High school abroad without being fluent in English: is it possible?

Many Brazilian parents and students believe that it is necessary to be fluent in English to attend high school abroad. This belief ends up limiting incredible opportunities for personal and academic growth. The reality is quite different: you don't have to fully master the language to have an experience in High School Be Easy.

O Intermediate English is enough to start this international journey, and the integration process has been carefully developed to support students of different language levels.

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What does it mean to have intermediate English

Before we explore how integration happens, it's important to understand what international schools consider to be intermediate English. We're not talking about grammatical perfection or extensive vocabulary, but rather basic communication skills.

Intermediate English characteristics:

• Being able to hold simple conversations about everyday topics
• Understand basic classroom instructions
• Express needs and feelings in a basic way
• Read simple texts with the aid of a dictionary
• Write basic sentences and paragraphs about familiar subjects

Schools know that international students arrive with different levels of proficiency, and the entire pedagogical structure is prepared for this reality. The goal is not to demand perfection from day one, but to provide an environment where learning happens naturally.

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How does the linguistic integration process work

The integration of international students into High School programs follows a methodology tested and approved worldwide. Schools have developed specific systems to ensure that all students, regardless of their initial level of English, are able to follow the curriculum and integrate socially.

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Initial assessment and personalized planning

Upon arriving at school, each student undergoes an initial assessment that is not a passing or failing test, but rather a tool to understand their current abilities. Based on this assessment, the pedagogical team develops a personalized language support plan.

This review reviews:

• Listening comprehension in academic settings
• Reading and interpreting skills
• Oral expression capacity
• Basic academic writing
• Knowledge of specific vocabulary for studies

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Structured language support

Schools offer different levels of support for international students, always adapted to individual needs. This support does not replace regular classes, but it complements learning in a strategic way.

ESL (English as Second Language) classes: Specific sessions focused on academic skills, such as writing essays, participating in presentations, and understanding complex texts. These classes take place at alternative times and are taught by teachers who specialize in teaching English to foreigners.

Individual tutoring: Personalized support for specific disciplines, where tutors help in understanding more complex content and in the development of study techniques appropriate to the local education system.

Conversation groups: Extracurricular activities focused on oral practice, where international and local students interact in a relaxed environment, promoting both linguistic learning and social integration.

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Gradual adaptation to the academic curriculum

The academic integration process takes place progressively, respecting the pace of each student. Schools understand that mastering the language in an academic context is different from having casual conversations, and they adjust their expectations accordingly.

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Flexibility in assessment

During the first few months, many schools adopt assessment criteria adapted for international students. This may include:

• Additional time for tests and papers
• Possibility to use a dictionary in evaluations
• Focus on content instead of minor grammatical errors
• Oral evaluations as an alternative to complex written works
• Group projects that promote collaboration and joint learning

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Strategic elective disciplines

A common strategy is to guide international students to choose elective subjects that are less dependent on advanced language skills in the beginning. Subjects such as mathematics, exact sciences, arts, or physical education allow students to excel in areas where the language barrier is lower, building confidence to face more linguistically demanding subjects.

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Progressive development of academic skills

The curriculum is structured to gradually develop the skills necessary for academic success. Starting with simpler tasks and increasing complexity as the student demonstrates linguistic and academic progress.

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Social integration: beyond the classroom

Social integration is fundamental to the success of the High School program and occurs in parallel with linguistic development. Schools actively promote interaction between local and international students through various strategies.

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Buddy system programs

Many schools implement systems where local students volunteer to be “buddies” for international students. This partnership goes beyond simple friendship - the buddies receive guidance on how to help with cultural adaptation, explain local traditions, and facilitate integration into social groups.

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Inclusive extracurricular activities

Participation in sports, clubs, and artistic activities is strongly encouraged as it provides natural interaction with local colleagues. These activities create more relaxed communication contexts, where linguistic errors are naturally accepted and the focus is on collaboration and fun.

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Cultural events and celebrations

Schools often organize events that celebrate cultural diversity, where international students can share their traditions while learning about local culture. These events build bridges of mutual understanding and strengthen a sense of community.

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Support from host families

When students choose homestay accommodation, they receive significant additional support for their integration. Host families are carefully selected and guided on how to support international students.

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Constant practice environment

Daily living with a local family provides constant opportunities for language practice in natural contexts. Conversations over meals, watching TV together, and participating in family activities create a continuous and relaxed learning environment.

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Emotional and cultural support

Host families offer more than accommodation - they become an emotional support system, helping students navigate cultural differences and overcome adjustment challenges. This support network is crucial for building trust and accelerating the integration process.

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Bridge with the local community

Through host families, students have natural access to the local community, attending community events, meeting neighbors, and experiencing the authentic lifestyle of the host country.

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Linguistic evolution throughout the program

Full immersion in the English-speaking environment results in accelerated progress that surprises many students and families. Linguistic development occurs naturally and progressively over the months.

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First three months: adaptation and trust

The first few months are focused on building trust and establishing communication routines. Students begin to feel comfortable asking questions, participating in simple discussions, and expressing their basic needs without hesitation.

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Four to six months: conversational fluency

By the fourth month, most students develop sufficient conversational fluency to actively participate in classroom discussions, make genuine friends, and express opinions on a variety of topics.

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Second semester: academic domain

In the second semester, students generally achieve the linguistic level necessary to excel academically, produce complex written work, and lead group projects. Many are surprised by their own ability to think and express themselves in English.

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Development of skills beyond language

The High School abroad program develops much more than language proficiency. International experience creates competencies valued by universities and employers worldwide.

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Intercultural competencies

Living in a different culture develops cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills. These competencies are increasingly valued in a globalized world.

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Independence and maturity

Managing daily life in a different environment, away from family, develops independence, responsibility, and problem-solving skills that benefit students for the rest of their lives.

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Global Perspective

Exposure to different educational systems, cultural values, and ways of thinking broadens students' global perspective, preparing them to be conscious global citizens.

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Prior preparation that makes the difference

While intermediate English is sufficient, adequate prior preparation can significantly facilitate the adaptation process. Some strategies can be implemented before the trip.

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Familiarization with academic vocabulary

Studying vocabulary specific to the subjects that will be studied abroad helps to reduce initial anxiety. Mathematics, science, and history terms in English can be studied beforehand to make it easier to understand the first lessons.

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Listening practice with different accents

Watching educational movies, series, and videos in English, especially with accents from the destination country, helps prepare the ear for linguistic variations that will be found in the school environment.

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Simulation of academic situations

Practicing presentations, group discussions, and essay writing in English before traveling can increase confidence to face these activities in the international school environment.

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we know that the fear of the language barrier should not prevent you from living a transformative experience at the international High School. Our specialized team offers full support from assessing your English level to preparing for a successful integration abroad. Contact us today and discover how we can help you make your dream of studying abroad a reality, even with intermediate English!

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