How to Learn a New Language While Living Abroad

Living abroad offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a new language, but simply being in a foreign country doesn't automatically make you fluent. I've spent the last decade moving between countries and have discovered that successful language acquisition requires strategy, consistency, and the right mindset. The good news? With the right approach, you can make remarkable progress in your target language while enjoying the adventure of living in a new culture.

The Reality of Language Learning Abroad

Many people assume that moving to a foreign country means you'll absorb the language effortlessly through osmosis. This myth leads to disappointment for many expats. As one Reddit user put it, "It's possible to live in a country for 50 years and not learn more than a handful of words." I've met plenty of expats who've lived in Spain for decades yet can barely order a coffee in Spanish.

The truth is that meaningful language acquisition abroad requires intentional effort. A study by the British Council found that expats who actively engage with the local language make significantly more progress than those who remain in expat bubbles. Living abroad provides the opportunity for immersion, but you must actively choose to immerse yourself.

Common Misconceptions About Learning Languages Abroad

Before diving into strategies, let's address some myths:

• Myth 1: Just being in the country will make you fluent
• Myth 2: You need to be naturally "good at languages" to succeed
• Myth 3: You're too old to become fluent in a new language
• Myth 4: You need to know the basics before moving abroad

None of these are true! I've seen people start from zero and reach conversational fluency within months using the right approaches. One Reddit user shared their experience: "I went to Spain with B1 Spanish and Japan with 0 Japanese knowledge. In both cases I reached fluency, but the paths were completely different."

Effective Strategies for Language Learning While Living Abroad

1. Immerse Yourself Intentionally

Living abroad doesn't automatically mean immersion. You must actively seek it out:

• Change your phone's language settings to your target language
• Follow local news sources and social media accounts
• Join local clubs or activities where the language is spoken
• Limit time spent with other expats or English speakers
• Consume media in your target language (TV shows, podcasts, books)

Last year, I joined a local hiking club in Portugal. Despite my limited Portuguese, those Saturday morning hikes accelerated my learning more than any formal class. The combination of context, repetition, and genuine communication needs created the perfect learning environment.

2. Combine Formal Study with Real-World Practice

The most successful language learners abroad use a hybrid approach:

• Enroll in language classes for structured learning
• Work with a tutor for personalized instruction
• Use language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Anki for daily practice
• Apply what you learn immediately in real-world situations

One effective approach is to learn something new in the morning and challenge yourself to use it that same day. When I was learning Thai, I'd study a new phrase over breakfast and then force myself to use it with shopkeepers or taxi drivers that day.

3. Create Language Learning Opportunities

Don't wait for language practice to find you – create opportunities:

• Get a local job or volunteer position where you must use the language
• Find a language exchange partner or conversation group
• Take classes in something unrelated (cooking, dance, art) taught in the local language
• Move to a neighborhood with fewer expats

A Reddit user shared how they accelerated their Japanese learning: "I joined a local volleyball team where no one spoke English. It was terrifying at first, but after a few weeks, my comprehension improved dramatically."

How to Overcome the Common Challenges

The Expat Bubble Trap

Many expats find themselves in an English-speaking bubble, interacting primarily with other foreigners or locals who speak English. To avoid this:

• Be selective about expat events – limit them to once or twice a month
• Make a 'local language only' rule with friends who are learning together
• Choose housing away from expat-heavy areas
• Join activities where you're the only foreigner

When I lived in Barcelona, I initially fell into the expat trap. Everything changed when I moved from the touristy Gothic Quarter to a residential neighborhood where shopkeepers and neighbors spoke little English. My Spanish improved more in three months there than in my previous year in the city center.

Dealing with Language Plateaus

Almost everyone hits plateaus when learning a language. When progress seems to stall:

• Change your learning routine to introduce new challenges
• Increase complexity by discussing more abstract topics
• Read more advanced materials like newspapers or novels
• Record yourself speaking and identify areas for improvement
• Find a language coach who can identify your specific weaknesses

During my French plateau, I started listening to political podcasts instead of the beginner content I was comfortable with. The challenge was exactly what I needed to push through to the next level.

Overcoming Language Anxiety

Fear of making mistakes prevents many people from practicing. To overcome this:

• Embrace imperfection – locals usually appreciate your efforts
• Start with low-pressure situations like ordering food or asking directions
• Practice with patient conversation partners before challenging situations
• Remember that mistakes are essential to the learning process

How Long Does It Really Take to Learn a Language Abroad?

