Emira Ibrahimović is a student at the prestigious MIT university in Boston, and her English language skills played a key role in getting there. Her learning journey began at the age of two, when she joined early English courses in Sarajevo. Today, after years of dedication, she shares her experience and advice for anyone striving to achieve high-level English and use it as a springboard for education and professional growth.

Early Days: Games, Songs, and Smiles

“My parents enrolled me in English classes when I was just two. I still remember the fun courses full of pictures, games, and songs—everything a young child needs to connect with a new language.”

Throughout primary and secondary school, Emira continued learning English, while also preparing for Cambridge English exams. She officially took the B1 exam, and continued preparing for higher levels (B2, C1, and C2), even though she didn’t formally sit all of them. Still, the knowledge she gained remained solid and comprehensive.

IB Programme and Confidence in Her Skills

In high school, Emira enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which involved writing essays, giving presentations, and completing challenging assignments in English. She says that her Cambridge preparation made all the difference.

“The Cambridge curriculum gave me structure, vocabulary, and confidence. Writing essays and speaking in public were much easier thanks to all the practice I had.”

Studying in the U.S.: MIT as the Next Chapter

To apply to universities in the U.S. and the UK, Emira had to take standardized English exams such as the SAT and TOEFL. Despite not preparing specifically for these tests, her English skills were strong enough to achieve top scores.

In January 2024, Emira began her studies at MIT—one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Today, she uses English daily in an academic environment, writing essays, reading academic texts, and participating in discussions.

Challenges and How She Overcame Them

When asked what the most difficult part of learning English was, Emira doesn’t hesitate: writing and phrasal verbs.

“Writing was always the most demanding part. Coming up with a topic, organizing ideas, and finding the right words wasn’t easy. And phrasal verbs—they’re tricky for anyone learning a new language, because literal translations don’t make sense.”

What helped her the most? Exposure to the language: reading books (Harry Potter, Hunger Games), watching movies and YouTube videos, and using English regularly in real-life contexts.

What Helped Her Speaking Skills?

“What really helped me improve my speaking was realizing that language is something alive—it’s a way to express your own thoughts and experiences, not just answer textbook questions. Once I relaxed and trusted my knowledge, everything got easier.”

A Message for Fellow Learners

To wrap up, Emira has this message for all English learners:

“English opens up the world. It allows you to study, work, and grow beyond your country’s borders. A Cambridge certificate doesn’t just prove your level—it helps build it, brick by brick. If you have the chance, take it. All the effort is worth it.”

📍 Want to follow a path like Emira’s? Join our Cambridge English courses and take your first step toward a world of knowledge, opportunity, and new experiences.

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