I understand why students worry about English. I grew up in Thailand and faced many of the same challenges.
I know the anxieties students and their parents have, thoughts such as:
- What IELTS score do I need?
- My speaking skills aren’t good enough.
- I’m trying so hard. Why isn’t my English improving?
- What if I don’t meet the requirement?
- Am I ready to attend university in English?
For years now, I’ve taught English at universities in both the United States and Thailand. I’ve worked with hundreds of students who have the same fears and worries. Well, if you’re worried, that’s actually a good sign. I have found that students who care about their future often have the same concerns. It means you have the desire and motivation to succeed. All you need is the right support and guidance.
If you are concerned about your English skills and whether you’re ready to attend university in English, here are eight questions you should explore.
1. What IELTS score do universities require?
If you’re reading this post, there is a good chance you’re a high school student who is interested in attending an international university programme conducted in English or a university abroad. You might be wondering what IELTS scores most business schools require.
Most Bachelor degree programmes require IELTS scores of approximately 5.5-6.5.
The world’s most selective programmes, as you might expect, require even higher scores. Are you aspiring to elite universities such as Oxford and Cambridge in the UK? Or Ivy League schools in the U.S. such as Harvard University, Princeton University, or the University of Pennsylvania (where I had the opportunity to earn my graduate degree)? For admission to a Bachelor’s degree at these institutions, you will often need an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher.
Entry to AIHM’s Bachelor of Business Administration requires an overall IELTS score of 5.5, with at least 5.0 for each subcomponent of the exam.
To be honest, scores on English-language tests such as IELTS are not a perfect way to predict success. I completely agree that a score cannot capture everything about a person.
However, universities need a consistent way to evaluate applicants from different schools and different countries. We know you are more than a number, but these numbers are still extremely important when you apply.
2. My IELTS score is too low. What should I do?
Don’t panic. This is a common situation. The good news is you can always improve.
To improve, you need to understand what your core problems are. Like a doctor, you need to diagnose the issue before you can deal with it. What skills do you need to improve the most?
Students often focus only on their overall score and ignore the sub-scores. The first thing you need to do is identify which key component is the weakest:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Maybe you understand written English quite well but have a hard time following spoken English. You might understand Thai high school instructors who speak slowly and clearly but struggle when someone speaks quickly and naturally.
Perhaps you are good at delivering a presentation you have prepared ahead of time, but you find it much harder to express yourself freely in conversations.
To improve your English test scores, a structured programme is usually more effective than self-study. One thing I have learned after many years of teaching is that students often know they are struggling but do not always know exactly why. Skilled teachers can help identify those challenges and address them systematically.
In the EBAS programme at AIHM, for example, instructors customise activities and approaches for each student. At the very beginning of our English prep course, you take a test that helps you find out exactly what skills you need to improve during your time with us. We then work on these skills through a variety of fun and interactive activities designed to help you progress quickly.
3. How can I improve my English quickly?
Your scores aren’t quite high enough for the programme you want to enter? You’re wondering about the fastest way to improve your English?
Luckily, well-designed English prep courses and knowledgeable instructors understand how students can improve most quickly.
Students often overestimate the role of grammar study in improving their English. Yes, you do need an understanding of English grammar, but the fastest way to develop your English is through active practice.
You need more than passive exposure to a language. You have to actively use it. A good teacher will help you build your skills through active learning activities. You improve your English by using it to accomplish meaningful tasks.
Yes, you can find ways to practise on your own. But a teacher who understands how people learn can power your learning journey in ways that are difficult to do by yourself. Experienced instructors know how to design and adapt lessons in ways that speed up your progress. They can help you make the most efficient use of your time and effort.
4. How can I speak English more confidently?
Having attended Thai schools myself, I understand from personal experience the challenges many Asian students face.
Many students think, “I need perfect English before I start speaking.” In fact, the truth is the complete opposite! Mistakes are a normal part of language development. Focus on communicating rather than on being perfect. Small speaking successes build confidence over time.
To speak English more confidently, you need practice, practice, practice. Confidence is not something you wait for before speaking. In many cases, confidence is the result of speaking.
In English, there is a saying, “Perfection is the enemy of the good.” If someone feels as if they need to be perfect, it can paralyse their ability to achieve anything and make progress. When I teach, I’m very careful to build a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable taking an active part.
5. Why isn’t my English improving even though I study a lot?
When you work hard at something and you still don’t see the results you are reaching for, you might feel very disappointed. It might steal the motivation from you. I have met so many students who have faced this situation. But there are many ways to overcome it.
Time spent studying is not always productive time. A good teacher or course helps you focus your efforts on the activities that create improvement.
