Study abroad programs seem to have the training down. They give classes and living arrangements, and of course the country where you want to study. It’s all there.

Your job seems to be even easier. Travel to the country and enjoy the language with little or no effort. When it is time to return home, you are liquid and ready to accept a promotion to be bilingual.

All right. It’s time to pinch yourself and wake up. This scenario will not work unless you are under five years and take in language as you do video games.

You have much more to do to make your dream come true. It is not difficult, but it is more active than silent.

The truth is that the majority of students who travel overseas to learn Spanish or other languages are left with little or no improvement. They have high expectations when they leave, but finds that taking a leap to the “next level” is not as simple as they thought.

And it’s not the program’s fault in most cases. Study abroad programs fulfill their responsibilities. They offer the students all they must be comfortable and engaged. They solve problems, guide and encourage.

The problem lies with you, the learner. You must be mentally prepared to enter a culture where one is not top dog, the big cheese, head of the pack. In most cases, you’re the little brother who tags with. You know it is always there but never have much to say.

Why waste all the money and time if that is the reality that awaits? No need. Here’s three suggestions for you to follow so you get exactly what you’re looking for.

Tip # 1 – Stay away from English-speaking. Nothing can hinder your progress like hanging out with other English speakers. Forget it, “Oh, but he is from England … I’ve never hung out with someone from England before.” Plan to hang out with someone from England, when you are floating. Not when you get there.

You need to meet and hang out with native speakers as soon as you arrive. If you wait for the right time will never come. Do the same. Find a speaking partner, go to bars and meet people, bring an English-speaking friend, if they are so pumped up to learn Spanish as you. but get out there and make some new friends.

Tip # 2 – Get used to eat humble pie. You may be the joke ester at home, but you’re a bench warmer in Spanish. Do not get down on yourself. It will not last forever. But learning is a process and this is another step.

Do not worry, you can not be the life of the party. Just be at the party for now and you’ll pick it up. It may take a month or two, but what is that compared to years of being a fluent speaker?

Tip # 3 – Keep studying. Why did you thinnk they call it “studying abroad”. Just because you are in Spain or Mexico does not mean you can let your studies behind. Keep conjugating, keep a register of cool phrases and words keep learning something new every day. The effect would be amazing.

I used to remember things I could not say and look them up later. So I’d write them down. You can do it your way. . . just do it.

If you follow these strategies, I promise you will get back floating and love it. It really is a pleasure to speak a foreign language, and you’ll know what I mean when you get there.

Just do not throw your money and time away because it’s really nice to hang with people from Alaska! Or New Zealand! Or else.

Study abroad may get you to fluency faster than anything so do it right.