Living in a new country where no-one speaks the same language can be a very daunting experience. For foreigners arriving into the UK to live and work it can be a time of immense stress. Often this can leave foreigners feeling isolated and lonely.
The best way to cope is to use the opportunity to learn the local language. There is no better time to learn a language than when you are already living within a country that uses the language. Every day can be a school day in this instance and you will never be short of someone to practise your new language with.
As a starting point it is a good idea to find a local intensive English language course such as the MovingOn Courses. These courses restrict learners to speaking in English throughout the class. Whilst this may seem extremely daunting at the outset it is also the best way to learn English quickly.
Another good idea is to join some social groups within your local area. If you are a mother with a young child join a local mother and toddler group. If you enjoy exercise join a local gym. Consider your interests and look for suitable activities within your area. This will provide you with an extra learning channel for your English as well as allowing you to meet new people with shared interests.
Also remember that the best education is often the one you get outside of the classroom. Complement your classroom learning with everyday usage of English. Interact with the person in the supermarket. Ask questions and practise your language. This gives you the chance to practice two fundamentals of learning a language – speaking and listening.
