Make sure the course you’ve selected is at the right level for you. It should be challenging but manageable. If you set yourself too high a goal you are likely to encounter difficulties, which often results in students giving up before they’ve given the course a chance. On the other hand, don’t make things too easy. If your course covers vocabulary and tenses you already know you won’t be expanding your knowledge. It may be nice to be in the comfort zone, but there is little point to this.

Once you have your course details you should plan a timetable. Work out how much time you have available each week/day to study and then fit your study modules into this time. Your course may be quite structured and already have a timetable to work to, with set dates for assignments and exams. If you do have these dates you still need to split your learning time into blocks, making sure you cover all the relevant topics.

Make sure your study environment is comfortable. If you are lucky enough to have a dedicated space for studying try and keep it tidy and organised. Keep all your reference materials filed neatly, so you can find things easily. If you don’t have your own office or study area you can still keep all your language files, books and notes together, perhaps in a large box or briefcase.

Your study area should be at a comfortable temperature, with plenty of light. If you are using a computer make sure you are sitting at the right angle and have the use of a good chair.

Make sure others in your household know when you are studying so you’re not interrupted.

Buy the best reference books you can afford. These will be invaluable friends for a long time to come. Dictionaries and grammar books do eventually go out of date as language develops, however, this does happen over a fairly long time period.

Try and speak your new language on a daily basis. If you haven’t got anyone to communicate with use tapes and CDs to copy native speakers.

Read in your new language as often as you can. If you don’t have access to newspapers and magazines, use your computer to read articles on-line. Set the main newspaper of the language you are learning as your home page, so you are forced to read every time you switch on. If you don’t have your own computer make time each week to visit an internet café and spend dedicated time reading.

7. Speak up

If you are not sure about something, such as a tense, or when to use a particular word, then ask. Suffering in silence won’t help your language skills. Learning a language requires a certain degree of confidence. Don’t be afraid to ask ‘why?’ If you don’t understand ask again and again until the point sticks. Sometimes it’s worth getting a second opinion if the first person you ask doesn’t explain things very well.

It’s not that easy for most of us to just get up and go whenever we like. But the reality is that exposure to your new language in the country of its origin is one of the most valuable learning tools you’ll have. If you are a serious language learner, and it’s practical and cost effective to travel to the country where they speak you new language then do so.

Many language study courses offer a residential study period as part of the course. This is an ideal opportunity to mix with others who have the same interests as you, as well as immersing yourself and forgetting about the responsibilities of home.

When you don’t seem to be able to dedicate enough time to your studies and you’re feeling frustrated with your progress re-focus on your goals. Think about why you’re studying the language and what you will achieve once you begin to speak competently. Re-visit your original timescales and check they are realistic. If you’re pushing yourself too hard you’ll loose your sense of achievement.

When learning a language there are times when we just don’t ‘get’ something. It might be an inability to remember certain words or a stumbling block on understanding certain expressions. This is the point when many of us give up, saying we’re either too old, too busy, or just can’t do it. Be patient and remember that it took years to learn your native language. Set yourself small challenges to learn each day. For example ‘today I’ll learn the numbers 1-20, or at least 20 words on a specific topic, or the future tense of 3 verbs.’ Breaking things down into smaller chunks can help you motivate yourself.

For whatever reason you are language learning, there is likely to be a specific topic that you need to learn about. For example, interviews, buying property, visiting friends or general travel. Aim to learn a minimum number of words specific to your topic each day. Use association and mnemonics (memory aids) to learn, rather than reciting parrot fashion out of a book. As your vocabulary expands so will your ability to converse.

Learn some useful stock phrases, such as:

The list is endless, and the phrases depend on your situation. However, the common factor is that these phrases can all be used to hold simple conversations, which will lead to further discussions in your new language.

Don’t worry about making mistakes – it happens to even the most experienced language speakers. Native speakers are likely to admire you more if you attempt to talk to them in their own language, even if you do make mistakes. This demonstrates a degree of respect for their language and culture.