I have taught many students who came to Canada from diverse countries. Many had long standing problems with English fluency. Bear in mind, these were all grad s

I have taught many students who came to Canada from diverse countries. Many had long standing problems with English fluency. Bear in mind, these were all grad students, so they were, by and large, very intelligent. The basic problem, as I saw it, was their domestic situation, with a wife, and occasional children and often one or more parents. This home situation meant they spoke their native language at home, often watched TV and videos from their home country - this all meant that they had only their college attendance actions as language practice - at home they got none. In contrast, the students in residence or rooming houses were isolated from their native language unless they made the effort to self immerse in English - sink or swim. In general they achieved fluency far faster than those with their native social life. There was spectrum, some in rooming houses/residences sought out their countrymen and thus hindered their achieving fluency. So as advice, I would say immerse, read papers, date, watch TV - all in English (or French/German etc - where ever you are studying) to get your fluency up to speed ASAP.