How to Learn English in England: 7 Ways to Practice English Living in England

In-person learning has always been better than virtual learning, especially when learning a language. 

A weekly in-person English lesson can also feel insufficient because to grasp a language like English, you need to be immersed in the language and culture daily. 

Residing in England to learn English is the solution. 

While in England, you will be surrounded by English media, entertainment, and — most importantly — English speakers. This is the environment necessary to expand your skills and gain confidence. 

7 Ways to Learn English While Residing in England

When you’re residing in England, simply waking up is a lesson in English. The sounds, sights, and activities you participate in from that moment sharpen your understanding of the language, albeit passively. 

You don’t have to limit yourself to passive learning; you can participate in the seven activities below to perfect your speech and understanding.

Watch British Television

If you want to learn how to speak English authentically, watching British television is a great way to do this. British television can help you learn new words, develop an understanding of context, and get a better understanding of British etiquette and social interactions. 

Once everyone wanted to speak what we use to call “ BBC English” as it was very clear and precise, but now regional accents are very acceptable or even Estuary English, which is an amalgam of lots of different accents, but primarily a more everyday version of “ BBC English!” . 

Make English-speaking Friends

Only being able to communicate in English will motivate you to practice your English language skills. But attempting to speak to unsympathetic strangers can be intimidating, that’s not the same when you’re conversing with a friend. A British friend can help you practice the language — pronunciation and context — while giving you feedback on your pronunciation. 

It may be challenging to find a British friend in a few short months, that’s where programmes like homestays apply. Homestay English teaching essentially gives you access to a native English host and teacher while providing you with a social group to enjoy the best of Britain.

Embrace British Entertainment

There’s the theatre, live music, and festivals to indulge in a bit of British entertainment. If you find entertainment that you enjoyed in your home country, you’ll realise indulging in those same activities in Britain is less daunting.

However, if that isn’t as interesting to you, you could go out to eat, where you will learn a tremendous amount about British culture and language. 

For example, you may not be familiar with words like “gratuity,” “reservation,” “tab,” “hostess,” “vegan,” “vegetarian,” “allergens,” or “starter.” But after going out to eat, you’ll be familiar with the English equivalent of words you use when speaking your home language.

Listen to English Podcasts

British podcasts are an excellent resource to help you practice your pronunciation.

Thankfully, thousands of podcasts exist. You can listen to various subjects like current affairs, travel, literature, politics, sports, or any topic that interests you.

Read English Books, Newspapers, and Magazines

Depending on your skill level, reading accelerates your learning. 

Part of every British school’s curriculum is required reading, which outlines the books a child should read to develop their vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and writing. Beyond being captivating, books and literature introduce you to the context and spelling of the words and the composition used in writing; they can also indirectly introduce you to pronunciation.

Using tools like Google, you can explore the definition and pronunciation of an unfamiliar word. That way, if you get stuck at a word while reading, look it up online, get a description of what it means, and playback the pronunciation. Practice that word until you know how to pronounce it and are confident using it in a sentence. 

Congratulations! You’ve just learnt a new word, expanding your vocabulary. Now, try using that word in the following exercise.

Attend British Events

Living in Britain means you can constantly socialise with native English speakers. Where better to socialise than at an event? A community event like a fair, charity fundraiser, sporting event, or conference, is the perfect time to practice speech informally.

Once again, think of the events you might attend at home and participate in similar events while staying in England. This means that you would only have to practice your speech without being overwhelmed by having to learn something new.

Go Shopping and Do Errands

One way to encourage English learning in a less stressful manner is to do the shopping and errands.

For example, a trip to Aldi can help you memorise the words for common household items as you have to put the words into action.

Doing errands, like preparing a meal or even something as simple as cleaning, requires you to read instructions that you may already be familiar with. For example, you may be familiar with a product like dishwasher tablets or dishwashing liquid but doing something like loading the dishwasher or washing the dishes would require you to read the directions on use in English.

Why a British Homestay Helps You Learn English Quickly

Homestay English teaching is the perfect way to learn the language and practice your English language skills while having a place to reside in England. 

Access to a Private English Tutor

Simply coming on holiday or a short stay in England won’t be as fruitful without a tutor. Your homestay English tutor allows you to participate in all these activities with assistance, guidance, and support, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed by any task. 

Your English tutor will also help you navigate your time in England and point you to events you can attend, books you can read or activities you can enjoy.

Practice English Whenever You’d Like

The greatest benefit to homestay English teaching is that — unlike a typical holiday where you retire to a hotel room where you most likely would retreat to talking using your native language — you’re surrounded by English speakers 24/7.  Your Tutor will speak to you throughout the day; during meals and on any social programme they organise with you.

Learning something new is only half active participation the other half is observation. When you’re in England, you’re hearing English, reading English, and speaking English; this constant interaction with the language is bound to result in you learning the language faster and more efficiently than you would otherwise.

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