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Showing posts from September, 2017

WHAT DOES FLUENCY LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

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  When you leave a country to try new things and experience other cultures, there will probably be moments when you feel that you simply aren't hitting the mark, but I just want to reassure any language learners and say that you have to be bold, enthusiastic and hopeful even when you feel like you've bitten off more than you can chew. For more than seventeen years I have intensively studied numerous languages, never backing down from reaching my goals in spite of sometimes being on the receiving end of strong criticism, and I would encourage you to do the same. Everyone's journey is different, but no less important. I think sometimes we can get caught up in trying to please everyone's definition of what fluency is and where we should be at on a certain stage of our journey. There may be people who try to stifle your progress because change can be uncomfortable for others and it can seem to put into question more than just languages. However, something I've learnt is...

HOW TO HIT THE JOB RUN HEAD ON

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  When you have spent more than three years searching for regular work with a strong curriculum and ample experience at home and abroad, patience becomes strained and you start to ask 'why me?' It is precisely at that time that you have to dig deep and find out what really motivates you. For me, the transition from a stable, permanent job to 'accept what arrives' was a real wake up call. What I would suggest is not to become a victim of circumstance. It is easy to fall into the trap as you start to doubt yourself and your abilities, but it is important to stay focused. The secret is to keep moving, get out and about, meet people, use social media and contacts. This is a time to refine your skills. It has been said many times, I know, but the key is how you go about this. It can make you more resourceful and can give you new skills, which in turn can help others. For example, rewriting CVs and knowing how to prepare a good presentation. Do not waste time trying to improv...