Immigration to another country is not a simple process. You have many factors to consider. Language is one of the most prevalent. Consider the official language of the country you’d like to immigrate to. Of course, English is a universal language and will stand you in good stead no matter where you decide to
immigrate to.
Remember, you’re ability to speak or communicate fluently in your chosen language will work in your favour - particularly, in regards to your Citizenship Immigration Test. So, how do you go about learning that all important language, that will possibly guarantee you that golden ticket to your Utopia?
Here’s how to go about learning a foreign language...
Establish which language to Learn
The language that you will need to speak fluently will strongly depend on the country that you’d like to immigrate to. In fact, in most instances countries insist that the applicant is able to speak their national language fluently. The minimum requirement is to speak and communicate using the basics of the language. So, if you’re able to greet, conduct small talk and ask for help when needed you’re on the right track.
Canada Immigration ? Learn some French
In Canada the most prevalent languages used to communicate are English and French. English and French are the preferred languages which are mostly spoken in the home. In fact, according to a census conducted in 2006, 67 % and 21.5% of the population speak these languages respectively on a day-to-day basis. There are other non-official languages spoken, namely Chinese, which is the home language of 2.6 % of Canadians. Punjabi is spoken by 0.8 % of the population. Spanish (0.7 %), Italian 0.6 % and Arabic (0.5 %) is also spoken in Canada.
Yet, The Constitution of Canada recognises English and French as the official languages of Canada. This means that all laws of the federal government are enacted in both English and French.
Evidently, if you are planning to immigrate to Canada, you should strongly focus on learning both English and French.
Australia Immigration or leaving for the UK? Learn the English Language
English is general spoken in both Australia and the United Kingdom. It goes without saying the official language in Britain is in fact English. As for Australia, English is also regarded as the country’s national language and the pronunciation of certain words are very similar to British. There are a few exceptions though. The Aussies have their slang that’s frequently used and really incomprehensible for English speaking foreigners. For example Aussies will refer to a plate of food as “chow”.
So, if you are planning to immigrate to either Australia or Canada improve your English!
Consider Your Options
Now that you have established which language you are required to learn, you must find a reputable means to learn the language! Consider how long you’d like to study for. Consider if you’d like to attend a class each week or register for a convenient online course.
Where to Study
Find a list of ESL (English as Second Language) schools.
Login to http://www.worldwide.edu/ci/usa/flschools_adult.html for a detailed list of schools in your area.
Here are a few options.
Global English.com
This school offers online interactive English courses to prepare for the TOEFL and TOEIC tests. Courses cost around $20 http://www.globalenglish.com
Byron Bay English Language School (Based in Australia) http://www.bbels.com.au
This school is fully accredited by NEAS Australia and has operated since 1998. The school offers a ‘Extensive General English Language Courses for international students and travellers. The courses focus specifically of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The school also offers a Cambridge course which provides students with an internationally recognised Certificate of English Proficiency.
The Clark English Institute (Based in Canada) http://www3.sympatico.ca/thomas.pieper/Default.htm
This school offers a number of courses; Intermediate and Advanced Intensive English Course, Business English, Customised English Program. The courses focus on the following; Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Grammar, Speaking, Comprehension and Composition. The school offers a ‘Homestay’ program in which students are able to live and learn from live-in native English speakers. Meals and a private furnished room with a television and laundry facilities are provided.
Language in London (Camden College of English) (Based in the United Kingdom) http://www.camdencollege.com
This school is the first to win the British Council's prize for innovation in English teaching and is accredited by the British Council. The school offers full-time courses and Part-time English Courses. Accommodation can be provided too. In fact, students usually study in the morning and visit London in the afternoon. So, it’s a sight-seeing and course all rolled in one! Others find part-time jobs as barmen and women or au pairs as well as study.
Alliance Française (French Courses Worldwide) http://www.alliancefrancaise.com.au
This is worldwide network of professionals that offer reputable French Courses. The network spans from Perth and Esperance to Sydney, Eurobodalla, Brisbane, Hobart and Darwin. The school offers French Language Diploma Courses. The Alliances Françaises offer courses for adults, adolescents and children. The Alliances’ teachers have university qualifications, specialising in teaching French as a foreign language (FLE).
Go ahead apply for a course and learn your desired language. It’ll certainly up your changes as far as your Immigration test and Visa application is concerned.