After a few weeks or even months of learning English in an English-speaking country, the biggest challenge students face when returning home is continuing to speak and use the language. The main reason for this is that there aren’t many people to speak English with at home.
Here are a few suggestions to help you maintain your level of English:
1. Find someone to practise with
This could be a friend, a work colleague, a student at your university or college or even just an acquaintance. Meet with them once a week, have a cup of coffee or even a meal together, and practise your English.
2. Video chat.
After your holiday abroad, you made some new friends who have also gone back to their countries and are now in the same position as you. There are endless video chat options nowadays. Use one of these platforms to chat with your friends and practise with them!
3. Weekly classes.
Join a weekly conversation class. Do some research on English classes in your town or city and attend one each week.
4. Read English newspapers, magazines, books, e-books, online articles.
Reading not only opens your mind to the world around you, but it also improves your vocabulary. When you come across a word you don’t recognise, look it up in the dictionary. Keep a vocabulary journal of all your new words, and try to use these words when speaking.
5. Watch English movies/ T.V. series/ online videos.
Don’t underestimate the importance of videos, movies and T.V. Watching with or without English subtitles can help you maintain your level of English; and you’ll learn some new vocabulary at the same time. A great example is TED Talks, where you can find a video on almost any topic that interests you.
6. Listen to music.
While we all have different tastes in music, it’s something that everyone enjoys. Listen to English music, print out the lyrics, look up new vocabulary and sing along!
7. Use a language learning app on your mobile or tablet.
There are so many apps available these days which you can use to revise your grammar, vocabulary and general English skills, and a lot of them are free to use. Try out a few to find the best one for you.
No matter which of these ideas you prefer, the most important thing to remember is to keep practising your English every day!
To learn more about English language programmes in Cape Town, please visit: www.CapeStudies.com or email Learn (at) CapeStudies.com
