30 Excellent Career Options for Spanish Speakers [Infographic]

30 Excellent Career Options for Spanish Speakers [Infographic] Suzy S. You know the benefits of being bilingual, but how should you put your Spanish skills to the best use? Here,  Jason N.  shares several jobs for Spanish speakers to consider, from careers in health care to government positions to tourism coordinators Let’s start off with good news! If you are bilingual in Spanish and English, you probably aren’t struggling to find employment! Being bilingual clearly makes you a more desirable candidate in the workforce. As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, the number of Spanish-speaking people in this country continues to increase by the day and businesses are learning that they can target a wider audience and serve more people if they expand their services and products to the growing Spanish-speaking public. The health sector in particular is realizing that an entirely monolingual English-speaking staff does not adequately serve the health needs of many Spanish-speaking populations. Your command of Spanish makes you more hirable and qualified for higher-paying jobs in many industries. After showing you a bird’s-eye view of jobs for Spanish speakers, I will go into more detail about specific sectors that are currently on the prowl for bilingual hires. Share this Image On Your Site Please include attribution to http://takelessons.com with this graphic. Jobs in the Health Care Sector As the countrys Spanish-speaking population increases, the need for bilingual professionals rises. Conversational fluency is a key for this field, particularly because medical conditions and treatment often require specific and scientific language. The subtleties of meaning can be ‘lost in translation’ if the speaker cannot convey and understand the message. Knowing the language also implies knowing certain cultural norms. Being of Hispanic origin or living in a Hispanic country for an extended period of time can offer insight into the family situations and everyday concerns of patients you will be dealing with regularly. As patients grow comfortable with the people they count on for their care, their quality of care increases. Jobs in the Law and Law Enforcement Sector Many Spanish-speaking immigrants need to work with law firms for immigration and other issues. If you speak Spanish, you instantly double the number of people you can represent, help, and serve. Law enforcement also addresses how people in public relate to each other. For instance, when residents cannot converse with local police, fear and resentment can develop between certain parties. This makes areas less safe for residents and the job of patrolling it more difficult for police. Predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhoods need bilingual officers to attend to both the English- and Spanish-speaking portions of the population regularly. Jobs in Interpretation or Translation Most industries need skilled translators who can communicate in Spanish to target a wider population and “spread the word.” Many translators have governmental jobs (Spanish is one of six of the official languages of the United Nations), or work freelance, with ad agencies, or with schools. Many courthouses employ translators and bilingual court reporters. In many cases, the job you already have may find you even more valuable if you become fluent in a second language some companies are even willing to pay for schooling to learn Spanish! Jobs in the Journalism Sector With a growing Spanish-speaking public comes a need to deliver news and information in the primary language of a given community. Because they can speak to both the Spanish and the English public, bilingual reporters and writers have an advantage over the competition and subsequently increase their profitability, desirability, and marketability. With specialized Spanish-speaking networks and publications on top of the many English media outlets across the country, the need for bilingual journalists is greater than ever before. Jobs in the Hospitality Sector Hotels, restaurants, spas, bars, and any other places tourists frequent on vacation or for business require professionals who can communicate both with locals and international travelers. Specific areas where there are a higher number of Spanish-speaking residents such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, and Miami require Spanish skills more than others. This is an additional plus to pursuing a career in the hospitality industry, since these are also some of the most attractive and warmest parts of the country. Polishing Your Spanish-Speaking Skills As you can see, there are many jobs for Spanish speakers to consider! The benefits of learning Spanish are vast not only for your career path, but when it comes to your personal life, too. Learning Spanish can help you make new friends, stay mentally sharp as you age, and even save you money as you travel. Already started learning? Youre well on your way to all these benefits. Need some extra help? Search for a Spanish tutor near you here! Jason N. tutors English and Spanish in Fairfax, CA.  He majored in Spanish at UC Davis, lived in Mexico for 3 years where he completed a Masters degree in Counseling, and studied Spanish Literature and Psychology at the University of Costa Rica. Learn more about Jason here!   Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  TED Conference

