Language Learning– Tips, Tricks, and Advice

• Watch films, listen to music, and read books from the host country. 

• Review grammar, pronunciation, sentence structure, and contextual vocabulary (words and phrases specific to situations you can expect to encounter). 

• Seek out native speakers to practice listening and conversation skills. 

• Get a good pocket-size phrase book or dictionary and take some time to familiarize yourself with the language spoken in the country where you will be studying

• Learn some basic phrases 

  • Begin with things like with greetings, numbers, the calendar and dates, telling time, asking for directions, food, etc. 

• Start recording essential phrases and new words in a small notebook. 

• Listen to language apps and videos. These can put you in tune with the way the language really sounds, so that you’re already somewhat used to hearing it before you arrive. 

• Immerse yourself in the language. Speak it out loud and use what you know (even if it is just a few phrases) as often as you can. 

• Do not be afraid or shy to use the language. Be patient with yourself and others. Keep your attitude fun, eager to learn, and accepting.  

• Do not let yourself rely on English speakers. Ask questions, pantomime, use  pictures, etc...be stubborn and persevere. Speak the language even with other English speakers. 

• Keep a small notebook with you at all times, writing down new words and  phrases. Review whenever you have a few minutes (while waiting for a friend or the bus, riding the subway, etc.). 

• Use any chance you get to have a conversation with someone. Many will be  interested to talk with you and most will be delighted to teach you a few new words or phrases. Use the language while performing daily tasks (shopping, sight-seeing, asking for directions, going out to eat, etc.).

• Become friends with locals or other international students who do not speak English. You will be forced to use your new language and you will be amazed at how much you will learn. 

• Once you have a good base knowledge of the language, find creative ways to learn more: listen to the radio; translate songs, posters, signs; read magazines, children’s books; watch TV, movies, etc.

After spending a semester in a non-English speaking country, you no doubt developed language skills that take years to perfect in the classroom. Now that you have this ability, don’t you want to keep it? Here are some suggestions for maintaining your language skill.

• Register for a class taught in the target language

• Stay in touch with your friends and host-families abroad

• Tune into news broadcasts in your foreign language by using a short wave radio or the Internet

• The office of Modern World Languages also has a TV that receives a variety of foreign shows

• Volunteer to work with English language learners