Studying abroad is one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences you can have in your academic career. While you may have some familiarity with the language of the country that you will be going to, it always helps to brush up on your language skills. Don’t panic if you haven’t been as diligent as you could have been at perfecting your second language. You still have time to brush up before studying abroad by using the following strategies:
 
1. Focus on conversational phrases
It’s important to know enough of the language to navigate daily activities, such as traveling to class or ordering food from a restaurant. Note any emergency words and phrases that may be useful, such as contacting the police or explaining dietary restrictions.
 
2. Capitalize on all study opportunities
Carry a phrase book or create flashcards. These can help when you don’t quite know the right way to say something. You can also take them with you on the go. Any time you find a few free moments, you can pull out your notes and brush up on any phrases or areas where you feel your language needs improvement. 
 
3. Take advantage of technology
Start listening to music or radio programs, and start watching TV shows and films in the language of the country you will visit. Watching dubbed versions of TV shows and movies that you are already familiar with will get you in the habit of understanding the language within certain contexts, instead of just using hypothetical situations. 
 
4. Join a foreign language practice group
Foreign language groups can help you meet native speakers, as well as others in the same boat as you. You can practice conversations with them, and they can give you pointers on how to improve your pronunciation and phrasing.
 
You can also attend a short foreign language course in-person or online. To prepare yourself for a course in your second language, try reading and writing in the language consistently. Switch your social media accounts and cell phone to another language, and practice translating any phrases that you come across. The more frequently you are able to come into contact with words from your second language, the better chance you have of retaining the information.
 
When preparing to study abroad, it is always a good idea to make sure that you are able to communicate as clearly as possible in the local language, even if you haven’t necessarily mastered it. With resources like apps, conversation groups, online courses, and other learning aids, brushing up on your foreign language skills before you go is easier than ever.



Niki Bridges is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

Many people find journaling to be a soothing activity, or a great way to document their lives and to record memories. But what if instead of writing a journal in your native tongue, you use it as a chance to work on your foreign language skills? Reading and writing in a foreign language as frequently as possible is a great way to improve your skills. Journaling in a foreign language can not only be fun and challenging, but also an opportunity to continue to develop your knowledge base in your second language.


1. You can improve your understanding of grammar

When first learning a new language, your lessons may be heavily focused on mastering simple sentence structure (including basic grammatical rules) and vocabulary. Journaling, whether you are writing about your daily activities or delving into your emotions, often requires more complex sentencing. Keeping a journal in a foreign language can thus provide you with a chance to stretch your grammatical abilities.


2. You can learn new vocabulary words

The vocabulary words that you learn during your lessons may be helpful for basic conversations, but you will likely find when journaling that you need more words than those you have learned in class. Each time you look up a new word to include in a journal entry, you are expanding your vocabulary beyond your previous capabilities. Using the word in context will also help you better understand and remember it.


3. You can relate your second language to your day-to-day life

You may find that journaling in a foreign language makes the language seem much more relevant to your life. Journaling is a great way to truly understand a language, as well as how it relates to your life.


4. You can practice more frequently

For many people, journaling is a daily activity—it’s a way to start the day or to debrief from the day’s activities. If you make journaling in a foreign language a daily activity, even if you just write a few sentences each day, it will give you a chance to practice your language skills. Frequent practice is the best way to improve your abilities.


5. You can boost your second-language confidence
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This daily practice, combined with your expanded vocabulary and strengthened grammar skills, is a great way to boost your confidence in using a foreign language. It’s also a great way to document your improvement with the language. You’ll be able to look back at old entries to see where you started and how far you’ve come with your language skills.

Journaling in a foreign language is one of the best ways to improve your language skills. Even if you don’t make it a daily practice, journal as much as you can to improve your grammar and vocabulary, and to boost your confidence.


Catherine Martin is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.