Learning English as an international student
If you’ve just moved to another country as a student, and English isn’t your first language, it may take a while to get to grips with the English language.
English is notoriously difficult to learn because it has many grammar and phonetic rules, but with some practice (and a lot of patience), you’ll be able to hold an English conversation in no time.
Discover how you can begin to learn a new language with our tips below.
How to learn English effectively
Before jetting off, many international students probably ask themselves the question, ‘Is English hard to learn for foreigners?’ The short answer is yes, learning English is difficult.
But learning any new language is difficult and it takes a lot of time and practice to truly master it.
When you’re in a new country and trying to learn English (or any other language for that matter), try keeping the tips below in mind.
Actively take note of new vocabulary
Whether you’re reading something or having a conversation, take note of any new words so you don’t forget them. Growing your vocabulary will give you more confidence and help you express yourself better in conversations.
Tip: Keep a small notebook where you can jot down all the new words you learn and what they mean. It’s also a good place to keep track of certain phrases, slang words or sayings you hear.
Ask a lot of questions
Adopting an inquisitive mindset while you learn English will help you better understand the nuances of the language. Don’t be afraid to ask people what certain words mean or how to pronounce them when in conversation.
If you’re still not sure, google what words or phrases mean and use the pronunciation tool to help with your own pronunciation.
Read English newspapers or articles
The best way to learn a new language is by immersing yourself in its literature. Simply said, the more you read, the better you’ll speak.
To help expand your vocabulary, read as many books, newspapers, online articles and magazines as you can get your hands on. It doesn’t have to stop there - take the time to read restaurant menus, billboards, pamphlets and even English subtitles on your favourite movies and TV series.
How to learn English outside the classroom
When learning how to speak English fluently, you don’t have to spend all your time mastering writing and speaking skills at your desk - get outside and learn in everyday settings. The more you’re exposed to native speakers, the better your ear will get for the English language.
Join societies and clubs
By joining a fun club or society at uni, you’ll be able to learn English while having fun. Not only will you be exposed to completely different vocabulary but you’ll likely meet new people that would happily help you learn the language.
Use your friends
Use your friends as a safe space for English-speaking practice. Have conversations with them about different topics and pause to practise pronouncing new words and structuring your sentences properly.
Get a part-time job
When you get a part-time job, you’ll be exposed to the general public and be somewhat forced to converse in English. All this English-speaking practice will help you learn the language in no time - and it’s a great opportunity to make some money as a student.
How to learn English online
The internet has so many resources to help you learn English. If you’re not getting enough exposure to real-world English conversation and still want to know how to improve English speaking skills, there are some other options for you.
Subscribe to English podcasts or Youtube channels
Listening to English podcasts or watching English YouTube channels is a great way to expose yourself to the language. Even better, you can mimic certain words and phrases out loud during your English-speaking practice.
What’s more, listening to fun podcasts and watching new YouTubers can help you better understand British culture and feel more settled in your new home.
Not sure where to start? Listen to the BBC series or British Council podcast series to help practise your grammar and pronunciation.
Practice English with AI
One of the greatest things about Artificial Intelligence (AI) is that it has so many uses, including helping people to learn new languages.
There are a couple of sites you can try, such as ELSA AI and SmallTalk2Me to help you gain confidence in your English speaking and writing skills.
Learn English with translation techniques
One way of learning English is to use direct translation techniques. This method may be tricky, as you won’t really be able to figure out how the grammar changed, but it is a good way to work on your English writing practice.
You can use popular translation apps like Google Translate or DeepL to translate text, as well as translate spoken words.
FAQs on learning English as an international student
Is English hard to learn for foreigners?
Yes, it is difficult to learn English as a completely new language. This is because the English language has multiple verb tenses, articles, spelling, pronunciation and idioms, making it tricky to memorise.
How can I improve my English speaking skills quickly?
The quickest way to learn English is by speaking. Immersing yourself completely in the language is the best way to go. So, speak to as many people as possible, read lots of books, watch English movies and don’t feel discouraged when you get things mixed up.
Remember, practice makes perfect!
How can I practise English in conversation?
The only way to learn to speak English is by simply engaging in conversation. Try to practise your English speaking skills with a native English speaker. Since English is their first language, they’ll be the most helpful in teaching you the ways of English conversation.
How to understand the British accent
There are many types of British accents in the UK because different areas developed unique dialects over time.
You may not have heard certain accents before, and it can be tricky to understand. For example, you may come across someone with a ‘Scouse’ accent - these are people who’ve likely lived in Liverpool - or someone may have a ‘Geordie’ accent, meaning they’re likely from North East England.
The only way to get used to these accents is by listening to them frequently and taking the time to note different sayings or words unique to that dialect.
Learning English as an international student opens doors to new friendships, academic success and a deeper understanding of different cultures. Embrace every opportunity to practise, connect and grow in your language skills - you’ll find it makes your study abroad experience even more enriching.
If you're looking for a comfortable, supportive environment while studying in the UK, take a look at our accommodation options. You can search by university, city or building via our website.
