Languages are complex systems. They can seem insurmountable once we start to delve into the vocabulary and grammar of it all. However, as the very wise Henry Ford pointed out, it’s easy in small pieces!

Hearing ‘but I don’t even know where to start’ is common for language teachers. And the answer we always give here at Anna Spring Language School is ‘somewhere’. Take a part of the language, a few key sentences and words, and repeat them, explore them, start to feel at ease with them. Once you have a few phrases you’re confident with you can start changing them around, turn them into questions, make them negative, change the object of the sentence into something else…….just keep exploring.

Next step is to take a new chunk of the language and do the same again. However never forget to consistently go back over the pieces you learnt before so they stay fresh.

‘Kaizen’ (‘改善’) is the Japanese word for ‘improvement’ or ‘change for the better’. It focuses on continuous improvement of all functions. The theory behind it is that if you simply improve all areas by 1%, the overall outcome will come on in leaps and bounds. This theory is also used by Dave Brailsford, the man of the moment and Team GB’s cycling coach. This methodology is as useful for language learning as it is for businesses and for athletes – consider small pieces, practice them one by one and make gradual improvements.

Once you get to a stage where you feel you have a basic understanding of the language, it’s time to slowly start combining the natural method with this more methodical approach. When I say the natural method, I mean the way children learn by absorbing the language rather than breaking it down. This method has become increasingly popular with adults over the last few years as an easy way to learn. The only problem is that adult minds no longer work in the same way as they did when they were children. Adults don’t have the capacity to simply absorb in the same way (partly because over the years our minds become so full with other stuff so there isn’t the same capacity). It’s therefore important to combine both methods.

This means, that along with learning the language bit by bit, watch films in that language (including subtitles are fine), read newspapers and/or articles in the internet in that language (it doesn’t even matter if you don’t understand most of it) or keep the radio on in the background. The key is to take small steps to make the language part of your everyday life.

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Passports

How to apply for your first passport

In order to be eligible to apply for your first adult passport you must be aged 16 or over and satisfy the British citizenship requirements. The application process now requires an interview which can take up to six weeks, so allow plenty of time before you travel; it will not be possible to obtain your first passport any quicker than this. The fee for a standard 10 year passport is currently £77.50. You will need to get your passport form countersigned by another British Passport holder. They need to be someone whom you have known for at least two years and works in a recognised profession, or be considered to have a good standing in the community. You will also need to provide supporting documents to prove your identity.

Passport application forms are available from the Post Office. Alternatively you can contact the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000 and ask the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) to send it to you in the post, or click here to apply online.

How to apply for a passport renewal

Direct.gov recommend you apply for a new passport once you have 9 months or less remaining before the expiry of your current passport. Any unused time up to 9 months can be added on to your new passport. Renewing your passport takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

The passport application form is used for both first time passport applications and renewals.

How to get your passport in a hurry

If you need a new passport as a matter of urgency you can use the Fast Track one-week service or the Premium one-day service. To use these services you will need to visit the regional passport office in person, bringing your completed application form and supporting documents. You can book your appointment by calling the IPS Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000 between the hours of 8.00 am and 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am and 5.30 PM on weekends and public holidays. The cost for urgent renewals is £112.50 for the one-week Fast Track Service and £129.50 for the one-day Premium service.

How to apply for a passport for a child

Children and babies under 16 now require their own passport in order to travel abroad. The cost of a child passport is £49.00, and it is valid for 5 years. If your child is currently included on your passport, you will need to obtain a new passport for them and also a new one for yourself. The IPS do not accept applications for Child Passports from overseas, to do this you will have to contact your local embassy or consulate.

You can complete the application form for a child’s passport online here.

If you urgently need to renew your child’s passport this is possible at a cost of £96.50 for the one-week Fast Track service and £109.50 for the one-day Premium service.

How to add extra pages to your passport

It is not possible to have extra pages added to a British passport. If your passport is full up you will have to apply for a new one, paying the full fee.

