Being accepted into an American college is a significant event and it is normal for an international student to feel both excited and apprehensive. Although initially it may seem that you have plenty of time until the start of your first semester, the months will pass quickly. It is best to prepare for the start of term, as this way you will get the most out of the experience and avoid any pitfalls. So what should you do to prepare for studying at a US college? Let’s find out. Continue reading
Tag Archives: International students
How Will Brexit Affect Language Learning?
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In a startling result, the UK has voted for a ‘Brexit’. This means the wheels have been set in motion for the UK to leave the European Union. Some people are thrilled, while others are worried about the future of the UK and the EU. The possibility of a No-Deal Brexit has raised even more concerns.
Apart from the concern over economic stability, international trade, European travel, residency rights for expats and much more, there is also a growing concern about the role of the English language in Europe and the future of language learning in the UK.
Will the English language become less important internationally? Will British people stop learning foreign languages altogether? We explore the consequences of Brexit for English and how Brexit could affect language learning… Continue reading
Tough New English Language Test for International Students
The government plans to cut the numbers of foreign students coming to British universities by 25,000 a year by introducing a tough new English language test. Some universities are running remedial classes for first year students and the home secretary has called for a crackdown on the number who cannot speak English properly. But is this decision fair on students coming to study science subjects or Mathematics, who often have weaker langauge skills and for whom English is not a main factor in their studies? Continue reading
How Can International Students Bridge the Culture Gap?
The start of the new academic year is an exciting time and many international students will be using the first few weeks to get to grips with a whole new academic way of life. Even if foreign students have grasped English well enough to gain entry to a British university, they still face the obstacle of embracing a new culture and study style.
International students can feel frustrated, confused or out of their depth when facing not only a new country but a whole new way of life. Should universities be doing more to help foreign students bridge this culture gap? Read on for some tips on what to expect at a UK university and ideas on how to settle into university life more quickly as an international student. Continue reading
EFL Students to Face New Tests at Immigration
EFL students will face new tests when they try to enter the UK to study – but these tests won’t be set by universities or educational bodies. Immigration officers at the UK border will be given the right to admit or refuse entry to foreign students trying to enter the UK to study.
This new measure has been taken as an attempt to curb the number of bogus applicants entering the country. Our concern is that many legitimate students could be prevented from entering the UK to study on the decisions of immigration staff.
Will all immigration staff have sufficient knowledge of the English language in en EFL context to be able to properly judge the language capabilities of a foreign student? Continue reading