How do I learn real English?

[Grinston]

I have studied English for many years. I am an upper intermediate/ advanced student. But when I go to UK or USA I don't understand the normal spoken language that native speakers use, it is different from what I learned in school, it is not in any text books. How can I learn this?

[philadelphia]

How about a pen pal?

[emsr2d2]

I have studied English for many years. I am an upper intermediate/ advanced student. But when I go to UK or USA I don't understand the normal spoken language that native speakers use, it is different from what I learned in school, it is not in any text books. How can I learn this?

You may be able to find a conversation partner locally, or even online. You can talk by Skype or in person. In some parts of the world there are immersion courses you can go on where you spend up to a week with a group of non-native speakers, and a group of native speakers. The only language spoken all week is English and the native speakers are told to speak in their normal, everyday language!

[billmcd]

How about some examples?