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Ehsan Gorji is an Iranian teacher and educator with 18 years of experience in English language education. He collaborates on various ELT projects with different language schools around the globe. Ehsan currently owns and manages THinkâ„¢ Languages and also works as a TED-Ed Student Talks Leader.

Learning has always been an interesting topic to explore in the language education industry. Every week, a lot of webinars are delivered on how learning another language could be more successful, lots of articles are written on how to maximize learning, and many discussions take place between teaching colleagues about how they could surprise their language learners with more amazing tasks and games. In our lesson plans, too, we put learners into focus and try to write learning objectives that will benefit them in the real world.

Mastering a new language can be a game-changer for your career. Whether it's for expanding your professional network, exploring new job opportunities, or simply enhancing your cognitive skills, learning a language is an invaluable investment. But how can you juggle language learning with a demanding full-time job? Here are some practical tips designed for busy professionals.

1. Set clear goals

Before you start, it's crucial to set clear, achievable goals. Whether you aim to hold basic conversations, read professional documents, or become fluent, having a specific target will keep you motivated and focused.

2. Integrate learning into your daily routine

Finding time to study can be challenging, but integrating language learning into your daily routine can make it more manageable:

• Commute time: Use your commute to listen to language podcasts or audiobooks.
• Lunch breaks: Dedicate 15-20 minutes of your lunch break to review vocabulary or grammar.
• Evening wind-down: Spend 10 minutes before bed practicing speaking or writing.

3. Use online resources

Modern technology provides a plethora of tools to help you learn a new language without disrupting your schedule:

• Language learning apps: Apps like Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp allow you to practice during your commute or lunch break.
• Podcasts and audiobooks: Listen to language lessons during your commute or workout.
• Online courses:Ìý Many websites offer structured courses that you can complete at your own pace.

4. Stay motivated

Staying motivated is crucial to your success. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself of the benefits of being multilingual:

• Track your progress: Keep a journal of your language learning milestones and achievements.
• Find a study buddy: Partner with a colleague or friend who is also learning the language to keep each other accountable.
• Reward yourself: Treat yourself when you reach your language learning goals.

5. Explore company resources

Some companies offer resources or discounted access for learning. It's always worthwhile to check if your employer provides:

• Language classes: On-site or online language classes.
• Learning platforms: Subscriptions to language learning platforms.
• Education reimbursement: Financial assistance for language courses as part of professional development.

6. Use your work environment

If your workplace has international colleagues, take advantage of this opportunity to practice. Try to speak with them in their first language or ask for help with pronunciation and vocabulary. Not only will this provide real-world practice, but it will also strengthen your professional relationships.

7. Be consistent and patient

Consistency is key when learning a new language:

• Daily practice: Even 10-15 minutes a day can lead to significant progress over time.
• Patience: Language learning is a gradual process. Celebrate small milestones and remain patient with your progress.

Balancing a full-time job with language learning is no small feat, but it's entirely possible with the right strategies. By setting clear goals, integrating learning into your routine, leveraging technology, practicing consistently, engaging with native speakers, making learning fun and staying motivated, you can achieve fluency without sacrificing your professional responsibilities. Ready to start your language learning journey? Take the first step today and open a world of new opportunities.

Donatella Fitzgerald is a teacher, teacher trainer, and trained to teach the MISP Mindfulness in Schools Project (from pre-school to teens) and has completed Module 1 on the Teacher Training Pathway with the Mindfulness Network in collaboration with Bangor University. Her specialist interest areas are Extensive Reading Projects, CLIL, Citizenship, Mindfulness, Plurilingualism and Artificial Intelligence in Education. ÌýIn her current role as ELL Consultant at ÃÛÌÒapp in Italy she works with teachers and students every day to find solutions to help them achieve their teaching and learning goals. In 2024, she was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for Services to English Education and Youth Engagement.

The first weeks back at school after a break can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s a time of new beginnings, fresh challenges, and opportunities for growth. Prioritizing wellbeing during this period is crucial for a smooth transition and long-term success. Students may be feeling anxious and unsettled due to starting a new school year, or even a new school. In today's fast-paced academic environment, maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health is more crucial than ever. Here are some tips to help your students stay balanced and thrive throughout the school year.