Things I Realized Were More Important Than English During My Language Study Abroad

Hello.
" Natural Stone & Word Creator
I'm Aya.

Since I have over 20 years of experience as an English instructor, I also write about English from time to time on note.

In this "English Instructor's Notebook," I write tips for learning English aimed at adult beginners.

Last time, I introduced a simple English practice method that both adults and children can enjoy.

This time, I will write about an experience where I felt that even if you can speak English, that alone is not enough.

Language school (ESL) in Canada

There were all kinds of people in the ESL school classroom.

People who were good at cooking and frequently planned home parties. Hairdressers who would cut and style everyone's hair. Sports, musical instruments, dance.

Even if their English wasn't very good yet, people naturally gathered around them.

I watched that from a little distance away.

"Why are you here?"

I have been asked that.

At that time, I was one of the people who could speak English to some extent in the ESL class. But I felt it wasn't enough at all, and I had no confidence.

Why did I study abroad for language?

The reason was simple. Because I wanted to improve my English.

That was all.

I could speak English. But I had nothing.

No hobbies, no special skills, nothing I could say I liked. I had nothing to talk about myself.

That's why I was lonely.

People who have just started learning English often say things like this.

I thought that if I could speak English, I would be able to make more friends.

I understand that feeling. I thought the same thing.

But those people I saw in ESL, even if they weren't very good at English, had something of their own.

They could cook. They could cut hair. They could dance together.

That alone was enough to build connections.

Of course, there were many happy things about being able to speak English.

I wouldn't have met my current husband if it weren't for English.

English certainly expands your world.

However, when improvement became the goal, it was a bit exhausting.

What I lacked back then wasn't English proficiency. It might have been 'what to talk about in English'.

Now, there is something I often tell my students.

People often tell me, 'It's amazing that you can speak English, I'm so jealous,' but when you go to an English-speaking country, being able to speak English is just normal.

It's better to have things you like and things you are good at. Just being good at English isn't enough.

The me who felt lonely in that ESL class is now telling that to my students.

What is it that you love?

You don't have to start something new. You just need to bring what you already love a little closer to English.

● If you like sports, try watching them with English commentary. ● If you like cooking, try challenging yourself with English recipes. ● If you listen to Western music often, try looking up the meaning of the lyrics. ● If you like Western movies, try changing the subtitles to English. ● If you play games, try connecting with people around the world online.

Rather than studying English, when I was doing what I loved, my English grew.

I think that feeling is the secret to continuing for a long time.

English only comes to life when there is substance to what you are saying.

And the content of what you say is something you already possess.

Have fun with English.

~ARYA~

💎 Please feel free to check out my other articles as well 💎

English Instructor's Notes #007: - Don't you think that Katakana word is English?

English Instructor's Notes #006: - 90% of Japanese people can't even speak broken English. But what about you?

English Instructor's Notes #005: - For those who struggle to keep a conversation going: The 'follow-up' technique to make even Yes/No questions spark a conversation

#EnglishConversationInstructorNotes #ARYA