Learning English has become almost a must for all students, as it's so important for opening doors to the world. It's an undeniable asset for most future careers. Beyond the courses offered by most educational institutions, there are a host of tips for learning to more easily master the basics of this universal language during your student years.
Watch shows in English
Instead of watching American or British shows translated from English, it's easy to turn to the original versions. The same goes for movies. Even if you might miss some of the subtleties of the dialogue at first, your ear will naturally train and you'll understand much better as you go along.
It's also not necessary to devote a large number of hours a day to listening to English. Fifteen minutes a day listening to an English channel or even radio can allow you to make progress almost without realizing it. It would also be easy for you to subscribe to podcasts or English-language channels available on the internet focused on topics that interest you.
A stay abroad: immersion works miracles
It's a well-known fact: nothing beats practice when it comes to language learning. Spending time abroad in an English-speaking country ensures rapid assimilation of English. Speaking English all day, even in the evening when you're tired, ends up accustoming your mind to the other language, which you then adopt spontaneously. It's also an excellent way to grasp the accent.
As English is the most widely spoken language in the world, you have a long list of countries to choose from for your vacation or even your internship abroad. While the United Kingdom is the closest and quickest to reach, why not try your luck overseas in Canada, Australia, or even South Africa, which offer English immersion programs for all ages?
Readings in English
It's not uncommon during your program to require reading certain textbooks in English, especially in the scientific field. Whatever your field of interest, you'll find magazines or books that can inform you about your specialty. Search engines often direct us to English-language sites. It's worth reading them. Even if you don't understand everything the first time, things improve with perseverance.
Free sites to learn English
Of course, you should take advantage of technology to learn English at your own pace and at your own convenience. There are excellent free online courses, such as those offered by the British Council. Simply sign up for a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), choose your preferred topic, and start your online course.
The British Council has also designed a specialized site, LearnEnglish, which offers a host of activities, exercises and games that will help you learn grammar and acquire better vocabulary.