Who Should Not Appear For The ACT Exam

Who Should Not Appear For The ACT Exam 0SHARESShare ACT is a competitive exam and to be competitive you need to have resources, expertise and experience. Hence before appearing for the ACT exam the student should be aware about the key success defining factors to pass the ACT. Preparation time Firstly, you should have the time to prepare for ACT exam because the preparation is not a two day task. The student appearing for the ACT exam is required to understand the entire pattern of the exam and also to prepare a study plan. And this takes months of practice with the ACT practice questions and ACT sample questions. Tutoring expertise Secondly, when you know that you have the time to work on the ACT exam, you should also have the expertise in place. ACT includes a combination of Math, English and Analytical reasoning questions and learning all this on your own is difficult, if not impossible. The good part is there is online tutoring that can come to your aid. You could get in touch with one of the expert tutors and get expert counseling about ‘how to prepare for ACT exam’. Online tutors will also guide you about how to practice ACT answers and questions. [starbox id=admin]

Five Benefits of Emotional Intelligence - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Five Benefits of Emotional Intelligence - Introvert Whisperer Five Benefits of Emotional Intelligence Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is recognised as an essential element of success. Everyone knows how people with high IQs typically do well in school and the workplace. People with high IQs have the advantage than your average Joe since they can perceive information and retain it as knowledge. However, having a high IQ doesn’t necessarily guarantee a lifetime of success, happiness, or virtue.  These days, Emotional Intelligence (EI) or Emotional Quotient (EQ) is as important, maybe even more important for companies than an impressive resume or a high IQ. Unlike Intellectual Quotient which measures a person’s cognitive abilities, Emotional Intelligence is about the ability to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions â€" whether it’s your own or other people. Emotional Intelligence can be divided into Personal and Social Skills or Competencies. Personal competencies focus more on how you manage your own emotions. This includes having skills such as being aware of and understanding your emotions, managing them appropriately and proportionately, self-motivation and personal time management. A person with higher emotional intelligence are capable of managing stress effectively and are less likely to suffer from depression. In the workplace, an effective interpersonal communication is essential not only for interactions with clients and prospects but for developing a well-functioning, high-performing team as well. Emotional Intelligence, under Social Competencies, includes having interpersonal skills, how a person understands others and their emotions and actions, and your reaction towards them. In this infographic by Sparkle, learn about how emotional intelligence can be beneficial for you and your business.

What Type of Summer Course is Right for Me

What Type of Summer Course is Right for Me The college summer term can offer many benefits, such as increased flexibility and course options that you might not otherwise have during the spring and fall semesters. While summer term varies from school to school, its key to understand what type of summer class is right for you, such as short vs. long sessions or in-person vs. online. Keep reading to identify the right type of summer class for you: The short vs. long(er) summer course During the fall and spring semesters, college classes typically run for the full duration of the semesterabout 15 weeks. During the summer term, however, schools offer courses in a variety of lengths. Harvard University, for example, has in-person classes with sessions that range from three to seven weeks. Its important to note that the length of the course will often influence the frequency of sessions. At Harvard University: The four-credit three-week class meets four days a week for three hours per day The four-credit seven-week class meets twice a week for three hours per day The eight-credit seven-week class meets five days a week for three to five hours per day. The frequency of course sessions can be a significant factor in what type of summer class is right for you. If you have other responsibilities, such as an internship, one style may fit your schedule perfectly, while another may not. While you may not always have control over the length of the summer course, its important to understand what it entails so you are fully prepared to tackle it. [RELATED: What to Know About College Summer Classes] The in-person vs. online summer course Another style to examine when choosing a summer class is in-person vs. online. Everyone learns differently, and its important to identify which learning modalities will work best for you during the summer term. For instance, if you have responsibilities this summer that will make an in-person class difficult or impossible to attend, online may be the best option for you. The University of Missouri markets its summer courses with the tagline, Take Mizzou with you this summer, illustrating the schools willingness to host summer learning that fits your schedule. The university offers two four-week sessions, as well as a self-paced class that you can complete on your own time in anywhere from six weeks to six months. Be honest with yourself about your summer schedule and your preferred learning style when selecting a summer course. If online courses haven't worked well for you in the past, you might prefer the in-person option. Alternately, if you think youll have trouble focusing in class for three hours a day several days a week, online could be the ideal fit. [RELATED: 4 Tips for Connecting with Your Online Instructor] The immersive field study summer course Summer courses can provide a unique opportunity to carry your learning across the globe. Some colleges offer immersive field courses that last anywhere from two to eight weeks, allowing students the opportunity to experience the subject firsthand in another country. Hampshire College, for example, provides students with a variety of short field courses that individuals can enroll in during the winter and summer terms. Whatever your interest may be, from filmmaking to perfecting a foreign language, a short-term summer field course allows you to take what you would typically learn in a classroom and experience it in the real world. The summer term may also offer unique classes that you may not find during other semesters. For instance, The University of Rhode Island offers summer field courses in marine biology. When creating your course schedule, inquire if any of your gen. ed. requirements can be substituted with a unique summer course. [RELATED: 5 Myths (and Realities) About Study Abroad] Summer courses can provide students with many benefits. When considering this option, its key to be honest with yourself about what you want to get out of your summer term and how to best make this a reality. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Russian Geopolitics

