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Studying Abroad and Cultural Learning

A complete B2 classroom lesson designed in the EnglishDrills teacher-lesson format.

B255–60 minutesEducation & culturePrintable
Teacher lesson: Look at the title and picture. What do you already know about this topic? Write two ideas, then compare with a partner. Work through the nine panels in order, or choose the sections that suit your class. Teacher answers and the listening script are stored separately.
Teacher AnswersBack to Teacher Lessons
1 Lesson Goals
Students discussing ideas together in a bright study space

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

  • understand the main ideas and key details in Studying Abroad and Cultural Learning.
  • learn and use important vocabulary from the lesson.
  • use the lesson language in speaking or writing.
Start here: What do you already know about this topic? Tell a partner one idea.
2 Reading
Before you read:

Look at the title and picture. What do you already know about this topic? Write two ideas, then compare with a partner.

Studying abroad can give university students experiences that are difficult to gain at home. Living in another country requires students to communicate across cultures, solve everyday problems independently and adapt to unfamiliar systems. For language learners, daily contact with the target language can also accelerate progress.

International study may support future careers. Students can build global networks and show employers that they can adapt to new environments. However, study abroad can be expensive, and some students experience homesickness or academic stress. Language difficulties may make the first months especially demanding.

For these reasons, successful programmes need preparation and support. Students should understand costs, accommodation, academic expectations and cultural differences before they leave. Universities can help through orientation, language support and regular contact. Study abroad is not automatically valuable, but with good preparation it can become a powerful form of personal and academic learning.
3 Vocabulary
Key words: adapt · independent · cultural understanding · homesickness · orientation

Write a short meaning or synonym for each word.

adapt –

independent –

cultural understanding –

homesickness –

orientation –

4 Check Your Understanding

1. What kinds of skills can living abroad develop?

2. How can study abroad help language learning?

3. Give one possible career benefit.

4. What challenges may students face?

5. What support can universities provide?

5 Language Focus

Complete each sentence with a suitable connector or preposition.

1. Studying abroad can improve language skills; , it can be expensive.

2. Living overseas builds independence. , students may experience homesickness.

3. Orientation helps students prepare cultural and academic differences.

4. Students can learn faster they use the language every day.

6 Listen & Speak

Listen

Listen to your teacher. You will hear the text twice. Answer the questions.

1. What did the orientation cover?

2. When did Hana join a support group?

3. What kind of group was it?

4. Who did she meet?

Speak

Discuss with a partner or small group.

• What would be the biggest benefit of studying abroad for you?
• What would be the hardest challenge?
• What should students prepare before leaving?

Studying Abroad and Cultural Learning — Continued
7 Use Your English

Something New

One student is a new international student and one is an experienced student. Ask for advice about three problems, then swap roles.

Write

Write 150–180 words: Is studying abroad during university worth the cost and challenge? Give advantages, disadvantages and your view.

8 Puzzle or Game
Two Truths and a Trick

Write three short statements about the Reading panel. Make two true and one false. Read them to a partner. Can your partner find the trick?

9 Success Criteria ✓

Tick each statement when you can do it.

  • I can explain the main idea of the lesson.
  • I can use at least three new words correctly.
  • I can complete the language task.
  • I can share an idea in spoken or written English.

One thing I am proud of today:

10 Show What You Can Do
Final challenge: Studying Abroad and Cultural Learning

Plan: Note your strongest idea, 3 useful words or phrases, and one supporting detail from the lesson.

Respond: Write a short paragraph of 6–8 sentences, or prepare a 45-second spoken response, showing what you learned.

Reflect: Underline the part of your response that best shows your progress.