To give you some ideas for what to study, we have compiled a list of example topics which, in our experience, are particularly important when studying a language. You could use each of these ideas as a base upon which to work on your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills – according to your needs.

The list is divided into some common scenarios for language use.

Day-to-day:

• Understanding songs, TV and movies
• Settling in to life in your new city (public transport, services etc.)
• Understanding and communicating with the locals (Cultural Aspects)
• Understanding and communicating with the locals (Common Expressions, e.g. phrasal verbs)
• Making yourself understood (choosing appropriate words, using appropriate stress, intonation, and general pronunciation etc.)
• Adjusting to the new culture through understanding the language and other aspects of communication
• Starting and maintaining a conversation
• Socialising
• Communicating at restaurants
• Communicating over the telephone
• Visiting the doctor, hairdresser, post office, bank etc.
• Going shopping – including specific topics like understanding sales assistants
• Applying for a job – including cover letters, resumes and speaking at interviews

Travelling:

• Asking for directions
• Going shopping – including asking for clothes sizes, printing photos, buying sunscreen etc.
• Making bookings and buying tickets (flights/concerts etc.)
• Understanding music, TV and movies
• Obtaining services (hotels, banks, laundromats, post offices, hairdressers etc.)
• Key vocabulary in case of an emergency
• Communicating with the doctor
• Talking about sport/local customs with the locals
• Eating and Drinking – including the best places to go
• Understanding and/or using the local expressions
• Understanding the local culture
• Inside tips on how to get the best out of your travel experience

Studying:

• Preparing for the IELTS
• General grammar and spelling skills
• Understanding lectures and tutorials
• Understanding assignment requirements
• Discussing requirements with your teachers
• Reading academic articles
• Expressing your opinion in speaking and in writing
• Socialising with local students

Work:

• Applying for a job – cover letters, resumes, phone interviews and face-to-face interviews
• Giving and understanding presentations
• Understanding and participating in meetings – including opening and closing, expressing your opinion and guidelines for interruption
• Negotiating
• Understanding and writing emails – including local expressions
• Understanding and writing reports – including using accurate structure, grammar and spelling
• Business / industry-specific vocabulary
• Understanding and giving instructions
• Communicating over the telephone
• Introducing yourself and others
• Initiating, participating in and maintaining conversation