How can you learn a language quickly when you're an expat?
Moving to a new country often means learning a new language. It may seem like a big challenge, but with the right methods and the right mindset, it’s absolutely possible to make rapid progress and fully integrate into your new life.
Here are our tips for learning a language quickly when you’re an expat.
Set clear and realistic goals.
Define why and how you want to learn.
Knowing what you want to achieve (daily conversation, work, attending a course) will help you choose the right methods and stay motivated.
Break your learning into stages.
Set small, regular goals, like learning 10 new words per day or holding a basic conversation within a month.
Immerse yourself in the language every day.
Surround yourself with the language.
Watch series, listen to podcasts, and read articles or books in the target language. This helps you get familiar with the sounds, rhythm, and vocabulary.
Speak as soon as possible.
Don’t hesitate to start conversations, even if you make mistakes. Practice is the fastest way to improve.
Use suitable and varied tools.
Mobile apps and online courses
Tools like Duolingo, Babbel, or platforms like italki allow you to learn anywhere and at your own pace.
In-person or immersion classes
Classes with a teacher or in small groups, and even language immersion stays, can greatly speed up the learning process.
Integrate the language into your social and professional life.
Make local friends.
Informal conversations are a great way to practice and learn everyday expressions.
Take part in cultural activities.
Going out and discovering the local culture also means learning the language in its natural context.
Be patient and kind to yourself.
Accept mistakes as a necessary part of the process.
Every mistake is a learning opportunity.
Celebrate your progress, even the small ones.
It fuels motivation and turns effort into enjoyment.
What if you took it a step further with a French-style well-being retreat?
At Wellness Voyages, we understand how adapting to a new language is part of the expat journey. Our well-being retreats, designed for French-speaking expats, offer a space for relaxation, confidence, and grounding — to help you move forward with peace of mind, whether you’re mastering a new language or not.
Explore our programs and fully embrace your expat life with serenity and confidence.