Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but it can also be daunting, especially if you don’t speak the local language. Learning a new language before moving abroad will help you. It will let you navigate daily life and integrate into the culture. For work, travel, or study, learn the local language. It will open new opportunities and enrich your experience. Here’s how to efficiently learn a foreign language before your big move.

Set Clear Goals

Before diving into language learning, define your objectives. Ask yourself:

• What level of fluency do I need? (e.g., conversational, intermediate, or fluent)
• Do I need the language for work, socializing, or everyday tasks like shopping?
• How much time do I have before moving?

Knowing what you aim to achieve will help guide your learning process and allow you to focus on the areas most relevant to your life abroad.

Immerse Yourself Daily

Consistency is key when learning a new language. Immersing yourself in the language, even while you’re still in your home country, is one of the best ways to become proficient.

How to immerse yourself:

• Watch Movies/TV Shows: Watch movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos in the target language. Start with subtitles in your own language and slowly transition to subtitles in the target language or no subtitles at all.
• Listen to Music and Podcasts:Listening to native speakers helps your pronunciation. It also familiarizes you with common phrases. Podcasts and music in your target language are great tools to listen to while commuting or doing chores.
• Read Books and News: Start with children’s books or simple articles, then gradually increase the complexity as your skills improve. Reading helps expand vocabulary and improve grammar.

Use Language Learning Apps

There are many language-learning apps designed to help beginners get a grasp of the basics or even develop advanced skills. Some popular options include:

• Duolingo: Great for beginners and helps build vocabulary in a gamified way.
• Babbel: Focuses on real-life conversations and practical phrases.
• Memrise: Uses spaced repetition to improve vocabulary retention.
• HelloTalk: Connects you with native speakers for language exchanges.

These apps are great for building a solid foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Take Online Classes or Hire a Tutor

For more structured learning, online courses or private tutors can offer personalized guidance. This is especially helpful for learning grammar rules, pronunciation, and conversational skills.

Options for online learning:

• italki: A platform where you can find language tutors for one-on-one lessons at flexible times.
• Preply: Connects you with native speakers who offer affordable lessons online.
• Coursera/edX: These platforms offer language courses from top universities for free or at a low cost.

One-on-one tutoring allows for personalized feedback, which helps improve language skills much faster.

Practice Speaking as Much as Possible

Speaking is often the most challenging part of learning a language, but it’s also the most important for building confidence. Here are some ways to practice speaking before moving abroad:

• Language Exchange Partners: Find a partner online on Tandem or HelloTalk. You can practice speaking with someone who is learning your native language, and you help each other improve.
• Join Local Meetups: Many cities have language exchange events. They are for people to meet and practice speaking different languages. You can also check if there are virtual meetups you can join.
• Talk to Yourself: Practice speaking out loud, even if you’re alone. Describe your surroundings, think out loud in the new language, or narrate your daily activities.

Focus on Everyday Vocabulary

Rather than trying to learn every word, focus on vocabulary and phrases relevant to daily life, such as:

• Greetings and Basic Conversations: Learn how to introduce yourself, ask for directions, and make small talk.
• Shopping and Eating Out: Learn phrases for ordering food, grocery shopping, and menus.
• Emergency Phrases: It’s crucial to know how to ask for help, explain an emergency, or talk about health-related issues in the local language.

Create flashcards or use an app like Anki to practice these phrases regularly.

Learn Cultural Nuances

Language is deeply connected to culture. To avoid miscommunication, research local customs and expressions. Also, study non-verbal communication. This will help you better understand those around you. Knowing the cultural context helps you understand the tone and style of speech. They can vary greatly from your own language.

Immerse Yourself Upon Arrival

Even if you’re not fluent before moving, continue immersing yourself in the language once you arrive. Some effective ways to improve once you’re in the country include:

• Join Local Classes: Look for language schools that offer classes for expats or international residents.
• Talk to Locals: Engage in conversations with locals as much as possible, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Many people appreciate the effort and will encourage you to keep practicing.
• Avoid Falling Back on English: Try to stick to the target language in your daily interactions. The more you rely on the new language, the quicker you’ll become proficient.

Be Patient and Persistent

Learning a new language takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself. It’s normal to make mistakes, feel confused, or get frustrated. Consistent practice and exposure are the best ways to improve. Celebrate small milestones. For example, have your first conversation or read your first article in the target language.

Conclusion

Learning a foreign language before moving abroad can make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable. You can greatly improve your language skills before your move. Set clear goals, immerse yourself daily, practice speaking, and use language-learning tools. The key is to stay consistent, practice regularly, and engage with native speakers as much as possible. This will ease your move to a new country. It will also enrich your cultural experience and help you make connections in your new home.