You're not alone. There are many other language learners suffering from social anxiety. Here you can find some tips:

<a href="https://universeofmemory.com/learn-to-speak-a-foreign-language-with-social-anxiety/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://universeofmemory.com/learn-to-speak-a-foreign-language-with-social-anxiety/</a>;

<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/languagelearning/comments/4ouwwu/learning_languages_with_social_anxiety/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.reddit.com/r/languagelearning/comments/4ouwwu/learning_languages_with_social_anxiety/</a>;

<a href="https://medium.com/@alicia.ruth.mendez/social-anxiety-and-second-language-learning-how-to-reduce-your-fears-of-speaking-with-strangers-f646af7e4c4f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://medium.com/@alicia.ruth.mendez/social-anxiety-and-second-language-learning-how-to-reduce-your-fears-of-speaking-with-strangers-f646af7e4c4f</a>;

<a href="https://thejapanesepearl.com/2018/07/12/learning-foreign-language-helped-social-anxiety/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thejapanesepearl.com/2018/07/12/learning-foreign-language-helped-social-anxiety/</a>;

Japanese people are often quite shy and introvert, so Japanese teachers and exchange partners will most likely be understanding when you are shy and have trouble speaking.

Hi Nicole! :) The best thing to do is to find the right teacher that will make you feel comfortable. If it's with a woman, then filter through the females who teach. If that's not an issue, start browsing and just see who seems to have the right style and personality. Note: most Professional Teachers have likely been trained on how to help people of all learning styles. You may want to begin with a PT first.

Next, when you book a lesson, opt for a trial lesson or a shorter block of time time (usually it's 30 minutes, rather than a full hour). Send the instructor a message, and be honest about your situation. Tell them you have some nervousness about speaking to a stranger, or speaking to a stranger in another language. This way they know how to approach you. If you have any restrictions or limits, let them know.

Like everyone has said here, we've all felt a little nervous going in to our first lesson. I can't imagine how this must be for someone who suffers from anxiety. Likely, if you've found ways to cope with certain other things in life despite your anxiety, you will be able to do this too. Try to look at it this way: your trainer is like a living text book and you're here for the languages. They've likely seen it all! :)

I hope you find the right instructor and have fun improving your target language with them! Good luck!

I'm also very insecure... I really struggle with it every day, but I've got better at hiding it. I came to Russia 4 years ago, because I wanted to study music here. the person who waited me in the airport and helped me was a friend of my father but a total stranger for me, but he was the only person who I could say I was familiar with. I didn't knew a single word of russian language, and I felt like a total loser about my skills with my instrument. Life was thought... I wanted to quit... But at the end, it made sense for me. I know what I want, I know where I want to be, and even if at the time I was not as good as the people who were around me, I'll get better every day. I won't let nothing and no one, steal from me my dreams and aspirations. Because no one was born knowing how to do everything. The people who laugh at you when you're trying to learn something new and improve yourself, they were the most insecure of all, and laughing at you makes them feel safe and good with themself.

From Russia one person told me: "people who laugh at others that are trying to improve their self, are just stupid. Don't let them keep you away from your goals. Take your instrument, and play as if there was no one else in the earth. Because you're the only one who can improve yourself. Before starting, just think : По хуй, да!"

I'm the same !!! It's so difficult for me to speak. I'm learning korean, spanish and japanese. I struggle so much with speaking that i feel discouraged with myself. Even writing here make me inconfortable : " did i make mistakes? Is it understandable? Is it interesting "

I'm so envious of people who can express themselves without stress....

But i'm trying very hard so i wish it will result !

Ganbatte !!!

You stand nothing to lose in the end! I would say that japanese are quite shy themselves and if they are professional teachers they will manage make you feel comfortable. Dealing with people is something we have to learn anyways to survive, I think you should try out your best and learn from new experiences. You can try to ask people to correct what you write so at first you can avoid speaking while making some friends until you get confident to talk.