In my experience you'll struggle for quite some time. If you've only been studying for 6 months and you are already able to understand things and formulate responses (even if slowly) you're doing great.

The more you practice the faster you'll learn. If you have the chance and opportunity to go practice 4-6 hours a day go for it. It'll certainly help!

PS, I'm not advanced, maybe an intermediate speaker. But the more I practice the better I do :).

Craig