Image Source: Pexels
Mastering English as an international student in Canada is an exciting journey toward success. Explore these 10 actionable tips for learning English at ILAC, improving your communication skills, and discovering the best career paths through our accredited high school programs.
Imagine landing in a city where the sky is the limit and every conversation is a step toward a global future. For international students at ILAC, this is not just a dream but a daily reality. Mastering English is the key that unlocks the “Canadian Dream,” allowing you to thrive in one of the most diverse and welcoming countries in the world.
Whether you’re studying at our boutique-style campuses in Toronto or Vancouver, the journey to fluency is filled with excitement.
At ILAC, we do more than just teach a language. We provide a fully accredited Canadian learning experience that prepares you for the best career paths in Canada, the USA, and Europe.
To help you reach your goals faster, we’ve compiled ten actionable tips for learning the English language while immersing yourself in Canadian culture.
1. Study Phrases Instead of Single Words
One of the most effective English-language training secrets is to focus on learning complete phrases rather than memorizing individual words.
When you learn a single word, you often don’t know how to use it in a sentence correctly. However, when you study phrases, you’re learning both vocabulary and grammar at the same time.
This method helps you develop natural communication skills faster. For example, instead of just learning the word “interested,” learn the phrase “I am interested in.” This allows you to speak more automatically without having to pause and think about grammar rules.
Whether you’re a beginner or at an intermediate level, this shift will help you improve your daily conversations.
2. Embrace the Power of a Global Classroom
The fastest way to improve your English language skills is to step out of your comfort zone. ILAC is one of the most awarded schools in the world, welcoming students from more than 90 countries. In our boutique-style classes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by peers from different backgrounds who do not speak your native tongue.
When you’re in the classroom, the English language becomes your only tool for connection. This environment forces you to think on your feet and practice your speaking and listening in a natural, supportive setting.
Don’t be afraid to be the first one to say “hello”! Every interaction is an opportunity to make a lifelong friend and a global connection.
Image source: Canva
3. Focus on Academic Purposes
If you’re at ILAC, your goal may be to have a fun experience learning English before going to a top-tier college or university. This requires a specific set of academic English language skills. Our program is designed to help you develop the writing skills and reading comprehension needed for high-level study.
By taking specialization courses like Academic Reading, Professional English, or Academic Skills, you can prepare early for higher education. This academic foundation is what helps international students compete on the same level as domestic students when applying to higher education institutions.
4. Live the Canadian Way with Homestay
Where you live matters just as much as where you study English. ILAC offers excellent residency services, including our homestay program, which matches students with local families.
Living with a family is like having a personal tutor 24 hours a day. From sharing breakfast to discussing your day over dinner, these daily interactions help you pick up local “Canadianisms.” You will learn how to use English in a real-world workplace or home setting.
Plus, our homestay families provide a safe, fun, and serious environment that parents and the government trust.
5. Dive into Real Materials Instead of Textbooks
To truly master the English language, you must expose yourself to “real” English. While textbooks are great for a beginner, they often use language that native speakers don’t actually use in daily life.
Try to discover Canadian culture through a video, a blog, or a news article. Read local newspapers in Toronto or Vancouver to see how current events are described. If you’re interested in a specific hobby, find an online Canadian group or forum dedicated to it.
This immersion helps you prepare for the way people actually speak in the world today.
Image Source: Pexels
6. Prioritize Listening over Reading
Many students spend too much time reading and not enough time listening. However, listening is the most important skill for mastering English. The more you listen to understand English, the more your speaking will improve automatically.
Think of it like a child learning their first language. They listen for years before they start speaking.
You can watch video lessons or listen to the radio while you commute to campus. This constant exposure helps your brain recognize the patterns and rhythm of the English language without you having to study hard grammar rules.
7. Use Career Services and Professional Prep
At ILAC, we support the entire school process from start to finish. This includes career services and university placement assistance. If you’re looking to enter the workplace, you need more than just general language skills.
Our professional English language program options help you develop the communication skills needed for interviews and networking. While we don’t promote the post-graduation work permit as a primary selling point, our pathway to partner institutions can lead to those opportunities.
8. Learn Grammar Unconsciously through Stories
If you want to speak fluently, you must stop thinking about grammar rules while you talk. A great way to do this is by using “Point of View” stories. These are stories told in different tenses (past, present, and future) to help you internalize grammar patterns naturally.
Our teachers at ILAC High School use engaging methods to ensure that you succeed in your academic writing without being stressed about every small rule. When grammar becomes a habit, you can focus all your energy on what you want to say, rather than how to say it.
9. Practice Thinking in English
Are you translating from your home country’s language into English in your head? If so, your speaking will always be slow. To master English, you must practice thinking directly in the language.
Start small by naming the objects you see around your room in English. Gradually, try to narrate your day to yourself. For example, “Now I am going to the campus to enroll in my next semester classes.”
This “inner monologue” bridges your thoughts and your English skills.
10. Join the Social Program and Experience Canada
ILAC is famous for its vibrant student life. We believe learning is a lot of fun, and we host events that let you explore Canada while practicing your English. Whether it’s a trip to Niagara Falls or a social night in Toronto, these activities are essential.
Canada is a bilingual country where you might also encounter French, especially in other provinces. While our focus is on English, understanding the bilingual nature of Canada enriches your overall cultural education.
Participate in as many social events as possible to discover the “Canadian Dream” for yourself.
FAQs About Mastering English Skills
Key Takeaways
- Study full phrases: Focus on learning complete phrases rather than isolated words to naturally improve your vocabulary and grammar.
- Immerse globally: Utilize ILAC’s diverse classrooms to practice speaking and listening with peers from over 90 different countries.
- Focus on academic goals: Develop specific writing and reading skills through programs designed for academic purposes.
- Prioritize listening: Improve speaking skills automatically by consistently listening to “real” English materials like videos, news, and podcasts.
- Think in English: Build a bridge between your thoughts and the language by practicing an inner monologue instead of translating from your native tongue.
- Live the culture: Enhance your communication skills by participating in homestays and social programs that offer real-world practice.
Learn English for International Students
Mastering English takes time, but with the right program and a “Dream Big” attitude, you can reach your goals in as little as six months. Whether you need to prepare for an IELTS test or an equivalent academic test, ILAC provides the instructors, the campus, and the support you need to succeed.
If you’re ready to begin your journey, contact us today. We can help you plan your education and find the right language courses for your future.
