Douglas Olsen
English is a notoriously difficult language to learn, with many grammar and phonetic rules to master. International students can improve their English in a variety of ways, including taking an accredited English language course, practising speaking skills with native speakers, consuming English media, and reading widely. For those planning to study in the UK, foundation courses are available to improve English skills and build confidence before beginning an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Practice speaking skills with native English speakers | Can help teach the ways of English conversation |
| Listen to different accents | Get used to different sayings or words unique to that dialect |
| Get a part-time job | Expose yourself to the general public and force yourself to converse in English |
| Use online resources | Listen to English podcasts or watch English YouTube channels |
| Read | Immerse yourself in literature, newspapers, articles, magazines, etc. |
| Take English language courses | Prepare for a university course, further your career, and improve your confidence |
| Take foundation courses | Bridge the gap between academic and language qualifications and degree course requirements |
| Take specialised courses | Learn exam techniques and focus on weaker skills |
| Slow down your speech | Communicate well in English and enunciate words clearly |
| Consume English media | Watch Netflix shows or listen to English music |
| Practice speaking, reading, and writing skills | Get the best out of your academic work |
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What You'll Learn
Take an English language course
Taking an English language course is a great way to improve your English skills. English language courses can prepare you for a university course, help you further your career, and improve your confidence. There are several options available for international students looking to take English language courses.
English Language Courses in the UK
The UK is an excellent place for international students to master the English language. There are a variety of English language courses on offer to support your learning. Language centres accredited by the British Council for teaching English have robust safeguarding procedures to ensure the protection and well-being of students under 18. These centres offer high standards of teaching and support, allowing students to progress quickly and practice speaking English with learners from around the world.
Foundation Courses
Foundation pathway courses can help improve your English skills and give you the confidence to start undergraduate or postgraduate study. These courses can bridge the gap between your academic and language qualifications and the degree course requirements. Some universities may offer foundation courses specific to your degree subject, or you can study with a private pathway course provider that has partnerships with universities.
Specialised Courses
If you need help preparing for a specific exam, you can attend a specialised course at a language centre in the UK. These courses focus on exam techniques and weaker skills to help you achieve the best results.
English Language Courses at University
Many universities offer support to enhance the English language skills and confidence of international students. For example, University College London (UCL) offers workshops, tutorials, courses, and online resources to improve English language proficiency.
Taking an English language course can provide international students with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.
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Consume English media
Consuming English media is an excellent way to improve your English language skills as an international student. It is a powerful tool for language learning as it helps you immerse yourself in the language and improve your listening skills. Here are some ways you can effectively use English media to your advantage:
TV Shows and Movies:
Watching English TV shows and movies is a great way to familiarize yourself with the language. Opt for TV sitcoms as they provide a more realistic context of the English language and can help improve your conversational skills. You can also pick up on cultural references and understand different kinds of humour. While educational documentaries and academic articles are beneficial, they may not help you sound natural in casual conversations. So, don't be afraid to indulge in some entertaining English TV shows and movies!
Music and Podcasts:
Listening to English music can be an enjoyable way to improve your English. Additionally, podcasts are highly recommended if you want to pick up on conversational slang and smooth out your accent.
News and Newspapers:
Sampling a variety of English-language newspapers, including broadsheets, tabloids, and magazines, will help you stay informed about current affairs while expanding your vocabulary. You will also become more familiar with word spellings and their contexts.
YouTube and Netflix:
Online platforms like YouTube and Netflix offer a wealth of English media content. You can find numerous videos on YouTube that can aid in language learning, from language lessons to native speakers sharing their tips. Netflix provides a range of series and movies that can help you understand colloquial and conversational English.
Reading:
Reading in English every night, even if it's just a few pages, will expand your vocabulary and improve your grammar. It is a quiet and effective way to enhance your language skills.
Remember, the key to success is consistency and immersion. Surround yourself with English as much as possible, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Enjoy the process of discovering new forms of English media and embracing the language!
