Master Apprentice Language Learning:
How to Choose a Mentor

Using the master apprentice approach, you look for native speakers that will act as your mentor to help you learn their language.

Where should you look for mentors? Start by choosing housing, professional, and recreational activities that put you in company of language speakers. If you can, live with a family or in a boarding house rather than in an apartment or hotel.

If you are working abroad, take breaks with local co-workers rather than native English speakers. Join a local club you have an interest in, such as climbing, theater, dancing, charitable activities (think international organizations, like Rotary), etc. As you develop friendships, explain your language goals and ask friends to suggest mentors. Explain the master apprentice approach. When looking for a mentor, keep in mind:

• You and your mentors should be personally compatible. More than likely, your mentors will become valued friends. Look for qualities you want in a friend.

  Caution: In many countries, custom prohibits unrelated males and females from being alone. If this is the case in your target country, choose mentors of the same gender. Even in countries where this is not taboo, exercise care in selecting a mentor of the opposite gender. Focus on language learning with your mentor (not the language of love).

• A mentor need not be a professional language teacher. While traditional language teachers may be more helpful with grammar and vocabulary, a non-traditional mentor may be more flexible about helping with your immediate language learning needs.

• A good mentor must be patient, willing to slow down and help you with numerous repetitions, especially in correcting errors – without laughing at you...at least not too much.

• Your mentors must be able to commit time to help you learn, so think about people who might have time available: a retired person, a student, an unemployed person.

• Consider how and whether to compensate your mentor. Find out from close friends what would be culturally appropriate.