When it comes to learning English as a second language, our main concern is that our students can learn it in a simple and efficient way. But to make it possible, the students need to drop some common habits that make the learning process a little more difficult. In order to help you, we listed some 5 bad habits to drop when you are learning English. Check out below!
LEARNING ONLY IN CLASSROOM
Think of your English classes as just a learning guide suited to your current level. The development of communication skills is gradual, however, you won’t see any progress if you limit your learning to the time spent in the classroom. “If out of 24 hours in a day, you devote only three to learning the language, the process will be very slow. The contact with the language must be constant and intense”, says SEDA’s CEO Tiago Mascarenhas.
So try to use your time abroad to the max – speak as much you can, listen to English radio, watch TV programmes in English and read books in the language.
COMMUNICATING IN YOUR NATIVE LANGUAGE
We find that many exchange students spend more time communicating in their native language than in English. While holding a conversation in English can be difficult at first, to keep communicating in your native language will make your learning process slower.
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READ MORE: 9 CLASSICS OF LITERATURE TO READ IN ENGLISH
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NOT BELIEVING IN YOURSELF
When studying abroad, it is common for students with different language abilities to be in the same class or even live together. Some people have a natural ability to speak very well but have trouble with writing or vice versa.
It is important that students do not feel intimidated by colleagues and never stop believing in their ability to learn.
NOT BEING OPEN TO NEW EXPERIENCES
Being away from home and friends often makes students stick to people from their own country and seek environments where they feel comfortable surrounded by their own culture. But this can be a problem for learning a new language.
Getting new experiences and making new friends are the two great advantages of studying abroad. All students should try and make friends with people of other nationalities, get to know new places, taste exotic dishes of the various world cuisines. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
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READ MORE: 10 TIPS TO STAY MOTIVATED WHEN LEARNING ENGLISH
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THINKING THAT LEARNING WILL HAPPEN BY ITSELF
There are people who live for years in a foreign country, and they can’t communicate properly. The only way to learn a language is by making mistakes, but you also need to work in order to correct them.
You must attend classes, study at home and readjust all our daily activities for the language that you have come here to learn. So watch TV in English, listen to English songs, read Irish news – in English, switch your social media and even your phone settings to English. “When you are completely surrounded by the language, you are learning even in your dreams,” adds Tiago.
Now that you are aware of the 5 bad habits to drop when you are learning English, go for it. English is not that difficult if you work on it. See you and enjoy the tips.
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