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Mastering a foreign language in just six months may sound like too tall a task – that’s because it is.  But even busy professionals can reach a level of fluency in this short time-frame that will allow them to break barriers and which will open up new opportunities.  More than simply endearing yourself to your foreign counterparts (which of course goes a long way in helping you get what you want), competency in their language will help in understanding the particulars of a given deal and move the process along more quickly.  This article contains advice for professionals who want to achieve a level of fluency in a foreign language that will benefit their work, but who do not have the time to take formal language classes.  Follow this advice and see huge gains; fluency in just 6 months can be attained in Romance languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and German, while basic functionality can be obtained in more difficult languages like Chinese and Arabic. 

1.  Get a textbook.  Purchase a high school or college language textbook.  Your foreign counterparts will be much more impressed by some semblance of grammar and structure than by random vocabulary words spouted off out of context, making learning the rules of a language preferable to other approaches, such as that utilized by Rosetta Stone.  Spend an hour a day working your way through the textbook. 

2.  Practice vocab and audio on the go.  Don’t take the prior point to mean that vocabulary isn’t important.  It is, and so is pronunciation.  Leverage technology to study vocabulary and to hear native speakers using the language.  In the car, on the plane or while waiting for an appointment, you can practice vocabulary on your smart phone or tablet using www.quizlet.com.  The site lets you use already-created flash-cards, or you can make your own.  You should also listen to the audio CD that came along with your textbook, and to other resources such as podcasts you can get from iTunes, whenever you have the chance.  The treadmill can make a great study spot! 

3.  Talk it out – every bit of practice speaking helps. 

Speak the target language as often as you can.  Don’t be shy if you hear someone speaking the language – tell them you’re studying the language and that you’d love to bounce a few phrases off them.  They will likely oblige.  If you are studying a language you’re unlikely to frequently encounter naturally in your community, seek out speakers at appropriate ethnic stores or restaurants and online.  A Skype practice chat will go far in honing your skills. 

4.  Read, read, read. 

You need to read in the target language even if you don’t care about reading proficiency – it will help you with your speaking.  Find news articles of interest to you; several of the major news outlets carry non-English versions of their articles.  For more obscure languages, check out www.bbc.com.  Note that if you’re studying a non-Latin-based language, this point doesn’t apply to you.  It’s not worth trying to learn to read in Chinese or Arabic.  Stick to conversation for those. 

5. Have no fear. 

Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes in your target language.  You’ve got to practice to get better, and you will mistakes when you practice.  It’s part of the deal.  But people will be forgiving and will admire you for trying to speak their language. 

Prepared by Brad Menzer part of the blogging team at Heartland Immigration a great resource for a Dallas Immigration Attorney.

Have you ever wanted to go to Paris? You’ve seen it in movies, written about in books, but you want to go experience it for yourself. If you are lucky enough to go to the city of love, there are certain things that you need to see while you are there. Of course there are things that you have to see like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. If you are a college grad or even a high school student or even someone that is just lucky enough to go to Paris, take advantage of the time that you have there. Sure, there are many guidebooks for you to read, but here are the most simple things that you need to go see while you are there. 

1. The people. One thing that you might not realize, is that the people of Paris are very unique. It is worth your time to go to a small cage and watch the people of Paris pass you by. It is an experience that you will not likely forget. You will also feel like you know the city better if you know the people.

2. Cemeteries. This might seem a bit odd to recommend, but don’t think it’s weird. They are extremely peaceful places to be around. If you’ve had a long day in the city, or you are gearing up for a long day, a cemetery is a great way to explore the sites while being in a peaceful setting. 

3. Window shopping. Paris is the fashion capital of the world, and it’s many different shops and boutiques will prove it to you. If you don’t have the money to actually shop at these stores, who is to say that you can’t at least look! Window shopping is a fun activity that is free. 

4. Flea markets. There are tons of great flea markets in Paris―I bet you didn’t know that. There, you can find lots of cool trinkets that you can bring back with you to America. You are sure to find a few treasures. 

5. Museums. Of course, there is the Louvre, but there are also tons of other lesser-known museums where you can find some great things. Just because they are lesser-known, doesn’t mean that you won’t find some great things to do. There will just be a lot less tourists!

6. The streets. Take a day to just stroll around Paris. There are some great shops that are hidden away in the center of Paris. Go walk around the city without any plans. You’ll be amazed at what you can find. 

About the Author
Neltje M is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers  can help you get in the online master’s degree programs  to get the jobs you need. 

