10/07/2026
Launching Beyond Childhood - International Student Support Program
Topic 1- Communication
One of the most common questions new international students ask is: "How can I understand the local accent and follow university lectures more easily?"
My answer is simple. It is a journey of the mind, the ear, and making sense of what you hear.
From the beginning, you may not understand a single word, and that is normal. The first challenge is your mind. Avoid thinking, "This is difficult" or "I cannot adjust." Instead, tell yourself, "Yes, I can learn this."
Many people say, "Watch movies and speak with people." Yes, these certainly help, but they often take time. As children, we naturally absorb language. Young adults and international students are different. We are adapting to a new culture, a new education system, and many other responsibilities at the same time. That is why I believe the quickest approach is case-by-case communication research, together with understanding yourself as a learner.
Before deciding how to improve your English, first understand yourself as an international student. Ask yourself: What is my biggest challenge? Is it the local accent? Pronunciation? Vocabulary? Academic language? Confidence in speaking? Or listening? Everyone is different. Once you understand your own strengths and challenges, develop your own language-learning plan instead of relying on only one method.
This is exactly what I practised 25 years ago when I was an international student working at busiest place. Many people told me I would struggle because most customers were native English speakers. During busy hours there was a long queue of customers placing customised orders while I had to understand exactly what they wanted and enter the correct order and price. It was challenging, but it became one of my greatest learning experiences.
Instead of waiting until I gradually became familiar with the accent, I turned every communication challenge into a learning opportunity. Every conversation became a small research project.
I observed, listened carefully, made notes, researched afterwards, practised, and gradually became familiar with different communication patterns and the local accent. I used exactly the same approach at work, at the bank, in supermarkets, at university, during interviews, and in everyday conversations.
I also applied this approach to university learning.
Before each lecture, I identified the key words, researched the topic, read the recommended materials where possible, and prepared my own notes. This preliminary preparation helped me recognise important concepts even when the lecturer's accent was unfamiliar.
During the lecture, I focused on listening for key words and concepts instead of trying to understand every sentence. I wrote down unfamiliar words and expressions to research later.
After the lecture, I reviewed my notes, researched what I had not understood, and discussed the lecture with my classmates. Each student understood different parts of the lecture, and by sharing our ideas we collectively developed better notes and a clearer understanding of both the subject and the lecturer's communication style.
Education is a self-learning journey. If your goal is to understand lectures and communicate professionally, make every communication experience your own research project.
Even today, after more than 25 years of working with children, young people, university students, and professionals from many different nationalities, this issue still comes up regularly. I often meet capable and motivated young people who worry about understanding the local accent, communicating confidently, or following lectures. From my experience, these challenges can be overcome with the right mindset, self-awareness, and practical strategies. The simple steps below are the same principles that helped me and continue to guide the young people I work with.
The practical steps that helped me
1. Start with a positive mindset. Believe that you can learn.
2. Understand yourself. Identify whether your challenge is the local accent, pronunciation, vocabulary, academic language, confidence, or listening skills.
3. Don't hesitate to say, "Could you please repeat that?" or "Pardon?"
4. Listen for key words rather than trying to understand every word.
5. Keep a notebook, or use your phone, to record unfamiliar words, expressions, and pronunciations. Research them afterwards. Today, there are many excellent apps that can support pronunciation and listening practice.
6. Practise common conversations and communication patterns that you experience every day.
7. Treat every situation—at work, university, the bank, the supermarket, interviews, or daily life—as a case study for learning.
8. Before lectures, identify the key words, research the topic, read the recommended materials, and prepare your own notes.
9. During and after lectures, review your notes, research unfamiliar concepts, and discuss the lecture with classmates. By combining your understanding, you can collectively develop better notes and gain a clearer understanding of both the subject and the lecturer's communication style.
10. Keep learning every day. Train your mind, your ears, and your analytical thinking. Small, consistent efforts build confidence over time.
Every international student's journey is unique. Believe in yourself, stay curious, and never stop learning. One day, the accent that once seemed difficult will simply become another part of your everyday communication.
