3 traveling tips your English dictionary won’t teach you

A woman stood outside in a square holding a map smiling
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Traveling to a new country is a wonderful way to practice your English skills, but sometimes speaking English in a foreign country can be a little daunting—and an can only help so much. That’s why we’re sharing these three traveling tips: try them the next time you travel to an English-speaking country. They’re sure to make communicating in English with others more interesting and fun.

Learn how to “break the ice”

While you’re exploring, you’ll likely come across strangers you might want to “break the ice” with or speak to. A simple “hi” or “hello” along with telling them where you’re from is a great way to start a conversation. Next, ask them for “insider tips” about their city, like their favorite places to visit or not-to-be-missed restaurants.

If they seem friendly and are willing to share more information, make sure you ask for their name and use it when asking more questions. Most people appreciate it when others call them by their names in conversation.

Learn how to ask people for help

It's normal to get lost during your trip, but don't worry. Most English-speaking countries will have tourist centers near popular destinations with trained staff who can help you with any questions.

If you can’t find a tourist center quickly enough, approach a friendly-looking person (students with backpacks are a pretty safe bet) and use the skills that you’ve already learned about approaching new people. You can include additional questions like “I’m lost, could you help me?” or “Do you know where I can find _________?” to let them know that you need their help. It’s also not uncommon for strangers to come up to you, especially when you’re carrying a map and look lost, to ask if you need help finding your way.

Learn to express gratitude

You will likely want to thank many people during your travels, like the new friends who just helped you when you were lost—and there are many ways to express gratitude.

Saying “thanks” or “thanks so much” is an informal form of “thank you” in many English-speaking countries. You can also add the phrase “I appreciate it” or say “Thank you. I really appreciate your help” if the person you are thanking did something really special for you, like helping you out with directions.

For some people, talking to someone you don’t know can be a little scary, especially in a second language. But don’t worry— most people will be pretty responsive to you. In fact, many people welcome visitors to their cities with open arms, just remember to be polite and have a smile on your face when approaching them.

Read our blog posts 'Essential English phrases to blend in like a local on your holiday' and'Slang terms from across the UK'.

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    Writing your own English language materials with the GSE

    By Billie Jago

    Being an English language teacher means you’re also probably (definitely) a materials writer. You likely tailor or create language materials for your students that are suited to their needs and interests, either as supplements to your course materials or for communicative lessons. Alternatively, you might be a teacher who creates paid, published materials available for students worldwide to enjoy.

    With this in mind, think of the materials you’ve developed and ask yourself the following:

    • How do you level your grammar or vocabulary for the content you write?
    • How do you find topic-related vocabulary to extend your students’ knowledge of language?
    • How do you contextualize new grammar or vocabulary?

    You can use many different resources, from online dictionaries to course workbooks to a Google search. Still, the Global Scale of English is a reference that provides everything you need to write great learning materials, all in one place. It can help save you valuable time as a teacher and materials writer.

    For me, the GSE was a game changer as an English teacher, and it continues to be as I write materials. The GSE is not just a tool; it’s a companion in the complex journey of material development, offering clarity and direction at every step. It can guide you in creating effective, engaging learning resources.

    How to use the GSE toolkit to create your own materials

    1. Establishing clear Learning Objectives

    helps you start with a clear roadmap. It provides detailed descriptors for language proficiency at every level, ensuring your materials align with specific learning objectives. For instance, if you’re creating a beginner-level reading comprehension activity, the GSE descriptors will guide you on the appropriate complexity of vocabulary and sentence structures.

    Take a look at the Learning Objectives tab in the GSE Toolkit to learn more.

    2. Designing level-appropriate content

    Once objectives are set, the GSE assists in tailoring the content difficulty to the targeted proficiency level. Its numerical scale, ranging from 10 to 90, allows you to pinpoint the exact level of language skills required and design your materials accordingly. This precision ensures that learners are neither overwhelmed nor under-challenged.

    You can set the level you are looking for by sliding the bar along the scale, so it corresponds to the appropriate CEFR level or GSE range.