How to Make Time for Language Learning with a Full-Time Job

❤️ Today I'll go over how to design a language learning strategy that you can fit in alongside a busy schedule. I work full-time as a doctor in London, and on the side I learn Mandarin in any free time I can get - I know how hard it can be to make time for goals beyond around full-time studies/work. I'll share my top tips on how to juggle the two and make the most of any spare time you have for language learning.

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*Who am I?* 🙋🏻‍♀️
Hey there, my name’s Izzy 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m a Cambridge uni grad, medical doctor, and YouTuber. I love to learn Chinese, journal, and do yoga. My mission is to help you fulfil your innate potential and create a life you love through personal growth in mind, body and spirit. ⚡️

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sub count: 92,578
P.S. some of the links in this description are affiliate links that help support the channel at no extra cost to you. Thank you for the support! :)

[chriswu]

Hi Izzy, I'm from China. My English listening ability is not quite well. But I found out that I can easily understand what you said. I really love your voice, clear and warming. Please upload more videos when you have time. Thank you!

[TruthSeekerUK]

I accidentally stumbled upon a video of you. I really have to say this. Your aura is very vibrant and you have an infectious energy.
I work closely with the Chinese community in the UK. However, being an Asian from the other side, I struggle to learn mandarin myself. However, it's something I should master. Thanks for posting these great videos.

[TaeKook_analysis]

Thank U for the video!!! I never cease to be amazed at Ur understandable British accent!

[jlvv_]

As a fellow self study mandarin- chinese who hv full time job, thank you for this kind of content! Boost my confidence and faith in learning. I also found some good podcasts thanks to your video and have been listening to them during my morning routine too.. 加油 🙌

[e-genieclimatique]

in brief:
This video, hosted by Izzy, a Cambridge graduate and doctor in London who learns Mandarin Chinese in her spare time, provides tips on how to effectively self-study a new language despite a busy lifestyle.

The video outlines five main steps:

1. **Understanding Your Learner Profile**: Izzy emphasizes that everyone learns differently.
You need to understand your learning style, when you have the most energy during the day, and what duration of study works best for you.
She also suggests identifying learning strategies that you enjoy, to make the process more enjoyable.

2. **Evaluating Your Schedule**: Izzy advises assessing your schedule and blocking out time for language study, using tools like Google Calendar to schedule your learning time in advance and to protect it from other engagements.
She also suggests scheduling sessions with online tutors or language buddies to hold yourself accountable.

3. **Habit Stacking**: Izzy recommends multitasking by integrating language learning into other daily tasks.
She provides examples from her own routine, like studying Chinese flashcards or listening to Chinese podcasts during her commute or during her morning routine.

4. **Creating a Game Plan**: This involves planning your study content in advance to optimize the efficiency of your study sessions.
Knowing what you're supposed to study ahead of time reduces mental friction and ensures that you focus your efforts on areas where they're most needed.

5. **Maximizing Study Efficiency**: Izzy stresses the importance of using effective studying techniques to get the most out of limited study time.
She suggests space repetition software, listening to podcasts, having speaking sessions, and practicing reading with graded readers.
She recommends the book "Fluent Forever" by Gabriel Wyner for more insights on efficient language learning.

Izzy encourages viewers to share their own tips for learning languages around busy schedules in the comments and concludes the video by wishing everyone the best with their language learning journey.

[ashikihsan]

Thank you Izzy Healey for introducing about Language Learning Tactics and you are a skillful woman to learn the Chinese and other languages efficiently. Izzy, I love learning English and love finding more new words in English even though my English. Izzy, Your English knowledge is best and you are a native English speaker. You can decide how well I'm using my English. When you speak English everytime, I'm getting new words from you Izzy. Thank you for your kindness

[soyounlim]

Your voice is so comfortable to listen to.
Thank you for the good information.

[savagekingdom]

Such a phenomenal character you are. Keep up the good work👍

[kraftharpuia]

I'm listening to your video for my English study. I haven't studied English for a long time, but since I found you on YouTube, I've been studying regularly.Thank you for your clear pronunciation.

[kysuketcau.T]

"This is video for you", so great!

[nsfa]

I love you Izzy! I love your accent, I love your way of being, I love your natural beauty, I love how humble you are are, I love everything about you! Thanks for your videos!

[SajidDadabhoy]

Thanks once again, for a power-packed lesson Dr. Izzy!
A reminder from previous-lessons to all: good/optimum health is the foundation to success - physical, mental, and emotional🤍.

[Kazu_]

I'm Kazu from JP, often watching your YouTube channel.
Your videos are all interesting and useful, thank you.
Recently I thought it difficult to find a learning style which fit me, because I'm already middle-aged and I'm busy for working weekends.
But I'll review my current style again.

[ДмитрийКузнецов-яд]

Thanks a million for your video and extremely good advice. Before sleep while I am watching one-two Chinese lessons. I have a habit now . I hope it will help a bit with my busy schedule

[cheesejkliop]

Lol i love the time stamps. Thanks again for the content!

[kitchan]

love your voice and accent!!! thanks for sharing!

[ertw]

Thanks for sharing Izzy! Your commute time is well spent learning Mandarin!

[sunnyman]

This is very tactful. Now onwards, I will be able to cope with hectic schedule which remains some time to make things possible.

[flubadubdubthegreat]

Hi Izzy, I also go to Cambridge and I'm also learning mandarin! Honestly it helps a lot that there are so many Chinese people here. Almost all of them are very pleased/helpful when they find out that I'm learning mandarin

[JamieWhiffen]

Super useful tips Izzy, I'll apply these as I'm currently learning Spanish!