Maintaining Your English Language Learning During the Summer Holidays

Maintaining Your English Language Learning During the Summer Holidays

At the end of every school year, our students always ask the same question: “What can I do to practice my English during the summer holidays?” Although this may seem like a straightforward question, many people struggle with finding ways to keep up their language learning. That’s why TopCourses has prepared the following list with some traditional and not so traditional tips on how to practice English. Moreover, these tricks can also be used to keep up your fluency in any foreign language!

1. Visit your city in English

Most cities offer both free and paid tours in English for its foreign visitors. This will increase your listening skills and provide you with the valuable opportunity to meet other English speakers. Participating in a tour will also help you learn new travel and tourism vocabulary which you can use if you go abroad to study or travel.

2. Visit an English language bookstore

Most big towns or cities will either have an English language bookstore or at the very least have part of a bookstore dedicated to the English language. This is a fun way to immerse yourself in the language by poring over the books, reading their titles and summaries. The bookseller will also likely speak English, so you may be able to practice your fluency with him/her. Who knows, you may find your new favourite book or make a new friend!

3. Cook in English

Food is a crucial part of any culture and learning new dishes will teach you more about your country of choice. Food vocabulary is also important to know for when you move abroad, so you can order and buy all the delicious treats of your new home country. Find a recipe online, study the new vocabulary and learn the command words (for example: stir, boil, chop). You can either use a written recipe and practice your reading skills or watch a YouTube video and improve your listening skills.

Some tasty British delicacies include scones, Cornish pasties and toad in a hole. These are unique to the United Kingdom and you should definitely try making them!

4. Download English language apps

There are some great English language apps available that cater to all levels. Our three favourites are Duolingo, Busuu and Beelinguapp. With these apps, you can practise your English anywhere: on the beach, on the terrace of your local restaurant or even on the train. Downloading an app is an amazing learning technique and with most you even can set yourself a reminder to log in.

5. Play online games

Recent studies have shown that playing video/online games can enhance your English language skills. It can provide you with fun and relaxed opportunities to practice what you have previously learned. In fact, some students flourish more in this type of environment than in a traditional classroom or in a one-on-one tutoring environment. However, you must always remember to practice internet safety when playing online with strangers. Don’t hesitate to contact an adult if you feel unsure about a game or website.

6. Connect with pen pals

Many websites offer the opportunity to connect with similarly aged students around the world. You can usually communicate via email or your preferred social media platform. An example of some great websites are InterPals and Global Penfriends. Again, you should always practice internet safety whenever you interact with strangers online.

7. Get to know exchange students/expats

Many large towns or cities organise conversation groups in cafes for exchange students or expats. It is a great way to practice speaking English with others. There are many different types of groups suitable for all ages, interests and genders.

8. Watch and listen to English media

There is a wealth of English media available on free and paid for services. This is a fantastic way to be exposed to different accents of English and colloquial expressions. If you need subtitles, try to only put English subtitles as this will enhance your reading comprehension and range of vocabulary. To make this option more educational, you can write a summary about each show you have watched.

9. Extra tuition

Extra tuition is always available for students who prefer a more formal and structured educational environment. TopCourses can arrange the following for you:

• English language (summer) school: this can be in person or virtual
• Private English classes: provided by our experienced English tutor or in another institution of your choice
• IELTS exam training: tailored classes provided by our experienced English tutor

 

Whatever your level of English proficiency is, there is a suitable way for you to improve your language abilities. To discuss any of these options or learn more about the services we offer, contact TopCourses today for a free initial consultation!