Are you getting ready to study in the U.S. as an international student?
The U.S. currently hosts about 1.1 million international students.
To apply for a visiting student visa, most students must pass an English language exam. English fluency can be essential for anyone wanting to study long-term in America.
Fluency isn’t everything, though. It’s also important to improve English pronunciation.
In this post, we discuss why international students should take English pronunciation courses. Read on for insight!
1. Understanding
Languages are tools for communication. You definitely need English vocabulary to communicate with other native speakers.
But effective communication does not depend on vocabulary alone.
Proper pronunciation is key. Pronunciation ensures that your listeners understand exactly what you have to say.
For example, you may feel comfortable using the word “undergraduate.” But mispronunciation of this term can leave your listeners feeling confused. They may misunderstand you, leading to miscommunication.
English pronunciation courses can help international students improve their articulation of advanced vocabulary. This can lower the risk of miscommunication down the road.
2. Future Careers
As an international student, you may hope to someday live and work in the U.S.
If this is the case, your career will probably require English fluency.
It’s rare to find a profession that doesn’t involve communication of some kind. In fact, many careers depend on daily, effective communication.
This is especially the case in medical and education fields.
When interacting with students, patients, or colleagues, it’s essential to communicate things clearly.
Proper pronunciation of English will ensure that you do this. It will enable you to perform your job with ease.
Even if you don’t plan on working in the U.S., your future career may hinge on your English skills. Your capacity to communicate well with native English speakers could play a powerful role in your own professional development.
3. Academic Performance
Most American collegiate environments require students to contribute to discussions.
Basic English vocabulary will assist in these situations.
Your ability to pronounce these terms clearly, however, can improve your classroom participation. It can also make these discussions more accessible and enjoyable.
If you are shy about your pronunciation, you may be less inclined to speak up in class. If your grade depends on such participation, your transcript may suffer.
Get the grades that you deserve and the knowledge you seek by improving your English pronunciation!
Should International Students take English Pronunciation Courses?
Most international students studying in the U.S. already have reached a certain level of English fluency.
Many, however, struggle with their pronunciation skills.
Poor pronunciation can lead to miscommunication on many levels.
This can be detrimental in the college classroom. It can also hold students back from certain professional paths.
If you are an international student, consider enrolling in English pronunciation courses. Doing so can give you the confidence you need to contribute to academic discussions.
It can also prevent miscommunication with friends and professors.
At PronunciationPro, we love helping non-native English speakers improve their pronunciation skills. We’ve also helped hundreds of international students succeed.
Read our students’ testimonials here!
