UQ1994

Do international students need different study strategies for an engineering degree taught in a non-native language?

Usually the engineering itself does not require a completely different study method, but studying in a non-native language adds an extra layer of work. Preview technical vocabulary, review lecture material soon after class, practise explaining calculations and concepts in the teaching language, and ask for clarification before misunderstandings accumulate. Using office hours, classmates, language support, and recorded or written materials can also help.

Key points

  • Preview technical vocabulary and key concepts before lectures.
  • Review notes soon after class while the language and content are still fresh.
  • Practise explaining calculations, methods, and engineering concepts in the teaching language.
  • Use instructors, classmates, and academic or language support when you are unsure.

Things to check

  • The language difficulty depends on the student's proficiency, the teaching language, the engineering field, and the amount of laboratory, group, and presentation work.