Russian Geopolitics The Strategies That Define Russian Geopolitics ChaptersThe Politics of Imperial RussiaRussia During the Cold War and BeyondTearing Down the WallRussian Geopolitics TodayTo a certain demographic â€" those aged enough to have experienced Cold War tensions, Russia is never thought of without a sense of unease.Stories of the gulag and the KGB; the GRU and NKVD â€" names of agencies upon which many stories of intrigue are built, generally send shivers down the spines of those exposed to such tales.And with good reason! Narratives detailing such experiences paint a terrible assault on humanity for all to see.But do they accurately describe the Russia of today? That is a difficult call to make.Recent tales of social unrest in Russia clash with the Kremlin’s unforeseen diplomatic outreach in the Middle East and Latin America.Hosting the World Cup last year and the Winter Olympics four years before were designed to show that Russia intends to become a front-and-centre player on the world stage.Such ambitions contrast vividly with the Ru ssian annexation of Crimea, which took place at the very time that world unity was on display in Sochi, during the Winter Olympics.One might find it difficult to divine Russian machinations and motivations, especially when constantly assailed with its positive and negative political aspects; often at the same time.To understand them, we have to dive deep into the history of Mother Russia, review past diplomacy and calculate the rationale that drives the politics of the one individual leading that vast country.Essentially, his series of political missteps, at home and abroad, brought the Russian Empire to its end.In this brief history, we see that Russia, vast in her land holdings and full of people, nevertheless was never really powerful in her own right. Much of her might was illusory.Discover the subtle might of Asian geopolitics...Following the Cold War initiation, barriers between east and west were hastily erected Image by Hans Harbig from PixabayRussia During the Cold War and BeyondAfter the Tsar was deposed, a provisional ‘Peoples Government’ was established, which was quickly overthrown by Vladimir Lenin.Quickly, under his leadership, various government agents set about establishing a barrier between Russia and western European powers by unifying with countries that we know today as Belarus, Latvia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and others.During the Second World War, any territories to the west that were overtaken by Russia’s army became satellite states, further serving as a buffer between powers.Later, during the division of Europe into capitalist versus communist... there is just no nice way of saying it: the Soviet Union engaged in a land-grab.Seizing control of half of Berlin, as well as the territory that called itself the German Democratic Republic is what caused the political and military tension between the Soviet Union and the U.S.Those two powers, formerly allies but now bitter foes, with their respective allies, circled each other war ily in a decades-long dance we know as the Cold War.Significant elements of that era include:The ‘Long Telegram’, a magazine article by an American diplomat in Russia, advocating for containment to avert the spread of communismThe Truman Doctrine: the American foreign policy to counter Soviet geopolitical expansionThe Warsaw Pact: a collective defence treaty ratified by the Soviet Union and seven satellite states in the East BlocCOMECON: an economic assistance organisation designed to support the East Bloc and communist regimes throughout the worldThe Iron Curtain: a figurative (and later, literal) line of demarcation dividing Europe.‘The West’, meaning western Europe and the United States, were treated only to sparse reports of torture and imprisonment, authoritarian rule and mass killings in the Soviet Union.In the rare occasions that eyewitness accounts were made possible, either through news broadcasts or through networks of spies, the impression of power â€" through the police or the military, was strong.And with the defection of athletes and artists, we were treated to first-hand accounts of what life was like... but what was really going on behind that Curtain?What was the extent of communist reach in Latin America?Tearing Down the WallIt is important to understand that, although economics is considered separate from geopolitics, a regime’s economy plays a role in the extent it can engage in world affairs.Once sequestered from global affairs, it was all the Soviet Union could do to manage their internal affairs.As the region’s economy stagnated for so