| People have pretty much covered everything, but as someone who has done what you have several times, here's my cheat list both for before and when you are here:
- watch TV
- start the day off in English, not in your mother tongue
- recognize that some days are better than others; this is true in our own languages, but you really notice it in a foreign language
- the single biggest piece of advice of importance is what johnc613 said: don't be shy and have tremendous confidence. It doesn't matter if you butcher English at first because smart people will realize it doesn't mean you aren't smart. Only stupid people will correct you or make you feel bad about your language abilities. Only people that haven't experienced being in a foreign country that uses a language unfamiliar to them will think you are lacking.
- this can be tough, but try to have friends and preferably a boy/girlfriend (I don't know if you are a man or woman, etc.) who speaks English. "On the pillow" language is exchange is the most useful, but particularly bad can be to have only friends who speak your language. On the other hand, pace yourself. It can be overwhelming to do nothingg but immersion without having some resort to your language.
- Get an I-pod if you don't have one, and load it up with all sorts of language tapes if you are only good at reading and writing. Because reading your post, you are clearly good at writing.
Good luck! |