Now that you have your flight and hotel reservations in place for your trip abroad, you’ll need to start thinking about packing and other preparations. It’s important to put a lot of consideration into packing. You’ll be very far away from home in a country where you might not speak the native tongue, so it’s best to come as prepared as possible rather than leave something behind. There are many other preparations you’ll need to make as well. Here are some tips to help you efficiently and thoroughly pack and prepare for your trip abroad.

Packing

Luggage
When packing for your trip abroad, you’ll want to make sure you have good luggage. It’s a good idea to use rolling suitcases for greater ease in going through the airport. You should also put some type of identifying information on your luggage in case it is lost. Also, tie some sort of colorful ribbon on your luggage to make it quickly identifiable at the airport baggage claim. If you want to carry a camera or video recorder during your trip, bring a convenient carrying case.

Clothing
Make sure you research the climate and temperature of the country you’re visiting for the time period you’ll be there so you can bring weather-appropriate clothing. You should bring clothes that are good for layering, such as sweatshirts and T-shirts. Also, bring an umbrella or poncho in case of bad weather. Bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

Supplies
Make sure you bring with you everything you mind need for your trip. Bring any prescription medication, as well as over-the-counter medication for common ailments, such as stomach ahces, headaches, colds, fever, sunburn, and bug bites. It’s better to have these medicines on hand, and other items such as band-aids and first aid kits, just in case rather than need to locate them. Bring anything else you think you might need or like to have, including bottled water and snacks. It’s better to be over-prepared than under.

Preparation

Documents
With ample time before your trip, make sure you locate all necessary travel documents. If you need to apply for a passport, do so as soon as possible, as the process can sometimes take a while to complete. Locate and bring copies of other important documentation such as alternate photo identification and health insurance cards. Also print confirmations of reservations you’ve made for your flight, hotel, car rental, and any other things you’ve scheduled ahead of time.

Requirements
Before you travel, you’ll need to find out what is required of you to enter the country you’re travelling to. Check with the CDC website to find out if there are any required or recommended vaccinations, and bring copies of verification that you’ve gotten them if need be.

Research
It’s also a good idea to learn everything you can about the country you’re travelling to before you leave. Learn about local customs, popular tourist attractions, and learn a few key phrases in the native language. The more you know about the area you’re visiting, the more prepared you’ll be to have a fun and successful vacation abroad.

These great tips come from writer and world traveler Emily Wagner. She always carries her passport and always checks her work using a grammar checker.

Now that you’ve scheduled your flight and hotel reservations, packed and prepared, it’s time to get to the fun part of your trip abroad – planning your itinerary. What you do during your vacation is what’s going to make it worthwhile and memorable. It’s important to spend some time considering your itinerary before you arrive. If you don’t adequately plan your itinerary, you’ll end up winging it and that won’t allow you to make the most of your time abroad. While you should come up with a plan, you should also remember that things won’t always go as expected. Make sure to leave some room for last minute adjustments due to unexpected events, closings, or changes of heart. Here are some tips to help you plan your itinerary for your trip abroad.

Popular Attractions

Every country abroad will have certain “must-see” attractions, like the Eiffel Tower in France. You should determine which famous locations are must-sees for you. Research and find out pertinent information such as when the attraction is open and if you need a reservation to visit. You should also find out what other popular things to do there are in the vicinity. It’s important to make the most of your time, so try to identify the things you want to do that are in close proximity to each other.

Your Interests

Everyone has different interests. It’s most important to consider yours and those of your fellow travelers. You might prefer to spend a lot of time shopping, for example, or engaging in sports such as SCUBA diving or hiking, or lounging on the beach, or taking tours of museums and historic places. You only have a limited amount of time on your vacation, so plan to do the things that will make you happiest. Explore different options near your hotel and surrounding areas. Before you go, try to identify specific places you want to go. Find out the contact information for these places and hours of operation.

Dining

You’ll have to eat during your vacation, and enjoying the local cuisine may be one of the best parts of your trip. Research famous restaurants and cafes that interest you, and find out what types of foods the area you’ll be in specializes in. When planning your itinerary, make sure you leave adequate time for nourishment at meal times.

Reservations

Before you arrive abroad, you might want to make a few different reservations for specific activities you want to experience and restaurants you want to eat at. You might need to make reservations for popular destinations or museums. When making reservations, don’t make more than one or two per day, especially if you need to pay anything in advance. This will allow you to be flexible with your itinerary as you experience the country and discover everything it has to offer. Heavily scheduling your time may make things stressful or rushed. It’s a good idea to create a checklist of things you’d like to do and sketch a plan for your time abroad, just don’t overdo it as to limit your freedom in the moment.