long, no expansive military dreams could be entertained, let alone could any large-scale lending be done to any other country, such as China or North Korea.Soviet regions embellishing reports of grain output certainly did not help matters, and America’s grain embargo, in retaliation for the USSR meddling in Afghanistan brought them no benefit either.On paper, everything looked great but the r eality was that the people of the Soviet Union were hungry, frustrated and tired of being bound to a regime that no longer served them.A series of revolts ultimately brought the end to this painful time in Russian history.However, this period reveals why Russia has such an interest in Afghanistan; you can learn more about it in our geopolitics in the Middle East article.Today, the Russian president walks a fine line between being personable and being authoritarian Image by klimkin from PixabayRussian Geopolitics TodayTo truly understand how Russia operates on the world stage, we need only to look toward history.In spite of her reputation as a mighty world power, Russia, historically and today, has merely cultivated and projected the illusion of power... and apparently engages in bluster to maintain that image.While it is true that her space programme initially led the world, even those efforts could not be sustained in the long term.What really hurt Russia is the loss of those ‘bu ffer lands’ - the countries that separate her from the rest of Europe.What really did damage to Russia’s hopes for a strategic alliance with them was when they and the Balkan states became NATO members â€" essentially pledging themselves against Russia.The lone exception was Ukraine... we’ll go a bit deeper into that situation in a mo.Painfully aware of how quickly the political tide can turn in Europe as well as with their ally, the United States, Russia knows that she is strategically vulnerable at this point.Even worse: in the event of a crisis, not many nations would leap to help defend her.Finally, the global lack of trust in Russia, of her motivations, actions and goals, leaves her diplomats and president constantly working to regain ground.That is why we see Mr Putin reach out beyond his country’s nearest neighbours for diplomatic opportunities, overlooking former ally China and bypassing Europe altogether.He is using soft power to build long-distance relations in Afr ica, the Middle East and in Latin America.Are you curious about how geopolitics play out in Africa?Still, the Russian political machine does nothing to dissuade global powers that Russia is still to be feared and that her reach is long. In fact, they encourage it, notably during two brazen poisonings of former Soviet agents on British soil!Most political analysts suspect that Mr Putin likes for the world to believe that he has influence over the United States and that the American president is working on his behalf.The likelihood of that being true is minimal but, in continuing to portray Russia in as sinister a tone as possible, that country’s leader expends virtually no resources and loses little diplomatic goodwill, all while maintaining an image of power.The proof of this analysis lies in the Ukraine.That country’s 2004 presidential election results were met with widespread demonstrations and accusations of corruption and fraud: voters contended that the election was rigged in favour of the Russian-backed candidate.Outrage over the alleged duplicity fanned the flames of public revolt and the outcry caused the election results to be scrapped and a new one held.This time, the election was deemed impartial by a combined body of national and international observers.The Orange Revolution played out on the world stage, forcing a high-profile reckoning between historical foes, Russia and the U.S. It took ten years for the situation to play itself out.That democracy-friendly Ukrainian president served a six-year term, after which the Russian-friendly candidate took office. Four years later, in 2014, he was ousted in a bloody clash.Sensing that Western allies had a foothold in Ukraine, one of the last bastions of Russian security, Russia promptly annexed Crimea â€" both as a show of force and to reestablish some buffer between themselves and western powers.In spite of fierce sabre-rattling, neither side was willing to engage. Tensions were diffused through a no n-aggression pact, leaving the Ukraine with democratic support from western countries but no military reinforcements.Having taken Crimea as their security buffer, that was a deal the Russians could live with.Can’t get enough of geopolitics? Discover how geopolitics play out all over the world.

