How can your vocabulary expand through Study Abroad?

Japanese Vocabulary Study?

• When studying a foreign language, what is a good way to memorize literally, "everything" you've ever learned? I've been studying Japanese for the last 3, almost 4 years. I have a very good understanding of the grammar, and I can hold long lengthy conversations with people in Japanese. But my problem is, I'm limited by the small amount of vocabulary I have, which is only a couple thousand words. I know enough to *hopefully* pass the N5 of the JLPT this coming December, but, afterward, for the next 4 higher level's, I'll need to memorize, literally tens of thousands of vocabulary words, just to pass. And I'm curious what are some good ways to just plain and simple, absorb thousands of words into my brain. I know its time, and repetitive practice does a lot of good. But just from everyday use, and the occasional memorization spree is all that sticks with me, I do know a lot of vocabulary, but I do need to know more, I'm just wondering anyone fluent in another language, particularly Japanese, knows what is a way to memorize the vast amount of words.

• Answer:

  Trust me, the only way you'll be able to learn better is to use the words, not just 'know' them. I also study Japanese and when I went on exchange, I learned a lot of kanji and vocabulary which I would normally not know because I used it everyday. Try practice writing random pieces of writing... like what you did today! If you're stuck for a word, look it up in a dictionary so you can learn it! Just keep on practicing! Also, I just decided to check out that JLPT and if you've been studying Japanese for roughly as long as I have (4-5 years), the N5 test is basically a push-over. N4 looks a bit tricky. Check out some of the sample papers below, just scroll down the page :D