Congratulations on completing the English as a Second Language (ESL) program! Now that you are familiar with the language, how do you plan on using your new vocabulary, grammar and writing skills when you resume your life after the ESL Program? Since practice makes perfect, here are some tips and guidelines to help you maintain your English and even take it to the next level.
Tip #1: Keep in Touch
Set aside time once a week to call or Skype your English-speaking pals because keeping in touch with a friend or fellow classmate in English is an excellent way to keep your skills fresh and in the front of your mind. Letter writing is always a fun way to keep up with your pen pal, but if you prefer a quicker route, Facebook and email are convenient ways to practice written English.
Tip #2: Write a Blog in English
These days, blogging is a free hobby that everyone can enjoy. It can be done in your free time, and you can write about anything that interests you: cooking, sports, traveling, literature, or your life in general. Many blogging websites, like wordpress.com , are free and offer a multitude of layouts so that you can customize your blog to fit your personality. Not only will this process be therapeutic, but it will be fantastic practice after the conclusion of your ESL program.
Tip #3: Explore Living in Another Country
Now that you can speak and read English, traveling can be less stressful than ever, making this the perfect time satisfy your need for adventure. After all, being submersed in a culture is by far the fastest way to perfect a new language, since you will have daily opportunities to converse with different people and situations.
Tip #4: Pursue Higher Education
Enrolling in courses is often the next natural step for a new English speaker. Remember, there are over 60 countries where English is the official language, and now you have the opportunity to take classes and submerse yourself in any of them you choose.
Tip #5: Define your Personal and Professional Goals
Taking the steps to learn English was a huge achievement; now it’s time to consider if you would like to have a career that revolves around your new language. Defining your professional goals will allow you to see what schooling or experience you will need in order to make your dream job a reality. What other personal goals do you have? Use your experience and skills to draft some goals that you would like to accomplish in the next few years and take steps to make them happen.
Tip #6: Pass Along your Knowledge
If you have family and friends who want to learn English, take the opportunity to practice your skills and teach them everything you know about the language. Share your experiences and resources with family and friends, discuss the roadblocks and difficulties you encountered, and explain how you overcame them. Learning English is an incredibly valuable asset in the world today; congratulations again for your impressive achievement.
