I really feel that more people, especially those who are abroad or going abroad soon, should aim for “Fluency in 3 months”, or something as concrete, even if not quite as ambitious. It’s not guaranteed that they’ll get it, but the point is that they’ll end up with something very useful for having pushed themselves so hard. If I was aiming for the level I have now rather than above it, then I wouldn’t have pushed myself as hard, as I’d see it in sight and ease off at some point.
Language learning can be lots of fun when you take your time, but the best way to make progress quickly if you truly need it, is to be out of your comfort zone most of the time – it’s unpleasant, but it’s very effective.
Thoughts on all this welcome below as always!