Language learning tips for international students

A woman smiling with a backpack stood outside in a cobbled square with many people in the background

Reading time: 4 minutes

Are you studying abroad (or soon to be), learning a new language and need some inspiration on ways to practice your language skills in the real world? Don't worry. It can be daunting to know how to begin, especially in an unfamiliar place, However, with a little bit of effort and following these useful tips, you will be able to improve your language skills and make the most of your study abroad experience.

Language learning tips for international students
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1. Join university groups or societies

Becoming an active member of clubs and societies that align with your interests.

Participate actively: Attend the regular meetings and events that are organized by the groups you join. By actively participating in these activities, you'll have the opportunity to engage with peers who share similar interests and engage in diverse conversations. In fact, you may even want to consider taking on a leadership role by joining a group committee. This will allow you to gain even more language experience and contribute to the success of the group.

Collaborate on projects: Initiate or participate in collaborative projects within the group. Discussing and planning projects in the target language not only hones your language skills but also fosters teamwork and creativity.

2. Strike up conversations during errands

Elevate mundane errands into language learning opportunities by striking up conversations during your daily routine. Whether that’s talking to the cashier or to someone on the bus. They don't have to be long, even brief encounters can help you practice. 

Expand vocabulary: When engaging in conversations during errands, pay attention to the specific vocabulary related to daily tasks. Practice expressing yourself using phrases commonly used in these situations, such as asking for directions or inquiring about products.

Local slang and expressions: Informal settings often expose you to local slang and expressions. Take note of these and incorporate them into your conversations to sound more natural and connected to the local culture. It is also a great way to become familiar with some of the local community.

3. Attend university and cultural events

Experience the local culture by actively participating in events and festivals; this could be either via uni-organized events or local ones.

Engage with locals: Don't limit yourself to observing; actively engage with locals during cultural events. Express your curiosity, share your experiences, and inquire about the significance of different cultural elements. This interaction enhances both language and cultural comprehension.

Document and reflect: Start a cultural journal or scrapbook to record experiences and reflections after attending events; it reinforces language learning and provides a personal record of cultural exploration. It’s also a nice way to remember fun events when looking back in the future.

4. Volunteer and work opportunities

Explore volunteer/work opportunities within your university's student union or within the local community.

Event planning and coordination: If possible, get involved in planning and coordinating events. This involvement exposes you to a variety of tasks and communication scenarios, from drafting emails to coordinating logistics and broadening your language proficiency. Additionally, it can be a valuable addition to your resume, especially when you're a recent graduate looking for a job.

Networking opportunities: Volunteer opportunities may extend beyond traditional roles and offer you networking opportunities. Some universities may advertise casual paid positions for jobs like guiding prospective students and their families around on open days or assisting with campus tours. You might be able to offer a unique perspective as an international student.

Consider applying for these paid positions to not only utilize your language skills but also earn some extra income (if your visa permits). Engaging with prospective students and their families offers a unique chance to practice your language abilities in a professional context.

5. Participate in study groups

Supplement your academic pursuits and language skills by participating in study groups with your classmates. This might even lead to making some new friends.

Debate and discuss: Encourage open debates and discussions within your study group. Expressing and defending your ideas in the target language challenges you to think critically and articulate your thoughts more effectively.

Peer feedback: Seek and provide feedback within the group. Constructive criticism and language corrections from peers contribute to a supportive learning environment and help identify areas for improvement.

6. Join university groups on social media

Connect with other students at your university through social media groups dedicated to making friends. If you’re yet to start at the university, there are still often groups available for people looking for others starting soon.

Meet-ups: Utilize social media to arrange or take part in in-person meet-ups with fellow students. These informal gatherings provide a relaxed environment for language practice and allow you to learn from each other's unique language backgrounds. It’s also a great excuse to visit new places in the local area.

Online discussions: Engage in online discussions within these groups. Share interesting articles, ask questions, and participate in conversations to enhance both written and conversational language skills. These groups are often also useful for gaining local knowledge or lesser-known tips about life at the university.

As an international student, you’re likely to be far away from friends and what's familiar, but practicing your language skills shouldn't be hard if you can push yourself to get out there.  Maybe start by following just a couple of these tips, and rest assured you’ll be developing your language skills in no time and even making new friends and memories along the way.

Practice your language skills with our language learning app Mondly by Pearson.

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    Knowing how to say “no” politely is an important communication skill in the workplace. Whether you are declining a meeting, turning down a request or rejecting a business proposal, the way you respond can affect professional relationships.

    For English learners, saying no can feel especially difficult. Many people worry about sounding rude, unhelpful or unfriendly. The good news is that Business English includes many polite and professional phrases that help you refuse requests clearly while still showing respect.

    Here are five useful ways to politely say no in Business English, with examples and tips for when to use them.

    1. “Thank you for considering me, but I must respectfully decline.”

    This phrase is polite, professional and direct. It shows appreciation for the opportunity while making your decision clear.

    When to use it

    • Declining a job offer
    • Turning down a business proposal
    • Refusing a formal invitation

    Example

    “Thank you for considering me, but I must respectfully decline the offer at this time.”

    Why it works

    This phrase sounds professional because it:

    • Starts with appreciation
    • Communicates your answer clearly
    • Maintains a respectful tone

    2. “I appreciate your interest but, unfortunately, I’m unable to commit at this time.”

    This expression is useful when you cannot accept something because of time, workload or other responsibilities.

    When to use it

    • Declining extra work
    • Saying no to projects
    • Refusing invitations professionally

    Example

    “I appreciate your interest but, unfortunately, I’m unable to commit at this time due to other priorities.”

