How to Improve Your English Before Moving Abroad

Moving abroad as an international student is the one of most exciting times of your life. However, if you’re going to be studying in an English-speaking country - such as the UK, Australia, Canada or the US - your ability to communicate in English is crucial. 

Wondering how to improve your English skills before embarking on this adventure? We’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we take a look at some of the best ways to improve your English before moving abroad. By working on your English language skills before moving overseas, you’ll ensure a smoother transition to your new environment. 

Listen to English audiobooks and podcasts

When exploring how to improve your English skills, a great place to start is with your listening skills. Doing so will help you better understand different accents, tones, speeds and nuances of the English language. 

An excellent way to enhance your listening skills is through podcasts and audiobooks. Some of the best podcasts to learn English include Aussie English, 6 Minute English and Learn English. 

With the help of these resources, you’ll learn English words and phrases commonly used in different countries. You’ll also become familiar with different accents, intonations and speech patterns. 

Plus, podcasts and audiobooks offer a flexible way of learning; you can listen to them while commuting, exercising or doing daily chores. 

Watch English Television programs and movies

Another fun way to improve your English is by watching movies and television series. These days you can watch most of the shows with English subtitles. This is an effective way as you will start to translate words in your head as you watch your favourite show! 

Some of the best movies to improve English include Jurassic Park, Notting Hill, Clueless, The Wizard of Oz and many more. Movies and TV shows are also great sources of vocabulary and can help in understanding the correct use of different words in daily life. 

Have a conversation with fluent English speakers

What better way to improve a language than communicating with people who are proficient in the language? By talking with other people who have strong English skills, you will undoubtedly improve your own abilities, enhance your pronunciation and learn the meanings of new words. This individual can also provide you with personalised feedback and identify areas for improvement. 

You can also seek out language exchange programs or language meetup groups in your area. Here, you’ll typically have the opportunity to learn from native English speakers and engage with fellow learners.

Record yourself speaking English

Try speaking out loud - either reading a text or having a conversation - and recording yourself. Next, listen back to the recording to assess areas for improvement, such as pronunciation, vocabulary, tone and pacing. Then, try re-recording yourself saying the same thing with these adjustments. By listening to these recordings, you can refine your communication skills and boost your confidence in the English language. 

Write in a journal

If you’re wondering how to improve your English, it’s sometimes as simple as picking up a pen and paper. Writing in a journal is an excellent way to grow more comfortable with the English language. By writing regularly, you’ll be better able to express your thoughts and ideas clearly, improving your overall writing fluency. 

Similarly, reading exposes you to the cultural aspects of the English-speaking world. Literature and other written materials provide insights into the history, customs, and traditions of English-speaking countries. This cultural understanding enhances your ability to connect with native English speakers and fosters cultural sensitivity.

Practise, practise, practise

It is important to remember that consistent practice is key. By establishing a solid foundation, immersing yourself in English environments and, refining your skills in the four key areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing, you will ensure a smooth transition to a new country. 

Prepare for your move with PTE 

Learning how to improve your English? PTE has ample resources to help you!

Whether you are planning to study in the UK, US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, PTE has tips and guides and a community of English language learners.  

Plus, if you need to take an English language test before studying abroad, PTE offers practice tests to help you prepare. With the help of these mock tests - which you can complete from the comfort of your home - you’ll get a sense of the questions you may be asked on the PTE test in its full form. As a result, you’ll feel more confident and boost your chances of securing a great PTE score.

Author: Divyangana Sharma