What term describes students who struggle with English due to language barriers?

The term that best describes students who struggle with English due to language barriers is "non-native English speakers." This phrase specifically refers to individuals whose first language is not English, which can lead to challenges in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in English. These students often face various obstacles in educational settings as they engage with curriculum materials and participate in discussions conducted in English.

While "multilingual learners" might also relate to students who are learning English, it includes those who may possess varying degrees of proficiency in multiple languages, not necessarily restricted to struggling with English. "International students" typically refers to those studying outside their home country but does not specifically indicate their level of English proficiency. "Advanced learners" suggests students who are proficient or excelling in their studies, which is not applicable for those facing language challenges. Thus, "non-native English speakers" accurately captures the experience of students who may find English difficult due to their primary language being different.