It is high time to reconsider language just as a medium of communication! For Indian students studying abroad, or who are planning to study abroad, having better language competency is nothing less than a great advantage! Usually, after scoring well in language proficiency exams like IELTS, TESOL, or Duolingo, they leave the thought of further learning. But folks, reputed study abroad agencies in Kerala like us suggest you continue learning the language and excel in it in all the ways possible. In the blog ‘How to Improve Your Language Competence While Pursuing Education Abroad’, we put forward certain easy tips that you can follow effortlessly.
Do you know how much important is to have good language skills while pursuing education abroad? That is, actually, beyond words! For example, as a student who has learned English as a second language from India when going abroad for further studies may find it difficult to manage with the native accent and slang of the language spoken in the respective country. If this is the case of the familiar language, English, then, what about French, German, or Italian?
If you know the language of academics well, you can easily understand the lecturers, participate in discussions, and be active in your university days. That is the power of language! It is not only about excellent results, but it’s also about taking advantage of research and internship opportunities as well as undertaking collaborative projects that embellish your learning nature. Once classes are done, language competence becomes your travel document to significant networks. Communicating with the local people, bonding among friends, and developing an understanding of cultural intricacies – all these create a network that is more than textbooks. We understand, at Campus World, the best study abroad consultants in Kerala, that language means more than words; it is a key to opening the doorways of opportunities. We will lead you on this linguistic journey, savouring the intensity of your study abroad adventure.
When you are moving to a different country to pursue higher education, you may face some situations that demand better language proficiency. Not to get stuck in such situations, it is important to be precautious, isn’t it? So, along with preparing for language-level tests from the native country, you must continue to make efforts to improve your language skills even after reaching your destination. Now, you may be thinking that after reaching a foreign country, what can be done to improve your language competence? Well, you are here with some easy tips. Continue reading to know them in brief.
Meet International Students
Meet international students to easily connect with your new world. Casual conversations with native speakers are one of the most natural ways to understand a language. Find international students on your university campus or local events. Talking face-to-face with them helps improve your language skills and makes you culturally aware. It is a double deal because it turns language learning from an individual activity into a lively, rich communicative practice.
Read Books
Read books to expand your horizons. Books are a window to another world and reading in the language you want to master is an efficient way of exposing yourself to different words and grammatical sentences. Begin with literature that is suitable for your current proficiency level and then move on to more advanced materials. It doesn’t matter if it is an exciting novel, a well-written essay, or even a regional press, regular reading will develop your comprehension skills and help you to become familiar with the shades of language. Here, it is important to note that you should not start reading heavy books if you are not a passionate reader. It is always recommended to start with something simple, interesting and that suits your genre.
Listen to Songs and Sing Along
Who told us that learning should not be fun? Make your study sessions into jamfests by listening to songs in the foreign language you are trying to use. Listen to the words, sing along, and try your best to understand what is hidden in them. Not only does music improve your pronunciation, but it also memorizes the language melodically and in a way that will remain memorable. Listening to songs will also allow you to improve your accent as the lyrics are not generally written and sung in the written language.
Watch Movies
Lights, camera, language proficiency! Seems funny, isn’t it? Listening to the voices of native speakers is a fun way to enhance your listening capabilities and understand slang. Choose films with subtitles to begin, and then gradually try watching without them. With this, you can easily acquire new words and also get a feel of the cultural connotations that textbooks may fail to provide.
Download Apps with Language Activities
In the digital age, language learning is just a tap away, let us get along with tech-savvy learning. Some apps often cater to different proficiency levels, making it easy to tailor your learning experience. To make language learning interesting, apps have come up with different games, quizzes, and puzzles. Turn your daily commute or downtime into productive language sessions with these handy apps that fit right in your pocket.
Utilize Every Opportunity to Speak
Don't shy away from practising your newfound language skills in real-life situations. Whether it is ordering your favourite dish at a local restaurant, striking up a conversation with a classmate, or even bargaining at the local market, every interaction is a chance to refine your speaking abilities. Grab the occasional stumble, laugh off misunderstandings, and celebrate each small victory, it is all part of the learning process.
Never Give Up
Language learning, like any skill, requires patience and perseverance. There will be moments of frustration, times when words escape you, and sentences refuse to form. Let these challenges be stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. The journey to language proficiency is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay committed, stay curious, and most importantly, never give up!
