What Immigrants Say about Learning English and Finding a Job

What are immigrants saying about learning English and are they looking for a job? There are several very important reasons why immigrants want to learn English. All of them are related to upward mobility and the provisions that come with it. Some of the reasons are more common than others, however.

Why Do Immigrants Want to Learn English?

There are many reasons why immigrants want to learn English. They include:

Reason #1: Community Integration

Immigrants want to learn English to integrate into their communities and communicate with their neighbors. Many immigrants leave families behind in their native countries and come to the U.S. without knowing anyone. Developing bonds with neighbors helps avoid isolation. Thus, social interaction with their new community has a high priority in immigrants’ lives.

Reason #2: Improved Quality of Life

Immigrants want to learn English to improve their quality of life. Speaking English greatly elevates their lives in the U.S. and opens the doors to many opportunities for them.

Reason #3: Independence

Immigrants seek independence for themselves. Without knowing English, they are dependent upon others for so many things, such as going shopping, parent/teacher conferences, and attending medical appointments. Speaking English will give them freedom to do things for themselves.

Reason #4. Attend School

Immigrants may want to go to school. Education is an important part of their strategy to achieve their goals. They want to train for a profession and get a job that pays well. If you ask immigrants why they come to the U.S., the majority will say that they came here for a better life. Getting a good job is a springboard for that better life.

Reason #5: Government Participation

Immigrants learn English to participate in government. They want to vote and perform their civic duty. Some want to go further and run for public office. In the last few years, several immigrants, who were once refugees, have won elections and currently serve in high-profile roles.

What Do Immigrants Say About Learning English?

Immigrants have a lot to say about learning English. They understand how vitally important learning English is to their success. High on the top of their list of comments is how difficult English can be to learn, particularly for older students. Many find it difficult due to its grammatical complexities. Yet they soldier on. Older language learners often have a different learning experience than their younger classmates. However, the reason they enroll in classes is to reap the rewards of speaking English fluently. It is a game changer.

Immigrants state that they want to learn English. Immigrants are sometimes viewed as wanting to be around their expat communities so they can continue speaking their native language. They will argue that point as invalid. Even if they find it easier to connect with people who speak their native languages, they still want to speak English fluently. And, if they hope to become U.S. citizens, they know that they must have a good command of the English language.

They want their children to speak English fluently so that they can be successful in their new homeland. They want a good education for them followed by gainful employment. The road that leads them down this path is knowledge of the English language.

English is a global language and as such is the most widely spoken language in the world. It is America’s official language and is the language used in business globally. Additionally, speaking English fluently gives people a clear advantage over those who do not, particularly in the job market.

How Can Learning English Help an Immigrant Find a Job?

Spanish-speakers who are fluent in English are in high demand in many industry sectors. Furthermore, employers sometimes offer more pay due to the employee’s ability to speak another language. There are no disadvantages to speaking English as a second language fluently.

Confident Communication

Learning English can help immigrants confidently communicate with potential employers and co-workers. They can navigate websites and other sources of job leads to learn about job openings and other related resources like a career fair or career center. Many of these opportunities are only available in English and some are only advertised in print media.

Some jobs require bilingualism. Without that skill, many applicants do not qualify for these roles. So, many more job opportunities open up just by speaking a second language.

Improved Job Prospects

Learning English can be a challenge as immigrants will tell you. However, the time and effort put in to do so is a worthwhile investment with a big payoff. Immigrants who seek employment improve their job prospects and may earn a higher income just because they learned English. In addition, it helps connect them to their new home.

Where Can Immigrants Work After Learning English?

Living in America affords immigrants opportunities that many would not have had in their home countries. Immigrants have helped build the American economy. Their labor in some American industries is the direct cause of their success. They have shown a willingness to do what they need to do to provide for their families.

Business

Immigrants work in all facets of American industries. Their positions range from introductory jobs all the way to C.E.O.s of major companies. In every case, understanding English is a plus. It helps communicate with all the other staff and allows for more upward mobility.

Education

Immigrants work in schools. They are teachers, professors, and school principals. They also take care of the grounds and facilities of these institutions. Many immigrants come to the United States with advanced degrees that aren’t recognized here. Learning English can help them get re-certified in their chosen career path.

Hospitality

Immigrants make up a large percentage of the hospitality workforce. In hotels, restaurants, airports, they work as cooks, servers, and managers. Being bilingual helps them offer better customer service to more people.  

Construction

Many immigrant men and some women work in the construction industry as contractors. These positions can often pay well, and if qualified, are pretty easy to find. Some construction workers travel. When the weather gets too cold in one place, they will move to another and keep working. Learning English allows for more opportunities in more places.

Entrepreneurs

Many immigrants start their own businesses, particularly if they had them in their native countries. Businesses such as bodegas, mom and pop shops, food trucks, food stands, and taquerias are some of the more visible businesses that Spanish-speaking immigrants do very well in. Others have the skills to open high-tech, service, or B2B operations. Some of these businesses are relatively easy to start and may not require much start-up capital. The more English they know, the more customers they can reach.

What is the Best Way to Train for a Career and Learn English Simultaneously?

One of the best ways to accomplish both at the same time is to attend a vocational ESL (VESL) program. A Vocational ESL program is a great way to fast-track your career. You will learn the seven foundational skill sets of the English language: reading, writing, listening, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking. You will learn industry-specific English as well.

What you won’t do is spend a lot of time learning things that won’t help you in your pursuit. Although the demand for English lessons is high, there is no waiting list at a Vocational ESL school. You can enroll and get started at a time convenient for you. In addition, some schools have hybrid programs that allow students to take some classes online. It’s a win-win.

Want to Learn More?

Our Vocational English as a Second Language (ESL) training program is designed for adult students. Interactive College of Technology offers live online and in-person English classes that fit into your busy schedule.

Our Vocational ESL classes are set up, so your English develops skill by skill. Four levels of rigorous courses help you to comprehend the English language by combining lecture, lab, class discussion, and group activities. This effective method ensures Vocational ESL students are provided English language skills as well as cultural transference.

You receive all Vocational ESL program materials to keep. You’ll also be provided with a personal email account, resume writing, and job placement assistance, media center access, and more! Our campuses are located across Georgia and Texas.

Let’s learn English together! Contact us now to learn more.

• Immigrants and English
  • Why is it Hard for Immigrants to Learn a New Language
  • What Immigrants Say about Learning English and Finding a Job
  • Why is the English Language Barrier a Problem for Immigrants