An International Student? Here’s How To Improve Your Language Skills Before Studying In The US

Studying in another country can be a transformative experience. We believe it makes for stronger, more independent, and more empathetic individuals by exposing you to a different culture, new ways of thinking, and often shaping and redefining your outlook on life.

We’re proud of our many excellent international students and their bravery in stepping out of their comfort zone and studying in another country. However, we recognize it’s not always easy.

If you’re about to spread your wings and study abroad, you’re likely worried about one thing in particular: the language barrier you’ll face. But, fear not, for this article has been written with you in mind! In it, we look at a few simple ways to improve your language skills before you arrive and make the transition as easy and pleasant as possible.   

Take lessons online

Practice makes perfect, so if you’re worried your language skills might leave you struggling to communicate, it could be a good idea to take English classes online. Websites like Preply can help you brush up on your skills. They offer several ways to learn, from one-to-one tuition to group sessions, so it’s whatever suits you best.  

Connect with fellow students before you fly

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There are also many Facebook groups for students to connect with classmates before term kicks off. As an international attendee, it can be helpful to join these to find friends in advance. This will help stave off feelings of isolation once you arrive in America. Still, it can be a good idea to post and ask if anyone would be comfortable with you messaging them to practice your language skills before the semester starts. These could be US citizens or fellow international students who have English as a second language and are in a similar boat.  

Read English books and magazines

While people often feel comfortable reading and understanding a language before they become fluent in speaking it, it never harms to keep practicing. If you think you have a good grasp of English, test the theory by picking up some reading materials. These could be popular fiction books, fashion magazines, comics, or anything else that takes your fancy. We suggest going for an option you’re genuinely interested in, helping you maintain focus. After all, if you wouldn’t want to read about molecular biology on your tongue, it’s unlikely to be any more attractive in a new one!   

Watch American TV shows

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This one doesn’t sound like hard work at all, does it? Well, not all practice has to be boring! Learning a new language can be a lot of fun, and one of the best ways to improve your proficiency is by listening to native speakers conversing in their mother tongue. This means binge-watching all 10 seasons of Friends or singing along to Mamma Mia! for the millionth time can be a great educational exercise. Remember, any American TV show or movie will do.

Practice everyday conversations

When you touch down in America, there are certain words and phrases you’ll use more than others. These are the ones you should focus on mastering first, so think about some common scenarios, write out the correct responses, and then run through them until you feel confident saying them. For example, you could practice your Starbucks order or make sure you’re proficient in asking for and understanding directions. You might want to get a friend to help you roleplay this.

Turn to the app store for help

There are also some wonderful apps out there to help improve your grasp of the language. According to the experts, Duolingo is a good place to start, as are Xeropan and Buusu. These are particularly useful because they allow learners to practice on the go, meaning you can take advantage of any spare time to improve proficiency and build confidence.

When it comes to international students, we have lots of useful resources available to help you online, from information on financial aid through to this article. Assistance is always on hand if you need it –simply ask, and it’s yours.