    Why it works

    This phrase helps soften the refusal and explains that your decision is based on circumstances rather than the person themselves.

    3. “I understand where you’re coming from, but I don’t think it’s the right fit for me.”

    This is a good phrase for situations where you want to disagree politely or decline an offer that does not meet your needs.

    When to use it

    • Declining a service or product
    • Rejecting a business idea
    • Turning down partnerships

    Example

    “I understand where you’re coming from, but I don’t think it’s the right fit for our team right now.”

    Why it works

    The phrase shows empathy first before giving your opinion. This helps keep the conversation positive and respectful.

    4. “Thank you for the opportunity, but I’m afraid it’s not something I can take on right now.”

    This phrase is useful when you may be interested in the future, but cannot accept now.

    When to use it

    • Declining freelance work
    • Refusing additional responsibilities
    • Saying no to speaking events or collaborations

    Example

    “Thank you for the opportunity, but I’m afraid it’s not something I can take on right now.”

    Why it works

    This response sounds polite and professional without completely closing the door to future opportunities.

    5. “Thank you for thinking of me, but I won’t be able to.”

    This is a shorter and more informal way to politely say no.

    When to use it

    • Declining small requests
    • Saying no to casual invitations
    • Refusing minor tasks

    Example

    “Thank you for thinking of me, but I won’t be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.”

    Why it works

    It is simple, clear and friendly. However, it works best in less formal business situations.

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    What students wish they’d done earlier when planning to study in the USA

    By Abi Fordham
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    If you spend enough time reading student forums, Reddit threads or comment sections about studying in the USA, you begin to notice a pattern.

    There’s plenty of advice about what students should do next. But much less about what they wish they’d done earlier.

    Those reflections usually appear later in the process, after applications have been submitted or deadlines have passed. Often, they come with a sense of hindsight: “I wish I’d known this sooner.”

    For students still early in the process, planning ahead can make everything feel far more manageable – and these tips are here to help.

    Starting earlier helps more than you think

    One of the most common reflections from students is that they waited until something felt urgent.

    Until a deadline appeared. Until a university responded. Until friends started applying.

    By that point, the process often felt rushed and stressful.

    Students who started earlier didn’t necessarily have everything figured out. In many cases, they simply gave themselves more time to think clearly, explore options and make decisions without pressure.

    Starting early doesn’t mean completing everything immediately. It simply means beginning before the process becomes overwhelming.

    Many students don’t realize how much flexibility they have

    Many students assume there is only one way to complete each step of the study abroad process. One test format. One timeline. One fixed path.

    In reality, there are now more flexible options available to students applying to universities in the USA.

    For example, some English language tests can now be taken from home, making it easier for students to fit preparation and testing around school, work or other commitments. This can reduce travel time, scheduling difficulties and unnecessary stress earlier in the application journey.

    Having more flexibility often helps students feel more in control of the process overall.

    Comparing timelines usually creates more stress

    This is something that comes up constantly in student discussions online.

    One student already has an offer. Another has booked their English test. Someone else is still deciding where to apply.

    It’s easy to feel behind, even when you’re not.

    What many students realize later is that study abroad timelines are rarely comparable. Different universities, application requirements, intake dates and personal circumstances all affect how long the process takes.

    The students who felt most confident were usually the ones focused on their own next step rather than someone else’s progress.

    Small steps create momentum

    Another common theme in student reflections is the importance of momentum.

    Not huge achievements. Just consistent progress.

    Researching universities. Booking a test. Submitting one document. Sending one email.

    Small actions help the process feel more realistic and manageable. Over time, they build confidence and make studying abroad feel achievable rather than distant.

    Confidence often comes later than expected

    Many students spend the early stages of the process questioning themselves.

    Am I choosing the right university?
    Am I applying at the right time?
    Am I making the right decisions?

    Later, many reflect that they were more prepared than they initially believed.

    The process itself teaches students how to make decisions, adapt to uncertainty and move forward even without having every answer immediately.

    Waiting until you feel completely ready can sometimes unnecessarily delay progress.

    Final thoughts

    Planning to study in the USA is a major decision, and it’s normal for the process to feel uncertain at times. But many students later realise that starting earlier, staying focused on manageable steps and avoiding unnecessary comparison made the experience much easier.

    You do not need to have everything figured out straight away. Often, the most helpful thing is simply beginning.

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    Low-prep activities for busy language teachers

    By Charlotte Guest
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    Teaching a language requires time, effort and planning. Many teachers want creative lessons but often don't have time to prepare activities. Luckily, effective language practice doesn't have to be complex.

    Simple activities can still enhance students' speaking, listening, reading and vocabulary skills. Low-prep activities are versatile, suitable for teens or adults, online or in person, and across various language levels.

    Below are some easy classroom activities that require minimal preparation while keeping students active and engaged.

    1. Would you rather…?

    This activity is simple, fun and great for speaking practice.

    Write two choices on the board and ask students which one they prefer.

    For example:

    • Would you rather live in the mountains or by the sea?
    • Would you rather travel by train or plane?
    • Would you rather work at night or in the morning?

    Students discuss their answers in pairs or small groups.

    Why it works

    • Encourages speaking
    • Builds confidence
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    • Easy to adapt for different levels

    Ask higher-level students to explain their reasons in more detail.

    2. The one-minute talk

    Choose a simple topic and give students one minute to speak.

    Topics can include:

    • My favorite food
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    • My daily routine
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    • My perfect weekend

    Students can speak in pairs, small groups or in front of the class.

    Why it works

    • Improves fluency
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    • Requires no materials
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    If students feel nervous, give them one minute to prepare their ideas first.