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The start of a new year is a time for laying plans, and travel often makes its way to the top of people’s lists. Whether you’re off on a short holiday to escape a bleak winter, hopping around Europe, or taking part in a study-abroad programme, the language of your chosen country can often be a barrier. However, there are many things you can do to pick up the local lingo and enrich your travel experience.

Language schools

Enrolling on a course in the country you’re visiting is a great way to start learning the language. Of course, brushing up on your language skills before you leave is always a good idea, too.

For international students an English school England offers is usually the first choice, as there’s no substitute for learning while completely immersed in the language. There’s a lot of choice in England, from speciality junior schools offering summer programmes to private language learning centres offering evening classes.

Likewise, if you’re heading to, say, South America on your travels, you might choose to enrol on a course to study while you’re there. This can be a great way to meet people as well as learn the language from native speakers.

Study abroad

If you’d like to settle in one spot for a while and really get a taste of the local culture, numerous study-abroad programmes can help you do just that. Many UK language schools can set their students up with affiliate schools in Europe. What better way to learn Spanish than in Spain?

Work

Immerse yourself in the local lingo and get paid at the same time by picking up casual bar work. If you’ve got the basics sorted, working and talking to locals all day will quickly help you fill in the rest. It’s also a great way to learn local slang and pick up a natural way of speaking.

Sports

Join a sports team or exercise group. The beauty of the rugby field or the tennis court is that the rules are the same in any country, and you don’t have to be fluent to play. It’s a great way to meet people and slowly gain your confidence in conversation. Hunt out the local running club and kill two birds with one stone by honing your language skills while getting fit!

Don’t take the easy road

Don’t spend 100% of your time at the major tourist haunts. Seek out off-the-beaten-track and local places. Not only will you be surrounded by the local language, but you’ll probably get a more genuine feel for the country as well. Little things such as reading a menu in a foreign language, rather than asking for one in English, can really help. Sure, you may find yourself engaged in numerous sign-language pantomimes while trying to order breakfast, but it’s all part of the experience.

Phrasebooks

The tried and tested phrasebook is always a great option if you need to know the basics fast. They’re especially helpful when you’re on a whirlwind tour and not in a country long enough to get conversational. Even if you only manage a few phrases, the locals will appreciate that you’ve tried.

Stay with locals

Happy to break away from hotels and B&Bs? Why not try staying with locals? Home stays are available all over the world. You’ll have the benefit of being surrounded by the local language and way of life.

Don’t let yourself feel daunted when you travel to countries that speak a foreign language. You have many methods at your disposal to help you learn the local lingo.