Many people soon discover that they have been doing very little to promote their learning outside of class.
1. Talk to your coworkers and classmates in English while you work and study
Frequently a company pays for their employee's English classes so that they can use it for work. If they are paying for your classes, they might also be paying for other classes too! In fact your boss could talk with you in English. If you are afraid of your boss then how about coworkers in another department?
The same goes for full-time students. If not the students in your English class, why not try to practice with classmates in your mathematics class?
2. Set up conversational lunches with your friends and coworkers
Ok, so now you know who speaks at least a little English at school or at work so now what?
Well, First you should try casual conversation. Don't pressure them because they might be just as nervous as you! Then try to schedule to meet two or even three times a week to eat and talk in English. You can help each other as you notice each other's mistakes.
3. Send your e-mail messages in English
If you work for an international company, you have it made. Really, almost all international communication in multinational companies is in English. It doesn't matter if you're from Brazil and your coworker is from Germany. You'll be talking in English, so why not send e-mail messages to everyone in English?
4. Ask your friends and coworkers to write you in English
The same goes here. If you are writing them in English ask them to do the same. Let them know how important it is for you to improve your English and that would help a lot.
5. Instant message and chat in English
Lets suppose that you live alone, no one at all speaks a little English at work or school. What should you do?
We now have great programs to chat and send messages online with perfect strangers. If you don't have any friends who speak English, just go online find a chat room and make new contacts.
6. Read your company's reports in the original version not your boss's summary
Multinational companies do almost all their record keeping in English. Why not use that to your advantage?
Read all the publications available from work or school in English. Most likely, they can be read or downloaded from the internal website.
7. Buy a newspaper, book, or magazine in English... and read it!
If you can't find a newspaper or magazine locally, consider a subscription. You can also buy books online so what are you waiting for?
Don't forget to read what you buy. Its easier to read one book or magazine at a time. Set a goal to read a chapter or a certain number of articles each day.
8. Watch movies in English
Hollywood has made many movies and don't forget that there are lesser known Independent producers if you aren't into car chases and broken glass. If you can't find DVDs locally, you can buy them online.
9. Watch television in English
If you have satellite or cable television you'll most likely have at least one news channel and at least one cultural or movie channel in English. Check your box's configuration. There is probably a setting for secondary audio that will take you back to the original language.
10. Read websites and news sites in English
Since the internet started in the United States, it isn't surprising that even today English is the most used language via Internet.
If you can't find an interesting website in English then you just aren't looking.
11. Plan and set goals
Let's face it, we almost always have good intentions but when it comes to learning a language whether it be English, French, Spanish, German, or even Mandarin Chinese, most of us get lazy.
Set a goal, plan a time and a place and do it.
Your goals should be simple and easy to attain. Reading one chapter per day during the week is realistic whereas reading a book a day after work isn't. Unrealistic goals are depressing not motivating.
Set a goal and increase it slowly over time. Perhaps you'll be able to read a book a week in two months of practice.
12. Involve your friends and family
Your friends and family can be your biggest supporters or your biggest detractors. When they are involved they become part of the solution. When you watch a movie in English invite them to join you. When it is over you can discuss it.
13. Reward yourself
When your reach your goal, celebrate it. Are you studying English because you want to see London? Set a date, make plans, involve friends, family, and coworkers then send me the pictures from your trip!
I hope you enjoy this list. E-mail us to share your ideas.
Here are some books related to learning a language:
Spanish for Gringos: Shortcuts, Tips and Secrets to Successful Learning
Do's and Taboos of Using English Around the World
Speak Business English Like an American: Learn the Idioms & Expressions You Need to Succeed On The Job! (Book & Audio CD)
