Learning a new language is a common challenge for many people moving abroad. It’s an essential skill for integrating into a new culture and navigating everyday life in a foreign country. It’s also especially important if you are going to work in the new country. 

Most people start learning a language wanting to be “fluent”. In this article, I’ll delve into pragmatic and concrete strategies to help you approach language learning effectively, including clarifying your goal.

The first step in learning a new language is to be specific about your goals. Understanding what you want to achieve with the language is crucial. Having “fluency”, or “conversational level” is not specific enough. Think of it like this: when you want to go somewhere and include an address in a GPS, you need to be specific, so you can decide if you need to take a plane, train, bus or it’s a walkable distance. 

This is the same with your language goals. If you are vague, you’ll take longer, it’ll be more frustrating and you won’t even know how to measure success.

Are you aiming to write academic papers, deliver speeches, or simply communicate at the grocery store? Maybe you want to understand local news or chat with friends. Your goals will shape your learning process and determine the level of proficiency you need.

For instance, if you’re moving for work, your language requirements might be more formal and professional. On the other hand, if you’re working remotely and interacting primarily with people from your home country, your language needs might be different. Writing down your specific goals can help you measure your progress and stay motivated.

Think about your goals and how much focus and mindspace you have currently. Moving abroad takes a lot of effort, time and energy. Maybe you need to tweak your goal and timeline taking into account the amount of dedication you can offer to this task.

Consider creating smaller goals, or milestones that will take you closer to your ultimate goal. This will keep you motivated and help you track your progress.

The latest app might be great for your friend but do nothing for you. We all have different ways of learning and absorbing information. Make sure the resources you are using are adequate to your learning style. 

If you have an auditory learning style, listening to local radio stations or podcasts helps with understanding accents and common phrases.

If you are a visual learner, watching TV shows or movies in the target language as it provides context and visual cues that aid comprehension.

Learning a new language is a significant part of the cultural transition when moving abroad. By defining your goals, setting a realistic timeline, knowing how much energy you can dedicate to this goal and using the resources that are relevant to your learning style can make this process more manageable and effective. 

If you found these tips helpful, join the Expat Journey Program for more personalized support on your relocation journey. You’ll find a roadmap for your move and life abroad, live workshops, and a fantastic community to make your move and life abroad easy and smooth. 

Feel free to reach out with any comments or specific topics you’d like me to address in future posts.