4 answers
Luis
Student
New York, New York
2
Questions
Asked
464 views
Translated from Spanish .
Non-native speaker wants to start a college career
Non-native speaker wants to start a college career
For someone with basic / intermediate English, is it possible to start a university career in marketing and / or communication? what are my chances? I am 37 years old and would like to reinvent myself.
#career-path #JULY20 #digitalmarketing
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4 answers
Alison Warren
Academic Administration
57
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hi Luis,
Good for you! Reinventing yourself can be difficult, but there is usually a lot of happiness at the end of the process. It is possible to start university if your English is not perfect, but it will take some extra work. Many universities have pathway programs for non-native English speakers. You will likely have to take the TOEFL exam to demonstrate your English level, and the college you choose might set you up with some English classes to help you improve your level, based on your TOEFL score. While you are researching different universities, it is a good idea to go to the international students admissions part of their websites. That is where you will find all of the entry requirements for non-native speakers.
While you are deciding which program(s) you want to apply to, it is also a good idea to practice your English skills as much as possible. The TOEFL is an English usage test, and it will test your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills (all of which you’ll need in a university classroom as well!). There are lots of books available that can help you prepare for the TOEFL exam, and you can find information on registering for the exam here: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/take/register
Since the TOEFL, your classes, and any other entry exams/applications the university asks you to do will all need you to use your English, practice a lot! Formal studying, such as making vocabulary flash cards or practicing comprehension questions, is good, but practice is one of the best ways to build comfort and confidence. If it’s possible for you, hang out with native English speakers (or even just friends and family who also speak English), and try to use the language as much as possible. Try watching TV or movies in English with subtitles in your native language. Gradually, you should be able to get rid of the subtitles. Read books in English - even simple, short ones to start! Some local libraries or community centers will have English conversation practice groups. You may be able to find language exchanges or tutoring online. And, there are many apps nowadays that will help you learn and improve your language. Do as many of these things as you can.
Good luck with your English studies and your future university studies!
Good for you! Reinventing yourself can be difficult, but there is usually a lot of happiness at the end of the process. It is possible to start university if your English is not perfect, but it will take some extra work. Many universities have pathway programs for non-native English speakers. You will likely have to take the TOEFL exam to demonstrate your English level, and the college you choose might set you up with some English classes to help you improve your level, based on your TOEFL score. While you are researching different universities, it is a good idea to go to the international students admissions part of their websites. That is where you will find all of the entry requirements for non-native speakers.
While you are deciding which program(s) you want to apply to, it is also a good idea to practice your English skills as much as possible. The TOEFL is an English usage test, and it will test your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills (all of which you’ll need in a university classroom as well!). There are lots of books available that can help you prepare for the TOEFL exam, and you can find information on registering for the exam here: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/take/register
Since the TOEFL, your classes, and any other entry exams/applications the university asks you to do will all need you to use your English, practice a lot! Formal studying, such as making vocabulary flash cards or practicing comprehension questions, is good, but practice is one of the best ways to build comfort and confidence. If it’s possible for you, hang out with native English speakers (or even just friends and family who also speak English), and try to use the language as much as possible. Try watching TV or movies in English with subtitles in your native language. Gradually, you should be able to get rid of the subtitles. Read books in English - even simple, short ones to start! Some local libraries or community centers will have English conversation practice groups. You may be able to find language exchanges or tutoring online. And, there are many apps nowadays that will help you learn and improve your language. Do as many of these things as you can.
Good luck with your English studies and your future university studies!
Thank you so much Alison, I appreciate all your recommendations
Luis
You’re welcome, Luis, and good luck to you!
Alison Warren
Sam Beaumont
IT Analyst
3
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Hi Luis,
Your situation is quite unique. The most important thing you should know is that nothing is impossible. Your age and your language skills will not keep you from reaching your goal, even though it may be difficult at times. You're never too old to reinvent yourself! :)
There are a few things you will need to determine before you can move forward. There are a lot of pieces of info that I don't know, so you may have already taken a few of these steps. If you are an American citizen, you can just move forward with researching a school and finding funding. If you do not have American citizenship or if you are in America on a limited visa (like a work or K visa), then you may have to take some extra things into consideration. If you don't have citizenship, don't get discouraged! There are a lot of resources available. I'll put links below for you to check out.
