Preparing for ESL in the USA

Preparing for ESL in the USA is something international students can do from home. To a certain extent, preparation will depend on the type of ESL program you are preparing for. However, there are some general things you can do to prepare for any ESL program in the USA.

Check with the school
Start with the program or course you are enrolling in. Schools offering ESLclasses are generally very helpful and will be happy to respond to requests for advice on how to prepare. Many offer such advice on their websites.

Language Testing
Some programs will require you to take a diagnostic test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). This initial test shows the school what level of English you're ready for. The school may require you to take the test in advance, or may administer a diagnostic test themselves.

Preparing for these tests can be done in different ways. You can take a course designed to prepare you for the test, or you can take online practice tests or find other online study aids. Some private language companies sell guides and other materials to help students pass particular test, but before you buy anything, do your research to see whether there are any free resources on the Internet first. The official websites for each test often offer preparation tips as well.

Here is a basic overview of what the different tests cover:

TOEFL: You can take the Internet-based Test (iBT) or the Paper-based Test (PBT), depending on your test center. The TOEFL PBT is divided into 4 sections: listening comprehension, structure and written expression, reading comprehension and writing (Test of Written English). The TSE (Test of Spoken English) is also available to those who need scores for college admission or certification in a professional field. The TOEFL iBT measures skills in reading, listening, speaking and writing, and requires students to combine 2 or more of these skills in response to a question. For example, you might read a passage or listen to a lecture in English, and then write or speak your answers.

TOEIC: This test is specifically designed to measure a person's everyday English skills. It is a multiple-choice test consisting of 2 sections: listening comprehension and reading comprehension. In the 2-hour test, students must answer 100 questions in each section.

IELTS: IELTS is available in two test formats: Academic or General Training. Each format consists of 4 sections, each with a set number of tasks. The sections are listening, speaking, reading and writing. The reading and writing sections differ for those taking the Academic or General Training tests.

MELAB: The MELAB consists of three parts: a composition, a listening test, and a written test containing grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension problems. An optional speaking test is also available.

Bear in mind that some schools may have their own placement tests, or they may not require one at all. Be sure to check with the specific ESL school or program before you undertake any extensive preparation.

Personal Preparation
There are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself personally for studying ESL in the USA.

Practice what English you may have. Watch television or movies in English, listen to music in English, and if possible have conversations with other English-speakers in your area.

Get familiar with American culture, customs and the details of day to day life in the USA. This will help you with culture-shock and help you to familiarize you with your host country.

Gather things to remind you of home while you are in the United States. Having familiar music, books, movies and souvenir objects can be very comforting if you get home-sick.

Research the extra-curricular activities that are offered by the school you wish to go to, or that are available in the local community. You may find your favourite sport or other activity, or you may find something new that looks interesting. If you research before leaving, you won't have to spend as much time in your new country looking for things to do: you can jump right in!

Get in contact with other international students already studying at the school you wish to attend. The school's administration may be able to put you in touch with current international students who can share their experiences and advice with you.