If you’re studying abroad somewhere that English isn’t the first language, it’ll benefit you to learn the language as quickly as possible.
It’s no secret that a classroom setting isn’t enough to learn a language fluently. Sure, you’ll be able to speak formally and everyone will think you’re very polite, but in order to really immerse yourself in the learning process, you’re going to have to look outside the classroom.
Here are a few tips to learn how to speak French like the locals, what their jokes are, and how to stop sounding like an alien on a first contact mission.
1. Change your phone to French
Before you pack up and go, make sure you change your phone to French! You can change the language by going through your general settings, clicking on language and region, and then changing over to French. Then you’ll have no problem texting other French students to hang out once you’re there!
2. Start watching Netflix
3. La musique française
4. Get involved
5. Travel the country
6. Go to the Cinéma
7. Start reading
8. Make it count
This article was written by Kayla Crossland from Loyola University, Chicago and Ginny Geddie from Cal Poly, SLO as part of their Travel Writing course while studying abroad in Pau, France. You can find the original article here.