How Much English Do You Need to Travel the World?
Before traveling around the world, I had the following stereotypes about travelers:
- They can understand every line in English dramas
- They score around TOEIC 900
- They have at least Eiken Pre-1st Grade
But I fit none of the above. I’m also bad at reading/writing and barely understand grammar.
As expected, English dramas never stick in my head because no one in them is “talking to me.”
I don’t even have TOEIC or Eiken certifications.
After actually traveling the world, here is the level of English that was enough to enjoy the trip:
- Knowing enough vocabulary to talk about myself
- The ability to quickly look up what I forgot
- The courage to say “I don’t know that word. Any similar word?” when I don’t understand
Of course, having strong English skills is ideal, but I realized that junior-high-school-level English is enough to survive. When talking with people from many countries, communication skills matter more than English skills.
Why Many People Can’t Speak English
Many Japanese people try to form perfect sentences in their head before speaking, which ironically makes them unable to speak.
Conversation flows better if you speak with the mindset of “It’ll probably make sense!” and fix grammar later.
How to Study English so You Can Actually Speak It
It varies by person, but I am this type:
- I forget immediately even if I read books
- I forget immediately even if I study vocabulary
- I forget everything the next day even if I study with English dramas
Basically, I can’t memorize anything I “should” memorize. I struggled—until I started playing English word → Japanese alternating audio while cleaning and muttering the words myself. After about a month of 2 hours a day, I learned quite a lot of vocabulary.
Japanese learners often have poor pronunciation, but pretending to be a native speaker and mimicking their accent actually improved mine a lot.
Also, I talked to people constantly. Having vocabulary stored in your head is useful, but you’ll still encounter unknown words—so just ask.
Find a Study Method That Fits You
Some people do well solving English exercises in apps every day. Before memorizing English, it’s smoother to first find which study style works for you. Also, you forget everything unless you use it—so talk actively.
How Should You Talk in English?
Just like in your native language, the most important thing is showing interest in the other person.
- What’s currently popular?
- What are their hobbies?
- Are there interesting events or spots in the country you’re visiting?
If you’re not used to English conversations, decide on broad themes like the ones above and dig deeper from there. When you hear unfamiliar words, ask for similar words—it sticks better in your memory. If not, just look it up.
Some people want to know about your country too, so preparing a few topics—such as trends or local events—helps. Pictures also make conversation easier.
The Most Important Thing in English Conversation
This varies by person, but for me it was simply: “Don’t overthink.” If you try to speak with perfect grammar, you freeze. Don’t worry about being laughed at. Even if someone laughs, just consider it part of the learning process.
But avoid asking rude or uncomfortable questions.
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