English for Beginners: Studying Abroad
Dialogue
Alice: Hey Bob, what’s got you grinning like that? You look like you just won the lottery.
Bob: Alice! Better than the lottery! I’m going to study abroad!
Alice: Wow, Bob! That’s huge news! Where are you planning to go? To become a professional cloud-watcher in Scotland?
Bob: Not quite! I’m thinking… Japan! To master the art of ramen making!
Alice: Ramen master, really? So you’ll come back speaking fluent Japanese and pulling noodles like a pro?
Bob: Exactly! Imagine: “Chef Bob’s Authentic Tokyo Ramen!” My future is incredibly soupy.
Alice: Sounds… unique! But have you thought about the actual studying part? Like, courses? Tuition?
Bob: Details, details! The most important course is “Sampling Ramen from Every Prefecture 101.”
Alice: (laughs) I knew it! And how about the language? Do you speak Japanese?
Bob: Uh… “Konnichiwa”? “Ramen”? “Arigato”? I’m practically fluent already!
Alice: Okay, maybe we should start with some basic Japanese phrases, Bob. And look into scholarships.
Bob: Scholarships? Is that like free money for ramen research?
Alice: Kind of! It’s financial aid to help you study. I can help you research some options.
Bob: You’re the best, Alice! Soon I’ll be sending you postcards from Tokyo, perhaps with a small, delicious bowl of ramen.
Alice: Just try not to get lost on the way to the noodle shop! Good luck, Chef Bob-san!
Current Situation
Studying abroad is a dream for many young people today. It’s becoming increasingly popular because it offers a chance to experience new cultures, learn a new language, and gain valuable international experience. Many universities around the world welcome international students, and there are programs for almost any field of study, from business to art to ramen making!
While the idea of living in a new country can be exciting, it also comes with challenges like the cost of tuition, living expenses, and getting a visa. However, there are often scholarships and financial aid options available to help students. Additionally, improving technology and online courses mean there are more flexible ways to study internationally than ever before. It’s a fantastic way to broaden your horizons and boost your future career.
Key Phrases
- Study abroad: To go to another country to study at a school or university.
Example: I want to study abroad in France next year to learn about art. - Tuition: The money you pay to a school or university for your courses.
Example: The tuition for that university is very high, so I need a scholarship. - Scholarship: Money given to students to help them pay for their education, which they usually do not have to pay back.
Example: She received a scholarship to study engineering at a top university. - Financial aid: Money given or loaned to students to help them pay for their education.
Example: Many students apply for financial aid to cover their college costs. - Cultural immersion: The process of experiencing and adapting to a new culture deeply.
Example: Studying abroad offers a great chance for cultural immersion and understanding new ways of life. - Fluent: Able to speak a language easily, correctly, and well.
Example: After living in Spain for two years, he became fluent in Spanish. - Master the art of (something): To become very skilled or an expert in doing something.
Example: Bob wants to master the art of ramen making in Japan. - Postcard: A card for sending a message by post without an envelope, usually with a picture on one side.
Example: I’ll send you a postcard from Paris with a picture of the Eiffel Tower! - Research (verb): To investigate systematically or carefully examine a subject to discover new information or understand it better.
Example: We need to research different universities and their programs before applying.
Grammar Points
- Present Simple: We use the present simple for facts, habits, and scheduled events.
- Facts/General Truths: “The tuition is high.” “He speaks Japanese.”
- Habits: “Alice laughs a lot.”
- Future Plans (Scheduled): Sometimes used for definite future plans, but usually “going to” is more common for personal plans.
- “Going to” Future: We use “going to” to talk about future plans and intentions that we have already decided.
- Structure: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base form of the verb.
- Example: “I am going to study abroad!” (Bob has decided this).
- Example: “Are you going to visit many places?”
- Modal Verbs (Can, Should): These small words come before a main verb and add extra meaning.
- Can: Expresses ability or possibility.
Example: “I can help you research some options.” (Alice has the ability to help).
Example: “She can speak three languages.” (She has the ability). - Should: Expresses advice or recommendation.
Example: “Maybe we should start with some basic Japanese phrases.” (Alice is giving advice to Bob).
Example: “You should study hard for your exams.” (It’s good advice).
- Can: Expresses ability or possibility.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct key phrase or grammar word.
- I want to ______ ______ in Canada to improve my English.
- She received a ______ to help pay for her university ______.
- You ______ apply for ______ ______ if you need money for school.
- He is ______ to become ______ in French.
- Don’t forget to ______ the cost of living in Germany.
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using “going to”.
- My plan is to travel to Mexico next summer. (Start with “I am going to…”)
- They intend to learn a new skill. (Start with “They are going to…”)
Exercise 3: Choose the correct sentence.
- (A) You should study hard. (B) You shoulds study hard.
- (A) Can I help you? (B) Do I can help you?
- (A) We should to go now. (B) We should go now.
Answers
Exercise 1:
- study abroad
- scholarship, tuition
- should, financial aid
- going, fluent
- research
Exercise 2:
- I am going to travel to Mexico next summer.
- They are going to learn a new skill.
Exercise 3:
- (A) You should study hard.
- (A) Can I help you?
- (B) We should go now.
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