Tips for learning a language during Erasmus from my experience

The main objective of doing an Erasmus is to have the opportunity to study abroad. In addition, we can have motivations as learning the language of the country, travelling within the country or to other countries, meeting new people and, above all, having a good time. Often, all these factors can come together in the perfect Erasmus experience, which many people have.

My experience didn't meet all the expectations I had, but it was the best opportunity to improve my French, a language I study in my degree and which I always found difficult to pronounce. In my case it was quite easy because I was living with a person who only spoke French, so I had to improve the language to be able to communicate.

That's why I bring you some tips to learn the language better while you are on Erasmus. This helped me in my real experience with French, but it can really be used for any language and for any country you go to.

1. Speak the language

This sounds very obvious, but we often don't do it, either because of being shy, because you don't have a good level, because you don't feel like it or you don't know what to talk about... We could give many reasons why we don't do such an obvious thing when we want to improve and learn a language. But actually, speaking is very easy.

Tips if you don't have a good vocabulary level

Actually, as obvious as it may seem: it doesn't matter. People understand that you are a foreigner and it will take them longer to understand you, but they shouldn't get angry about it. Look for synonyms, even if they are simpler, or try to explain the word you want to use with a definition. As a last resort, say the word in another language (English, Spanish). Sometimes the words are similar or have the same root and the other person will pick up on the word you are trying to say.

Tips if you don't have good pronunciation

Spell. It will take a bit longer if you have to spell all the words that your receiver doesn't understand, but eventually they will understand you. If they are nice, they will pronounce the word for you so that next time you can get it right.

Tips if you don't know what to talk about

Use any excuse to talk to strangers. Say good morning, thank you, apologise... At the supermarket ask for an item you can't find, at the bus stop ask how long until the next bus, at the restaurant say the names of the dishes and don't point to the menu, etc.

Don't be afraid to speak: people understand that you are making an effort to communicate in a language that is not your own and that it's normal to make mistakes.

2. Attend classes at the university and take language courses

This is also very obvious, but there are people who went on Erasmus and told me they never went to class and still managed to pass. Maybe they are exaggerating, but there are many people who prefer to spend their lives travelling or partying. Still, there is time for everything.

Most universities offer language lessons in the language of your destination country. Take advantage of them! If you don't like the atmosphere or think the level is not quite right for you, try language courses at language schools in the city. Not only are there many more options than at university, but you can also choose the schedule and the course that best suits you, from standard courses to intensive courses or preparation for an official exam. The choice is yours!

3. Go to language tandems

In many cases, the university or the organisations that run Erasmus (ESN) organise tandems so that Erasmus students can offer their language to native students. In addition, in many places there are always groups of people who get together to practise a specific language. You can meet up with an English group (or of your native language), for example, so you can help them and they can help you. People in these groups are usually happy to have a native speaker of the language they want to practise.

4. Take advantage of audiovisual media

Watch TV (news, comedy shows, series... ), listen to the radio, read the newspaper, magazines... These are things you can do to practise the language without being in the country, but in the country itself you will be able to access these media more easily and be much more up to date as you progress with the language.

5. Meet native people

Erasmus students are great, they are people like you who don't speak the language very well and don't have so many responsibilities. But try to get to know native people, either at university or outside. With Erasmus students you will often end up speaking English if you have no idea of the language of the country, let alone if you meet people from your own country. With native speakers you can learn the language and culture better.

If you have the opportunity to speak with children, do it. Apart from being a challenge, it's funny the look on their faces when you tell them you speak another language.

Personal experience: having a native partner will give you the opportunity to practise the language and learn vocabulary you never thought you would learn.

6. Live with a local if possible or with other Erasmus students

While I doubt that there are people who want to live alone during their Erasmus (unless they plan to bring guests every day), there are people who prefer to have their own space. Try to rent a flat with locals or with other Erasmus students. You won't be alone, you'll have people you know right from the start and you'll be able to talk to them.

A good option: there are programmes that give you the opportunity to rent a room in an older person's house at a cheaper price.

During my Erasmus, I lived with an older native speaker. It's true that it was a bit difficult because I couldn't invite people without her permission, but I learned a lot from her and her stories. And best of all, I improved my French by repeating sentences fifty times because she couldn't hear well or because I didn't vocalise well.

These are some tips that helped me learn the language during my stay. Obviously, each person will have their own experience, so if you have any other tips you can leave them in the comments. I hope they help you anyway.

Enjoy the Erasmus experience learning languages!

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