An ability to cope in social contexts, with a foreign customer or tourist, can make a favourable impression and in addition enhance career prospects. If a higher level of competence is needed intensive study would be paramount. Various forms of study are open to you and these are presented in the following paragraphs. Saturday schools and courses abroad may also be organised. Length of courses vary from one term to four years depending on their goal.
Some universities arrange weekend and summer residential courses, also study tours abroad.
For prospectuses, apply to the universities or consult directories. The Language Centres or Modern Language Departments of universities may also be accessible to the public through subscriber services, and approachable in a limited advisory capacity. It is worth checking whether such a facility is available through your local university. These vary in length and format, from a 'one-off' broadcast to comprehensive courses with accompanying resources. Programmes and courses are self-instructional in design and are available from beginner to advanced level.