生。

3 option   

n.选择，取舍，选择权，选择的自由

参考例句：

• You will have to pay them;you have no option.你必须付给他们钱，别无选择。
• The option for peace should never be closed off.和平的选择之门永远不应被关死。

4 housing   

n.房屋，住宅；住房建筑；外壳，外罩

参考例句：

• Do you think our housing sales will turn around during this year?你认为今年我们的住宅销路会好转吗？
• The housing sales have been turning down since the summer.入夏以来，房屋的销售量日趋减少。

5 learning   

n.学问，学识，学习；动词learn的现在分词

参考例句：

• When you are learning to ride a bicycle,you often fall off.初学骑自行车时，常会从车上掉下来。
• Learning languages isn't just a matter of remembering words.学习语言不仅仅是记些单词的事。

6 fluent   

adv.流利地，流畅地

参考例句：

• She is fluent in five languages.她通晓五种语言。
• My father speaks fluent English.我父亲讲一口流利的英语。

7 broaden   

v.放宽，变宽，扩大

参考例句：

• We broaden in experiences by traveling.旅行增长我们的经验。
• Let's broaden out the discussion to talk about education as a whole.我们来扩大一下讨论范围，全面谈谈教育问题。

8 horizons   

n.地平线( horizon的名词复数 )；范围；界限；眼界

参考例句：

• The course in philosophy opened up new horizons for the students. 哲学课使学生们打开了新的视野。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• Her words widened his horizons. 她的一番话使他的心里开豁了。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

9 finding   

n.发现，发现物；调查的结果

参考例句：

• The finding makes some sense.该发现具有一定的意义。
• That's an encouraging finding.这是一个鼓舞人心的发现。

10 associations   

n.协会( association的名词复数 )；联合；联系；（思想、感觉、记忆等的）联想

参考例句：

• Do you belong to any professional or trade associations? 你参加了专业学会或行业协会没有？
• Colleges may be accredited by regional associations. 学会是否合格可由地区各协会作出鉴定。 来自《简明英汉词典》

11 appropriate   

adj.适当的，合适的；v.拨出，挪用，盗用

参考例句：

• It is appropriate that he should get the post.由他担任这一职务是恰当的。
• We should take appropriate measures to improve our teaching.我们应当采取适当的措施提高教学质量。