The article is dedicated to current problems and difficulties encumbering the learning of a foreign language by adults. As a result of analysis, a classification of possible barriers is given. Special attention is headed to the psychological barriers combined with professional experience, the forced acceptance of the student’s position, distrust of the andragogue and students’ own knowledge. The main causes and consequences of the described problems are identified and analyzed. The conclusion is made about the decisive importance of psychological support from the andragogue, emphasizing high degree of responsibility. The author presents techniques and examples of psychological support provision to adult students, which highlight the importance of preventive work and psychological preparation for students’ educational process.