Comprehensible Input

I think it was Stephen Krashen who made the point that one effective strategy for language learning is to develope techniques for soliciting comprehensible input. For example, if you can ask for something you don't understand to be repeated, more slowly. Question statements by rephrasing. Provoke conversation.

With this in mind, make sure you take the time to learn phrases that allow you to respond when you don't understand, to ask for clarification.