When learners spend a period of time in the L2 community, as students on exchange programmes, as immigrants, or even on holiday, they are surrounded by listening opportunities that are far more varied and numerous than those of the classroom. Drawing on learner data from Erasmus and Study Abroad students on placement at a UK university, this paper shows how keeping a Listening Log motivates and encourages them to engage with, and reflect on, these experiences as potential learning situations. Through writing the Log, they develop independent learning skills, including the ability to monitor their performance, and make decisions and act upon them.