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Practise speaking with native speakers
One of the best ways to improve your English is to practise speaking with native speakers. This will help you to get used to the rhythm and melody of the language, as well as exposing you to colloquialisms and idioms that you may not hear in a classroom setting.
It's important to remember that there are many different accents and dialects within the English language, and you may find some easier to understand than others. The more you are exposed to native speakers, the better your ear will get for the language. Try to immerse yourself in a variety of English accents by watching TV shows and movies, listening to podcasts, and engaging with people from different regions.
If you're studying in an English-speaking country, take advantage of the opportunity to practise with native speakers. Join a club or society at your university, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Native speakers are often patient and willing to help. You can also use your friends as a safe space to practise, taking time to pause and practise pronouncing new words and structuring your sentences.
If you don't have any native English-speaking friends, consider finding a language exchange partner. You can also try attending community events, where you can meet native speakers and practise your conversation skills. Remember, the only way to learn to speak English is by speaking it!
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Read widely
Reading widely is a critical component of developing English-speaking and writing abilities. It can be challenging to pick up an English novel or article, but this is how you will learn a more extensive vocabulary and express yourself more confidently. Reading will expose you to various writing styles and enrich your understanding of English syntax and grammar.
Start with books and articles that match your current level and gradually challenge yourself with more complex texts. Choose topics that interest you to make reading enjoyable and engaging. Maintaining a regular reading practice will help you internalize the language naturally, making learning quicker and easier. You can also read articles in your mother tongue and then in English to help you understand more and discover new words and expressions.
Speed reading is a technique you can use to increase your reading speed while retaining comprehension. You can also use digital flashcards to expand your vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. Create flashcards with new words and their definitions and review them regularly to reinforce learning.
Watching movies and TV shows in English is also a great way to improve your listening skills and familiarize yourself with different accents and dialects. You can also practice speaking with native English speakers, even via video calls, to improve your fluency and gain confidence.
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Get a part-time job
Getting a part-time job is a great way for international students to improve their English. It provides an opportunity to practice the language in a real-world setting and develop fluency through daily conversations with colleagues and customers. Additionally, it can help students expand their social networks and build connections.
International students can find part-time job opportunities in various sectors, including hospitality, retail, education, and more. For instance, they can work as academic assistants, waiters/waitresses, retail assistants, or even language tutors, allowing them to utilize their existing language skills while further refining them.
When seeking part-time employment, international students should be mindful of visa regulations and work restrictions. Many countries, including Australia, the UK, Canada, and Germany, limit student work hours to 20 hours per week during term time. In Germany, international students from non-EU/EEA countries may need to obtain a work permit and comply with specific regulations. It is crucial for students to understand these regulations to avoid any legal complications.
To find part-time jobs, international students can explore university job boards, online employment portals, social media platforms, and referrals from their international office or career center. Additionally, they should ensure their resumes are up-to-date and tailored to the job requirements. While financial independence and improved language skills are valuable benefits of part-time work, students should also prioritize their studies and maintain a healthy balance to avoid burnout.
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Frequently asked questions
Improving one's English can be daunting, especially if it is not your first language. Here are some tips to improve your English:
- Practise speaking, reading, and writing in English.
- Consume English media such as podcasts, YouTube videos, Netflix shows, and music.
- Read as many books, newspapers, online articles, and magazines as possible.
- Take an English language course.
Here are some ways international students can improve their English speaking skills:
- Practise speaking English with native English speakers.
- Join communities or group chats with English speakers.
- Listen to English radio, watch the news, and pay attention to conversations around you.
- Slow down your speech and pay attention to enunciating each word clearly.
To improve English language exam scores, international students can:
- Take foundation or pathway courses to bridge the gap between their language qualifications and degree course requirements.
- Attend specialised courses at language centres to learn exam techniques and focus on weaker skills.
- Practise their language skills proactively, similar to how one learns to drive after passing their driving test.