One of the biggest issues students face is they consume English but rarely produce it. Passive learning, such as watching movies or listening to a lesson, creates familiarity. Active learning creates ability.
It’s true that surrounding yourself with a lot of English is important. Find English content that interests and excites you. You might listen to English songs, read books, or watch TV series. Understand, though, that you have to use English to really build your abilities. A course that emphasises conversation, interaction, communication and real-world activities will help you progress much faster.
Another thing that helps is to step out of your comfort zone. Students may repeatedly practise what they already know. To grow, you have to push yourself into new areas.
Lack of feedback also slows improvement. Good feedback allows you to focus on what matters. It helps you to spend your time on the things that will assist you in improving.
6. What English skills do universities expect students to have?
Universities typically expect students to:
- Follow lectures
- Read academic texts
- Participate in discussions
- Work in groups
- Deliver presentations
- Write assignments
- Ask questions
- Communicate with lecturers
Many students think English means grammar and vocabulary. Universities often care more about:
- Comprehension
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Academic independence
You will notice our English prep course at AIHM is called English for Business and Academic Studies. We do practise conversation – a lot – but EBAS is much more than a simple conversation course. In the EBAS courses, you practise academic English skills like giving presentations and participating in class discussions the way university professors expect.
Because we are a business school, we also spend a lot of time building the communication skills to help you succeed in the business world, including during the internships you complete at hotel companies while studying at AIHM. Future managers must communicate with:
- Guests
- Colleagues
- Supervisors
- International teams
Many people think that Business English is just about learning vocabulary for the business world. That is only one part of it. Even more importantly, you need to develop the English communication skills that create success in your career. You need to understand how to comfort an upset guest. You need to know how to write clear and effective emails. You should learn how to give feedback, share opinions, communicate new ideas and adapt your communication style to various business situations.
7. What is the difference between conversational English and academic English?
Conversational English focuses on:
- Everyday interaction
- Social communication
- Informal language
- Immediate communication goals (Example: “What do you want for lunch?”)
Some students are surprised that they can hold a conversation but struggle with university assignments.
Academic English involves communicating differently. You need to communicate:
- Analysis
- Evidence
- Structured arguments
- Formal presentation of ideas
Understand: one is not “better” than the other. Conversational English and academic English serve different purposes. Even at AIHM, you’ll find that you use conversational English in the hallways and informal chats while you use academic English in the classroom.
If you are planning to enter the hospitality industry or wider business world, you need both of these English skills to be a successful professional. Many of the academic English skills translate into professional skills. For example, learning to present successfully in a university setting will help you when you are giving presentations to colleagues or clients in your career.
8. What happens if a student enters university with weak English skills?
Weak English skills prevent capable students from demonstrating what they know. You might have a brilliant idea, but if you can’t communicate well, no one will ever know!
To be clear, weak English is not permanent. You can improve. Many students successfully bridge this gap. That said, your life will be much easier and success will be more achievable if you can start university with a strong English foundation.
What happens if you do start with not-so-good English skills?
- You may need to spend more time on readings.
- Lectures may feel overwhelming.
- Participation can become stressful.
- Writing assignments often become more difficult.
- Group projects can be challenging.
- Confidence can decrease.
The more prepared you are when you start university, the more opportunities you will be able to take advantage of from your very first day. Your first months at university can have a lasting impact on your entire time there.
Even if your English skills are okay when you start, strengthening them before your first term will help you feel more confident. You’ll be able to show off your ideas and knowledge. You’ll be able to participate more fully in classes and activities. And you’ll be more prepared to get the opportunities you want as they open up.
EBAS at a Glance
Обзор
Choose the pathway that best matches your current English level and goals:
15-Week English for Business and Academic Studies (EBAS)
- Designed to help students progress from approximately IELTS 4.5 to 5.5
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 6 hours of classroom learning per day
8-Week English for Business and Academic Studies (EBAS)
- Designed for students who already have an IELTS score of approximately 5.0 and need a shorter pathway before beginning their studies
Both programmes combine interactive lessons, practical communication activities, and personalised support to help you build the academic and professional English skills needed for future success.
Study at AIHM’s campus within the Avani+ Riverside Hotel Bangkok.
Who Is This Programme For?
- Students preparing to study at AIHM, enrol in English-medium degree programmes, or study abroad
- Students looking to improve their IELTS score
- Young professionals seeking stronger communication skills
- Individuals planning to build an international career
- Anyone who wants to feel more confident using English in real situations
Build the Skills That Open Doors
The right English skills do more than help you achieve a target score. They help you participate confidently, communicate effectively, and expand your future opportunities.
Open for April and October Intake
- 15-Week EBAS
- 8-Week EBAS
