ala~~~~
also try chatting on MSN in English~~~~
doesn't really help you orally, but at least u'll get some practice:)
and this way u don't have to go out and find people~
oh, and try to find a job in the future (like cashier or even volunteer work, of course, not in Chinese supermarkets||||)
i've been working in Safeway for half a year now, and it really helps^^