When I moved to the UK, I thought I knew English. After all, I had studied it for seven years in school. But the truth is, the only phrases that stuck with me were, “What is your name?” and, of course, every French native’s favourite, “Where is Brian?” 😅
Before my big move, I proudly told everyone around me that I was heading to the UK. So when the time came, there was no backing out—I hopped on a plane to London. I only knew one person there, and let’s be honest, we weren’t exactly close at that time. But she turned out to be a lifesaver, helping me land an interview. That’s when reality hit: I didn’t speak English. At all.
And here’s something no one tells you: the English you learn in school is nothing like the English you hear in real life. Between the accents—from Irish to Scottish to Bristolian—and the slang, I felt like I had landed on a different planet! 🌍 But I had no choice—I needed to eat, pay rent, and live. So, I buckled down and started learning English for real. Here’s what helped me the most:
- YouTube Channel: English with Lucy: She is a native English speaker, and was a game changer for me. Her clear accent and friendly personality made learning grammar and pronunciation so much easier. It felt like having a friend guide me through this journey. 🌟
She is a native English speaker, and was a game changer for me. Her clear accent and friendly personality made learning grammar and pronunciation so much easier. It felt like having a friend guide me through this journey. 🌟
- Learn English with English7Levels: This channel is fantastic for day-to-day English. The content starts simple and gradually becomes more advanced, which was perfect for tracking my progress.
- MmmEnglish YouTube Channel: Emma, the Australian behind MmmEnglish, made learning fun. Her videos were not only educational but also engaging, and I loved her teaching style.
- Visit/Move to an English-Speaking Country: I adopted a “sink or swim” method when I moved to the UK. Honestly, it worked! 😄
- Surround Yourself with English Speakers: This is crucial, whether you’re still in your home country or already living in an English-speaking one. Many immigrants stick to their own communities, which can be comforting but also limiting. I pushed myself to connect with English speakers from various backgrounds—Irish, Scottish, Essex—you name it! The fewer French speakers I had around, the more I had to learn.
- Immerse Yourself in English Media: One of the best ways to learn practical, everyday English is by immersing yourself in English-language TV shows, movies, cartoons and even reality TV. Reality shows, in particular, are great because they feature unscripted, natural conversations that reflect how people really speak. Shows like Love Island or Gogglebox can expose you to different accents, slang, and casual dialogue that you wouldn’t necessarily learn in a classroom. Plus, they’re entertaining, so you’ll enjoy the process!
- Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Here’s something important—don’t let the fear of making mistakes hold you back. It’s perfectly normal to miss a few words, mispronounce something, or struggle to find the right phrase. Most people will appreciate your effort to speak their language and will be more than willing to listen and help you out. With time, you’ll notice your confidence growing, and before you know it, you’ll be making fewer and fewer mistakes. Remember, it’s all part of the learning process, and every conversation is a step closer to fluency!
And as for that friend who helped me out at the start? Well, she’s no longer just someone I knew—she’s now one of my best friends. Moving to the UK didn’t just teach me English; it also brought amazing people into my life. 🥰
If you’ve had a similar experience learning English or if you’re just starting out, I’d love to hear your story! Drop a comment below and let’s support each other on this journey. Your experiences, tips, and even struggles could help someone else feel less alone. Let’s build a community where we learn and grow together! 💬
Chaleureusement vôtre,
French Doggy’s
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