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

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Reading time: 2 minutes

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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    Balancing work, life, and learning: How adult learners navigate English language learning

    By Dr. Le Dinh Bao Quoc
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Dr. Quoc is an author, educational solutions provider and AIED expert with over 20 years of experience in ELT and education in Vietnam. He is the Founder and CEO of Pro.Ed Education Solutions and Chief Officer of EduVerse, a global network supporting lifelong learning for educators. Dr. Quoc is also the author of The Art and Science of ChatGPT in Education and was named a LinkedIn Top Educational Leadership Voice in 2024. His work focuses on integrating AI into education to support personalized and flexible learning for teachers and learners.

    For many adult learners, mastering English isn’t just about gaining a new skill—it’s about unlocking opportunities in work, family and social spheres. But juggling English lessons alongside work, family obligations and social commitments is a challenge that can feel overwhelming.

    This guide explores the unique challenges adult learners face and how educators can support them with empathy, flexibility and effective strategies.

    The challenges of learning English as an adult

    Meet Le, a 35-year-old Vietnamese project manager who dreams of working for an international company. With a demanding full-time job and two young children, finding time for English lessons feels impossible. Missing classes and struggling to complete assignments leads to frustration and self-doubt—an all-too-common experience among adult learners.

    Many adults face similar challenges:

    • Balancing work, family and personal commitments leaves little time and energy for study.
    • Fatigue after a long day makes it difficult to concentrate or retain information.
    • Progress feels slow, which can be demotivating.

    Without practical support, the goal of English proficiency can seem out of reach.

    Strategies for overcoming challenges

    1. Setting SMART Goals

    Educators can guide learners to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. Breaking down larger objectives into small, measurable milestones gives learners a sense of achievement. For example, app’s Global Scale of English (GSE) provides actionable “Can-do” statements, such as:

    • Reading (GSE 37/CEFR A2+): Can understand simple personal emails.
    • Speaking (GSE 44/CEFR B1): Can give a short talk with visual support.

    These manageable goals create motivation and help learners like Le stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.

    2. Offering flexible learning options

    Flexibility is key for adult learners. Teachers can adopt strategies such as:

    • Modular lessons that can be completed in short sessions.
    • Micro-learning, including 10-minute daily practices using apps or quick grammar exercises.

    For learners like Le, micro-learning can easily be integrated into a work commute or lunch break.

    3. Blending learning with real-world scenarios

    Teaching English through practical, real-life contexts makes lessons more relevant and efficient. Using authentic materials like emails, meeting notes, or presentations mirrors learners’ daily lives and creates immediate applications for their new skills. For instance:

    • Help learners role-play workplace conversations.
    • Develop speaking proficiency for social interactions or workplace scenarios.

    This approach saves time and reinforces the usefulness of learning English, keeping learners motivated.

    4. Encouraging weekly reflection

    Reflection allows learners to monitor their progress, stay motivated and adapt their strategies. Teachers can:

    • Encourage learners to set weekly goals (e.g., learning new business vocabulary or practicing pronunciation for 15 minutes daily).
    • Use reflection journals to track achievements, identify challenges and adjust learning plans.

    This habit reinforces a growth mindset, helping learners make consistent progress amidst their busy schedules.

    Implementing the strategies

    Here’s how educators can apply these strategies effectively:

    1. Assess and set goals

    Work with learners to set realistic, measurable goals based on their personal motivations and schedules.

    2. Create flexible study plans

    Develop personalized study schedules that incorporate modular lessons and micro-learning techniques.

    3. Use authentic materials

    Include sample emails, presentations, or conversations that align with the learner’s work or life situations, making lessons more practical.

    4. Encourage accountability

    Implement tools like reflective journals or digital reminders to help learners stay on track and see their progress.

    5. Leverage personalized AI tools

    Use AI-powered tools to recommend tailored exercises, provide instant feedback and enable targeted practice in learners’ focus areas.

    Why It matters

    English proficiency opens doors to better job opportunities, stronger social connections and enriched personal growth. By providing empathetic and flexible support, teachers empower learners to achieve their goals without compromising their work-life balance.
    For educators seeking further resources, app’s GSE framework offers valuable tools to help adult learners succeed. Teachers can use these aids to track progress and personalize lessons for maximum impact.

    Celebrate education

    To mark the incredible work of educators helping learners balance work, life and study, we encourage you to share your own experiences and tips to others. Together, we can continue to empower lifelong learning and celebrate the role of education in transforming lives.