One of the best way to learn a language, especially when abroad, is to interact with local people - so what do you have to offer? Well, think about this: you’re a native too! Maybe not of that country in particular but nevertheless, you have some language skills and there are people who won’t have them yet will want them. So look into language exchanges. We don’t mean going abroad to the country to stay with someone and have them come back with you for a while. You can do the language exchange in-situ, in one night, in the place you are staying. For example, there are many people in Spain who want to learn English So if you are learning Spanish, go for a night of drinks, having one drink speaking and learning Spanish, one drink teaching English to your partner. It really works and that you are changing languages throughout the night adds to the diversity and keeps your mind working! The experience in explaining issues such as grammar and vocabularly use will also help you understand your language structure better and hence the language structure of your second language.

So how to organise these intercambios of language? Bars are good places to go - your local friend can tell you about the best places - but make sure they are not too noisy, you need to be able to hear everything clearly or there is no point to the exchange. Restaurants are a good idea as they are often quieter than bars but are as relaxed. However, be aware: you have to practise a language often to see improvement…so going once, twice (or even three times!) to a restaurant to practise can end up being very costly! One of the best ways is to involve people - the more the merrier! You can organise quiz evenings or games nights, playing Spain’s “juegos de casino“, have fun and learn - a great idea!

When you go for your language exchange, make sure you can take advantage to the maximum. Take pen and paper to note down new words and think about what you want to discuss before going. It could be that you want to learn something particular about the culure or it could be you want to clarify a grammar issue. It’s your opportunity with an expert on the language so don’t let it go to waste!