Tips for making friends with international students while learning English in London

A German student who has been learning English in London at an English language school commented on his experience below: « I have been here for 2 months and my English has improved more than ever. The teachers are delightful and very professional. The administrative staff is always friendly and attentive. The social activities are just amazing! Also, students all over the world are very nice. I had the best two months of my life at this incredible school! » Learning English in London is not just about sitting in a classroom! Many students emphasise that the social enrichment made their English course even more efficient. Living in a multicultural environment for a few weeks opened their horizon in a way they would have never expected when they booked their English lessons in England.

Learn more about the dual benefits of learning English and building international friendships in a city like London!

Guess what? London is a multicultural city, not just British!

London is full of world cultures! If you visit Camden Market or South Kensington, you will no doubt have very diverse cultural experiences. Each of London’s neighbourhoods may reflect a culture from a different part of the world. While you live in London you will enjoy an authentic melting pot. Take a typical English breakfast, then explore Chinatown and finish the day with a Bollywood film! London allows you to travel around the world while walking through its streets.

London educational institutions, like Universities and English language schools, welcome year-round students coming from every corner of the world. Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) are renowned and attract students from everywhere, reinforcing the cultural diversity of their campuses. Walk on their campuses and listen to a diversity of languages and opinions!

London’s most famous attractions, especially its museums, enlighten history and cultures from all over the world and allow you to experience a rich cultural immersion. Visit the British Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum to experience ancient and worldwide cultures and creativity! Cultural events like festivals invite you to explore a different world; for example, if you are in London during the Notting Hill Carnival you will enjoy Caribbean music and dance. Other famous festivals celebrate Diwali, the Chinese New Year, or Eid.

London welcomes a diversity of students coming from various countries around the world

Thanks to its numerous universities, schools and English schools, London welcome every year many international students. According to the latest statistics, more than 125,000 international students from more than 200 countries study in London annually.

While learning English in London you will no doubt share your teacher with students from China, India, Brazil, Germany or France! English language schools in London welcome 100% of international students but 50% of students at the most famous universities are also international and not British.

London is the capital of international education. It is thus an ideal place to meet and socialize with students from all over the world and practice your English with them. Developing your international connections is an added benefit of learning English in a language school in London. Miho, a Japanese student, confirms: « I attended afternoon classes only three days a week for 14 weeks. The course was very enriching as I learned about British culture and expressions unique to the United Kingdom. Being able to listen to stories from students of different nationalities and ages and making friends who I can stay in touch with even after school is one of the benefits of attending Nacel English School London »!

What are the benefits of making new international friends while studying in London?

1st benefit: the cultural exchange

While you attend English classes in a classroom welcoming students from different countries, you are exposed to various cultures and languages daily. Interacting with your classmates allows you to learn more about the country they come from. Teachers also encourage students to share their opinions, debate and compare their cultures, in English of course! 🙂

2nd benefit: the language practice

While you study in London, English is the common language among all students. If you make the effort to get to know students coming from a different country than yours, you will have the opportunity to use English in real-life situations with them. You also practice your understanding skills: you get accustomed to listening to students speaking with a different accent than yours.

3rd benefit: the network expansion

While studying or working in your home country, you may have limited access to students from different nationalities. Use this time in London to expand your worldwide connections. While you socialise with people your age living in Brazil, Italy or Japan, you build up a network that will enrich your personal and professional horizons. Thanks to your social networks, you will keep in touch with your new friends for a long time after the end of your English course in London.

Our tips to meet international students in London

Meeting with international students in London is easy! Get some tips to make new friends in London.

Extracurricular activities to socialise with students

Most language schools offer extracurricular activities to help students have an enriching experience in London. Some of these activities can be social activities: going to the cinema together, having an international dinner in a pub, or celebrating Halloween or Christmas all together during a party at school! Other extracurricular activities allow you to explore London and other British tourist attractions with your peers. In London, « you will never walk alone »!

Keep an open mind and attitude

If you study English at a language school in London, all your classmates are international students and most of them will also look for new friends to enjoy their free time after class.

Open up! Engage in conversations after class, ask about others’ plans for the afternoon or the weekend, exchange phone numbers or social networks: you will soon be very busy visiting London and socialising at local pubs with your new friends!

Additional tips :

• Show that you are open to others and interested in sharing and learning more about them ;
• Take the initiative to invite your new friends for a beer or an English tea experience ;
• Help others if they need it ;
• Create opportunities for your new friends to share their culture with you ;
• Show respect and understanding, and keep an open mind even if you disagree;
• Support them if they have difficulties adapting to their life in London.

We encourage you to make the best of your English course in London while you make friends with international students. As Alessandra, a Spanish student, stated: « This is an incredible experience! The teachers are great and they helped me improve. The staff is very friendly and always helpful. It’s also a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world and make new friends. They regularly organised afternoon activities to visit and enjoy the city. »

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