How to Report a Lost or Stolen Passport

Lost or stolen passports need to be reported to the IPS as soon as possible. To do this you will need to complete a Lost or Stolen notification form (LS01) and also report passport thefts to the police. The same procedure applies if your child’s passport has been lost or stolen.

You can obtain a copy of the LS01 form from a regional passport office, local police station, selected Post Offices, the IPS Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000 or by applying online at direct.gov. If you find your passport after reporting it as lost or stolen it must be returned to the IPS.

If your passport is lost or stolen abroad you will need to report it to the local police there and keep hold of the crime reference details for the LS01 form. You will also need to report it to the UK embassy in the country. To find them contact +44 (0)20 7008 1500.

For more detailed information regarding passports visit Direct Gov.

Before you go

Travel Insurance

Leaving without travel insurance is a risk not worth taking. Travel insurance can cover you for all sorts of eventualities, from medical expenses to the bankruptcy of your tour operator, lost luggage, trip curtailment or cancellation and legal assistance. Some insurance policies may exclude those with existing medical conditions or injuries or illness caused by excessive alcohol consumption, so it’s important to scrutinise insurance policies to ensure you purchase one that meets with your requirements. You may also have to take out additional coverage for activities deemed to be dangerous such as skiing. If you do travel without insurance and an emergency befalls you, you may be liable to meet the costs yourself and this could be financially crippling.

Beware of the law

Before you go familiarise yourself with the local customs and legislation, otherwise you may find yourself caught out by some unexpected regulations. Don’t chew gum in Singapore because it’s illegal there, as is kissing in public in Dubai. In the Italian town of Eraclea near Venice there is a bylaw that prohibits building sandcastles on the beach, whilst in Florida unmarried women cannot parachute on a Sunday!

How to Bring Money

Work out your travel budget in advance and get your required currencies converted at a foreign exchange bureau. If you are travelling for a long period of time you may want to bring enough money for the first week of your stay and then use your debit card to withdraw money locally later on, to avoid carrying around substantial amounts of cash which may be risky. Some banks will charge for using a debit card abroad. Goods and services can be paid for with a debit or a credit card but remember when using a credit card to withdraw cash you will incur immediate interest charges.

Some final tips for before departure

Below are a final few things to think about before you leave:

• Shop around for the best deal to get your currency converted
• Remember to take any travel guides, phrasebooks or dictionaries which you may need
• Cancel any newspaper or grocery deliveries
• Ensure you have the correct electrical adapters for the country you are visiting
• Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbour who can keep an eye on your property while you’re away
• Leave contact details with friends or family

Health and safety on your travels

Health

Ensure you have all your medication, and if you have particular medical problems which may require you to have treatment while your away arrange this in advance, or at least familiarise of what procedures you need to follow to obtain your treatment once you have reached your destination.

Depending on what part of the world you’re going to you may need to have vaccinations, and these should be organised well in advance of your departure. For further information visit the NHS site.

If you are a member of the EU and are travelling in a country of the European Economic Area or Switzerland you should take your European Health Insurance Card, which will enable you obtain reduced cost medical treatment. The cards are free of charge and last for 5 years, apply for yours at www.ehic.org.uk.

Precautions to take whilst travelling

• Consider using a money belt to carry your valuables; they might not be the height of fashion but they will guard you against pickpockets.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and travel documents in case you lose the originals.
• Try not to carry all of your cash on you at once, and hire a safe if your accommodation provides one.

Terrorism

I recommend you visit the FCO to assess whether there is a likely threat of conflict or terrorism in the area you are seeking to travel to, and consider any precautions that you can take to keep yourself safe.

Help from British Consuls Abroad

British Consuls are situated all over the world and can assist you if things go wrong abroad. They can replace lost or stolen passports, and organise medical and legal services should you need them in an emergency. They cannot pay for such services, but will contact family or friends to help you get the money transferred, and offer you advice and support in times of difficulty. Before you go it is advisable to find out where the nearest British Embassy is to your destination, make a note of the contact details and even plan the journey in advance should you need to go to them.

I hope this has been of some use and that you have a safe and pleasant trip.

Bon Voyage!

Written by Laura Febbrari
Photo by Marwen GR

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