Building a Future in a New Language

Developing English, Confidence and New Opportunities

Learning English can open doors to much more than a qualification.

For this learner, improving English is part of a bigger ambition to communicate confidently, continue education, find work and build a future in the UK.

“Don't be afraid to speak English, even if you make mistakes.”

My Story

Before coming to the UK, I lived with my family in my home country.

I had completed my education there and wanted to continue developing myself. I wanted more opportunities and the chance to build a better future.

Coming to the UK was an important step towards that, but arriving here meant starting again in many ways.

Everything felt new and different.

There was a different culture, a different environment and a different way of doing everyday things.

But the biggest challenge was language.

I had studied English before, but using English in real life was different. Speaking to people and understanding what they were saying in everyday situations was difficult.

It can affect your confidence. You might know what you want to say, but not have the words to say it.

I knew that improving my English was important if I wanted to move forward.

That is why I chose ESOL at EMBS.

For me, learning English isn't just about passing a course. I want to communicate confidently with other people. I want to continue my education. I want to work.

Since coming to EMBS, I can see the progress I've made.

My English has improved, but something else has grown alongside it:

my confidence.

The teachers have been kind, patient and encouraging. I've also met supportive classmates.

Knowing that people will help you when you need it makes it easier to keep trying, particularly when learning feels difficult.

I've also learned something important about making mistakes.

Sometimes when you're learning another language, you don't speak because you're frightened of saying something incorrectly.

But if you don't speak, you don't practise.

So the advice I would give another learner is:

Don't be afraid to speak English, even if you make mistakes.

Attend your classes. Practise. Ask for help.

Confidence doesn't suddenly appear one day.

You build it gradually.

That's what has happened to me.

I'm proud of how much my English has developed, but I'm equally proud that I am now more willing to use it.

I'm still working towards my future.

But I feel better equipped to build it.