Learning a new language can be a challenging 
and daunting task for all ages and abilities. A
desire and willingness to learn is essential. Whether your reason to learn is for business or pleasure, once you have the motivation it won’t be long before you’re conversing confidently.
Tutor support
Make sure you’re happy with your tutor. You should feel comfortable asking them as many questions as you need to, and that they are genuinely interested in your progress and reasons for learning the language.
Constantly review your own progress and ensure you are being set linguistic tasks that challenge and reward you.
Learning at too low a level for your ability might make you feel confident in the short term, but will not allow you to develop your knowledge of the language.
Your tutor should ensure you are practising your conversational skills for at least 60% of your study time. They should encourage you, both in and out of class to speak the language. A good tutor will organise study visits and get their students out and about to practise their skills.
Age
Age is considered to be a block in the learning of a new language. As we get older many of us no longer experience an educational environment, either in our jobs or our daily lives. Returning to or starting studies for the first time can be a major experience for some. A mature student may also have external influences that prevent them learning as easily or as quickly as they wish, such as a career or caring for children or others.
If you feel you’re too old to start learning again try and remember the last time you learnt something new.
It won’t have been very long ago – certainly within the last hour. This is because we are constantly learning, both consciously and sub-consciously. From the information people tell us, to what we read or see and hear on the television or radio, we are constantly absorbing information.
Apply this to learning a language and there’s no reason why age should be a barrier. Once you are surrounded by new words, sentences and phrases, it won’t take long for them to sink in.
Culture
Cultural differences are can be a barrier to the desire to learn. There may be reasons why students cannot grasp certain parts of language, for example Western and Eastern cultures can be very different.
Sensitivity and understanding of cultural differences are part of the language learning process. How many times have you just given up when trying to speak another language because the person you are talking to seems rude or abrupt? In fact, their tone is probably normal to them.
To prevent blocks it is important for students to understand when certain types of language/levels of politeness are used to ensure they feel confident in their choice of vocabulary and tone of voice.
If you learn to accept cultural differences, and not be offended by them, you will be far more likely to fit in and express yourself well.