If you’re serious about improving your English, the secret is simple: surround yourself with it! The good news? It doesn’t have to be hard or cost a fortune. With so many free resources out there, learning can be both easy and fun! Just set aside a little time each day to practice—mix it up, keep it exciting, and enjoy the journey. Here are my top seven tips to make your English-learning journey practical, fun, and totally doable!
1. What is your why?
Ever feel overwhelmed by all the English words out there? Don’t worry—you don’t need to learn everything at once. Start with what you really need. Are you going on a study exchange? Then, focus on vocabulary related to your studies. Applying for a new job? Brush up on the language of your trade. Heading out on vacation? Time to learn travel and tourism vocabulary! The more you clarify your goals, the easier your language-learning journey will be.
Once you know your “why,” break it down into smaller, achievable goals. For example, if you’re studying abroad, aim to learn five new academic terms each week. Small steps lead to big results!
To help target your learning, use flashcards, apps like Quizlet, or specific vocabulary lists that match your purpose. Focus on the phrases and expressions you’ll actually use in those situations.
So, whether you’re mastering job interview slang or gearing up to order food like a local on vacation, knowing why you’re learning will make everything feel less daunting—and more fun!
2. Immerse Yourself in English Media and Pop Culture
Like humor? Politics? Blogging? Cooking? With topics covering every interest imaginable, there’s a media outlet out there for you. Incorporate TV shows, music, podcasts, and news into your daily routine to build your skills while staying entertained. At first, native accents might seem tricky, but don’t worry! With a bit of practice, these fun resources will help your ears adjust, and soon you’ll be picking up new phrases without even realizing it. Here’s how to dive in:
TV Shows and Movies: Explore English-language shows from different countries. Friends or The Office (U.S.) offer American English with everyday conversations and slang, while British shows like Sherlock or The Great British Bake Off expose you to UK accents and vocabulary. For Australian English, try Kath & Kim. Start with subtitles in your native language, then gradually switch to English subtitles to boost both listening and reading comprehension.
Podcasts: Podcasts are perfect for practicing your listening skills and learning new vocabulary. Pop-in your earbuds and head out for a walk while listening to shows like All Ears English, NPR, Luke’s English Podcast, or The Guardian Long Read. For more global perspectives, check out international podcasts like The English We Speak (BBC) or The Aussie English Podcast.
Music: Music is a fantastic and enjoyable way to soak up new vocabulary! Try singing along to your favorite songs in English—it’s not only fun but also helps with pronunciation. You can even turn it into a karaoke session! Use apps like Spotify or Musixmatch to follow the lyrics as you sing. The more you belt out those tunes, the more you’ll naturally improve your comprehension and speaking skills. Plus, who doesn’t love a good karaoke night?
News: Tune into CNN for global headlines and U.S. politics, or try BBC News for in-depth reporting on British culture and world events. For a global perspective, Al Jazeera English offers balanced coverage of international stories
By exposing yourself to English media from different countries, you’ll pick up a variety of accents, expressions, and cultural references, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the language.
3. Use Free Learning Apps
There are several apps designed to make practicing English feel more like a game than a chore! You can fit them into your day whenever you have a few free minutes. While there are paid versions, the free versions are great for those small doses. Here are a couple to try:
- Duolingo for gamified vocabulary and grammar exercises.
- Memrise for real-life American English conversations.
4. Join Language Exchange Communities
Practicing with real people can boost your conversational skills and confidence. Find language exchange partners or conversation groups:
- Online platforms: HelloTalk or Tandem for chatting with native speakers, perfect for practicing American English. These apps keep learning fun, interactive, and flexible, fitting easily into your schedule.
- Local meetups: If you’re in a city like Lyon, look for in-person English conversation groups where you can practice for free. These gatherings often take place in cafés, libraries, or online. Facebook forums can be a good resource.
5. Read and Write in English Every Day
Reading and writing are like superpowers for boosting your English skills—and the best part? You can do it anywhere! Start small and simple, and watch your vocabulary grow.
Read what you love: Scroll through social media, dive into blogs, skim news articles, or even read memes in English! Sites like CNN or BuzzFeed are packed with everyday phrases, slang, and idiomatic expressions, so you’ll be learning the way people really speak. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get lost in a rabbit hole of interesting content!
Keep a journal: No pressure here—it’s just for you! Whether you jot down a sentence about your day, a new word you learned, or even a funny thought, writing daily helps cement vocabulary and grammar. Don’t worry about making mistakes—that’s where the magic happens! You’ll be amazed at how much you improve when you let yourself experiment.
6. Start thinking in English
Learning a new language isn’t just about memorizing words and grammar rules—it’s about flipping a switch in your brain! Thinking in English is a total game-changer. The more you practice, the easier it gets, and soon enough, your brain will be running in English mode without you even noticing! Here’s how to get started:
- Change your phone and computer settings: Trust me, you already know what all the buttons do! Switching your devices to English is an easy win, and it will help you pick up new vocabulary in no time. Plus, it makes your everyday life a mini-language lesson!
- Talk to yourself: Yes, seriously! It’s not weird—it’s brilliant! Start narrating your day in English. When you’re getting dressed, think, “I’m putting on my shirt,” or when you’re making breakfast, say, “I’m pouring my coffee.” You’ll be amazed at how quickly this becomes natural.
- Narrate your world: Whether you’re going for a walk, cooking dinner, or even just brushing your teeth, give yourself a little play-by-play. Tell yourself what you’ve done, what you’re doing, or what’s next on your to-do list. It’s like having your own personal language coach in your head 24/7!
Before you know it, thinking in English will be second nature—and you’ll be well on your way to speaking fluently!
7. Find a Tutor or Class When You’re Ready for More
If you’re still feeling a little lost or overwhelmed, don’t worry—we’ve all been there! While free resources are great, sometimes you just need a bit of guidance to take your English skills to the next level. That’s where we come in!
At Passerelle Anglaise, we offer personalized lessons that are tailor-made to fit your goals. Whether you’re looking for one-on-one tutoring or fun, interactive group events, we’ve got you covered. We believe learning English should be enjoyable, not stressful. So, when you’re ready to level up, we’re here to make your journey as smooth (and fun!) as possible.
Let’s turn those goals into a reality! Enroll today!