How to Improve Your English to Get International Relations Jobs

Going from Intermediate to Fluent: An IR Student's English Journey

I've noticed lately that several of my online students are studying international relations at university (especially in Japan), so I've put together some additional information that I think can help people who are aspiring diplomats.

For non-native speakers who dream of becoming diplomats representing their home countries, having strong English skills is essential. Many foreign ministries require applicants to demonstrate English fluency such as CEFR C1 or C2 level. Even if it's not an official requirement, having advanced English will give you a significant advantage over other candidates when you compete for your dream job in the field of international relations. 

The good news is with consistent study and practice, you can improve your English CEFR level and become confident using English for global diplomacy. Here is a step-by-step outline for a study plan...

Going from CEFR B1 to B2 — Timeline: 6-12 months

At the B1 "threshold" level, you can already communicate about familiar topics. To progress to B2, you need to build your vocabulary, gain greater fluency speaking, expand your grammar knowledge, and develop more nuanced listening skills. 

Aim to study English intensively for at least one hour a day. Read English books, newspapers, and magazines on current events and international issues. Watch English language news broadcasts. Listen to podcasts on global affairs. Speak English with classmates and teachers as much as possible.

Practice describing complex processes, recounting detailed events, and expressing opinions on abstract topics. Work on eliminating basic grammar mistakes and develop more complex sentence structures. Do mock interviews and presentations to gain confidence speaking.

Take practice tests on B2 level skills every 2-3 months. When you can consistently score at least 70%, your skills are solidly B2 level. Learn how to use ChatGPT for language learning and help you to prepare vocabulary quizzes and study materials.

Begin working with a native-speaking tutor online. I think the best way to practice conversation is to join Cambly because it’s a very convenient option. You can find an available tutor at any time of day. It’s a great way to hear different accents too. There are often great promotions as well. Check it out here. Regular one-on-one conversations with a native speaker who can give you detailed corrections will help boost your confidence more than anything.

Going from CEFR B2 to C1 — Timeline: 12-18 months

At the C1 "effective operational proficiency" level, you can communicate very fluently and precisely on practically any topic. To attain C1, you need to master nuanced vocabulary usage, advanced grammar structures, academic reading, persuasive writing, and sophisticated listening skills.

Double down on academic English study. Take university courses taught in English. Read publications like Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy. Study transcripts of important speeches by global leaders. Analyze how vocabulary, idioms, and grammar are used. 

Practice writing detailed reports, persuasive essays, and correspondence until they feel effortless. Refine your formal presentation abilities. Listen to academic lectures and TED Talks to sharpen listening comprehension.

Schedule C1 level practice exams every 4-5 months. Focus your studies on any weak areas identified. With diligent preparation, you can pass C1 in 12-18 months.

Master English to Get a Great International Relations Job

Going from CEFR C1 to C2 — Timeline: 12-24 months

C2 is the highest CEFR skill level, demonstrating mastery even over highly abstract and complex topics. At this diplomacy-ready level, your English sounds exceptional. Reaching C2 requires honing advanced skills through intensive, dedicated practice.

Read extensively at an academic level including literature and philosophy. Listen to recordings of international symposiums and forums. Watch movies and shows in English analyzing the dialogue and vocabulary. Write research papers and analytical pieces. Present at conferences and meetings.

Practice using elegant, expressive language when speaking and writing. Be careful, though, not to sound robotic, stiff, and overly formal. Learn to articulate minute subtleties and inferences. Master English idioms, nuance, and tone.

Take C2 practice exams every 4-6 months focusing on any problem areas. Give a presentation assessed by experts as a final test. Expect reaching C2 fluency to take 12-24 months at minimum.

English Proficiency Test Taking Strategies

To demonstrate your progress, taking CEFR accredited English tests, as well as IELTS, is important. Here are some tips for maximizing your scores:

• For reading and listening sections, focus intently on the content without getting distracted. Actively improve concentration skills. Use strategies like summarizing paragraphs in your head.

• For writing and speaking sections, deeply plan out your response before starting. Double check grammar, vocabulary usage, pronunciation, and flow.

• For all sections, budget your time wisely. Don't get stuck on one tough question. 

