For many immigrants, language barriers often make life even more challenging than it ought to be. It's difficult enough to leave one's home country, family, friends and lifestyle in order to try something new. For many, immigrating to an English-speaking country is vital to their own survival. Fortunately, the United States is the "Land of Opportunity", where entire eras of immigrants have been able to get ahead and succeed, even despite the language barrier. Other English language countries offer much opportunity for immigrants as well.

Simply put, knowing the language is not the only way to succeed in an English-speaking country, but it definitely helps tremendously. Below is an outline of some of the ways knowing the language can help you succeed in an English-speaking country.

Getting a Job

The process for finding work is difficult enough as it is without having to worry about doing everything in a language you don't understand. Having a basic knowledge of the English language will help you navigate the process. First, it is important to be able to understand what job advertisements and position descriptions say.

If you cannot understand what the requirements for any given job are, you will not know if you are qualified for candidacy. Next, you need to have sufficient English writing skills in order to prepare a resume or CV. You should be able to summarize your experience and qualifications in a way that is pertinent to whichever position you are applying for. Your English writing skills should be developed enough to be able to write an effective cover letter as well, as this will serve as your personal introduction to hiring companies. Finally, you must be able to speak enough English to communicate your skills and strengths during a job interview.

Getting Housing

Finding a place to live is another task that is much easier to accomplish if you have English skills. First, you'll need to be able to read classified ads announcing available rentals or homes for sale. Next, you should be able to speak enough English to be able to call for an appointment and discuss simple matters such as how much the rent is, how many bedrooms and baths the place has, whether pets are accepted, etcetera. You will also need to be able to read enough English to be able to understand and complete the rental application. If you are buying a home, you'll need to understand much more complex paperwork, (if you do not have the necessary English skills and are buying a home, you should use the services of a translator.)

Getting Ahead

Anyone can live in an English-speaking country and never learn the language. To truly succeed, however, learning English is crucial. Having the language skills will not only help you secure work and housing, but also education for you and your children. Learning English will also help you feel confident and allow you to stand up for yourself and speak up if ever your rights should come into question.

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