Academic languages abroad

Every year the number of foreign students wishing to study at foreign universities is increasing. At the same time, it is impossible to enter European, American, Canadian universities without preliminary preparation. It happens due to the peculiarities of educational systems in foreign countries, as well as the need to improve the level of knowledge of a foreign language.

Linguistic preparation for admission to the university usually takes a lot of time. In specialized schools and centers, various programs are offered: one includes preparation for specific exams and tests (for example, IELTS, DSH, DALF, TOEFL for English) , others (for academic purposes) combine the linguistic course with the preparatory one. Such preliminary programs allow students not only to improve a foreign language to the level necessary for the perception of a university curriculum, but also to develop important skills. Language schools abroad remain the best way to prepare for further successful studying.

At the academic courses students receive knowledge and develop the skills necessary for studying in universities, working in the territory of the chosen country. The level of foreign language skills in the business aspect is also increased. Such programs are often used as basic level for professionals, in this case, when studying vocabulary, the emphasis is put on specific topics.

Actually, general language courses are quite popular among foreign students. However, many educational works (projects, reports, essays and theses) are written in accordance with the structure, require the mandatory use of special vocabulary, the study of profile and additional literature (the perception of information from written sources). That's why, it's important to find out what kind of courses is essential for every student.

Specialized courses allow to develop not only linguistic skills. Studying helps to improve professional, social and communicative skills, what is very important for effective communication in the academic business environment.

In the lessons, the emphasis is put on developing listening comprehension skills, understanding written texts, speed reading, oratory, the ability to quickly and correctly formulate ideas, thoughts, and defend the point of view in dialogue. Communicative method is one of the main methods used in the educational process: it involves the participation of students in discussions, trainings, projects, seminars, congresses, various professional events.

What are the results of language courses?

• improvement of general language and special skills;
• vocabulary expansion, replenishment of its vocabulary ;
• developing the skill of writing academic texts;
• gaining experience in keeping notes of lectures, drawing up reports, conducting presentations, etc.
• an exceptional understanding of oral speech and texts, critical experience evaluation of scientific literature.

Students will have to work hard to develop their skills and devote 20 to 30 hours a week studying a language. Courses may last for 24 or 12 weeks.

Academic programs are aimed at students with different educational needs. They can be visited by:

• university entrants (Bachelor's, Master's programs) for skills development;
• job seekers and employees of international companies to improve competitiveness in the international labor market;
• those who wish to take language tests (this program is broader than the profile one, differs in complexity, allows more efficient preparation for the upcoming testing);
• students wishing to improve their language and teaching skills and enroll in secondary schools abroad.

Conditional age limits are applied to the curriculum: students over the age of 15 are usually accepted for courses, some private schools in England may accept students from the age of 11.