If you are in Shanghai, there are many native English speakers for you to practice with here! 如果你在上海的话,上还有很多的外国人,你可以跟他们用你的英语。
I am learning Chinese, and I believe the best way to improve a language is to use things that you study. 我现在在学习普通话,我觉得常常用就可以。
Ask yourself, why am I studying, what kind of situations will I need to use this language in? Then learning the appropriate vocabulary for that situation. After you feel confident, use what you have learned! 问自己,我为什么学这个语言?什么时候在什么情况?然后学合适的生词。