Would you like to learn a foreign language at work? Has your boss offered you a course in English, German, or Chinese? Knowing multiple languages opens doors to better communication with clients, easier access to information, and a higher chance of promotion.
Do you need to learn English urgently? Use our tips to get the most out of the language courses offered at work. Remember, much depends on you. The teacher will not do all the work alone.
Spis treści:
Set realistic goals
Before you start learning a new language, think about why you are doing it. Would you like to communicate with foreign clients? Are you dreaming of participating in an international project? Set clear goals to stay motivated and keep your enthusiasm going.
Be realistic. Do not expect to speak like a native after a month. Instead, take small steps. First, learn the basic phrases and expressions needed for your job. Then, focus on improving your listening skills, and finally, work on writing and speaking.
Your goals might look like this:
- In the first month, I will learn 100 commonly used words and phrases.
- Within three months, I will be able to have a simple phone conversation.
- After six months, I will write a short report in the new language.
A clear goal will keep you on track. This is a way not to get discouraged by a lack of immediate results.
Find time for learning a language
You can find 15, 30, or even 60 minutes daily if you plan your schedule well. Look at your tasks. Identify less busy times of the day you can use for learning.
Try integrating language learning into your routine tasks. If you commute daily, use that time to listen to podcasts in the language you are learning. You can also go over materials during lunch breaks. Instead of browsing social media, spend 15–30 minutes on quick reviews or learning new words.
At work, there are always moments you can use for learning. Coffee breaks and waiting times are perfect to sneak in some study. Prepare handy flashcards with new words and review them in your free moments.
Plan short, regular study sessions throughout the day. Studying for 10–15 minutes a few times a day is more effective than a long session once in a while. Set specific times for learning and stick to them.
Use available resources
If you have a chance to participate in a company language courses, take advantage of it! These courses are tailored to your industry, so you will learn exactly what you need for your job. Sign up for classes and attend regularly. Even if you feel lost at first, you will see progress over time.
Some companies also provide access to language learning apps. Check if you can use such tools. You can learn anytime – on your commute, during lunch breaks, or at home. Short lessons are easy to fit into your daily schedule.
If your company uses e-learning platforms, see if they offer language training in English or other languages you are interested in. You can find courses on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy. Also, ask HR if there are additional educational materials available, such as books, e-books, or access to specialised dictionaries.
Relax in a foreign language
Enjoy movies and podcasts in your spare time. Watching films in the new language with subtitles is a great way to learn. Choose movies you already know so you can focus on the language while following the plot. Listen to podcasts while exercising, cleaning, or cooking. Pick topics that interest you to make learning enjoyable, and you might learn something new along the way.
Do not learn alone
Learning a language is much easier and more enjoyable when you have supportive people around you. Start by finding study partners at work. Maybe a colleague also wants to learn the same language? Practising together, having conversations, and motivating each other will speed up your progress. Set regular meetings and speak only in your second language.
Join language groups and conversation clubs. In large cities, you will have multiple options. This is a great chance to practice in a relaxed atmosphere and meet new people. Check local groups on Facebook and Meetup; you are sure to find a suitable event there.
On social media, join groups for people learning the same language. You can find language exchange partners both virtually and in person. Besides companionship, you will get plenty of support: recommendations for materials and tips on learning foreign languages faster.
Do not hesitate to connect with native speakers. It is not that scary as it seems. Start with apps: Tandem or HelloTalk, which allow direct communication with native speakers. You can exchange messages or even have video calls. Besides improving your language skills, you will learn about different cultures and customs.
Stay motivated
Celebrate the smallest achievements. Have you just learned 50 new words? Awesome! Plan small rewards for your milestones: watch your favourite film, have coffee with a friend, or enjoy a piece of yummy cake. Anything that gives you a boost to keep going.
Find a mentor or native language coach who is fluent and can support you with advice, motivation, and help during tough times. Look for such a person at work or among your friends.
Practical tips and tricks for learning language skills
Flashcards are a great way to memorise new words and phrases. You can create them by hand on small cards or use an app. Review the cards daily. Focus on the ones you find most difficult. Carry them with you and study in any spare moment: on the bus, while standing in line, or during lunch breaks.
Use the Pomodoro technique for learning. Break your study time into 25-minute sessions followed by 5-minute breaks. After four cycles, take a longer break, approximately 15–30 minutes. This helps you focus and prevents burnout. Set a timer, turn off distractions, and focus solely on language learning.
Look for lists of idioms and phrases related to your field. You can find them in textbooks, websites, or language apps. When learning them, pay attention to examples of their use in real sentences. Note them down and try to use them in your daily work communication.
Write short notes, emails, or a journal in the new language. Regular practice reinforces complicated grammar rules and new vocabulary.
Record yourself speaking the new language and listen to the recordings. You will have a chance to notice pronunciation issues and improve them.
Create colourful mind maps. This tool helps you visualise and connect new words with the ones you already know. It makes it easier to remember and organise information.
Corporate language training: English, German, French, and other languages
Offer foreign language learning to employees. Language skills are highly valuable in the job market. We provide language training in English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, and other languages for various proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced.
We offer small group classes that facilitate easy connections and collaborative learning. Participants benefit from personalised attention and dedicated instruction. Our focus is on business language and industry-specific vocabulary.
Follow the lead of major Polish companies, join us, and invest in your employees’ development. Contact us, and we will propose courses tailored to your company’s needs.
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