I Got A Dream Job In Europe
I Need To Speak Italian In 1 Month!!

Congratulations!  You got the job.  Now all you need to do is master Italian in the tiny little month before you go!

Of course, that's not possible, but you want to spend that month cramming as much Italian into your head as possible.  Here are some tips for getting as much Italian into your brain as possible before you leave.

(NOTE - This article offers tips to learning ANY language, not just Italian.  Italian is just the example used.)

First Off - Hit The Books

I know you're busy, but devote some time each day to studying and reviewing.  It's important to create a routine.  One hour is good, two is even better, but it depends on your schedule.  Spare whatever time you can.

During this time, work with a textbook and some audio visual materials.  You can also take a course online.  This option is better for lots of people because it is fun and interactive.  Some of us just aren't textbook learners.

Go through each lesson and write down all new words for review.  Each day you should go through all your new words.  This will help those new words stick.  A good method is to use index cards.  You can put the Italian on one side and the English on the other so that you can practice remembering both.

Find A Tutor

Conversation practice is even more important than textbook learning, but you won't be able to do much at first.  Learning to speak and listen, and use what you've learned from the text, is invaluable learning experience that will help you tremendously your first few weeks in Italy.

Again, when you talk to your Italian tutor, write down every new word that you hear.  This way, you will learn the vocabulary that is used on a daily basis.  This includes casual words and phrases, idioms and slang.  Your tutor will help you learn more natural words and expressions.

Here is a good way to structure your lessons - one portion of the lesson should be ONLY Italian.  Then, there should be an English portion where you can ask questions.  At first, the Italian portion should be very short.  Ten minutes and you're brain will be ready to explode!  It will gradually get easier to handle the Italian part, and you'll be able to speak for longer periods of time.

Get A Pen Pal

Make use of the wonders of the Internet!  There are hundreds of e-mail pen pal sights.  Register on a few of these and look for an Italian pen pal.  You should have no trouble finding one.  Your Italian pen pal will probably want to practice their English, so try writing your messages in both Italian and English.  This will also give you a chance to make yourself better understood.

Writing to a pen pal in Italy will give you practice making sentences where you're not on the spot, as you are with conversation.  This gives you time to think before you speak.  It will also improve your reading and give you tons of new words.

You can also learn some cultural and practical information about living in Italy.  And, you might even make a friend!

Finally, don't expect miracles.  Language learning takes time.  You won't be fluent by the time you get there, but one month of intensive study will work wonders and help a great deal when you find yourself in Italy.

So, ciao and good luck!

Peter Freeman
Polyglotus.com