PMP - Practice Makes Perfect
I presume that as you've got past tip number one, you've started. So, now what?
Now you have to practise - a lot.
Have you ever worked out how many years it took you to gain your current level in your native language?
Don't forget you had exposure to that language 24 hours a day seven days a week. Now work out how many hours that was.
So, if you think you can learn all the English you need in an hour and a half a week - think again. Don't get me wrong, it's fine if you only want to learn certain phrases for travelling or fun: "Two beers please", or "Hello my name is ...", and you can probably pass the exams and tests, but if you want to become truly proficient, you've got a long way to go.
You can do a lot by yourself, you can read books, take part in classes, you can rehearse conversations and explanations you might need to use in real life, but then you have to get out into that real life. Luckily with the internet you can do a lot to help yourself online.
Think of learning English like learning to play a musical instrument. You can read lots of books and you can listen to or watch people who are already proficient, but eventually you will realise that you have to pick up that instrument and start to play. The first sounds you make might be horrendous, but with practise you will improve. If you can find a good teacher, that's even better. Well, it's the same with English.
Go into social networks like Facebook, Flickr, Second Life, Twitter, Skype, Yuku and Google. You might find a friendly native speaker who would like to learn your language, or learn about your culture and you can set up a language exchange. You can either arrange to meet up for an hour or two a week, one session each, or if they are learning your language, you can arrange to speak or write in English to them, and they have to reply in your language.
If you can't find a tame native speaker (they can be a bit shy), don't worry, you can do a lot by finding a language buddy, someone who is learning English and is on a similar level to you. Finding someone who is better than you certainly helps, and once you are more proficient find someone who needs your help too.
Just remember, English is a living language, you need to live it.
