Guide to Learning a Language to Study Abroad

Study Abroad

Moving to a new country is more than just about packing your suitcase and boarding your flight. Knowing the local language of the country you are going to study in is equally important. When you are moving as a student, knowing just basics in a language will suffice when you need to get a grip and proper understanding of the fast paced lectures.

Why Should You Learn the Local Language?

While basic knowledge of a language will make it easy for you to find a place to stay, visit the local market or communicating with people there. When you are studying in the same language you need in-depth understanding of the language. To read a book is different from reading signs on streets and metros.
At education fairs in Delhi, you will be able to meet delegates from universities in Europe and other non-English speaking countries who may be able to give a real picture of how it is to study in a country that doesn’t speak your tongue.

The following guidelines will prove handy for learning a language:

• Make yourself familiar to listening to the new language. Listen to your preferred language on radio or TV. Initially you may find the language difficult to follow. No matter what you should give yourself the time required to get used to the language. Listen to songs of that language, watch movies and get a grip of it.
• Get yourself to read books of that particular language, get your eyes used to it. In addition to this, read newspapers, novels, stories, anything you lay your eyes upon. Make it a target to read at least 5 pages to 10 pages every day.
• Take notes as much as you can in the language. After you are done with listening and reading, next prepare yourself for the writing bit. This is very important when you are studying an unknown language. This would in future help you to take faster lecture notes. You can also begin by writing blogs, about the experience you face to study abroad. Native speakers who follow the blog will correct you for any mistake.This will also help you during your exams when you have to write lengthy papers in a language you aren’t used to. Online courses are easily available to train you in an interactive manner.. 
• One golden rule when one is to study a foreign language is pick up the most used words first. Phrases and words that you will get to hear very often. Be familiar with commonly used terms and vocabulary.
• Last but not the least is the speaking skill. For a presentation or a project, you will be benefited if you can communicate in the particular language in the academic way. Rehearse this with a person of the same native origin as of the language. The rectification done will count later.

Summary: Read this article to understand how best to improve your language skills when planning to move to a non-English speaking country.