Proof that language immersion really works

We asked MFL teachers to assess the educational benefits of their language immersion trip with Voyager School Travel.

The results of the two-year study — based on feedback from over 500 party leaders — demonstrate the positive impact of Voyager’s language immersion trips on student learning and engagement.

Key findings from Voyager’s Language Immersion Study

Deeper language understanding 

Overall, 9 in 10 teachers said their students developed their language skills, demonstrating how Voyager’s immersive programmes effectively support formal classroom teaching.

“They can come away thinking ‘I was spoken to in French and I could understand’ — it’s a big achievement.”

Party leaders observed significant improvements in learners’ vocabulary (84%) and pronunciation (78%), highlighting the tangible educational gains facilitated by Voyager School Travel's approach.

“The students’ vocabulary also expanded significantly over the course of the trip, covering topics from watersports to food and everyday questions.”

Improved confidence and engagement

Voyager's instructors make learning active, social, and relevant. Teachers commented that this approach gave their students a real sense that learning a new language is both useful and enjoyable in everyday life, even motivating the more reluctant learners.

“The less-motivated students in particular swept in with the animateurs’ enthusiasm and consistent language use.”

92% of teachers noted improvement in students' language confidence, commenting on how pupils overcame nerves and felt proud of their progress. Many noted that this positive impact carried over into lessons after the trip.

“Confidence really improved... Having the confidence to give it a go.”

Learning objectives achieved

Voyager’s French, Spanish and German instructors were rated as good or very good by 90% of teachers.

“The educational aspect of the trip is well put together. The animateurs are on board with how to engage the students.”

95% of teachers were satisfied that their learning objectives were met, with three-quarters saying they were met fully — showing how closely the programmes align with teachers’ educational goals.

“[the students] were all trying and engaging. Everyone left with something learnt.”

Educational value for money

The educational value delivered by Voyager’s curriculum-linked programmes is clear — 8 in 10 teachers said Voyager’s language immersion trips provided good or very good value for money.

“This trip is excellent value considering the quality of the accommodation, the trips, the food and entertainment.”

MFL teacher recommended

Teachers report that Voyager’s instructors sparked an enthusiasm for language learning — which is why 8 out of 10 MFL teachers actively promote Voyager’s language programmes to colleagues.

“As a trip leader this trip is a lot less stressful — having fully trained staff — and you wouldn't get this anywhere else.”

Source: Voyager School Travel Language Immersion Programmes – Customer Feedback Results 2023-25 (560 respondents)

Conclusion

The evidence shows that total language immersion with native-speaking instructors delivers meaningful educational gains — from confidence and vocabulary to enthusiasm for learning languages back at school.

Voyager School Travel is the only UK school travel company that can demonstrate measurable educational progress from our language programmes. 

If you’d like your students to experience the same transformation, explore Voyager’s Language Immersion Trips or contact our team to start planning your next language adventure.

More about language immersion

• Video explainer: How Voyager's immersive language programmes work in practice
• Is your trip truly immersive? The difference between Voyager's approach and a standard language trip
• Free resource: How Voyager's programmes support the national curriculum for languages