Ahoj, komunita!
Learning a new language can sometimes feel challenging, especially when you’re trying to balance it with the excitement of living abroad during your Erasmus experience. However, many Erasmus students have found creative and enjoyable ways to make the language-learning process fun and engaging. Today I will mention some tried-and-true tips from past Erasmus students on how to make the most of your language journey:
1. Turn Learning into a Game
Many students recommend using language apps like Duolingo, Memrise, or Babbel that gamify the learning process. These apps reward you with points and badges for progress, making it feel like you’re playing a game instead of studying. Some Erasmus students even set up friendly competitions with fellow students to see who can reach higher levels or complete the most lessons.
2. Practice Through Social Activities
Another way is to immerse yourselves in social situations to practice language in a fun, natural way. Join local clubs, attend events, or participate in language exchanges. For example, going to a "Language Café" or a cultural event where locals gather can make speaking in a new language less intimidating and more interactive. Practicing while enjoying your favorite activities—whether it's music, sports, or food—can boost your learning effortlessly.
3. Watch Local TV Shows and Movies
Instead of sticking to traditional study methods, you can also watch local TV shows, movies, or YouTube channels in the language you’re trying to learn. This gives you exposure to everyday slang, expressions, and cultural nuances that you won’t find in textbooks. Subtitles can help at first, but over time, you can challenge yourself to watch without them. Comedy shows are especially fun because they teach you how humor translates in different cultures.
4. Listen to Music and Podcasts in the Target Language
Music is an incredible way to pick up new words and phrases. Create playlists of popular local songs and pay attention to the lyrics. Listening to podcasts or radio shows in the local language can help with both comprehension and pronunciation. Try picking themes or topics that interest you to keep the experience engaging.
5. Create a Language Challenge with Friends
Make language learning a group effort by organizing a friendly challenge among your Erasmus friends. For example, pick a “language of the day” where everyone tries to speak as much as possible in the target language. You can set fun rules like using flashcards, giving rewards for the most creative sentences, or having mock conversations about daily life.
6. Incorporate Learning into Your Daily Routine
Instead of blocking off hours to study, make language learning part of your everyday life. Label items around your living space in the new language, make grocery lists, or set your phone and social media accounts to the target language. These small, consistent exposures to the language can build your skills without feeling like you’re sitting down to study.
7. Document Your Progress Creatively
Keep a language learning journal or blog where you document your progress, the new words you’ve learned, and your personal experiences using the language. If you want to be more effective, create fun challenges where you record yourself speaking or write short stories using the language, sharing them with friends for feedback. Over time, seeing how far you've come will be a great motivator.
Let me and others know what you find the most useful when learning a new language, and don't hesitate to share your own unique methods for learning a language !