Living Abroad to Learn a Language

You're now further along in your language learning journey and you're considering living in the country to completely submerged yourself in the language and culture.
Maybe you're a student who is about to have a year abroad and scared of what might come.
Or maybe you now unexpectedly live in another country and need to learn the language fast.

Whatever your scenario, this blog is filled with tips for you.

During my first year of Univeristy, I decided to apply for a life-changing internship to work in a 5 star camping site in Lacanau-Océans, which is around 30 mins West of Bordeaux, where I spent 4 months. I was given the daily task of accompanying clients to their designated pitch or cottage and assisting in their queries and problems in their language. This was either in English, French and even German!
A year later I then spent 1 incredible month in Strasbourg doing a summer business course with students from all around the world, from Mexico and the US all the way to Cyprus and Hong Kong! Here is what I have learned...

All the girls in Strasbourg summer school

1. Don't expect results fast 
learning a language will not come overnight, even if you are completely submerged. For me, I noticed significant differences in my language skills after each month.


2. Don't stop studying 
Although you will inevitably pick the language up by ear, I recommend mixing studying vocabulary & grammar at home with then applying it into your everyday life in this new country rather than just relying on your ears to do all the work. This speeds up your learning process and it's an opportunity you don't have back home so you might as well make use of it now while you can!

Meeting new friends in Strasbourg!

3. Don't be picky with friends 
It's good to have friends who can speak English but make sure you befriend those who can't speak English as well so you are forced to speak their language. This means that if there's a word you don't know you are then forced to explain what you mean instead of just simply saying the English and thus further improve your language skills.

The people I worked with in Lacanau

4. Get to know the culture 
Listen to all the popular songs and music in the country you're living, and definitely learn what artists are cringey to avoid all embarrassment (a lesson I had to learn the hard way - do not admit you listen to Kendji Girac if you're in France, you will get slaughtered).

The people I met during my time in Strasbourg

5. Enjoy yourself 
You're in a new country so take this opportunity to visit all the best bars, museums, restaurants, clubs, everything to make the most out of your time. The last thing you want is to regret all the things you didn't do when you return back home.

Amazing beer in Petite France, Strasbourg 

I hope some of these tips come in handy for you!
My next blog is about what its like being bilingual.

Saya