Tutor Best Practices Credentials Folder

Tutor Best Practices Credentials Folder Here at Tutorfair, we like to spread good ideas. One thing that might not be obvious to those starting out their tutoring journey is the importance of having a folder to keep all of your credentials papers in. When you go to your first lesson with a new client, it’s best to have the following documents to show them, in a presentable format. Identification (copy of passport) Educational Certificates (Degrees, A Levels etc.) DBS Certificate (formerly CRB check) We recommend having these in a display folder such as the one below. The one that Hannah is modelling costs a little over £4 from Rymans, and is something that the best tutors on our site are using already. It will demonstrate professionalism to the client, keep you more organised, and give additional reassurance to the customer, especially if they haven’t asked to see it. DISCLAIMER: Tutorfair is giving this recommendation independently, and earns no commission on sales of Ryman folders… yet…

Things to Know about AP® Exams

Things to Know about AP ® Exams Many high school students are probably aware of the terms Advanced Placement or AP, and of course, those taking AP classes understand that the courses offer a challenge for high-achieving students. But its worth reminding students important details about the AP exams and how performing well on these exams could benefit them. Here are five things to share: AP exams take place every May. Exams take place at high schools and exam centers only once a year. Students can get more details from the guidance counseling office. Students can take the exams more than once. If a student takes an exam and doesnt earn their desired score, they can retake it. The students score report will include scores for all AP exams taken unless the student requests that one be withheld. Exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5. The final score for each AP Exam offers a recommendation about how qualified students are to receive college credit and placement. Every college makes this decision differently. In 2018, the mean AP exam score was 2.89. Students can get college credit or placement for good AP scores. As mentioned, each college makes its own decisions about what scores receive credit or placement. Generally, students who earn a good score on an AP exam might be able to skip a course that a college requires for its general education requirements. AP scores shouldnt hurt a students chances for admission. Colleges consider a wide range of factors when admitting students, including the strength of their curriculum. So, while taking AP classes should bolster the application, a low AP exam score isnt likely to harm an applicants admission prospects. To learn more about AP scores and what they mean, students should meet with the guidance counselor at school and visit www.collegeboard.org.