First, you will need to decide where you'd like to go to school. I see that your location says New York, so I looked up a few programs in your area. One program that could be really good for you is at Columbia University. They have something called the "American Language Program", This is not a degree program. Rather, it is something you would enroll in to prepare for university. They teach pronunciation, language and writing skills so you will be better prepared to start university classes and they have several different options, so you could choose the one that works best for you. One of them is a summer program that you could enroll in right before your first semester of college. They also have winter options or fast-paced programs too. You don't have to worry about getting into a class that is too difficult because, when you apply, they evaluate you and place you with the group and teacher that they think will fit the language level you're currently at. They also have classes that you could take throughout your degree program to help you with certain classes (if you go for a degree at Columbia) like "Professional English Skills for Marketing".
There are a few other universities that have similar programs, but they are not in NY.
The second thing to consider is how you will pay for your tuition. There are so many grants and scholarships available to you because you are a nontraditional (37 years old) student, bilingual, and living in New York. These grants and scholarships will depend on which school you choose to apply for, though. So I've just linked the tools I like to use below.
I hope this is all helpful!
Resources for people who are not citizens:
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements/non-us-citizens
Columbia University Language Program:
https://sps.columbia.edu/academics/english-language-programs/american-language-program/american-language-program/american
My Favorite Scholarship Search Tools:
https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx
https://www.tuitionfundingsources.com/
Your situation is quite unique. The most important thing you should know is that nothing is impossible. Your age and your language skills will not keep you from reaching your goal, even though it may be difficult at times. You're never too old to reinvent yourself! :)
There are a few things you will need to determine before you can move forward. There are a lot of pieces of info that I don't know, so you may have already taken a few of these steps. If you are an American citizen, you can just move forward with researching a school and finding funding. If you do not have American citizenship or if you are in America on a limited visa (like a work or K visa), then you may have to take some extra things into consideration. If you don't have citizenship, don't get discouraged! There are a lot of resources available. I'll put links below for you to check out.
First, you will need to decide where you'd like to go to school. I see that your location says New York, so I looked up a few programs in your area. One program that could be really good for you is at Columbia University. They have something called the "American Language Program", This is not a degree program. Rather, it is something you would enroll in to prepare for university. They teach pronunciation, language and writing skills so you will be better prepared to start university classes and they have several different options, so you could choose the one that works best for you. One of them is a summer program that you could enroll in right before your first semester of college. They also have winter options or fast-paced programs too. You don't have to worry about getting into a class that is too difficult because, when you apply, they evaluate you and place you with the group and teacher that they think will fit the language level you're currently at. They also have classes that you could take throughout your degree program to help you with certain classes (if you go for a degree at Columbia) like "Professional English Skills for Marketing".
There are a few other universities that have similar programs, but they are not in NY.
The second thing to consider is how you will pay for your tuition. There are so many grants and scholarships available to you because you are a nontraditional (37 years old) student, bilingual, and living in New York. These grants and scholarships will depend on which school you choose to apply for, though. So I've just linked the tools I like to use below.
I hope this is all helpful!
Resources for people who are not citizens:
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements/non-us-citizens
Columbia University Language Program:
https://sps.columbia.edu/academics/english-language-programs/american-language-program/american-language-program/american
My Favorite Scholarship Search Tools:
https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx
https://www.tuitionfundingsources.com/
Thank you so much!, I'll Check all this resources.
Luis
Alfredo Baudet
Project Manager
11
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Alfredo’s Answer
Hi Luis,
On top of what others have already suggested, to improve your English skills you can always watch TV in English in your spare time. While watching try to repeat what people on the TV say and how they say it.
Best of luck!
On top of what others have already suggested, to improve your English skills you can always watch TV in English in your spare time. While watching try to repeat what people on the TV say and how they say it.
Best of luck!
Thank you for your advise Alfredo
Luis
Hoang Tran
Tutor
13
Answers
Fullerton, California
Updated
Hoang’s Answer
Hello Luis,
Great to hear that you are interested in starting a new career. I don't think it is ever too late to pursue your dreams, given that you are persistent!
In addition, I think there are substantial resources for student success on campus, including free tutoring services, career centers, clubs and organizations that will help you out during the process. Connecting with professionals in your field of interest might also give you a clearer sense of the field.
Great to hear that you are interested in starting a new career. I don't think it is ever too late to pursue your dreams, given that you are persistent!
In addition, I think there are substantial resources for student success on campus, including free tutoring services, career centers, clubs and organizations that will help you out during the process. Connecting with professionals in your field of interest might also give you a clearer sense of the field.
Thnak you Hoang!!
Luis