Moving to a new country can feel isolating, especially when you don't hear your native language being spoken very often. It can be frustrating trying to keep up with conversations. Each task that you try to engage in--reading for your class assignments, navigating the bus schedule, shopping at the grocery store, ordering food at a restaurant--can feel exhausting, as your brain tries to make sense of all that you are seeing and hearing. In the worst moments you might feel hopelessly incompetent and want to give up.

Remember, this transition is going to require some patience and practice. Here are some basic tips to make this process feel a little more manageable.

  • Find ways to practice in everyday experiences. No one expects that you will have mastered the language and all of its nuances, even if you have been practicing at it for some time. Perhaps find an online course to practice your language skills. Or just practice by talking with your roommate, your classmates, or join an org to get exposed to more native language speakers. Just try your best. 
  • Join conversation classes. Did you know that OISS offers English conversation classes for international students? Classes are held several times a week and include regular monthly social activities such as tours, parties, and dinners. The social activities will provide you with a chance to meet other international students and to become acquainted with American culture.
  • Ask questions. If you are confused about a phrase or word, ask the person to clarify. If someone is talking too rapidly ask them to slow down so that you can better understand them.
  • Take breaks when you feel exhausted. It is likely that at some point you are going to get fatigued. Give yourself permission to take a break, call someone to chat in your own language. And then when you have some renewed energy, get back out there again.
  • Be patient with yourself. Sometimes when students feel frustrated by language barriers they can get critical of themselves for not being able to feel like they can function as effectively as they had in their home country. Remember to be kind to yourself. You have taken on a significant challenge and it will take some time for it to feel better.

This is Harder Than I Expected
Many international students are surprised by how some of the nuances of language can cause challenges in their everyday life. Ever misunderstand people or say something you did not mean?  Feel like you don't get the don't get some of the content in casual conversations or totally miss out on slang phrases that Americans use? Having trouble expressing your emotions fully in English as you might like ? Check out this blog post by Agata, an international student from Poland about her initial experiences in the U.S. and how she managed some of these challenges.

Why Aren't You Speaking English?

International students sometimes run into the criticism that they prefer to hang out with those who speak their native language. Check out the video below to hear some challenges to this criticism. 

Beyond the TOEFL test:
Applying English Language in Everyday Contexts

Many international students say language barriers can significantly influence their academic performance. Difficulty understanding lectures because the professors are talking too fast, being fearful of asking questions in class, and difficulty finishing the readings on time are just some of the challenges that students report. Check out this article to learn from international students what they did to tackle these and other challenges. And check out our resources on campus including OISS, CLAS individual appointments and group workshops, your TA and professors' office hours, and labs for getting help on your homework (e.g., MathLab).