How to learn a new language after moving abroad?

Moving abroad is a huge life decision, followed by cultural shock and language barrier. But it’s also an amazing experience that every person should have at least once in a lifetime. It teaches us not only about other cultures but also makes us see ourselves from a different perspective. Moving process itself tends to be overwhelming, and our recommendation is hiring Iowa movers that can relocate you long distance stress-free. This way, you will have enough time for things that really matter. You can make big research and prepare yourself for the next step. One of the things that may concern you is how to learn a new language after moving abroad. We have prepared a little guide for you!

Watch, listen, imitate

The first step is to go out, walk the streets and listen. Exploring the place will be fin, especially if your new home is on your bucket list of travel destinations. At first, you won’t understand a word, and that normal. Do not despair and give yourself time. Listen to people talking and watch their mimic at the same time. This will help you get the context even if you don’t understand the words. In time, you will start to recognize the words and to conclude what they mean.

Don’t be afraid to go to the grocery store and listen to the people conversation. You will see names of products on the shelves and you could try to name them while shopping. The salesperson will probably correct you, but if they understand you, it’s the first step! Watch the people ordering in coffee shops, listen to what they say and then try to imitate them. Maybe you will wrong coffee, but you will be proud of yourself. Also, encourage people to correct you, this way you will learn faster.

TV and music

Most importantly, you will have an opportunity to watch the local TV channels and listen to music. And very little things help you to learn a new language after moving abroad like TV and music. Of course, start with channels that have English subtitles, and when you start noticing an improvement, you can try without them. And listening to some simple pop music can be both educative and joyful. If you are a type of person that enjoys series, the best thing you can do is start watching some local TV shows. This is a perfect way to learn a language because it’s a daily practice that easily keeps your attention. The fact that people tend to get addicted to series is commonly known and it actually suits you in this situation. If you like to binge some show, go ahead and do your thing without feeling guilty.

Take a language course

By taking a language course, you will kill two birds with one stone. You will learn a new language easier after moving abroad and get to know new people at the same time. Also, the people you meet will probably be new in a town just like you are, so you will share many interests. You could explore the city together and exchange experiences about all the new places you visit. You could also share advice regarding the bureaucracy since you will probably have to go through many procedures. Therefore, check out some language courses and start to mingle!

But there is the but

Interestingly, when you go abroad, you’ll quickly discover what a valuable skill English is. That is a skill that people are going to try to practice with you. All the time. It might be hard to say no to that, but be persistent and continue to speak the local language, even if your replies keep coming in English. Remember, you’re the one that has moved to another country, so if you want to speak its language, that should be your absolute priority.

Say yes, a lot

You have been invited to a birthday party? Or fishing trip? Or to some local festival? Maybe to join a book club? You should say yes to all of it. Every single event somebody invites you to is a new opportunity to learn, mingled and adjust to your new environment. So, as long as you feel comfortable, even the strangest suggestions are great opportunities for language practice. Also, you never know, you might end up having a great time when you least expect it. Even if you are feeling a bit ashamed about your accent and small vocabulary, remember, it will be all funny stories one day.

Mingle with natives

They don’t have to be your new best friends, and they cannot be after 5 minutes of friendship, but make sure to have around. And if you are considering getting a roommate, that is an excellent idea. This is especially effective if your roommate or roommates don’t speak any English. Consequently, if you need something, you’ll learn pretty quickly how to ask for it. This is an amazing way to practice speaking a language even when you don’t feel like it. This might be a little out of your comfort zone, but hey, that is where the magic happens, right? Soon you will find that the benefits of living with locals outweigh any doubts you might have had.

Learn a language while moving your business

If you have managed to move your business with ease elsewhere, then learning a new language is piece of cake for you, right? Your new office can also be a perfect environment to learn a new language after moving abroad. If you had brought some of your workers with you, that is admirable. But make sure you hire locals too. Keep in mind that they will speak with you in English, but you are the one that should insist on speaking the local language, even if you make mistakes.

Be bold and learn a new language after moving abroad

The fear is your biggest enemy, not just in learning language, but in life generally. Don’t be afraid to speak, to make mistake and then to try again. This is the only way to learn a new language after moving abroad. Remember how you felt about foreign people trying to speak your language. Did you make fun of them? Maybe if they become your close friends, because that is what friends sometimes do. But the fact is that you thought that they were charming. And so are you. Forget the fear, forget the shame, be bold and believe in yourself. You can do it!

My name is Betty and I have been writing expert articles in relation to the moving industry for the last couple of years. Besides this specific area, I am also experienced in other spheres pertaining to the concept of relocation.