You've made your choice. You've signed up for your English course in USA. This is it! A great chance to really improve your English and enjoy everything American culture has to offer. However, you must consider this: no matter how wonderful your course is, no matter how skilled your teachers are, you could miss out on great opportunities to take your English speaking to the next level.
Put your communication skills to the test by meeting and spending time with the locals!
So, you really want to IMPROVE your English? Get all speechless and timid when trying to make friends? Face your fears! Staying with a host family could be uncomfortable, awkward at times, but it is an incredibly enriching experience, a one of a kind opportunity to learn about the American culture and also a great way to improve communication skills.
At school, you learned how to ask, how to respond, what to say, when to say it, how to say it. You name it! You saw it in your English course in USA! But communicating with your instructor is one thing; things out in the street are a bit different. The best way to learn how words and expressions are used in real social settings is to get out and mingle! Find out what people your age usually do for fun, where they meet, and organize outings with your fellow classmates. You could meet really fascinating people, and even make long-lasting friendships.
If just the thought of starting a conversation with a complete stranger makes you weak at the knees, find activities that will give you the perfect excuse to talk to people. Think of the interesting people you could meet while learning to ski, or during a hike. Any sport or outdoor activity provides the perfect chance to engage in lively conversation, plus the added of keeping you fit.
Or take another course. Music lessons, pottery, art courses, business courses - you'll have a variety to choose from- and yet again ANOTHER wonderful opportunity to communicate and share. If you happen to have a special interest, for example animal rights, take a trip to the local animal shelter, or wildlife preserve, and chat with the volunteers.
So, when the bell rings and school's out for the day, resist the urge to go home, stay in, and call it a day. Put what you've learned in in class to good use. Don't be self-conscious. And don't worry about what they'll think of your fluency. Chances are they'll just be glad to have met you.
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