How TOEFL Supports Your Study Abroad Story

TOEFL® is more than just an English test; it’s your foundation to studying abroad. Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting steps you take in your education. It gives you the chance to discover new cultures, meet people from around the world, and unlock career opportunities in new countries.

But before you pack your bags you need to prove your English skills. This is where the TOEFL iBT® comes in. Accepted by more than 12,500 universities and institutions in over 160 countries, the TOEFL iBT® is one of the most prestigious ways to demonstrate that you’re ready to study in an English-speaking environment.

Here’s how TOEFL supports your study abroad dream and why your preparation can give you more than just a test score.

If you want to study abroad in an English-speaking country (or at an international university where your course is taught in English) admissions offers need to know you can understand the language.

Academic life requires you to read and break down research papers, write essays on complex topics, listen to lectures and participate in discussions. Taking a TOEFL test will ensure you have the reading, listening, writing and speaking skills to understand and present information in an academic environment.

A certain TOEFL score is required for some universities as it shows you can do all of these things to the level required for success at university. Exceeding these scores is a great way to make your application stand out.

In many countries proof of English is not just a university requirement but might be needed as part of the student visa application process. For example, the TOEFL is accepted by immigration authorities in countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK as proof of language skills.

If you plan to apply for a student visa, make sure you check the country’s official requirements. You don’t want your application rejected because you don’t have a certain test score!

A strong TOEFL score can help you with managing finances related to your studies. Many universities use TOEFL scores as part of their scholarship and financial aid criteria. A high score shows that you’re capable of excelling academically which will help admission officers to look more favorably on any scholarship applications you make.

TOEFL is more than just memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules. It’s designed to prepare you for real academic situations and living abroad. At university you’ll be listening to lectures in English, reading passages in English and answering short passages in English.

Your TOEFL iBT will help you build the skills required to thrive in this academic environment, ensuring you can:

• Take notes efficiently during lectures
• Understand complex academic readings
• Write essays that meet academic standards 
• Participate in class discussions with confidence
• Break down academic texts to use as references

Moving to another country is a big decision. It can feel intimidating to communicate with people in another language. This is where strong English skills can help. English can help you to speak in class, keep up in lectures and express yourself clearly.

Knowing you can speak and understand English will give you a huge confidence boost (even if you’re still a little scared!) Once you’ve arrived at university you can put your English to the test. The more you use it, the better you’ll become. The better you become, the more confident you’ll feel!

If you’re studying in an English-speaking country (or studying a cause taught in English) chances are you’re going to meet people who speak English. By communicating with others in the same language you’ll find it easier to make friends and discover new cultures.

If you’re studying in an English-speaking university then English is your secret to success. You can use your English skills to make friends with people who live in the city. These people can help you to discover the hidden gems not known by tourists or even students!

This is a fantastic way to fully explore the town or city you live in, getting the most out of your university experience!

Studying abroad is more than just attending lectures and seminars. It’s about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, meeting new people and building the life you want in an exciting new environment.

TOEFL is your foundation to thrive. A good TOEFL score can help you prove your English proficiency, meet visa and scholarship requirements, and prepare you for academic and university life.

If you’re looking to study abroad then TOEFL is your first steppingstone. Check out the test today and discover what TOEFL can do for you. 

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