Complete Guide to Form I-20 for International Students in the United States
Planning to study in the United States? Then you’ll need to understand one essential document before anything else: the Form I-20. This form is your official ticket to becoming an international student. It proves your eligibility, helps you apply for a student visa in the USA, and allows you to maintain legal status once you […]
Like Mother, Like Daughter: What This English Idiom Really Means
You’ve probably heard someone say “like mother, like daughter” after watching a mom and daughter act or look alike. But what does this popular idiom really mean? And how can international students use it confidently in conversations? In this article, we’ll break down the origin and meaning of the idiom like mother, like daughter, explain […]
Be bent on doing something
Context #1: Jean: Phillip! I’m so tired! Can’t we finish tomorrow? The project isn’t due until 5 pm. We have plenty of time in the morning. Let’s go to sleep! Phillip: No way, Jean. I told myself we’d finish this by tonight and we’re not going to bed until we do. Sorry! Jean: You’re being really selfish, you know. […]
The Life of the Party
Idiom: the life of the party Example 1: Pete: I’m usually the wallflower of the party. I’m not very good at socializing. Chip: Dude, you really have to stop doing that. Pete: It’s not so easy man. You can say that because you’re always the life of the party. You’re always talking to everyone, introducing others, and making […]
Running on Fumes
Idiom: Running on Fumes Example 1: Nancy: How long until we reach the hotel? Jason: About 50 miles. Why? Nancy: I was hoping we wouldn’t have to stop before arriving, but we need to stop for gas at the next station. We’ve been running on fumes for a few miles and I don’t want to push the […]
Put Someone Up
Idiom: Put someone up Example 1: Vanessa: So what are your plans for the summer break? We have three months before school starts again! Brad: Well, I’m going to visit my friends in London. Vanessa: Wow! That sounds like fun! But isn’t London expensive? Brad: Yes, it is, but I’m really lucky. My friend who lives there is putting me up for […]
Head For
Idiom: Head for Example 1: Vicki: I can’t believe it’s almost time for Summer Break. I’m so excited. Bjorn: Me, too! Vicki: Do you have any plans? Bjorn: I’m heading for Yellowstone Park. I’m going to spend the week camping and hiking! Vicki: Hmmm…that’s good if you like camping and the outdoors. I’m more of a city girl. Bjorn: Really? Vicki: Yes. After school is […]
Old Enough To Be Your Mother/Father
Idiom: Old enough to be your mother/father Example 1: Jane met a guy who seemed like a perfect match on her favorite internet dating site, so she decided to meet him in person. But when she saw him, he was much older than the picture he had posted! She said she couldn’t date someone who […]
The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree
Idiom: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Example 1: The little boy saw his dad taking a nap, so he asked his mom if he could take one too. She said no and to wake his father, but when she got back, they were both asleep! “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” she […]
Barking Up The Wrong Tree
Idiom: Barking Up The Wrong Tree Example 1: Lisa: Did you see that new guy in class? He is SO cute!! Tina: Oh, you mean James? Yes, he is very handsome! He is my brother’s friend. Lisa: I want to go out on a date with him. Tina: Lisa, you are barking up the wrong […]
Tempest in a Teapot
Idiom: Tempest in a Teapot Example 1: Small cultural differences can sometimes create big problems! My roommate is from another country, so we sometimes disagree. Just the other day, we were fighting because I had left my jacket on the couch when I arrived home. I was tired and in a rush to get something […]
To kick (something) around
Idiom: To kick (something) around; used as a verb First Example: Dawn: How is the screenplay that you’re writing with Janet? Jeff: Truthfully, we’re kind of stuck. We can’t settle on an ending. Dawn: Oh? Jeff: We’ve got a few ideas we’re kicking around at the moment, but we haven’t found anything we really like. Dawn: […]
