
Don’t Start Learning a New Language Before Checking These Steps
Thinking about learning a new language before your move abroad? Don’t start without this step-by-step checklist to set clear goals, choose the right method, and stay motivated.
Ready to Start Learning a New Language? Hit Pause—Just for a Moment
Learning the language of your future home is one of the smartest things you can do when planning an international move. It opens doors, eases daily life, and helps you build real connections.
But here’s what I see all the time: people dive headfirst into Duolingo or enroll in intensive courses without a plan. And a few weeks in, they feel overwhelmed, burned out, or like they’re just not making progress.
Sound familiar?
Before you start, take a breath and go through these key steps. They’ll help you build a sustainable, effective language-learning strategy that actually works for your life.
1. Know Why You’re Learning
Start with your purpose. Why do you want—or need—to learn this language?
Your reason will shape everything else: how much time to invest, what vocabulary to focus on, and how fluent you actually need to be.
Here are some examples:
- Daily life: Shopping, making small talk, asking for directions? You may only need basic conversational skills.
- Work or business: Attending meetings, giving presentations, or managing teams? You’ll likely need intermediate to advanced fluency.
- Social connection: Want to build friendships and feel at home? Think about how you’d like to express yourself emotionally and culturally.
Clarifying this from the start helps you focus on what truly matters—and ignore the rest.
2. Be Specific with Your Language Goals
Now that you know why you’re learning, zoom in.
Ask yourself:
- Will I need to write professional emails?
- Will I be negotiating contracts or managing teams?
- Do I want to talk to other parents at school pick-up?
The more specific your goals, the easier it will be to:
- Choose the right learning materials
- Measure your progress
- Stay motivated
3. Set a Realistic Timeline
Learning a language takes time—but timelines help keep you accountable.
Instead of vague goals like “I want to speak fluently,” try something like:
- “Hold a basic conversation within 3 months”
- “Understand a podcast episode in 6 months”
- “Give a short work presentation in 9 months”
Make your goals time-bound, but flexible. Life abroad gets busy—your plan should support you, not stress you out.
4. Be Honest About Your Commitment
Let’s get real: how much time can you truly dedicate to learning a new language?
Look at your schedule. Consider your work, move logistics, family responsibilities, and mental bandwidth. Then, make a commitment you know you can keep.
Whether it’s 30 minutes a day or an hour per week, consistency beats intensity every time.
5. Adjust Your Plan (Before It Breaks You)
After you set your goals and timeline, do a gut check.
Does it feel doable—or already stressful?
If it’s too ambitious, scale it back. You might:
- Focus on fewer skills at a time (just speaking or listening, for example)
- Stretch your timeline a little longer
- Shift to easier resources
A sustainable plan is way more effective than a perfect one you’ll abandon in two weeks.
6. Know How You Learn Best
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to learning.
Ask yourself:
- Do I remember best by reading, listening, or doing?
- Did I love flashcards or group study in school?
- Do I prefer structure or flexibility?
If you’re not sure, take a quick learning style quiz online. Then choose tools that match your style:
- Auditory learners: Podcasts, conversation clubs, audio flashcards
- Visual learners: Videos, written guides, color-coded notes
- Kinesthetic learners: Interactive apps, role-play, immersive experiences
Matching your method to your brain makes everything more fun—and more effective.
Final Thought: Language Is a Tool, Not a Test
Language isn’t just about grammar or pronunciation—it’s about connection. About showing up in your new life with curiosity, confidence, and courage.
So before you open that app or sign up for a course, give yourself the gift of a plan. A thoughtful start can make all the difference in where you end up.
Need Help Creating Your Language Strategy?
The Expat Journey Program includes a dedicated workshop on how to plan your language learning journey—tailored to your goals, style, and timeline.
Whether you’re preparing to move or already abroad, this workshop gives you practical tools to learn smart, not just hard.