Top Tips to Boost Your English Skills

Keen to study, ready to learn and excited to accelerate your English language skills? Well, it’s all about practising as much as possible and using your burgeoning English speaking ability at every available opportunity.

Here are our top tips for overseas students who are looking to improve their English language skills.

Be brave

Like any new skill, improving your English is all about building confidence. That means stepping up, seizing the moment and being brave enough to put yourself out there, particularly in public situations.

Whenever possible, use your new skills, learning from every encounter you have in English. And remember, the more you converse in English, the better you will become, and the more comfortable and proficient you will be.

Meanwhile, don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. Looking for a word, but it doesn’t quite come to mind? Ask for assistance. Not sure how something is pronounced? Try it and ask if you have it right.

Practise

Learning a language is a little like learning an instrument, it takes practise. Importantly, this practise needn’t just occur in the classroom.

Whether it’s conversing with fellow students, using a language app, or simply revising English words and sentences, practise your new skills whenever possible.

Socialise

On that note…when it comes to practising your English, one of the best ways to really embed those growing language skills is by socialising with others.

This includes fellow students, and also people who are native English speakers. Using English in a social context allows you to gain an ear for the nuances of the language. It also allows for correction and clarification in real time and in a friendly environment.

Find native speakers

If you’re really looking to up your English game, converse with native English speakers as much as possible.

And again, be brave. Strike up conversations with people - whether you are at the shops, ordering coffee or simply asking for directions.

Native English speakers can help you with a whole host of English skills, including comprehension, pronunciation, alternative words and more.

Immerse yourself

One of the great things about studying English in an English speaking country like Australia is that it allows you to immerse yourself in the language.

Seize this opportunity by surrounding yourself with English speaking all day, every day. This might include watching English speaking TV shows, listening to the radio or podcasts, and of course conversing in English when you’re out and about.

Ready to start your study journey?

Ready to embark on a study adventure in Australia? You can learn more about the English courses that are available here, or start narrowing down your options using our handy search tool.