12 Simple Ways to Get Foreign Language Immersion Without Going Abroad

12 Simple Ways to Get Foreign Language Immersion Without Going Abroad 12 Simple Ways to Get Foreign Language Immersion Without Going Abroad Living abroad is arguably the best  way to learn a foreign language.Cant hop on a plane tomorrow?Stay tuned. Youre about to learn how to simulate foreign language immersion.Lots of us language learners are far,  far away from the countries where our  target languages are spoken.It feels like a darn shame, because being surrounded by the language every day provides  endless opportunities for learning and practice. Plus, while living abroad you never have to go far to find someone who speaks the language youre trying to learn.Since its a common problem, that means that there are tons of solutions out there.As it turns out, you can immerse yourself in language even if you  dont have the time, money or desire to become an expat tomorrow.You can do this without leaving your community, your home or even your bed.The key is to put yourself into situations where language learning is inevitable.  Here are 12 ways to get started. 12 Simple Ways to Get Foreign Language Immersion Without Going Abroad1. Make technology work for youYou know that you arent living in France  or China, but your computer doesnt know that!Immerse yourself and learn technical vocabulary by changing the digital language settings  on your phone, camera, computer or TV. In addition to changing the universal settings on your devices, you can change the settings in individual programs, such as your internet browser. You can also change the language on websites or apps you use frequently.This simple change can make  language learning a part of  the activities you do most, and this helps to reinforce a sense of foreign language immersion and ongoing commitment to your language learning goals.2. Entertain yourself like a localWe all need  to take breaks, but why not use  your breaks as  opportunities to continue to learn?Instead of lazing on the couch with an English language TV show, find a show or video in the language you want to learn.Soap operas can be a particularly good way to practice your langu age skills. Regardless of your personal feelings about them, you cant deny that soap operas feature consistent characters and ongoing plot lines that stretch over a series of episodes. This repetition can help improve your comprehension and ensure that you have a chance to understand whats happening before the action moves elsewhere.Ask native speaking friends for suggestions about which shows are best, or do an online search for the most popular ones.  If you have a TV channel that broadcasts in your target language, this is an ideal place to start. If not, look online for sites that provide clips and full episodes.Still need inspiration? Check out  FluentU.  FluentU takes real-world videos  and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.  Weve got something for everyone, with content ranging from the Hunger Games and Sharknado to cartoons, documentaries, dramas, music videos, Coca Cola commercials and broadcast news.With FluentU, you  can just sit back, relax and read along with the subtitles. Alternatively, you can kick things up a notch with interactive learning features like flashcards and vocabulary lists. Not to mention, everythings personalized for your learning level and style based on the content youve been watching. Its perfect for figuring out which types of video resources work best for you!With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that real people speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive TranscriptsYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Social media sites are another fun way to practice your language skills. Try looking things up or chatting with people  in your target language  using Pinterest, Reddit, Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites.You can also listen to the radio, check out foreign-language podcasts and enjoy music in your target language.  If you start entertaining yourself in your target language, you might be surprised how much additional learning you gain without feeling like youre doing any work.3. Keep up on news and current eventsOne of the best ways to sound like a native is to be aware of the hot topics within the community and use the same  vocabulary locals  use to talk about these things.Youd probably follow the local news and t alk with people on the streets if you lived abroad, but its remarkably easy to stay abreast of foreign news from your own home. Check out one of many  online news sources.  Ask native speakers what sites they use most, and browse the foreign language versions of international sources like  the BBC and Google News.4. Find a conversation partnerIf you want to immerse yourself without leaving home, you need to find someone to talk with on a regular basis. Thats where a conversation partner comes in.A conversation partner does not need to be a teacher.  In fact, sometimes its better if your conversation partner isnt a teacher because your goal isnt to drill new vocabulary or work through lessons in a book. Its about having a friendly conversation with a native speaker.That friendly conversation can help you practice what youre learning at home and give you  a feel for the flow of the language. Youll  learn colloquial phrases and deepen your understanding of another culture. It can also keep you  motivated, since you know youll need to use your language skills at least once every week or two.To find a partner, start by talking to your friends and family members, and use Facebook  to ask online friends for suggestions. You might be surprised how many people know someone who could help you.  If this doesnt work, post an announcement on a local  community listserv, or try posting a note on the bulletin board at your library, school or coffee shop.Another option is to use an online language exchange site such as Coeffee, Lingoglobe or My Language Exchange.5. Sign up for a conversation clubLike a conversation partner, a club can give you opportunities to practice your target language and learn new vocabulary.Although conversation clubs might not give you as many speaking opportunities as a one-on-one conversation might, there are many  other advantages to a  club. First, the more the merrier! A club can introduce you to numerous  other people interested in the language youre studying, and these people may be able to provide you with information about new language learning opportunities or resources.You also have the opportunity to hear many different voices in a conversation club. Experiencing the ways different people use language and watching other learners use the language can help you experiment with new ways to express your own thoughts.Another advantage of a conversation club is that it gives you a chance to listen to a higher level of language than you may be comfortable speaking. This is especially useful for beginners, who may not be able to sustain a long conversation but can gain a lot by listening to more advanced speakers.So, where to find clubs like these?Many libraries offer conversation clubs, and so do some universities and colleges. Another option is to look for clubs through sites such as Meetup.  