Vive le France!  Emily Wagner invites  you to explore her favorite country in the world!   But when you write to her about it, please use a grammar checker.

Observe Lip Movement From Native Speakers

The bulk of sound variation comes from the way a speaker shapes their lips and tongue; careful observation of individuals who are fluent in your target language will serve as a tool to mimic new sounds. While this does not address sounds made with tongue and throat it gives you, the speaker a good foundation to get started. While doing this if you have a native speaker who is close enough to you to allow you to feel the vibration of their cheek as they speak you will have the advantage of learning tone.

Listen To the Radio

If you are lucky enough to be learning a language for which radio stations are available in your area make it a point to listen to talk radio and repeat what you hear. If you do not have access to local radio you now have the advantage of the Internet, it is entirely possible to listen to radio stations around the world and obtain the same competitive advantage. The retro way to achieve this same objective is to secure a short wave radio and listen to stations from around the globe, by doing this you will find the added benefit of listening to regional accents.

Get a Language Buddy

There are many website resources in which you can partner for free with people around the globe interested in learning your native language. This type of partnership is very fun and will allow you to have an interactive environment in which to learn the new language with proper accentuation with the added advantage of immediate feedback, which can make a huge difference in the way, your brain processes new sounds. The big challenge with this method is finding suitable time zone concordance with your learning buddy.

Listen to Audio Dictionaries

This is a fantastic alternative for learning words that are not commonly used in conversation but may have great relevance in your field or profession. There are many websites offering this feature, some better than others but all good enough to help you overcome concerns related to accent.

Immersion

This is the most obvious method and perhaps the most expensive of all. The effectiveness level however can be very high and highly rewarding. On location learning will allow you to observe and interact on a constant basis. It will also provide you with the opportunity to learn regional variances to the same word and receive visual feedback in print.

The key to overcoming an accent is patience and perseverance. Don’t be shy, in the context of a global economy it is not uncommon for people to conduct business exposed to a variety of accents. Their ears will adapt quickly to yours and you will find that the end goal of communication will be achieved with great ease

Stella Brown writes on a variety of topics on behalf of  Tesserae Genetics the ideal place for a genetic consultation in Dallas.

Paris is a city packed to the brim with culture, history, good food, and art. Whether you are travelling with your family, or with your partner, the city is sure to keep your entertained throughout your break. The list below details some of the most popular attractions in this famous city.

Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

The Eiffel Tower is the undisputed icon of Paris. This gargantuan monument was built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel. Standing at an impressive 324 metres, it is the tallest building in city, and one of the most visited towers in the world.

Notre Dame Cathedral

This famous 12th century gothic cathedral is another historic icon of Paris. It is fondly thought of as the symbolic heart of Paris, and was made famous by the novel (and subsequent Disney animation), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”.

Luxembourg Gardens

Prior to the French revolution, these beautifully landscaped gardens were only available to French royalty. Thankfully, they are now open to everybody, and act as one of the most popular relaxation destinations in the city.

Musee de Louvre

The Louvre is a world famous institution, housing many internationally renowned pieces of art. It is a huge museum and gallery, so make sure to allow adequate time to explore the whole building. This can take the majority of the day!

Musee d’Orsay

Similarly to the Louvre, the Orsay is another internationally acclaimed museum and art gallery. Both art connoisseurs and casual browsers will find interest and entertainment in the museum’s vast collection.

Arc de Triomphe

Similarly to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, when people think of Paris, they think of the Arc de Triomphe. Dating back to the early 1800s, this arch is spectacular in both scale and detail. The terrace provides unparalleled views across the city and its lengthy avenues; this is particularly breath-taking at night.

Parc Monceau

Another of Paris’s famous parks, the Monceau is a beautiful green space to relax with your loved ones.  Created in the 18th century, this park has been the subject of numerous famous paintings.

Les Invalides

This beautiful domed building was built in the late 17th century by Louis XIV. Despite its staggeringly beautiful classical architecture, it had the practical use of housing wounded soldiers, as well as housing the tomb of Napoleon.

Paris is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities on the planet. As with any trip to a major city, make sure to plan your itinerary in advance; upon arrival there is so much choice and activity it can become overwhelming!

