2 answers
Daria
Student
Bilohirs'k
1
Question
Asked
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What did you do when your exchange student didn't understand English? How did he different exams you? How did you solve the problem?
I want to study abroad and I'm afraid that my English level won't be high enough and I can't discuss with professor about something.
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2 answers
Bryan Morales
Business Analyst
5
Answers
San José, Costa Rica
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
Hey! First off, that fear is super normal, so don't let it stop you.
- Don't wait until you're "professional." Seriously, if you wait until your English is "perfect," you'll never go! The whole point of studying abroad is to get fluent, mistakes and all. Professors at schools with international students are completely used to this and will be patient.
- Practice is so much better than just studying. It's always better to say a broken sentence than to say nothing at all. Just trying to communicate is how you learn.
- Use technology (like AI)! This is your secret weapon. If you're nervous about talking to a professor, draft what you want to say in an email first. Use a tool like Google Translate or Grammarly to help you check your sentences and sound more clear. It’s a great way to build your confidence before you speak.
- Watch English TV and listen to music with subtitles. This is the "fun" homework. It’s one of the best ways to learn how people actually talk, not just "textbook English." You’ll start to pick up on the natural flow and sound more casual yourself.
Honestly, your English will improve more in the first three months of living there than in three years of classes at home. Just be brave, be willing to make mistakes, and use all the tools you can!
- Don't wait until you're "professional." Seriously, if you wait until your English is "perfect," you'll never go! The whole point of studying abroad is to get fluent, mistakes and all. Professors at schools with international students are completely used to this and will be patient.
- Practice is so much better than just studying. It's always better to say a broken sentence than to say nothing at all. Just trying to communicate is how you learn.
- Use technology (like AI)! This is your secret weapon. If you're nervous about talking to a professor, draft what you want to say in an email first. Use a tool like Google Translate or Grammarly to help you check your sentences and sound more clear. It’s a great way to build your confidence before you speak.
- Watch English TV and listen to music with subtitles. This is the "fun" homework. It’s one of the best ways to learn how people actually talk, not just "textbook English." You’ll start to pick up on the natural flow and sound more casual yourself.
Honestly, your English will improve more in the first three months of living there than in three years of classes at home. Just be brave, be willing to make mistakes, and use all the tools you can!
Thank you for the advice.
Daria
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Daria !
I never hosted a foreign exchange student, but I think I can provide some advice for you.
It seems as though you know some English and I can understand your concern. Since you have this concern, you can enroll at Crimea Federal University. That university has programs that you can do abroad for one semester. I would advise trying it for one semester as you will learn a lot about the country and determine how comfortable you feel for one semester. The credits will transfer back to your home university.
Semesters in the U.S. are usually three or four months long, so it's just enough time to explore and get the feel of what it's like in the U.S. Also keep in mind that you will have lots of support and services on an American university campus. There are services such as academic advising, libraries, student activities, health and counseling services. Some American universities may have access to translation and language support services, but you'd have to find out which universities offer that. A semester in America lasts about 15 to 16 weeks. Once you see how it goes and like it, you could probably return for another semester sometime.
To verify this information as well as getting updated information, contact the exchange program sponsor, such as AFS-USA, Greenheart Exchange, or CIF. They do high school exchange programs, but see if they know about college exchange programs, too. They place you with a host family and help you with your visa. I have left the National Student Exchange link to their website so that you can obtain information and/or make contact with them. There are also a couple of videos with information on their website.
Do not hesitate to apply for study in the U.S. (or whatever country you had in mind). Try one semester and maybe you would want to return again for a different semester. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
NATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE https://nse.org/
I never hosted a foreign exchange student, but I think I can provide some advice for you.
It seems as though you know some English and I can understand your concern. Since you have this concern, you can enroll at Crimea Federal University. That university has programs that you can do abroad for one semester. I would advise trying it for one semester as you will learn a lot about the country and determine how comfortable you feel for one semester. The credits will transfer back to your home university.
Semesters in the U.S. are usually three or four months long, so it's just enough time to explore and get the feel of what it's like in the U.S. Also keep in mind that you will have lots of support and services on an American university campus. There are services such as academic advising, libraries, student activities, health and counseling services. Some American universities may have access to translation and language support services, but you'd have to find out which universities offer that. A semester in America lasts about 15 to 16 weeks. Once you see how it goes and like it, you could probably return for another semester sometime.
To verify this information as well as getting updated information, contact the exchange program sponsor, such as AFS-USA, Greenheart Exchange, or CIF. They do high school exchange programs, but see if they know about college exchange programs, too. They place you with a host family and help you with your visa. I have left the National Student Exchange link to their website so that you can obtain information and/or make contact with them. There are also a couple of videos with information on their website.
Do not hesitate to apply for study in the U.S. (or whatever country you had in mind). Try one semester and maybe you would want to return again for a different semester. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate your support, Michelle
Daria