For many people preparing to study abroad, everything seems to come down to one number: their IELTS score. At We Study, we believe that even an impressive language qualification is a starting point. Our teaching approach is built on the belief that combining soft skills and IELTS helps students prepare for success in an international setting. Why do we place so much emphasis on both?
Here, we explain the thinking behind an approach that looks beyond conventional exam preparation.
IELTS opens the door; soft skills help you take part
Think of IELTS as a passport to further study. It can help you meet university entry requirements, demonstrate your English proficiency and create opportunities for admission. Its importance is clear.
Once you arrive in a new learning environment, however, you also need the skills to settle in, contribute and develop. A strong IELTS score can help you enter the classroom; soft skills help you participate and make progress there and beyond.
At We Study, you learn how to think through a question as well as how to answer it.
Soft skills for an international university classroom
Western education places particular emphasis on initiative, participation and independent thinking. Without these skills alongside their English, Vietnamese students can find themselves overwhelmed or hesitant to contribute. These are the areas we build into our teaching.
Presentation skills
At universities abroad, presenting projects and research to lecturers and fellow students is a regular part of study. Explaining ideas logically, confidently and persuasively matters for both assessment and the professional impression you make.
Teamwork
Most subjects involve group projects, with students from different cultural backgrounds working together to solve problems. Listening, contributing ideas, sharing tasks and managing disagreements are essential to completing that work effectively.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking is especially valued. Lecturers expect you to do more than repeat a textbook: you need to analyse, ask questions, challenge assumptions and build your own arguments. Essays and seminars are key opportunities to practise this.
Working well with others is often an important starting point for international university study.
How we bring soft skills into IELTS preparation
We believe these skills are best developed together. Our programme deliberately includes:
An interactive classroom approach (Vietnamese article): Lessons include discussions and debates on IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics, giving students opportunities to practise critical thinking and express their views.
Group work in Writing and Reading: Students regularly work in small groups to analyse a challenging text or plan a complex Writing Task 2 essay together.
Regular presentations: Students prepare and present short topics in English, then receive detailed feedback from teachers and classmates to help them improve.
A system of support and feedback: Detailed corrections also help students develop logical thinking and construct stronger arguments.
Our aim: confident, active global citizens
Helping students work towards their target IELTS band is part of our aim. We also want them to become confident, active global citizens prepared for what comes next. That is why we bring language and soft skills together. A 2020 report discussed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) identified critical thinking and problem-solving among the skills expected to become increasingly important at work.
Our approach develops strong English proficiency through IELTS preparation alongside practical soft skills, providing broad preparation for studying abroad and a future career.
If you want to prepare for life beyond the exam as well as the test itself, we invite you to find out more about learning at We Study.
Explore how our IELTS programme combines language learning and soft skills to help you build a strong foundation for your next steps.