If you cant find a club in your community, why not start one yourself? All you need is a native speaker and a handful of people inter ested in learning the language.6. Label your homeWant to get organized and improve your language skills at the same time? Start putting  foreign-language  labels on the things you use regularly.Label your desk, window, coffee mug, bookshelf, anything you want! All it takes is masking tape and a pen (or if you like to be fancy, a label maker).Seeing the word every time you use an item reinforces it in your mind and can help keep you motivated to learn more. Its also an amazing way to bring language learning  into your home and make it an everyday part of your life.Just make sure you ask before labeling your roommates or spouses things!The trick is sometimes mustering the motivation to create all the labels. Luckily, you can outsource your label-making for the most important words by using a Vocabulary Stickers set, which gives you well over 100 words to put on items you use and see every day around your home and office. Theyre durable yet removable, andâ€"for languages that have gend ersâ€"they’re even conveniently coded by grammatical gender, so you learn the gender of each word as you learn the word itself.7. Wine and dineWe all have to eat, and most of us enjoy doing it. Since food is an important element in all cultures around the world, it can be an excellent bridge to help you learn a foreign language.Start with a cookbookFind a book that will instruct you how to prepare the cuisine of the country or culture where your target language is spoken. Even if the cookbooks in English, cooking some dishes will help you better understand the daily life and culture of the people who speak the language you want to learn.For more language practice, look up recipes and cooking shows online. Following a recipe in  a foreign language gives new meaning to the cooking and eating experience and can help you develop the vocabulary you need to talk about important dishes  in your target language.Another option is to find a restaurant that serves the cuisine of the  people who speak your target language. Practice your pronunciation when you place your order, and engage the owners and waitstaff in friendly conversation. Ask for recommendations and learn what dishes are most popular in the country they come from. If you get particularly close with the staff, you might even ask for a cooking lesson!8. Do your errandsYou have to buy groceries, drop off your dry cleaning and grab a double mocha frappuccino (okay, maybe that last one optional). Why not get some language practice in at the same time?Seek out a local immigrant community that speaks your target language and find the shops they use. You may be able to find an ethnic food market, convenience store, laundromat, dry cleaner, coffee shop, bakery and more. Doing your errands at these places can open more opportunities to practice your language skills with the owners and the other customers. It can also be a way to meet new friends and conversation partners.9. Volunteer in your target languageVolunte ering helps others, but it can also help you.Better your community.  Look for ways to get involved in organizations that work with  people in your community who speak your target language. Schools, nonprofits, libraries, places of worship and medical clinics might need your help. Refugee resettlement agencies may also be looking for help introducing new refugees to your city.There are a wide range of things you might do in a volunteer position. You might lend a hand by  watching kids while their parents take ESL classes, helping translate basic information, serving as an English conversation partner or driving people to medical appointments.Even if a position requires work to be done in English, you may meet a lot of people who speak your target language and can open new doors for you.Look for postings on sites like Craigslist or VolunteerMatch, or see if your city has  a volunteer match program of its own.10. Make your job work for youMost of your time is probably spent doing your day job, so this is an ideal place to look for additional opportunities to study the language you want to learn.To arrive to work in a language learning mindset, start practicing during  your morning commute  by playing music or listening to the news in your target language.If youre in search of a job, consider opportunities at restaurants, companies or shops where your target language is spoken. If youre lucky enough to  already  have a job where the language is spoken, never miss an opportunity to practice with your colleagues.You can also improve your  language skills by doing job-related research in your target language. When you need to look up information, try a search in your target language and see if you can understand some of the articles.If your company offers funds for professional development, jump at the chance to apply for money to help you take a course or pay for a private tutor.11. Record your thoughtsWrite your way to a happier life and practice your language skil ls by journaling in your target language.You can write short stories, record your impressions from the day or simply keep track of your language learning progress. The possibility are endless.12. Have fun!The best way to keep learning is to make it fun.Find ways to do your hobbies while learning your target  language. Do you like to read? See if your library has books and magazines in your target language. Do you like to dance? Take a class that teaches  dances from a country or region where your target language is spoken.You can also look for foreign language blogs and videos related to your hobbies. Try to connect with an international audience that  also enjoys doing whatever it is that you like to do.If video games are more your style, search for smartphone apps or online games in your target language.You might also be able to find old-fashioned board games such as Scrabble in foreign languages. If you have friends or family members who are learning the same language, this can b e a fun way to practice together.Ultimately, the best way to immerse yourself in a foreign language is to do whatever you would normally doâ€"just in your target language.Look for opportunities for foreign language immersion online and in your community so you can truly immerse yourself without leaving your hometown.Katherine Kostiuk is a freelance writer with  professional  experience in international education and English teaching. She has lived in four foreign countries and studied five different foreign languages.