So, you’ve been living in a foreign country for a while and learning its language for about the same amount of time. You expected your level to be much higher by now—that communication would no longer be such a challenge after so much time immersed in the environment. Yet somehow, despite making considerable progress, you’re still struggling. In everyday situations, you often feel uncertain, unable to express yourself clearly or follow the natural flow of native speakers’ speech.

Let’s explore the potential blockers and dive into the psychology behind this experience. Along the way, you may gain new insights, find fresh inspiration, regain your confidence, and hopefully pick up some practical strategies to help you move forward.