Each year, more than six million students study abroad, many motivated by the desire to learn a foreign language.

Study abroad is often presumed to be a miracle cure for language learning. In reality, however, there is tremendous individual variation: some learners make significant progress while others barely improve. There is currently no accessible, research-informed guide explicitly designed to help students optimize their language learning while abroad.

This practical and easy-to-read text combines research insights with real-world experiences to help readers navigate challenges, stay motivated, and celebrate the rewards of learning a new language while abroad.

Language-generic and adaptable to any target language, including English, it provides a flexible framework that empowers learners to take ownership of their development and thrive in immersive environments. The book addresses common challenges language learners face, such as maintaining motivation, managing negative emotions, and balancing conflicting goals, while offering practical tips and relatable stories that support both linguistic and personal growth. Ultimately, the book empowers readers not just to learn a language but to transform their time abroad into a personally enriching chapter of their lives.