For foreign students who are still learning English, reading renowned publications like The New York Times, The Economist, The Washington Post, Financial Times, Popular Science, Discover Magazine, and National Geographic offers valuable language-learning opportunities. These publications cover a diverse range of subjects, from global events and economic trends to scientific breakthroughs and the wonders of our planet. One of the main benefits lies in improving their vocabulary as they encounter various new words while reading. When they see unfamiliar terms, they are encouraged to refer to a dictionary to look up what these words mean. This process often leads to the discovery of even more new words through the definitions. To solidify what they are learning, they can implement their newly acquired vocabulary: foreign students can actively incorporate these words into their English classes, emails, texts, and daily conversations without shying away from making mistakes. Embracing these mistakes as part of the learning journey allows them to receive corrections from teachers and other native speakers, helping them to refine their language skills and to gain confidence in using English effectively. Through consistent exposure to high-quality written materials and practical application, foreign students can make significant strides in their English language proficiency and become strong communicators.
Engaging with various forms of literature, including books, novels, historical texts, and news articles about current affairs, plays a pivotal role in how people perceive and evaluate each other. The way we communicate and the topics we discuss often reflect our intellectual depth and curiosity. Immersing ourselves in reading materials from reputable sources such as the publications mentioned above allows us to embark on a journey of continuous learning and personal growth. As we delve into these enriching sources, our knowledge expands, our intellect sharpens, and our interests and passions are nurtured. This, in turn, allows us to engage in meaningful conversations and to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering mutual respect and understanding in our diverse world.
 

Equally important in any kind of immersion is exposure to art (music, visual art, theatre, etc.). This also a great way to improve language skills and to give children something to talk about with peers and adults alike. Whether it’s listening to songs and creating a game by trying to fill in the blanks with lyrics, going to art museums in your local city, or reading and acting out plays written in English, these experiences are sure to solidify language and definitions. It can make the language-learning process more animated and fun for children, and it has proven success with improving their skills in speaking, reading, and writing.

Encouraging and guiding children in middle school and high school to take initiative, to be creative, and to show leadership outside of the classroom can significantly enhance their chances of getting admitted to top colleges and universities. Here are some strategies that parents can use to support their children in this endeavor:
 

Lead by Example: Parents should exemplify a proactive and creative attitude in their own lives. When children see their parents taking initiative, being innovative, and showing leadership in their own pursuits, they are more likely to follow suit.
 

Encourage Curiosity: Foster a sense of curiosity and a love of learning in your child. Encourage them to explore various subjects and activities that interest them beyond the standard curriculum. This will help them discover their passions and areas of expertise.
 

Support Extracurricular Activities: Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities that align with their interests. Whether it's joining clubs, sports teams, and debate societies, or seeking out volunteer opportunities, extracurricular activities provide platforms for leadership, collaboration, and creativity.
 

Allow Autonomy: Give your child the freedom to choose their own projects and initiatives. Support their ideas and help them plan and execute their projects effectively. Autonomy fosters a sense of responsibility in and ownership of their endeavors.
Mentorship and Networking: Help your child find mentors and try to connect them with professionals in fields of interest. Mentorship can provide valuable guidance and insight, while networking can open up opportunities for jobs, leadership roles, or collaborative projects.
 

Emphasize Soft Skills: Beyond academic achievements, emphasize the importance of developing soft skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. These skills are crucial for leadership and success in any field.
 

Promote a Growth Mindset: Encourage a growth mindset, where failures and setbacks are seen as opportunities for learning and growth. This mindset helps children to overcome challenges and to continue to take risks in their pursuits.
 

Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how big or small. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and it gives them motivation to continue exploring new avenues.
 

Exposure to Diverse Experiences: Encourage your child to engage with different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Exposure to diversity broadens their understanding of the world and it can inspire creativity and leadership in unique ways. Make sure that they socialize with a variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures so that their worldview is never limited.

Explore Summer Programs and Competitions: Investigate summer programs and competitions related to your child's interests. Many top colleges and universities offer pre- college programs that provide valuable experiences and exposure and some of these summer programs offer financial aid/scholarships.
 

Embrace Your Background: If you and your family have an ethnic or foreign background, as so many Americans do, embrace it! Be involved in your local community, whether it’s a place of worship or a cultural center. Your background and your child’s background is a superpower that gives you and them a different understanding of the world, so don’t be afraid to tap into it. If you speak multiple languages in the house, your child will benefit from that. If your child has an understanding of their culture, cuisine, and history, one can only hope that it will expand their worldview and foster a curiosity about cultures beyond their own.
 

Balance and Well-Being: While encouraging your child to do their best to excel, ensure that they maintain a healthy work-life balance. Avoid excessive pressure and stress, as it can have adverse effects on their mental and emotional well-being. Children, particularly teenagers, need their rest to develop, so make sure that your child gets a good night’s sleep. If your child is having emotional or mental difficulties, don’t hesitate to get them help. Some middle schools and high schools have counselors on-site, but if your school doesn’t, don’t be afraid to look into youth/adolescent therapists. Your child’s health: emotional, physical, and mental is the foundation for everything they do.
 

Remember that the journey of exploration and self-discovery is just as important as the end goal of getting admitted to a top college or university. The process of taking initiative, being creative, and showing leadership will not only enhance their chances of admission but to will also contribute to their personal growth and development as well-rounded individuals.