Bank holidays are a great time to plan a city break with your friends, family or partner. Make sure to properly plan your bank holidays 2012 and bank holidays 2013 in advance to take advantage of your long weekends!

Congratulations on deciding to take a trip abroad! Foreign vacations are what many people dream of doing sometime in their life, and very soon you’re going to be living the dream. Before you start enjoying your trip, you’re going to need to do a lot of planning and preparation. Vacations always seem like a lot of trouble to get there, but they’re always worth it in the end. A vacation out of the country can require even more prior effort. As long as you give yourself ample time to prepare, your trip abroad should go off without a hitch. There are many things to consider, and your flight and hotel reservations are an incredibly important part of your journey. To begin getting ready, here are some tips on planning your flight and hotel stay for your trip.

Flight

Research
A flight abroad is a long one. You should do thorough research before you depart. You’ll want to research airlines and find out which ones near you go to your vacation destination and which have the best prices. You’ll have to consider the cost of a round-trip ticket as well as baggage fees, which can quickly add up if you have a lot of luggage to bring along. It’s also important to understand all rules and regulations as far as what you’re allowed to bring into the country you’re visiting, and what declarations you’re required to make when you go through customs.

Reservations
It’s important to get an early start on your flight reservations. The sooner you book, the more you’re likely to save. Plane tickets abroad can be very expensive, so you don’t want to wait until the last minute when prices are generally even higher. Find out if your flight will have a layover, and how long it is. If you have a long layover in another country, you might want to consider planning for a little sightseeing while you wait for your connecting flight.

Hotel

Research
Before you book a hotel reservation, make sure you do a lot of research on the country you’re visiting. Try to learn about the different popular neighborhoods for tourists, and determine where you want to be centrally located. Read reviews on different hotels, and find out what is included in the room rate, such as any meals. Think about any amenities you want to have access to, such as a hotel pool, gym, or Internet access. It’s very important to choose a hotel that is safe and tourist-friendly, as well as reasonably priced and located within a reasonable distance to the attractions you hope to see.

Reservations
Just like with your flight, try to make your room reservations as early as possible. If you find out the hotel you want to stay in is booked solid, you’ll have to alter your vacation plans, so don’t delay. If this is the case, you may need to find an alternate hotel. When making your reservations, inquire about any discounts that might be available, and let the manager know if you need any special accommodations.

Emily Wagner is an experienced world traveler and freelance writer.  She suggests all aspiring writers use a reliable grammar checker.

A canal cruise holiday, let’s face it, is not likely to be the first thing that leaps out of your mouth when asked where you would like to go on holiday. But, having been on several now, I can assure you that it is more than just pulling a boat along a wet road in the rain, and eating beans from a can on a pavement. Especially when done in glorious France.

Hitting the majestic frog stuffed canals, when the sun is warm and the wind is low is a wonderful experience. If you want to get away from it all, to feel serene and calm and to do something that is really very good fun and just completely different from anything you’ve ever done before for a holiday…then get your captain’s hat.

To give you some idea of how your holiday might go, here are some suggestions of the types of people who I think would really love the whole experience:

Photographers – Canal St Martin, St Denis and de l’Ourcq, Paris

Paris is indeed home to the majestic River Seine, but it also has canals built by Napoleon I that offer those travelling by barge some unique views of the city landlubbers don’t get to see. The lazy nature of the canal allows you to sit and linger and get off and on again to your heart’s content, or until your memory is full.

Wine Lovers – River Saône, Canal du Centre and Canal du Bourgogne, Burgundy

If wine is your passion then you have no doubt been to France to celebrate your love with a glass of the good stuff. A cruise through the Burgundy region allows you to saunter from world famous vineyard to world famous vineyard, sampling world famous wine as well as some special one off bottles they keep under the counter. Yum!

Families – Canal du Nord, Nord-Pas de Calais

Not only is this region full of stunning scenery, brilliant little towns and a ton of fascinating history…it is just across the water from Dover. You can load your brood in the car, hop across the water and all jump on board your barge in just a couple of hours. Then leave them to work the locks while you enjoy the scenery.

Romantics – Rhone-Sète Canal, Thau lagoon and the Midi Canal, Provence

Absolutely stunning scenery awaits anyone looking for a truly romantic getaway, with ancient Roman architecture, fields of lavender and vast vineyards beyond every sunlight curve of the water. Plus you can visit the famed Châteauneuf du Pape for a spot of wine tasting.

