How to Learn a Foreign Language Abroad

The most effective way to learn a foreign language is to spend time in the country of origin. Here are some tips and tricks on learning another language in a native country.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• An iPod
• Discipline

1. Take the longest vacation or sabbatical possible. If you really want to commit to learning, save your vacation days and take three to four weeks to immerse yourself in the culture. If you have a seasonal job or teach, plan in advance your next three- to four-month break to live abroad.

2. Enroll in language school. Many major cities offer classes for English speakers. Some specialize in business language while others offer intensive six hour sessions a day. Often you can work with the school to customize a schedule for you.

3. No school available? Hire a tutor to work with you, preferably in the morning. Use this time to work on grammar and conversation basics. By building your skills every morning, you can practice with the locals throughout the day. Tutors also help you not only speak the language, but understand what is being said to you.

4. Listen to the local television or radio while you are at your home abroad or hotel. Learning a foreign language effectively means being able to read, write, speak and understand. It will seem daunting at first, but will become more manageable once you have the basics down.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your language skills as often as you can every day.
• Practice every day, even for a few minutes, when you return home to stay in habit.
• Don't speak English with other English-speaking students, no matter how tempting.
• Don't be shy. Be friendly and try to speak your new language as much as possible to locals. Most will accommodate you.

Resources

• Spanish school directory
• Another resource for learning Spanish

[GetATrip]

on 2/14/2009 Great information!