Editorial
This article was originally published in The Canadian Immigrant Magazine in March 2006. Minor stylistic changes have been made.

Careers and Education: Sharing an Abroad Experience. Is your English Good Enough to Study and Work in an English-speaking Country?

Rafael Cravioto Torres, Mexico

Rafael Cravioto Torres has worked in the Self-access Center at the Hidalgo State University (UAEH) in several capacities, currently serving as Director. He holds a BA degree in Law from UEAH, as well as an MA degree in Higher Education from Phoenix University of Canada. E-mail: cravioto_r@hotmail.com

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Introduction
Background
Examples
Conclusion

Introduction

Knowing basic English is one thing, but all immigrants must ask themselves one question: "Is my English really good enough to meet the demands of living and working successfully in an English-speaking country?"

This is a question I had to ask myself soon after I arrived as a new immigrant to Canada and enrolled in a master's program at the University of Phoenix. I sadly realized that my English was not as good as I had thought. I faced the harsh reality of trying to express my thoughts in English, but, most of the time I could not do so properly.

Background

Obtaining a master's degree in education was the only goal that took me to Vancouver. With about four suitcases loaded with good intentions to accomplish our goal, my wife, daughter and I arrived to Canada three years ago. It was not easy, as all newcomers know already we had to face a new language, new culture, new food, and new people waiting for us to "adopt and adapt".

In addition, that strange feeling of leaving behind all the people and things that you love leaves you wondering whether you made the right decision. I was never afraid though because I trusted my English skills, until I started my master's program - I had never thought there were (like in every language of course) two different kinds of English. The first one in the one we speak everyday with our neighbors, friends, class-mates or co-workers: "How is it going?", "Where are you from?", "Nice to meet you." The second is the English you need to complete your educational goals, the "academic language."

I then read an article that stated you need from five to seven years to reach the proper academic language level. "Five to seven years?" I thought to myself, "There must be some strategies for someone like me to speed up this learning process."

So I started to research up on English as a Second Language issues in Canadian education. In my research I found the up to 30 per cent of international students surveyed were dropping out of school due to their low English level. So I decided to develop an English writing course for students to improve their English communication skills.

I was able to offer this course through the University of Phoenix. At the end of this three month course, students reported a significant improvement, not only in their writing but also in their English communication skills.

Examples

First, it is necessary for you to acknowledge that sometimes your English is not as good as you think. Researchers studying this issue have claimed that international students who do not attend ESL courses often end up dropping out of school.

Once you have acknowledged this, you can decide whether you have the option (time, money, etc.) to attend an ESL course. There are ESL courses that suit every kind of budget. Other strategies for you to follow include:

Try to speak English all the time.

From my research I found that international students who speak English all the time speed up their learning process significantly. In addition, by speaking the language, you practice both your speaking and listening skills. Even though you may live with family or friends who share your native language, try to speak English with them. If they do not want to do it, explain to them the importance of practicing the new language to finish your academic courses or to find a new job. Remember, you have to adapt and adopt the new social context.

Listen to music in English.

While commuting to school or work, try listening to English music. This strategy will allow you to improve your listening skills. In addition, try reading the lyrics while listening (www.lyrics.com has lots of song lyrics to download). By doing this, you will learn the exact pronunciation of every word sung.

Watch television with a closed captioned system (subtitles for viewers with impaired hearing ).

Nowadays almost every TV show or movie has this option. The subtitles are in English so you can read them while listening to the exact pronunciation. It's a fun way to learn! And you will certainly learn new vocabulary and common expressions.

Read in English.

Here you have an easy strategy to learn new vocabulary, expressions and grammar rules. Try to read some paragraphs out loud, so you can practice both speaking and listening skills. You will also improve your reading comprehension skills. Make a list of new words and phrases to practice.

Practice new words and expressions right away.

Try to put in practice your new knowledge immediately. You will reinforce the just learned. You can write down new words, expressions or phrases on flash cards, for example. Review these for five minutes at the end of the day and you will have learned new things.

Teach someone else what you already know.

Teaching words and phrases to friends and family will not only reinforce your own knowledge, but also help your loved ones.

Conclusion

Remember, the more you speak and practice, the faster you will learn.

Please check the Secondary Teaching course at Pilgrims website.
Please check the CLIL - Teaching Other Subject Through English course at Pilgrims website.