Travelling to an English-speaking country? 6 simple things you need to know

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Regardless of where you’re travelling, it‘s definitely worth learning some basic English, and you won’t be alone: (20% of the world). Of course, if you’re visiting an English-speaking country like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, it’s especially useful to brush up on your English.

Here are six simple things you need to know when travelling to English-speaking countries:

Travel tips for English speaking countries
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Be polite

It sounds obvious, but remembering to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ will help in most travel situations. British people are famously fond of their manners, so if you’re visiting the UK, it’s particularly important to make sure you “queue” behind everyone else.

Learn the currency

There are many ways to ask the price of something, but your wallet won’t be grateful if you don’t understand the reply. Take time to understand the slang words for money in the countries you’re visiting. For example, a $1 coin in Canada is referred to as a ‘loonie’, and in the U.S., a five-cent coin is almost always called a ‘nickel’.

Don’t rely on your smartphone for directions

Even if you have a smartphone, it’s easy to get lost in a foreign place. Local people will often know the quickest and cheapest routes to places and may even have some good sightseeing suggestions that you won’t find in a guidebook. If you don’t understand what they’re saying, don’t be embarrassed to ask them to speak slowly or repeat themselves.

Introduce yourself

If you like meeting new people while traveling, it’s important to know how to speak to them. You may have been taught that ‘How do you do?’ is a polite way to introduce yourself. In reality, most English speakers don’t use this phrase very often as it’s seen as old-fashioned and overly formal. It’s much better to say ‘pleased to meet you’ or ‘good to meet you’ when you’re meeting someone for the first time.

Even if you’re traveling to a non-English speaking country, having some knowledge of English is always useful. International airports, for example, almost always display their signage in English alongside the local language(s).

Don’t be afraid to ask about customs or etiquette

If you’re unsure about the proper etiquette in a given situation, don’t hesitate to ask. Locals will appreciate your effort and are usually happy to explain what’s appropriate. This can help you avoid any unintentional faux pas and make your interactions more pleasant and respectful. Even if its for simple things like, 'Where do I order at the bar?' or 'Where should I leave my wet umbrella?' are perfectly fine to ask.

Observe and adapt

When in a new environment, observing what others around you are doing can provide valuable clues about local etiquette and expected behavior. Whether it’s how people order food, navigate public transportation, or interact in social settings, taking cues from locals can help you blend in and avoid misunderstandings.

For example, if you see everyone standing on a certain side of public transport, there's probably a good reason for that which you can follow and blend in.

Equip yourself for a rewarding travel experience

By equipping yourself with these simple yet effective tips, you’ll not only navigate your travels more smoothly but also enrich your overall experience. Remember, the effort you put into learning and practicing English will be met with appreciation and open doors to new opportunities and friendships. Safe travels.

Read our posts 'Essential English phrases to blend in like a local on your holiday' and 'Language learning tips for international students'

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    5 ways to improve English test results

    By Charles Hamilton

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    The official guides published by the testing bodies are an excellent source of information to help you fast-track your learning. They offer materials that replicate the real test questions as well as guidance and strategies for dealing with every task set. Taking a practice test in exam-like conditions helps to improve time management skills and set realistic expectations on your potential performance.

    As with all high-stakes tests, security arrangements at the test center are strict. Test takers need to prove their identity via a passport or similarly approved document, so it’s a good idea toarrive at least 30 minutes beforethe test time and have your documents to hand.

    2. Give yourself enough time by setting clear, measurable and achievable goals. This will help keep your motivation up and your end goal in sight

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    4. Choose quality materials that are at the right level for you – they should stretch you a bit to help you progress so you stay motivated

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    IELTS has long been the standardized test approved by the Australian government and the test of choice for visa applicants both for work and study. Since November 2014, in an effort to make it more convenient for applicants, the DIBP has approved a number of additional tests that can be used as proof of English language skills, including TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) and the  (PTE Academic).

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