Use don’t study

When you’re looking to learn a second language and you turn to a teacher, that’s usually the first mistake. Turn to yourself. Practice yourself first. Learn what you have to learn, then go about learning it.

A teacher will only be good as a practice partner, for the initial stages at least. Try using the language as much as possible yourself first. Then get the teacher to suggest ways to improve your learning (importantly not study) methods.

Use the language. Don’t study it.