Textbooks–they’re my own personal form of Ambien. I’ve never been able to figure it out, no matter what it is, one page and I’m out like a light. But let me play with my iPod and the music carries me for days. I boast about being able to learn an entire new song in just a few hours.
You might not think of it as studying but in a sense that’s exactly what you are doing. You listen and repeat, listen and repeat, until the lyrics are permanently implanted in your head. And unlike material gained through books, songs can radiate through your head for days or even weeks before they’re entirely flushed down the drain.
So, what better way to study English than learning it through song? You get to learn vocabulary while hearing its proper pronunciation, though you might want to stay away from rap or anything too modern for now, since colloquialisms are best learned at a more advanced stage, when you can tell the difference between correct and incorrect idiom usage. Below are some quick tips on how to study your lyrics:

1. Pick a song that you like but that is not too complex. It’s extremely important that you get the correct lyrics so that you can decipher the right meaning of the song. There are a lot of great sites to get accurate lyrics.
2. Read the lyrics in their entirety. You don’t need to understand everything but try to see if you can at least get a good feel for what the song is about. Is it a romantic song? A sad song? A happy song? Is it abstract or literal? Try to compare and contrast the English song to something familiar in your native tongue. It’ll help you see similar and cultural differences from your own.
   
3. Re-read and circle all the words/phrases you don’t know and would like to learn. Sometimes context clues will give you a better understanding of what the word means but if necessary, by all means look up their exact meaning in a dictionary. A dictionary might also be useful in finding other interesting phrases or words.
4. Hear the song three to four times before you decide to chime in karaoke style. Read the lyrics a few times right before bed and also try listening to the song while you sleep. Even in your slumber, your brain will still retain the information. Listen and repeat until you got it down.
   
5. Test yourself. There are  many websites such as  Lyrics Training that are especially designed to help non-English speakers learn the language. As a series of song lyrics run down the screen it's up to you to fill in the missing words. You can choose from a huge selection of contemporary songs in their bank that are divided into easy, medium and hard difficulty levels.

About the author: Diane H. Wong is an English teacher. Moreover, she works as an editor for DoMyWriting.com. Besides, she likes elaborating her own strategies of learning languages. 

International students have the benefit of experiencing new cultures as they pursue their education. While it is wonderful to have the opportunity to see the world, it can get a little scary to enter a new country where you might not know the primary language. Learning to speak English takes time and practice, and your desire to visit another country gives you the perfect chance to refine your skills. In the meantime, you can use these tips to make it easier to travel as a student until you have a firm grasp of the language.
 
Brush Up on the Basics

The English language has several key phrases that help you get through many common social situations that you encounter while traveling. For instance, you should know how to say your full name along with where you are going. You should also know some proper greetings and polite sayings such as how to ask for help or directions. Remember that the smallest amount of vocabulary can help you handle the largest amount of social interactions.

Put Essential Information in Writing

There are times when it is easier to communicate with pre-written language. For example, you can get custom engraved luggage tags that list important information such as your name, home address, and destination. This can help you to avoid trying to navigate your way through a conversation with people at the airport who may not understand your language. You can also pre-print a few of those key phrases that you have trouble remembering. This way, you can just point to them when you encounter a challenging conversation.

Use a Language App

Technology is an asset for international travelers. Make sure to keep your cellphone powered up so that you can access your favorite language translation app. You should make sure to download the app and practice using it before you head out for your trip. In a pinch, Google tends to have a translation function in the search bar that is easy enough for most students to use.

Practice Talking as Much as Possible
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Finally, don’t get so hung up on being nervous that you forget to try out your English speaking skills. Go ahead and try to speak the language to the people that you meet. It’s okay to let them know that you are still learning, and remember that most people can understand you if you take your time to get most of the words right. Practice helps to give you confidence as you spend more time in your new country.
 
As you travel, most people that you meet will be excited to hear that you are learning English. You’ll also discover that immersing yourself in a new culture allows you to experience the language in ways that you cannot at home. From making your way through the airport to sitting down in your brand new classroom, using every method that you have available to communicate enhances your experience.
 
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Author Bio:
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan