Wan Haluan, an ex student at the Alba English school has lived in Edinburgh for seven months. In his article, he explains the best way to create an English environment for your daily life and to have successful English language.
I have been living in Edinburgh and during my stay I have practiced many ways to improve my English ability. I must say that living in a native English speaking country creates many benefits in accelerating my English skills compared to learning the language in my country. Below I shall illustrate how I have created an English environment around myself.
Keep talking in English
Whether at home or out and about I make sure that I always use English to interact with people. The people with that I interact can be my wife, friends and the local Scots. As someone who comes from an educated background I speak English on regular basis, which allows me to use English on a very advanced level.
Mingle with the native speakers
Even though I am naturally a quiet individual, I always challenge myself to try new situations as often as I can. For example I try to speak to a new person every day and therefore make new connections. I would use every place that I go as a stage, to create that English-speaking environment. For example, just yesterday when I was waiting for a bus I approached an old man and started a conversation. Now this conversation helped boost my confidence speaking. And so, I was received with warm acceptance, he warmed up to me and started to share his personal stories about his life during the war. What a refreshing way to start your day!
Take English language course
I am always eager and passionate to get to know the locals and the international students. One of the best ways of learning English, is to take an English class. Since I started the classes, I have made many friends at the school. There, you don’t just learn English, but take part in a lot of fun activities to increase your communication skills. Furthermore, you always get to know other students better on your break and after the class sessions. Before you know it, you are making close friends with people of diverse cultures and background, how exciting!
Be honest
I view honesty as an important value in my life. In my dealings with people I always approach them with open arms and take an honest interest in their lives. In intercultural interactions there are many barriers that should be crossed before the relationship blooms wonderfully.
Firstly, when you first approach a stranger you should show a genuine interest in him or her. You introduce yourself, ask about their interests, listen to what they are telling you, and respond in a polite and engaged way. After that, you can share some common topics and you will always have something to share and say to each other. In that sense, developing friendship is an art and should be built over time in casual manner.
So these are the ways that I employ in creating an English environment around myself. I hope by keep practicing all these methods you will master the art of English communication to a very high level, at the same time make new friends and relate to the local society in a very engaging way!
