Learning in a New Country

Finding Language, Friendship and Belonging

Moving country meant leaving behind family, friends and a familiar education system.

This learner's story is about developing English, adapting to a new environment and discovering that some of the most important parts of education happen beyond the classroom too.

“Those experiences helped college become somewhere I belonged rather than simply somewhere I went to study.”

My Story

Before coming to England, I went to school in Pakistan.

I enjoyed school. I had friends and I thought the education was good, although maths could be difficult for me.

But education there was different.

My classes were bigger and the teachers were stricter. If you got something wrong, you might be told off.

We learned English, but we mainly wrote it. We didn't really speak it. Lessons themselves were taught in Urdu.

Moving to England was a big change for me.

My dad was already living here and I had been living with my grandparents. So coming to England didn't just mean changing schools or countries.

It meant leaving my grandparents and the life I knew.

I felt anxious and upset.

Then there was the language.

When I first came to EMBS, I didn't know English.

Imagine sitting in a classroom and not being able to understand what everyone around you is saying. You might have been perfectly capable in your own country, but suddenly even having a simple conversation becomes difficult.

Slowly that changed.

My teachers were nice and I felt they taught me well. I got along with the other students and started learning English.

But some of the things I remember most aren't just lessons.

I remember the Iftars, parties and trips, going to places like Bournemouth and the cinema.

Those experiences helped college become somewhere I belonged rather than simply somewhere I went to study.

Now when I think about leaving, I feel sad.

Part of me wishes I could stay another year.

But I also know that moving on is part of the journey, and that's where I need some help now.

I need to understand what comes next.

Which college should I go to? What should I study? How do I make the right decision?

When I first arrived, the challenge was learning how to communicate in a new country.

Now my challenge is different.

I need to work out where I want that learning to take me.