• Learn the test format and expectations thoroughly. Work through many practice questions.

• Get enough rest and nutrition before test day. Stay calm using breathing exercises. Approach the test with confidence.

Practice Makes Perfect - Why Consistency Is Key

Improving your English to a professional diplomacy level takes significant time and dedication. There will inevitably be setbacks and plateaus along the way. The key is to keep practicing daily, analyze your weaknesses, get feedback from experts, and keep believing in your eventual success. Patience and persistence are the essential ingredients for mastering a language.

With the right motivation and hard work, non-native English speakers can absolutely achieve high CEFR levels and become skillful diplomats representing their nations globally. The journey begins with a plan, taking the first steps, and refusing to stop short of your goal. You can reach the English fluency level you need to achieve your dreams. Be patient, be persistent, and success will come.

English Fluency for Future Diplomats: An IR Curriculum

Introduction to International Relations English — 12 week course

Week 1: 

- Key vocabulary for describing forms of government, types of policies, international organizations. Activities to practice using the vocabulary in sentences and short conversations.

Week 2:

- Readings about major historical world events like World War 1, World War 2, the Cold War. Class discussions about the causes and effects of these events. 

Week 3: 

- Formal vs informal language register. When to use formal vocabulary and grammar in professional settings. Roleplay diplomatic conversations.

Week 4: 

- Writing formal correspondence, press releases, and speeches. How to write clearly and persuasively. 

Week 5:

- Giving presentations and public speaking on international topics. Practice presentations and get feedback.

Week 6:

- Reading comprehension strategies using articles and excerpts from international newspapers and academic journals. 

Week 7: 

- Listening skills training using recordings of diplomacy negotiations, international summits, and speeches. Note-taking strategies.

Week 8:

- Cross-cultural communication. How to communicate effectively with people from different cultures. Roleplays.

Week 9:

- Current international issues like climate change, global health, human rights. Practice discussing these topics.

Week 10:

- Mock United Nations summits. Take on the role of a specific country's delegate.

Week 11: 

- Geopolitics and history training for key regions like the Middle East, Asia, Africa, South America. 

Week 12:

- Review key skills and vocabulary. Do practice job interviews for foreign ministry roles. Get feedback.

This is a hypothetical outline. The details of your course can be modified to suit your needs.

Grammar & Vocabulary for Budding Diplomats and World Leaders

Practice English grammar and vocabulary for international relations with this 20 question fill in the blank quiz for IR students at the CEFR B2 level. There is more than one possible answer sometimes; just make sure your answer makes sense grammatically and is a natural-sounding word choice.

Instructions: Fill in the blanks in the following passages with the correct word or phrase.

Passage 1:

The United Nations is an _________ made up of 193 member countries. It was established in 1945 after World War 2 to _________ international cooperation and _________ . The UN headquarters is in New York City but the organization has offices around the _________ . The main organs of the UN are the General _________ , the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of _________ , and the UN Secretariat. The current Secretary-General is António Guterres from Portugal. 

Passage 2: 

Globalization connects countries through trade, immigration, and _________ of information. Supporters argue it leads to economic growth and development. _________ believe it can also increase inequality. Globalization emerged with European exploration starting in the 15th century. However, it _________ in the late 20th century with advancements in transportation and telecommunications. This allowed goods, services, money, people and information to move across borders faster than ever before. _________ nations can now participate in the global economy. However, some experts worry that globalization has made economies too _________ on each other.

Passage 3:

International organizations facilitate _________ between member countries. They provide forums for negotiating agreements and solving global issues. Some well-known ones include the World Trade Organization (WTO), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). These organizations have _________ decision-making power over specific domains like trade or defense. Membership often comes with legal obligations. For example, WTO rulings are _________ for trade disputes between member nations. However, international organizations have faced criticism. Some argue they hold too much power over national _________ . Others believe they are _________ at tackling complex global challenges. Reforming them is a ongoing debate.

ANSWER KEY:

Passage 1:

organization, promote, peace, world, Assembly, Justice

Passage 2: 

exchange, Critics, accelerated, Developing, interdependent 

Passage 3:

cooperation, binding, sovereignty, ineffective