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With the promise of sun, sea, and carefree days, it\u2019s easy to see why so many us opt to move abroad at some stage in our lives. In fact, around 1.3 million Brits have taken to sunnier shores in the EU alone<\/a>. So, you could say overseas relocation is big business. But, that\u2019s still not to say it\u2019s a smooth transition. Every one of those 1.3 million people will have had to deal with paperwork, foreign housing, and culture shock. And, the challenges don\u2019t stop there. Even once you have your head around all those things, you have yet to face perhaps the largest hurdle in your way. We are, of course, talking about languages. Many people who move overseas report feelings of loneliness. And, that\u2019s no surprise given that, at the time of moving, most of us can\u2019t speak the language of our new home countries. Not only will you leave everything you know, but you\u2019ll also be unable to communicate with anyone around you. After a few months, you can be sure you\u2019ll start to struggle with this on top of everything else. And, if you aren\u2019t careful, that could lead to your not enjoying your overseas living experience. To make sure that doesn\u2019t happen, consider the following ways to hurdle those language barriers.<\/p>\n Consider countries with English as a common language<\/b><\/p>\n While you\u2019re searching for a house to buy or a property for rent<\/a>, it\u2019s worth considering the native tongue of your chosen countries. You\u2019re in a privileged position of speaking the third most common language in the world. And, that can be a huge help in some unexpected places. For one, it\u2019s worth considering countries which speak English as a first language. These include –<\/p>\n And many more besides. Even if English isn\u2019t a native language, a heavy tourist trade could make those barriers smaller than they would be otherwise. In many areas of Spain, for instance, most locals will speak at least some degree of English. And, in areas such as Benidorm<\/a>, you\u2019ll be able to rest assured that you won\u2019t have any issues at all. Destinations like these could be ideal for first time overseas movers who already have too much on their plates. These are also the perfect choices for someone who has difficulty learning languages. If you opt for heavily English-speaking areas in Spain<\/a>, you even stand to learn the language at a slower pace. After all, the locals will still be speaking to each other all around you in Spanish. Over time, you may come to pick up much more of the language than you\u2019re expecting. Yet, you won\u2019t have to experience the gut-wrenching realization you don\u2019t know how to introduce yourself to the neighbours.<\/p>\n Learn basic phrases before you leave<\/b><\/p>\n To say that you can become fluent in a language before moving would be unrealistic. In truth, the best way to learn is to immerse yourself once you\u2019ve already relocated. But, you\u2019re going to struggle to get by even in a fundamental sense if you don\u2019t learn some essential phrases<\/a>. Simple things, like \u2018my name is\u2019 and \u2018can I get the bill, please?\u2019 are necessities you NEED to get on top of. The good news is, there are now many apps available for download<\/a> which give you easy access to such phrases. Get into the habit of heading onto such apps each morning during the month or so leading up to your move. Make sure you have as many basics as possible under your sleeve. That way, you won\u2019t feel half as panicked once you arrive. You won\u2019t dread basic things, like going to the supermarket. And, you won\u2019t face the embarrassment of looking at someone blankly when they ask a simple question. Never underestimate how far a step like this can take you. The transition may still be a bumpy one, but at least your small knowledge will give you something to hold onto. Even once you\u2019ve moved, you can continue using apps to help you develop and hone what you already know. Having these on your phone also means you can check phrasing if you doubt yourself when out about. While it would be impolite to use something like this to communicate, there\u2019s nothing wrong with a last-minute peek while you\u2019re waiting in line.<\/p>\n Sign up for classes straight away <\/b><\/p>\n During those first weeks after you move, you probably have a lot to sort out. You\u2019ll likely want to get stuck in with unpacking and getting to know your new area before anything else. But, signing up for language classes<\/a> straight is essential. The longer you put this off, the less likely it is you\u2019ll get around to it. After all, once you\u2019ve finished unpacking, you\u2019ll be busy finding a job or decorating. There\u2019s always going to be something else which needs your attention. And, if you slip into a forgetful habit when it comes to signing up for language learning, it may well never happen. In truth, you might be able to pick up the language without these. But, it\u2019s going to take time, and that will make your life difficult. Instead, attending a class the moment you arrive gets you on the fast track to fluency. What\u2019s more, this is a fantastic way to meet new friends. After all, everyone in that class will be in the same position as you. Even if you opt for a private tutor, you stand a chance to make friends<\/a> with and through them. And, all this is stuff you should do to make those first weeks easier for yourself. So, before you even unpack that first box, hunt out a class which works for you. You\u2019re sure to thank yourself for it later.<\/p>\n Never avoid interaction\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Interactions with strangers can be daunting at the best of times. Add to that a language divide, and you may want to stay inside and never talk to anyone you don\u2019t have to. That\u2019s natural. But, it\u2019s essential you don\u2019t succumb. Lessons and phone apps aside, the best chance you have of becoming fluent is to go out and speak that language. As such, it\u2019s essential you don\u2019t shy away from simple interactions with the people around you. More than that, you should seek social experiences which allow you to hone your skills. For the most part, locals will understand that you\u2019re still learning. They won\u2019t lose patience if they can see you\u2019re trying. At least you aren\u2019t the arrogant Brit who doesn\u2019t even bother to attempt learning. As such, you can be sure you\u2019ll get help along the way. So, make an effort to talk to that shop assistant. Eat out one night instead of staying home. Learn how to ask about the specials that night. Don\u2019t be afraid to knock on your neighbour\u2019s door and ask if they have any sugar. The more you enter these simple to broach interactions, the better chance you have of picking things up.<\/p>\n
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