How much English do you need to study abroad

​​How much "academic English" do you need to study abroad? While it is difficult to give an exact answer, being familiar with academic English is one of the key components to thriving in an academic environment.

What is academic English?

Academic English is a branch of English used in higher education settings to understand, read, write, and speak about various academic subjects. Unlike conversational English, where you might use slang ("Totally!"), fragments (sentences missing a subject or main verb), and informal grammar (which might include any of the above!) to get your point across, academic English is more formal and requires grammar accuracy. For instance, while gonna and wanna are commonly used in conversations, these should be written as going to and want to in essays and reports.

Many students arriving from non-English speaking countries will need to take an English proficiency test, such as the Duolingo English Test, to prove to the university that they are familiar with academic English!

Benefits of having strong academic English skills

Although having strong academic English skills won't automatically lead to good grades, it will certainly help you perform well and enrich your university experience! Here are a few key benefits of learning academic English:

You'll develop an in-depth understanding of lectures, textbooks, and other course materials. University lectures and textbooks are typically heavy with information, and they can be difficult to process. Many students spend hours in the library trying to understand and keep up with new materials. Having strong academic English can help you better engage with the course content and eventually, you won't spend so many hours poring over your textbooks!

You can more easily participate in class. Many university professors welcome questions and encourage students to participate in discussions. Discussions are a great way to learn from one another and to check whether you have understood the content. Successful learning often occurs in collaborative settings, and having strong academic English will not only boost your confidence but also help you articulate your thoughts clearly and enhance your learning experience!

You'll be able to produce high-quality work. Regardless of their major, most students will need to submit written assignments at some point during their studies. You may be asked to analyze theories, form an argument and support it using academic sources, or summarize key concepts. These assignments will then be evaluated on many aspects, including the quality of the argument and analysis, or your ability to express your thoughts logically and critically. Therefore, producing high-quality essays and reports will require knowledge and strong academic writing skills!

Tips for developing academic English proficiency

Read textbooks.They're not always the most exciting reads, but textbooks are a great way to familiarize yourself with academic vocabulary. You can read at your own pace, look up new words and expressions, and re-read as needed!

Listen to academic English. Some professors provide pre-recorded lectures before class. If you can, try to listen ahead of time and write down any questions. You may also consider asking permission to record lectures and listen to them as needed.

Form a study group. Studying with friends and classmates has many benefits, including improving academic English skills. You can engage in discussions, share ideas, or even read each other's work and give feedback.

Ask for help. Many universities have writing centers that provide support and advice for all students. Remember that academic English skills are learned through practice! Even those who speak English as their first language often struggle when they first encounter academic English! Don't be afraid to ask for help!

Thinking about studying abroad?

While understanding academic English will have many benefits, from thriving in your studies to building confidence, studying abroad is a valuable experience for you to see and experience the world! So, pack up your bags and embark on your journey!

For more on academic English, and resources for English proficiency testing, check out the Duolingo English Test blog!

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