HOW TO PRACTISE YOUR ENGLISH WHILE TRAVELLING

Killing two birds with one stone!

It's August 1st. The long-awaited peak of the summer season is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to travel, explore new destinations, and experience different cultures. For English learners, summer travel can be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the language and practise your skills in real-life situations.

Our language school is to remain closed for the interval of August 1st - 28th (4 weeks). Therefore, in this blog post, we'll explore some effective and at the same time enjoyable ways to practise and improve your English while vacating and travelling this summer.

1. Language Exchange with Locals: Engage in conversations with locals to practise speaking English. Don't be shy! Wear your biggest smile and strike up a chat with restaurant staff, shopkeepers, or fellow travellers. Take baby steps: initiate short exchanges (of just a few seconds) and then, seeing that the communication was successful and you were understood, you can try to get the conversation going. Locals are often happy to help and appreciate your efforts to speak their language. You've got this!

2. Read Local Signage and Menus: Pay attention to signs, menus, and other written materials around you. We may often come across them, but rarely do we pay any close attention to them, right? We encourage you to gradually train your brain to be more mindful and constantly on the lookout for such fleeting yet valuable learning opportunities. Reading in English while travelling is a practical way to enhance your language skills and familiarise yourself with local customs.

3. Play, Kill time, and Learn by using Language Apps: Download language learning apps that offer useful vocabulary and phrases. These apps can be handy companions, helping you find essential phrases for ordering food, asking for directions, navigating public transportation, and much more.

4. Listen to English Podcasts: Listen to English podcasts or audiobooks during your journey. Whether you're on a plane, train, or bus, these audio resources will help you improve your listening comprehension while making the most of your travel time. Do something more constructive than fixating on the loose shoelaces of the fellow passenger next to you. 

5. Practise Small Talk:  Uhm, then again, why not tell him that his shoelaces are loose? That would prevent him from having an embarrassing fall later on. Not only is it a good deed, but it might even act as a conversation starter. I know, I know. It's easier said than done, but you should strive to engage in casual conversations with fellow travellers as often as possible during your journey. Remember: it's a language you're trying to master, not your ability to lift 10 kg dumbbells. Only by actually speaking the target language, will you become more fluent in it.

​6. Ask for Recommendations in English: Seek recommendations from locals in English for the best places to eat, shop, or explore. Engaging in such conversations will build your confidence in using the language.

7. Learn Local Slang: Pay attention to local slang and informal expressions used by natives. Incorporating some of these phrases into your conversations will make you sound more natural.

8. Go through English Travel Blogs: Follow travel blogs written in English to learn about new destinations, travel tips, and cultural insights. Engaging with these blogs will expose you to different writing styles and expressions. You'd have a lot to gain by jotting down some notes or leaving a comment below the travel article or post.

9. Keep a Travel Journal: Document your daily experiences in English by keeping a travel journal. Describe the places you visit, the people you meet, and the new words you learn. Writing in English regularly will improve your writing skills and help you remember new vocabulary.

​10. Use Social Media in English: Share your travel experiences on social media platforms using English captions. This practice will help you communicate your thoughts and experiences effectively.

Remember, the key to improving your English while traveling is to stay curious, open-minded, and willing to communicate. Embrace the opportunities to practise, even if you make mistakes.

Language learning is a continuous journey, and every conversation and experience will contribute to your progress. So, pack your bags, set off on an adventure, and make the most of your summer travel while improving your English skills along the way!

Safe travels!

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Where are you planning to go next and which of the 10 tips above are you planning on following?

Leave a comment down below.
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