Learn a language, take on the world

For many international students, studying abroad means also having to learn, or at least improve their skills in, a new language. And this is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss – it will open up your world to new work, study and travel opportunities, let you truly understand new cultures and make new long-lasting friendships.

In this article, we talk to leading English language provider Navitas about what you should look for in a language course, and offer our top five tips on getting the most from your language study. Whether you decide on English, Japanese or Finnish is up to you. Just take a deep breath and have the confidence to speak it. Practice makes perfect!

All about English

English is the international language of business and diplomacy, spoken in over 100 countries by over 1.5 billion people. And almost another billion people are studying it right now. So no matter where you want to study, work or live; understanding and speaking English will be very useful.

English is also a language rich in culture, history and literature. But it can seem challenging – with over half a million words to learn, where do you begin? We asked Richard Arkell, the General Manager of the ELICOS and TESOL programs at Navitas, for his advice.
Navitas run English language pathway programs at their ACL and Hawthorn-Melbourne colleges, and general English language/travel programs at their ACE colleges.

US: Fast-track your English at ELS

ELS Centers are operated by global language specialists Berlitz, and can be found in over 50 locations throughout the US. Many are on university campuses.

They offer three distinct types of programs:

Academic English: If you want to go on to study at a US university or college, they can get you there,

Vacation learning: Shorter English language courses combine great American experiences with part-time or full-time English study,

Business Executive Programs: when you need to improve your English for your career

There are many different choices within each program, so you can choose the exact course that suits your needs. Explore the Big Apple with a vacation program at the famous Juilliard School, or learn to surf in Malibu while you practice your English language skills. Or choose around-the-clock training and intensive programs.

Ask Anna

Question:

“Is taking an English Language Test necessary for entry into all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes?”

Answer:

Yes, all students must take an English language test if they wish to apply for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at foreign universities where the courses are taught in English. In addition, while applying for a student visa for most destinations, it's mandatory to show proof of English language ability.
 
You must also remember that your success at university will depend on your ability to express yourself well in your class, in written papers and in your examinations.
 
If your native language is not English, you should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination (academic modules) in your home country.
 
Please log into www.IELTS.org and www.TOEFL.org for more information.

Contact a counsellor if you have any more questions about English language requirements: [email protected]

Do you have a question for Anna? Write your question in the comments box below and one of our team will get back to you shortly. The best question will be chosen for next month’s newsletter!

If you are looking for further help, please complete the Ask A Counsellor form which will help us to give you more detailed advice. It only takes a minute.

FLS International teaches English for all occasions

With seven year-round Intensive English Programs on offer, FLS International can prepare you to confidently use your English in any environment and to transfer to college.

For students whose main focus is educational and who wish to study English intensively, the Intensive English Program and Academic Year Abroad offer a chance to focus on English, TOEFL, Business English and other related subjects in a college campus setting.

FLS has Study Tours for students who prefer to combine their studies with exciting trips to historic and cultural sites. Study Tours have a strong English language component and visit places such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Utah, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Located in Southern California, Nevada, Massachusett, Utah and Pennsylvania, FLS centres are situated in safe, secure environments near some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The centres are also close to institutions such as UCLA, USC, Cal Tech, and Art Center, in Southern California, UNLV in Southern Nevada, Penn State in Pennsylvania and NYU in New York. The impressive research facilities, huge libraries and extensive programs of these schools provide opportunities for every conceivable educational goal.

FLS International has experienced counsellors and administrators who can help you every step of the way whether you require assistance with your initial application, homestay, your educational future or even your recreational plans for the weekend.

If you’d like to improve your English with FLS, contact a counsellor.

Applying to the USA? Take your TOEFL online

Whether you’re planning to study in the United States or another English-speaking country, you may be required to undertake an English language exam as part of your application.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English as it’s spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. It’s accepted by 6,000 colleges and universities in more than 100 countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada.

The TOEFL test can now be taken online. The TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) tests your skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English. With Internet-based testing, the Educational Testing Service can capture speech and score responses in a standardised manner.

One of the benefits of the Internet-based Test is that is provides better information to institutions about your ability to communicate in an academic setting and you readiness for academic coursework. Online registration and online score reporting make it easy for you to register for TOEFL iBT and receive your test scores.

To find out more about TOEFL iBT and English language exam requirements for your application, contact a StudyLink counsellor.

Prepare for your IELTS test online

Are you planning to take the IELTS test in the next few months?

An IELTS score is important because you may need it to enter an undergraduate or postgraduate course program at university, or for your student visa.

IELTS Online from Macquarie University is a flexible, interactive web based course designed to help you train for the IELTS test with total confidence.

The course has four modules. You can choose to study one or more modules, or do the full course.

Academic reading
Academic writing
Speaking – online tutor support
Listening – online tutor support

Each module takes about 25 hours to complete. You can work at your own pace and repeat lessons as often as you like. Online training 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – study when and where you like.

A qualified and experienced tutor will give you personalised feedback on the writing and speaking assessment tasks or answer your questions in the reading and listening modules.

With IELTS Online you can enrol immediately and start to prepare for the IELTS test today.

Contact a counsellor to find out more.