If you’ll be heading to Maltalingua for a chance to learn English in a diverse cultural setting under the sun in the spectacular Mediterranean, or are just considering it, there are a number of things you can do to get started on your own in the meantime. By following these tips you’ll be giving yourself a head start at becoming fluent in English as quickly as possible. Before you know it, you’ll be speaking and understanding English and enjoying the many opportunities that allows.
Surround yourself with the language
The number one way to learn quickly is to immerse yourself in the English language by speaking, reading, and listening to English at every opportunity available.
If you know someone who already speaks English, practice with them as often as possible and try to have all of your conversations in English. In addition, or for those who don’t have anyone nearby speaking the language, practicing online is another great way to surround yourself with English-speaking people. Practice writing and reading everything you can over the Internet without having to turn to an automatic translator.
Video game chats, Facebook and nearly an endless number of social network sites help meet and converse with those who are fluent in English fairly easily.
News and entertainment
Watching an English news channel as well as all of your entertainment, including movies and television in English is just one more opportunity to boost your English language skills. Reading newspapers and magazines printed in English and listening to English music offer even more great options for learning.
Starting out
Begin by reading graded children’s books. These are meant for early learning and you can advance to a higher level each time you’re able to completely finish one. Before you know it, you’ll be reading a whole novel in English!
Practice every day
Don’t let a day go by without practicing. Set up a schedule and stick to it. Carry a notebook of the new words you’ve learned and try incorporating them a few times in conversations. Be sure to tell others of your plans and ask them to remind and encourage you to practice as well.
Another crucial factor is including all four core skills in your practice: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It’s sometimes easier to learn new words in an example sentence rather than just the individual word. While you want to study frequently, it should be done for no more than 30 minutes at a time to avoid burnout; it’s not likely you’ll be able to retain much of the information if you don’t give yourself a break and stretch your legs.
Making mistakes
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! There is no one on earth who has learned a new language without them; it’s one of the best ways to learn. People can only correct your mistakes if they hear them. Keep on trying and don’t lose your confidence if you’re having difficulties. Relax and keep practicing.
Begin now
You know the saying, never put off tomorrow what you can do today. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be speaking English fluently. Even better, come to Malta where English is the official language and you’ll have the opportunity to make plenty of new friends to practice with while taking part in exciting activities throughout the day and even into the night!
This is a guest post by Eurotravel: EuropeTravel.net is a European travel guide website, blog, and open travel social community. It was designed to connect visitors and travel professionals and help build an informative platform dedicated to all aspects of traveling throughout the 55 European nations.