Everyday English for life abroad: phrases for the doctor, the bank and your child's school

Grammar books rarely teach the sentences you actually need in your first years abroad. Here are practical phrases for three situations almost everyone faces — copy them, say them out loud, and adapt them to your life.

At the doctor's office

• I'd like to make an appointment with Dr. Smith, please.
• Is there anything available this week?
• I've had a sore throat and a fever since Monday.
• It hurts here when I walk.
• I'm allergic to penicillin.
• Could you say that again more slowly, please?
• Do I need to fast before the blood test?

At the bank

• I'd like to open a checking account.
• What documents do I need to bring?
• There's a charge on my card that I don't recognize.
• I'd like to dispute this transaction.
• How long does a transfer take?
• Can I set up direct deposit for my salary?

With your child's school

• My son will be absent today because he's sick.
• Could we schedule a meeting to talk about her progress?
• How is he doing in class?
• Is there anything we can work on at home?
• Who should I contact about the school bus?

Phone calls: the phrases that save you

Phone calls are the hardest part for many learners because you can't see the other person. These phrases buy you time and keep the conversation under control:

• Sorry, could you repeat that?
• Could you spell that for me?
• Just to make sure I understood: the appointment is on Tuesday at 3?
• Could you send me that by email?

The goal isn't perfect grammar — it's being understood and understanding the answer. That's exactly what we practise in lessons through role-plays of your real upcoming calls and appointments.