The timeline varies dramatically depending on:

1. Your starting level
2. The language's similarity to languages you already know
3. How much you actively engage with the language
4. Whether you combine immersion with structured study

For reference, the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) categorizes languages by difficulty for English speakers:

Living abroad can accelerate this timeline significantly if you use effective strategies. One Reddit user reported: "I reached conversational fluency in Spanish after 4 months of living in Madrid, but I was studying 2 hours daily and forcing myself to speak only Spanish."

Creating Your Personal Language Learning Plan

1. Set Realistic Goals with Deadlines

Rather than the vague goal of "becoming fluent," set specific targets:

• "Complete an A2 course within 3 months"
• "Have a 10-minute conversation without switching to English by month 2"
• "Order food and handle basic shopping entirely in the local language within 2 weeks"

2. Establish a Daily Routine

Consistency trumps intensity. A daily routine might include:

• 30 minutes of structured study (app, textbook, or online course)
• 15 minutes of flashcard review
• 1 hour of language exposure (podcast, TV show, reading)
• At least 3 real-world interactions in your target language

3. Track Your Progress

Keep a language learning journal to:

• Document new words and phrases
• Record successful conversations
• Note areas where you struggled
• Celebrate your improvements, no matter how small

4. Adjust Based on Results

Every 2-4 weeks, evaluate what's working and what isn't:

• Which learning methods are most effective for you?
• Where do you need more practice?
• What situations still cause anxiety?
• How can you increase your immersion?

What If You're Starting from Zero?

Many people move abroad without knowing a word of the local language. If that's you:

1. Learn survival phrases first - greetings, please/thank you, numbers, asking for help
2. Take an intensive course upon arrival (many cities offer newcomer programs)
3. Use visual dictionaries and translation apps as temporary supports
4. Focus on listening skills before worrying about perfect pronunciation
5. Be patient with yourself - the beginning is always the hardest part

One Reddit user shared: "I arrived in Japan knowing only 'hello' and 'thank you.' The first month was overwhelming, but after taking an intensive 3-week course and using language apps daily, I could handle basic interactions. Six months later, I was having real conversations."

When Should You Consider Language Classes?

Self-study works for some people, but many benefit from structured classes, especially when:

• You're a complete beginner
• You need accountability to stay consistent
• You want to understand grammar rules and structure
• You prefer learning in a social environment
• You've hit a plateau in your independent learning

The British Council recommends combining formal classes with real-world practice for optimal results. Classes provide structure, while daily interactions provide context and motivation.

How Do You Know You're Making Progress?

Language progress isn't always linear, and it can be hard to recognize your own improvement. Some signs you're advancing:

• You understand snippets of overheard conversations
• You dream in your target language
• Locals no longer immediately switch to English
• You can follow the general plot of TV shows
• You catch yourself thinking in your target language

Common Questions About Learning Languages Abroad

Can I become fluent without formal classes?

Yes, but it requires exceptional discipline and self-direction. Most successful self-taught language learners abroad:

• Use structured online courses or apps
• Have regular sessions with language exchange partners
• Develop their own system for tracking vocabulary and grammar
• Actively seek feedback on their speaking and writing

The advantage of being abroad is that you can immediately apply what you learn and get authentic feedback. However, without some structure, many people develop significant gaps in their knowledge.

Is it better to learn some basics before moving abroad?

While not strictly necessary, learning basics before moving gives you several advantages:

• Less overwhelming first few weeks
• Ability to handle essential tasks upon arrival
• More confidence in initial interactions
• Faster progress once immersed

Even learning just 100 common words and phrases can make a significant difference in your initial adjustment period.

What if locals keep switching to English?

This is a common frustration! Some strategies to encourage locals to speak their language with you:

• Politely ask to continue in their language for practice
• Pretend to understand less English than you do
• Visit areas with fewer tourists where English is less common
• Preface conversations with "I'm learning [language] and would appreciate practice"
• Build relationships with patient locals who support your learning

Remember that persistence pays off. As your skills improve, people will be more willing to speak with you in their language.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

Learning a language while living abroad is one of life's most rewarding challenges. Beyond the practical benefits, it opens doors to deeper cultural understanding and meaningful connections that would otherwise be impossible.

The key is to approach language learning as a journey rather than a destination. Celebrate small victories, be patient with yourself during difficulties, and remember that every awkward conversation is bringing you closer to fluency.

As someone who has gone through this process multiple times, I can promise you that the effort is worth it. There's nothing quite like the moment when you realize you've just had a lengthy, meaningful conversation in a language that once seemed like incomprehensible noise. That moment will come if you stay consistent and keep pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.

Now, go have that first conversation, make those mistakes, and begin your language learning adventure abroad!

Have you lived abroad and learned a new language? What strategies worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!