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How much can an average student score in the toefl?

Problems of an international student in Canada?

  • Hi, I am an international first year student in Canada. I have been accepted for the winter semester and will start to study at Memorial University next week. I am new to EVERYTHING. But I was saying "At least I know how to speak English.".That was a great consolation for me. I came to the city two days ago and I thought that I knew English before I came here. I know NOTHING. People are speaking so fast! I don't get anything and can't answer them correctly. I always fear that I will say something wrong. No, Newfoundlanders are so sweet, they understand my situation and try to explain everything slowly. But I don't want this. I want to speak like them, like a native English speaker. Now, next week, when I go to school, I wonder if there is anyone like me. What embarrasses me most is the fact that I deserved to study at this school by passing the TOEFL exam with a high score. But real life is much harder. To top it all off, I already miss my family so much. I don't know what to do or when I can get used to this. If there is anyone who experienced this before, please write here. I need to know that I am not the only one.

  • Answer:

    Conversational language is always much different, because it includes a lot of slang, slurring, and other things like that. In the beginning, you will have to continue asking people to speak more slowly sometimes and start asking people what unfamiliar words mean (slang or otherwise). It all comes down to practice, though. Your written English is perfect, so you obviously put a lot of practice into developing that skill. Speaking and listening works the same way...the more exposure you have, the more you will be able to understand. You certainly aren't the only one! Canada gets thousands of international students from all over the world. Universities usually have admin departments for ESL services, and other academic aid services that you may be able to make use of, and you're bound to meet other internationals around campus.

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all you need is inspiration don't worry there ppl like you in this world

First of all, congratulations on passing the exam. I've been told that test is not easy, and have known people who have flunked it in the past. The bad thing about those exams is that they don't really prepare you for the everyday spoken language. English, like all other languages has slang and other catch-phrases that used in everyday conversation. The speed may sound very fast initially, but you'll be able to understand it better over time. The best suggestion I have to get in contact with your university's International Student Office, They could provide you with a lot of resources, and answer many of your questions. They may also be able to put you in contact with other international students, as well as English speaking programs. In your classes, chances are that there will be a few people who would like to be friends with you, so don't be afraid to hang out with them. If they want to be friends, they'll understand your language barrier, and would be willing to help you through it. Plus, you may be able to teach them a few things as well, making it a positive learning experience for them. Hope this helps. :)

I'm like you , an international student in the U.S ,however you are better than me because you came with high TOEFL score , When I came here I knew English but not like you so I took ESL classes . I was afraid if I'm going to be able to understand my college courses because ppl talk so fast as you mentioned, but I'm done with my ESL and started college everything became all right. My advice is to not feel shy to speak ( especially with native speakers) that what I used to do I say I'm an international student and new here and I want to improve my english I know that I have an accent but I hope I will go over it soon , believe me ppl will be amazed when they know that. I have been here for almost 2 years I know the first days are usually hard ... Homesick I still until now feeling that .. you are not the only person my dear you have to be proud ur strong and you can do it ! hope I made you feel better !

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