How to Learn French While Studying Abroad: 5 Practical Tips For Fast & Effective Learning
ua-networks.com, May 20 2020 at 11:50 AM
While studying in a French-speaking country you must have one goal in mind: to become fluent in French. Studying a foreign language is definitely an effective way to immerse yourself in the language and to feel connected to the local culture. You’re learning something new every day, naturally. Nevertheless, let us not forget that a language always includes structure, laws and exceptions.
Not only will your French skills improve with the right combination of valuable tools, dedication and proactive attitude, but you will also set solid foundations to build on what you have learned and continue your journey to fluency even after you return to your country. There are many tools and strategies you can use to assist you in your journey before and after your studies abroad. There are countless choices out there, but knowing what kind of learner you are and which approach you are most comfortable with is part of what makes a tool successful. Do what's best for you, and enjoy your fluency journey most of all! Let's continue with fundamentals. A full book is a blessing especially if you're a beginner.
It's also important to keep your grammar and spelling in check particularly if you're emailing professors or texting your new friends in the French language. There's no better way to improve your pronunciation than talking to a native speaker but if you need more practice on your own or if you don't have the chance to meet French speakers before going abroad you can find some useful tools. This applies especially to French, despite the abundance of silent letters, glides, liaison etc. Nonetheless, the liaisons are different, pronouns and articles seem to vanish and ... you get the idea.
If you're an auditory or visual learner, this choice could be the one that suits you the most. Using a wide range of tools including audio and video tutorials, flashcards, e-books and so on, an online course will take you from Beginner to Fluency. Online courses are also the perfect choice if you have a busy schedule, and choose to set your own time limits and learn at your own speed from anywhere.
Whatever resources you choose don't forget that studying abroad is a valuable opportunity. Forget about English and get involved in learning events and clubs in your local community to make the most of your experience. It's a smart way to stop slipping into the "English pit" of making friends even domestically while you're going outside.
If you make the effort to become a learner active and put into action what you have been taught through the more academic resources mentioned above, you will be given the opportunity to move a step closer to fluency. And note that just before you leave, learning begins and goes on once you are back!
There are a lot of resources that can help you keep track of your learning experience at any given point. Get out of your comfort zone, enjoy your study abroad and make the most of your experience by using a wide variety of resources.
