How to Stay Focused During Your Language Study Abroad: Tips for Erasmus+ Students in Czechia
Hello community members!
So, you’ve set foot in the enchanting land of Czechia, a place where stunning architecture meets a rich tapestry of history and culture. You've signed up for Czech language classes—bravo! But let’s face it, mastering a new language isn’t always a walk in the beautiful parks of Prague, right? Whether you’re stuck on pronunciation, grappling with declensions, or just feeling distracted by all the cool stuff around you, staying focused on your language studies can be challenging. But fear not! I’m here to share some handy tips for staying focused during your language journey here.
Embrace Your Surroundings
First and foremost, use your surroundings to your advantage. Czechia has cafés, galleries, and charming parks—perfect spots for study sessions. Try hitting up a local café like Café Louvre in Prague, where you can sip on a delicious cup of coffee or hot chocolate while diving into grammar exercises or vocabulary flashcards. The energy around you can boost your concentration, especially when you hear people chatting in Czech—it'll make the learning feel more relevant and real. Plus, you might pick up on local dialects and expressions just by eavesdropping. Just don’t get too distracted by the pastries!
Have a look at our blog with interesting places to visit in Czechia here.
Set Achievable Goals
As exciting as it is to be immersed in a new culture, it pays to be organized. Setting achievable language-learning goals can keep you motivated. For instance, instead of saying, "I’ll be fluent by the end of my stay," try something like, "I’ll learn 10 new words a week." Break it down further—maybe it’s mastering specific topics like shopping or ordering food, which is oh-so-essential when you’re navigating through the bustling markets of Prague or sampling traditional dishes. When you hit these small milestones, celebrate! A well-deserved treat at a local restaurant could be the perfect reward for your hard work. There are several clubs for foreign speakers in Czechia, most of them in Prague, but also in smaller towns. Make sure that you make the visit to these places part of your study plan.
Try reading our article on how to study effectively here.
Find a Study Buddy
Let's be honest, studying alone can sometimes feel a bit dreary, especially in a foreign country where you’re still trying to get used to the language and culture. So why not pair up with a fellow Erasmus student or even a local? Find someone who’s also learning Czech, and set regular study sessions together. Czech will be more than happy to show you around, but also help you with your language studies. Not only can this create a sense of accountability, but you can also practice speaking and listening skills with each other. Plus, it’s always more fun to learn with a friend while sharing stories about your experiences in Czechia.
It is not that long when we encouraged you to find a study buddy, have a look here.
Limit Distractions
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: distractions. With so many social situations and adventures calling your name, it can be tough to stray from the “I’ll just check my phone” trap. Try designating specific times for study, and when it’s study time, stay away from social media. Maybe even consider finding a quiet corner in Kampa Park to shut out the world for a bit. By disconnecting from distractions during your study time, you’ll be amazed at how much you can actually absorb. There are many places and events in Czechia (read here) which may distruct you from your goals, but let them for another day and focus on your study.
Our blog post on how to keep focus is here.
Immerse Yourself Fully
Lastly, immerse yourself in the language and culture as much as possible. Switch your Netflix shows to Czech (with subtitles, if necessary!), listen to Czech music, or join local events where you can practice your skills. The more you engage with the language in everyday life, the more it will stick. Trust me, that’s where the magic happens. Living in Czechia gives you a unique opportunity to hear and see Czech all around you, so take advantage of it!
Immersion is the new hype term. We talked about it in this article here.
Conclusion
Studying a new language while soaking in the ambience of Czechia can be an exhilarating experience. By embracing your environment, setting achievable goals, finding a study buddy, limiting distractions, and immersing yourself, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Czech. Remember, every bit of effort contributes to your journey, and those challenges you face are just stepping stones to fluency. So, grab your notebooks, and let’s conquer this language together!
What do you say? Do you have other tips for us and the community? Share them in commnets below.
Happy studying!
Martin, OLS Community Manager – Czech