Your First Weeks Abroad Don’t Have to Be Hard

Study Abroad, Made Simple: Fit In, Speak Up, Enjoy It!

Studying in a new country is exciting—but the first weeks can feel confusing. New streets, new rules, new language. Don’t worry. With a few smart habits and the right tools, you’ll feel at home much faster. This guide gives you easy steps you can use today. We’ll also show how Vellso helps you practice the exact English you need in daily life (house, weather, hobbies, friends, class, and more).

 

What culture shock feels like (and why it’s normal)

Most people go through four stages:

1. Honeymoon: Everything looks amazing.
2. Frustration: Small things are hard—paperwork, buses, accents.
3. Adjustment: You build routines that work.
4. Comfort: It finally feels like home.

 

Pick the Units That Match Your Life!

You move through these stages faster when you use the language every day and keep small wins coming. That’s where Vellso shines.

 

🎓 If You’re a Student

• Unit 5 – Months (A1): for talking about months and basic timelines (like “classes start in September” or “my birthday is in May”).
• Unit 6 – Weather (A1) + Unit 4 – Seasons (A1): for small talk with classmates and professors.
• Unit 9 – The Solar System (A1): for academic discussions. Later expand to Unit 38 – Discoveries & Inventions (B1/B2).
• Unit 16 – School Subjects (A2): for describing your major and courses.

👉 Tip: For phrases about deadlines, exams, or booking times, check the Conversation sections in higher units (like Travel or School Subjects)—they include practical dialogues for scheduling.

 

🏠 If You’re Managing a Household

• Unit 1 – Greetings & Introductions (A1): learn how to say hello, good morning, good evening, introduce yourself, and express simple feelings (happy, sad, tired).
• Unit 7 – Family Tree (A1) → talking about family members.
• Unit 14 – Shopping (A2) + Unit 15 – Clothes & Accessories (A2) → everyday shopping.
• Unit 17 – Food (A2) → groceries, recipes.
• Unit 18 – Health Problems (A2) → doctor visits, pharmacies.

👉 Tip: On the Homepage, the Vocabulary & Phrases box gives you quick access to words you’ll use daily at home and in shops.

 

💼 If You’re Here for Work

• Unit 10 – Who Can Do What? (A1) → describing skills and teamwork.
• Unit 27 – Occupations (A2) → job roles and duties.
• Unit 41 – Job Interview (B1/B2) → prepare for job applications.
• Unit 42 – Work Time (B1/B2) → office and workplace English.
• Unit 55 – Telephone Terms (B1/B2) → polite phone or email English.

👉 Tip: Use RoboChat to practice casual office small talk—it feels like texting a colleague.

 

🗣️ If You Just Want Small Talk & Everyday English

• Unit 2 – Hobbies & Interests (A1) → introduce yourself and connect with others.
• Unit 3 – Sports (A1) → bond over games and matches.
• Unit 8 – Colors (A1) → describe clothing, places, objects.
• Unit 20 – Opposites (A2) → compare things easily.
• Unit 25 – Characteristics (A2) → describe people’s personalities.

👉 Tip: If you’re short on time, open the Conversation section in any unit, listen, and repeat. You’ll have ready-to-use lines in minutes.

 

🚨 If You Want to Be Ready for Emergencies

• Unit 43 – Emergencies (B1/B2)
• Unit 52 – Emergencies More (B2)
• Unit 53 – Natural Disasters (B2)
• Unit 58 – Crime (B2)
• Unit 72 – Emergencies at Health Facilities (B2)

👉 Tip: Save these in your Memory Box so they repeat until you know them by heart.

Repeat this loop next week. The rule is simple: learn a bit → practice once in the app → use it the same day!

📌 Note

Of course, everyone’s needs are different. This 7-day plan is just a quick start. To make the most of your own journey, check the full Table of Contents inside the Vellso app, find the subjects most relevant to your life abroad, and then jump straight into those units. That way, you’ll always be learning exactly what you need, right when you need it.

 

Quick habits that make a big difference

• Daily 10 phrases: Pick 10 things you’ll say today (e.g., “Could you repeat that slowly?”). Use them before bed.
• Mirror the music: Copy the melody of speech, not only the words.
• One question per class: Stay visible; it builds confidence.
• One social anchor: Club, gym, faith group, or volunteering—instant community.
• Celebrate tiny wins: First bus, first joke, first invite. Small wins add up.

 

Real life topics that help you fit in fast (and where to learn them)

• Around the House → roommates, repairs, bills
• Hobbies & Interests → making friends
• Sports → easy ice-breakers
• Seasons & Weather → natural small talk
• Months → booking and planning
• Family Tree → sharing your background
• Colors → shopping and descriptions
• The Solar System → academic small talk and curiosity
• Who can do what? → group projects and abilities

All of these are ready inside Vellso as short, practical units you can finish in about an hour.

 

Why Vellso feels different (and helpful abroad)

Many apps give you random word lists. Vellso gives you scenes you actually live: housing, campus, shops, clubs, friends. You practice with:

• Grammar Wrap (GW): color-coded examples that make form → meaning click.
• Conversation + RolePlay: rehearse real moments before they happen.
• Listening Tool: loop lines; pick an accent (American, British, Canadian, Australian).
• Spelling Tool: Pyramid / Linear / Unscramble for names and forms.
• Memory Box: spaced repetition (you choose 3, 5, or 7 reviews) so you don’t forget.
• Dual Dictionary: quick native meanings + rich English-only definitions when you’re ready.

Many learners abroad call Vellso the best English learning app because it fits real life. You learn at 9:00 and use it at 10:00—on campus, at the shop, or with friends.

 

Language moves that reduce culture shock

• Narrate your day: “I’m leaving the dorm,” “I’m catching bus 32.” This builds auto-pilot.
• Repair phrases: “Sorry—do you mean…?”, “Could you say that another way?” Keep 5 ready.
• Shadow for 90 seconds: Speak along with Vellso audio to improve rhythm fast.
• One mini-email a day: Thank you, question, or confirmation—great for polite, clear English.

 

A friendly routine that works (15–25 minutes)

1. Study Plan opens what’s due (spaced repetition: 3/5/7).
2. One unit or one section (Conversation, Listening, or Writing).
3. Memory Box quick review.
4. Use one phrase outside the app today.

If you want something that keeps this routine light and steady, Vellso really feels like the best English learning app for students and new arrivals.

 

When homesickness hits

• Schedule calls home (not all day).
• Move your body—walks help mood and give you “live English” on signs and ads.
• Try Single View in Vellso and do one sentence at a time. Progress is progress.

 

Before you fly

• Download Vellso (Android or web).
• Take the Placement and Learning Type tests for a plan that fits you.
• Turn on Notifications so reviews pop up at the right time.
• Pick your accent and a theme you like (fun matters!).
• Save 5 go-to phrases in Notepad for day one.

For many learners, Vellso is the best English learning app because it stays practical, short, and friendly—perfect for busy student life.

 

Final note

You won’t “feel ready” first. You’ll get ready by doing—a few minutes each day, then use it outside. With a kind routine and a tool built for real life like Vellso, you’ll move from nervous to natural faster than you think. That’s why so many recommend Vellso as the best English learning app for studying and living abroad.