Abstract:

As internationalization and globalization in higher education intensifies, there are ever increasing numbers of students who travel beyond their own country’s borders to study. Neither day to day living nor the studies are easy at the beginning for the Czech students, particularly, if it is their first stay abroad. Therefore, this article discusses the use of English among the non-native Czech university students of English. These students learn English as an applied language which they can use in their present or future occupations such as future experts in computer science, financial or tourist managers. On the basis of a survey, the author of this article examines the situations in which they use English and explores the most serious difficulties these students face when they learn this language. She then provides a few techniques for the improvement of their language skills and competences.

Keywords:

Non-native students, English, language needs, language difficulties.