Navigating language barriers can be a daunting process. It is more so of a challenge when your academics rely on a language that you are not confident in. Contrary to popular belief, language barriers can sometimes happen even when people speak the same language.
However, there are things that you can do to move past this issue.
What are the two types of language barriers that foreign students typically face?
Language Challenges in Higher Education
This barrier encompasses all difficulties in understanding lectures, writing essays and sitting exams. However, this issue is usually solved when you learn English thoroughly in English language Proficiency test preparation classes like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
Language Challenges in Social Settings
Social Language Barriers as the term suggests occur in your social life. It is quite possible that the university that you would be attending abroad would have individuals who speak in a different dialect or come from different cultural backgrounds.
The best way to deal with social language barriers is to keep practicing. You should avoid getting ashamed of your accent or your mistakes and make sure to learn from them. It is also essential that you don’t hold yourself back from communicating with people due to language barriers and the fear of making mistakes.
What are some ways for international students to improve their English?
English Foundation Program
An English foundation program is one of the most efficient and effective ways to improve your language skills before getting started at a university.
These programs are not mandatory for all international students; however, most international schools and universities offer personalized courses to help students who require more assistance with English.
These programs are optimum for students who aren’t confident with their English skills. It is also helpful for students who are trying to improve their written and oral English skills. Thus, helping them make the most of their studies abroad.
Immersing in the language
One of the best ways to learn a language would be to immerse yourself in the language as much as you can. You can try to use the language as much as you can and can start by using a few words in your everyday life to understand the language better. Make sure to incorporate it as much as you can into your current lifestyle.
Finding Friends
One of the best ways to improve your English language speaking skills would be to find a friend who is a native English speaker.
You can try to make friends or converse with as many English-speaking people as you can to boost your confidence and practice.
It may be tempting to talk or befriend people who speak your native language but to improve your English language skills you will have to converse in English and put in the right amount of effort to become fluent.
Participating in Events
Keep a lookout for events and volunteering opportunities where you will have to use English. It is a great way to network, socialize and make tons of new friends. You can also use this opportunity to find people who share similar interests as you do this to make the most of the event while improving your English conversational skills.
Part-Time Jobs
Getting a part-time job is a very popular option for international students. They can utilize their free time to meet new people every day thus giving them a chance to practice new English words and phrases. Thus, giving you the environment that you require to use the language that will help you improve your English-speaking skills at a faster pace.
Watching and listening to English content
One of the easiest ways to learn a language is as easy as sitting down to watch your favorite show, or film or listen to your favorite podcast in English.
You can try watching your favorite TV shows and films with subtitles so that you can follow along by reading them in English. It will help you understand the language better and get acquainted with the conversational forms of English. This way you can also try to choose words that sound informal and look for words that are scholarly synonymous.
Using online language tools
Nowadays, there are several online tools, platforms as well as resources to help students learn English. You can use language learning apps that can expose you to new words and phrases.
You can also find online chat rooms as well as discussion boards where you can meet like-minded people who want to improve their English like you do.
Additionally, you can look at news websites and blogs to develop your reading skills online.
Use tactics such as learning a word a day
You can build up your language sustainably by using simple tactics such as learning a new word every day and using it in a conversation appropriately. Thus in a short time, you will have an arsenal of words and phrases that you can use to communicate effectively.
Keep a vocabulary book of commonly used words
You can either use a book or your computer to start making a list of useful words and phrases that you would like to use in a conversation. This can also include words or phrases that you hear for the time. You can also go one step further and search for synonyms and phrases and how they can be incorporated into a sentence. This way you can build up your vocabulary quickly.
Look for support groups for International Students
Most international students coming from a non-English speaking country face the language barrier, you can look for support groups for international students. You might be able to find government-funded programs, associations or organizations that host language and culture courses that help you understand the culture of the country you are residing in better.
Make sure to ask for help
Try to seek help from peers and practice the language as much as possible. You shouldn’t fear making mistakes and the only way to get better at a language is by using it. You can ask for help from lecturers, friends who are locals, and from international student associations.
Develop Confidence
You can develop confidence by communicating. In other words, you can take part in enhancing your social life by participating in music, drama or acting classes. This way you can make use of sophisticated words instead of plain words.
Practice
Ultimately the only way to get better at English is by practicing and by considering the stressful factors such as the time pressure during your examinations. You will have to invest an ample amount of time and effort to get better, you should also focus more on conversational English which is generally relevant in the exam.
Make sure to get your doubts cleared
You should never stop being curious about the language, it is one of the best ways to improve rapidly. You should ask your questions and get your doubts resolved. You can ask why a word or phrase is used a certain way or if there are other ways to construct a sentence with the word or phrase.
Try to converse in English
To build up your speaking skills you will have to interact and converse in English. You can practice with native English speakers or with any other like-minded individuals such as yourself who are also studying English. Alternatively, you can practice in the mirror or record yourself to hear mistakes that you were previously unaware of.
What should you avoid while learning English?
- Do not limit your learning to just the classroom. You will be able to build up your confidence by reading and practicing your English outside your class.
- Do not hesitate to start conversing because the sooner you start initiating a conversation in English the better you will get at improving your skills.
- Try not to compare yourself with others, everyone has their own learning pace but be aware of progression and keep on learning at your own pace.
- Avoid being inconsistent, you should take some time off every day to practice even if it’s for a few minutes every day.
- Do not get intimidated by Grammar, as it takes some time to get used to them. Take time to understand them and apply them to your learning.
Lastly, you should enjoy the process of learning a language, it may seem laborious and demoralizing in the beginning but as you stay motivated and enjoy the experience of learning you will be able to learn new things and find ways to enjoy the language. Remember learning a language is a long-term experience, thus it will take you some time to get better.
FAQs
1. How long is the TOEFL iBT test?
TOEFL is a two-hour test that measures four academic English skills. It contains the following:-
- A reading test that is conducted for about 35 minutes.
- A listening test is conducted for about 36 minutes.
- A speaking test that is conducted for around 16 minutes
- A writing test that is conducted for 29 minutes.
2. How do I know if the GRE or TOEFL is right for me?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test widely used by graduate schools in the U.S., Canada, and other countries to assess a candidate’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking abilities.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test designed to measure the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers.
3. How many institutions worldwide accept TOEFL scores?
The TOEFL iBT test scores are accepted by more than 12,000 institutions worldwide. It is a test of academic English communication.
4. How can I learn English before going abroad to study?
You can practice the following self-learning techniques to learn English before travelling abroad to study:
- Read several articles, books, magazines, etc. that are written in English.
- Actively note down and practice new vocabulary. Try using them in sentences and during conversations.
- Try to speak more in English when meeting other people than in your native language.
- Listen to English-spoken conversations on podcasts and YouTube channels.
- Watch English shows on live-streaming or OTT platforms.