Moving to a new country is both exciting and daunting. In addition to learning the lay of the land, finding housing and meeting new people, you may also need to learn a new language. If you happen to be moving to a country where English isn’t the main language spoken, we highly recommend learning as much as possible about the new language prior to the move. This will help lessen anxiety surrounding the move. It will also allow you to engage with new friends, coworkers and neighbors once you move. For advice on how to learn a language before moving abroad, read our tips below.
Purchase a translation dictionary
This one may sound simple but you’d be surprised how many people forget to purchase a simple translation dictionary. These bilingual dictionaries come in all sizes and are available online as well as in your local bookstores. When learning a new language, having a good translation dictionary can go a long way in helping you learn new words and phrases. We recommend purchasing a pocket-size dictionary that you can fit in a small purse, book-bag or briefcase. This way you can pop it out whenever and wherever you need it.
Find a language partner
This one may sound simple but you’d be surprised how many people forget to purchase a simple translation dictionary. These bilingual dictionaries come in all sizes and are available online as well as in your local bookstores. When learning a new language, having a good translation dictionary can go a long way in helping you learn new words and phrases. We recommend purchasing a pocket-size dictionary that you can fit in a small purse, book-bag or briefcase. This way you can pop it out whenever and wherever you need it.
Watch foreign films in the language
Once you’ve learned the basics of a language, it’s helpful to actually watch foreign movies and TV shows in the language. This is a great way to pick up on accents and dialects, and it should also help you with pronunciation. Feel free to pause the film to practice repeating after the characters. For those with work commutes, we recommend also listening to songs performed in the foreign language. Immersing yourself in the language on a daily basis is a great way to get comfortable speaking it (and hearing it) before moving.
Take a language class
Many people benefit from the structure that comes with an in-person language class. If you’re one of those people, we recommend signing up for a local class. Many cities offer individual language centers as well as community college courses. Keep in mind that language classes tend to be expensive. If the class involves a large number of students, then you may not receive the one-on-one attention you need. For a more personalized experience, try hiring a one-on-one tutor.
Visit the country and immerse yourself in the culture
Prior to your move, we strongly recommend visiting the country where you’ll soon be living. In addition to getting a lay of the land and finding a place to live, visiting in-person will give you a chance to test out your language skills. It will also give you the much-needed immersion that you need when learning a new language. From ordering food at a restaurant to asking for directions, day-to-day activities in the new country are sure to bring about great ways to practice your language skills.