Something for everyone as you can see. Plus you can get a big fancy expensive luxury barge or a modest but still nice one, depending on your budget or the size of your family.

Cast Off!

Gary le Clercq organises canal cruises in France. He has been barging since he was 15 and fell in love with French canals about the same time he fell in love with his wife.

Great climate, amazing culture, colourful traditions, interesting history, unspoiled countryside and the availability of modern amenities make France an ideal place to reside. The country receives more than 70 million overseas visitors annually. If you are considering embarking on an exciting adventure and moving to France, here are a few that you need to consider.

Location

When moving to France, deciding exactly where to settle is one of the trickiest decisions. Different regions have their own charm and choosing one between them can be confusing. For instance, Celtic Brittany, known for its rocky shores and wild beauty, is a region steeped in traditions and customs, while Aquitaine’s Dordogne département is a lush region featuring quaint villages and castles that take you back to the middle ages. Dordogne department is also a paradise for shoppers and foodies with many lively markets and restaurants offering gastronomic delights like truffles and foie gras.

Hardly anyone can resist the charm of the sunny region of Provence with its lavender fields, hill towns, the shady palms of Cote d’Azur and turquoise sea. The other regions of France are also picturesque and charming in their own ways. You need to decide the characteristics you are looking for and choose a region based on them.

Climate

Great climate is one of the benefits of moving to France. The geographical landscape of the country is very diverse. France offers lush green countrysides, lofty mountains as well as pristine beaches. You can consider climate while choosing a region to settle or plan retreats to other regions during months that feature extreme temperatures. For instance, if you settle in Paris, you plan a retreat to Brittany and get away from the sweltering commercial city during the summer months. The Pacific Northwest climate of Brittany makes it an ideal destination for summer retreat. During the winters you can plan a ski vacation in the Alps.

Making the Move

Although moving to a new country seems like an overwhelming task, the actual shift is often simple and quick. Capable French real estate agents can make the task even easier. At most agencies you will find at least a few English speaking French real estate agents. These agents have contacts with a large number of moving companies and property owners. This allows them to offer the best possible quotes. They can also make the task of finding your dream home easier. Whether you are looking for an ideal retirement destination or just a place that offers a better quality of life, France is one of the best options.

Magic View are a French real estate agent based in Cannes who provides an extensive range of apartments, houses and villas for sale or rent throughout the South of France. Magic View are specialists in helping property investors find their ideal French property for sale

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The French Riviera has been attracting artists to its spectacular coastline for centuries. Writers, painters, poets and others have been drawn by its light and the colour of the water since the late 1700s. In fact, the term “Côte d’Azur” was coined by the writer Stephen Liégeard who even used the term in the title of his travel guide in 1887. For any creative mind that had not yet been to the French Riviera they booked their holiday there immediately.

The French Riviera is the stretch of coastline along the south of France and has been described as a “coast of light, of warm breezes, and mysterious balmy forests”. As its popularity grew, more and more people travelled to the coastline for holidays, to work and to settle here and over the centuries construction has resulted in a number of options for people looking for luxury property for rent in Maida Vale.

Artists were also inspired by the light in the area and captured it on canvas and from the Impressionists to modern day painters, artists have been journeying to these shores. But inspiration is not the only reason these creatives have flocked here; many find the Riviera the ideal place to find solace from America’s prohibitions, failing relationships, and other regimes. From Vladimir Nabokov to F. Scott Fitzgerald to H.G. Wells and many others besides, the number of artists who were drawn to the area have resulted in it being immortalised in literature and paint. Picasso, for example, spent a year in Antibes where he was extremely productive, and then moved to Cannes, Mougins and Vallauris which has since opened a museum devoted to some of his works.

Another reason why so many people flocked to the Mediterranean coastline was at their doctors’ recommendation. Poor health, bronchial conditions, stress, fatigue, these were among the conditions that doctors recommended would be relieved by the sunny weather and fresh air. Robert Louis Stevenson was one such literary creative who was sent to the beautiful coastline to recover from a bad chest.

Many writers chose to setup base in the comfort and beauty of the Cap d’Antibes including Juless Verne who authored “Around the World in 80 Days” and Fitz-gerald who worked on his piece “Tender is the Night”. Nice is another popular area that drew creatives to its palm lined beach front.

Whether you are an artist seeking inspiration or simply want to enjoy the magnificent beauty of France’s south coast, luxury property for sale in the French Riviera is the ideal home for you.

Sally Roberts is a freelance writer with a keen interest in luxury property in Europe.