Last updated on Wednesday, 14/05/2025

Find out how your trip abroad can help you improve your fluency.

1. Just have a go! Even if you’re a beginner, you need to practice and you’ll learn more by making mistakes. Ask people to speak to you in their language even if they’re fluent in yours. If they switch to your language, keep using theirs. Don’t struggle to form long and complex sentences – but do try to speak clearly.
2. Put down your books. Don’t spend too much time learning vocabulary lists or studying grammar books. Experiencing the language is the best way to learn. Ask local friends to teach you how to pronounce words correctly, it’s much better than a phonetic transcription.  To remember words, try putting sticky notes on objects around your room.
3. It’s not all about the language. Immerse yourself in local culture and customs, too. Read about the country and ask local people questions. Listen to music you like in the language – you’ll learn new words without even trying.
4. Be curious. Read articles and books in the language on subjects you’re interested in (e.g. on video games or a favourite sport.). This will help you make conversation. Other fun ways to improve your language skills include reading blogs, listening to podcasts and watching videos with subtitles in the original language.
5. Get out and meet people. Go to social events (like parties or student meetings) and make new friends in the language. Or try and set up a language exchange (or tandem) with a native speaker for a couple of hours a week – it’s the perfect way to practise.

Online linguistic support

Are you going to take part in an Erasmus+ programme? The Erasmus+ online linguistic support website will help you assess your skills in the foreign language(s) you will use to study, work or volunteer abroad. If you are selected for Erasmus+, you can also follow an online language course to improve your language skills after the initial assessment.

Useful links

• Duolingo - app for learning or improving your language skills. 
• Busuu - learn a language in ten minutes a day. 
• Polyglotclub: – find people all over the world to practice the language and teach them yours.
• Language Learning Portal – find a language course or school anywhere.

Last updated on Monday, 21/09/2020

What better way to travel the world in a budget-conscious way, meeting other people, than staying in hostels? Here’s how to make your stay as pleasant as possible.

Although some hostels have private rooms or smaller dorms, you'll usually have to share the bathroom and toilet; don't expect a lot of privacy. Unlike hotels though, hostels are very sociable environments (especially if you're travelling alone) where you can meet lots of new people. And even if there are people you don't like; you never have to see them again after you leave the hostel. It's up to you!

The best way to survive a hostel stay is to be cool, relaxed and to get into conversation with other people. Start with the staff: they are probably locals and will be able to give you the best tips for things to see, places to eat and where to go out. You might find sightseeing buddies or fellow party animals among the other guests at the hostel, get some valuable travelling advice or simply exchange stories.

Also, here are some packing essentials to guarantee that things go smoothly:

• Nobody likes taking a shower standing in other people's hair or catching foot fungus, so take some flip-flops! Obviously, not those fancy brand-new leather sandals, but the cheap plastic ones that won't get damaged by the water and soap.
• Waking up every hour because you think someone is stealing your stuff can spoil your holidays (let alone if it actually happens), so get a padlock for your suitcase, rucksack, purse, or to attach your belongings to the bed. Keep your wallet, passport, phone and other valuables under your pillow or otherwise close to your body.
• Being kept awake all night by someone snoring loudly tends to bring out the worst in one: it is better for everyone if you bring earplugs and block out the noise (ps: if you know you're a snorer and still want to stay in a hostel, you will make a lot of friends if you hand out some earplugs to your dorm mates).
• Bring your own towel and – if you can – sheets or a sleeping bag. Some hostels provide them but many don't or aren't too good at cleaning them. Also, you usually pay a bit extra to rent towels and sheets.
• Some people feel they need all the lights on when they come back from a wild night out - just when you have to get up early to catch your plane; an eye mask can spare you unwanted wake-ups. 

And last but not least: check for reviews of the hostel you are planning to book; it's the best way to avoid unwelcome surprises!

Last updated on Tuesday, 17/11/2020

Become a Member of the European Parliament for a day – and find out how it all works first hand, through the Euroscola scheme.

Euroscola gives students aged 16 to 18 from all EU countries a chance to spend the day as a Member of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

As well as debating European issues in plenary and committee sessions, you'll get to vote and adopt resolutions. You'll also have the opportunity to introduce your school and your region to the other participants.

At the same time, you'll be practicing your language skills and making friends with other students from across Europe.

Taking part

Every year there are some 20 Euroscola sessions with an average of 600 participants.

First your school has to compete locally with other schools from your country to be selected for Euroscola.

See how to apply in the country where you live.

If your school is selected, you can prepare for the day by downloading material from the Euroscola website. This way you can get more background on the issues that will be discussed.