Whether and does learner requires an optimal length of time in learning a second language has

been a subject of an ongoing controversy. There are three ways for learners to successfully
master a second language. Be exposed for three to five or ten hours a week in the classroom.
Be in an intensive language program for five-to-seven-hour a day. Be exceptionally active
outside the classroom.

In order to learn a second language, one needs to be exposed to the language for a certain
amount of time. The exposure can help learners learn more than they would have done
otherwise, and get them to interact with others. This will make it easier for them to
communicate with one another, without any problems. In fact, the interaction hypothesis
states that the conversational interaction promotes second language development. In other
words, it is important for learners to be exposed for hours per week in a stimulating
environment, so as to learn better.

With intensive language programs, one can strengthen their second language learning
foundation and enhance their ability to read and write in a foreign language. Besides, White
and Turner (2005) found that students of the intensive English program for 18-20 hours per
week were more fluent, confident, and gained significantly more than those students in the
traditional, non-intensive class. Consequently, learners get the advanced massive gains.

Furthermore, learners should be exceptionally active in learning a second language outside the
classroom, as this will help them acquire new language skills that are not readily mastered in
the classroom. They also become active observers and experiment with different learning
processes. In conclusion, an intensive language program and long period of time learning in and
beyond classroom, and being actively engage in learning can lead to successful mastery of a
second language.