8 Language Learning Tips for Those Studying Abroad

by Thomas Moore

Traveling across the world to get an education is now a regular thing to do. Many students look for the opportunity to get a study-abroad experience, regardless of the official language in the receiving country. Since English has become the language of international communication, students think it will not be a problem.

However, speaking English to maintain a conversation and getting a degree in English are two different things. After just a few weeks, students realize that their general language skill is not enough to cover academic writing standards. The same applies to other languages of educational instruction.

Thus, international students often have to learn the language in addition to their curriculum. This only adds to their academic burden. However, there are a few tips you can use to ease this task, and here they are.

Ask for Academic Help

If studying gets too hard from the very first days, give yourself some time to adapt. We know how difficult it is to handle all academic assignments from day one. Luckily, there are online essay writing companies that can help you manage the workload.

All you need to do is to google 'write my paper' or similar requests in the language of your institution, and you'll see lots of offers of academic help websites. Conduct quick research of each of them to choose the best one and go ahead!

Illustration of studying
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/wyBUWYgdO1s

Be Ready for Trouble

Before you board the plane, make sure you understand that learning in a foreign language differs from learning in your native one. This simple realization will save you lots of nerve cells.

In schools with a diverse and multicultural student population, mistakes you'll undoubtedly make in your writing and speaking are quite tolerated. Teachers will point at them for you to improve, but this will never be done to make you ashamed.

Create a Foreign Language Environment

Once you happen to be where your language is not spoken, make the most of it. Immerse in the new language and try to enjoy the environment. It will be hard at first, but later, you'll grow to see yourself handling the situation.

No matter how good you are at speaking a foreign language, you will not be fluent when you speak to natives. Get ready for this because there is nothing wrong with it. However, try to make the most of your situation and learn to speak the way natives do.

Illustration of studying
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/wpi3sDUrSEk

Read, Read, Read

Do not stop reading. It is wrong to assume that learning materials are enough for you to master the language. You must continue reading fiction, novels, and short stories as well as newspapers and websites to learn the live language.

Reading does not only improve your vocabulary. It also helps you see language structures and patterns. Later on, you can use them in your speech or in writing. Also, you pay attention to punctuation and other details, that, too, positively reflects on your overall language skills.

Take Notes Everywhere

Whether you are sitting in a café or watching a movie, take notes of new words and expressions. You'll never know where you'll use those, but this is definitely helpful for your language skills.

Languages are not learned over a fortnight. It is a hard task to handle, and it continues throughout your life. Thus, even if you miss something during the course, take notes, and find an explanation later. It really helps in learning the language fast and fun.

Practice Writing

For those having trouble with a foreign language, a good idea is to start writing on a daily basis. Start with something simple and then move on to more complex sentences. A journal can help, for example.

Writing can help you identify what words and structures you are missing so that the next time you need them, you'll remember them. Moreover, having a diary is great for keeping your memories alive and vivid.

Engage in Volunteering

Charitable events and other volunteer opportunities in the receiving city are the best helpers in learning the language. Do not be lazy to make the most of this experience. Just sign up for these activities and you'll get your language skills improved.

Moreover, you'll undoubtedly find friends who will help you practice speaking even after official work hours. Every such involvement is a perfect chance to know the country and the people better.

Illustration of studying
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/hgFY1mZY-Y0

Bonus Tip: Embrace the Differences and the Difficulties

Yes, you are different from those who speak the language natively. You make mistakes and spend long hours on similar assignments. It may get tough sometimes when the pile of academics grows. However, it is important to go forward and work hard.

Set the right goals and follow them. Do not compare yourself to anybody but your past self. You'll learn the language and become a bilingual professional with high-quality education recognized in several countries. Just envision your goal, and there will be nothing that could stop you.

Also by Thomas Moore

5 Things You Should Know About Bilingual Education

Information about English | Phrases | Numbers | Time | Family words | Tongue twisters | Tower of Babel | Articles | Books | Links

Articles

Writing systems | Language and languages | Language learning | Pronunciation | Learning vocabulary | Language acquisition | Motivation and reasons to learn languages | Arabic | Basque | Celtic languages | Chinese | English | Esperanto | French | German | Greek | Hebrew | Indonesian | Italian | Japanese | Korean | Latin | Portuguese | Russian | Sign Languages | Spanish | Swedish | Other languages | Minority and endangered languages | Constructed languages (conlangs) | Reviews of language courses and books | Language learning apps | Teaching languages | Languages and careers | Being and becoming bilingual | Language and culture | Language development and disorders | Translation and interpreting | Multilingual websites, databases and coding | History | Travel | Food | Other topics | Spoof articles | How to submit an article

[top]


Green Web Hosting - Kualo

You can support this site by Buying Me A Coffee, and if you like what you see on this page, you can use the buttons below to share it with people you know.

 

The Fastest Way to Learn Japanese Guaranteed with JapanesePod101.com

If you like this site and find it useful, you can support it by making a donation via PayPal or Patreon, or by contributing in other ways. Omniglot is how I make my living.

 

Note: all links on this site to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.fr are affiliate links. This means I earn a commission if you click on any of them and buy something. So by clicking on these links you can help to support this site.

[top]

iVisa.com