Finding Voice: Learning English as an Adult

While children quickly begin learning English in school through the public school’s English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) program, adults face a different path balancing English acquisition with job searches. Refugee resettlement places a strong emphasis on enrolling newly arrived adults in ESOL classes as quickly as possible. Language is more than communication—it’s key to independence and understanding culture.

GGIC connects families to a variety of free or low-cost ESL programs offered throughout the community. Learning how to introduce yourself, ask for directions, or speak to a doctor or employer—every class attended and every new word learned increases opportunities for employment, social connection, and long-term success in the US. For parents, learning English also means being able to advocate for their children in school.

Han sido de gran ayuda por que gracias a ellas podemos aprender el idioma mas rápido y asi poder tener mejores oportunidades en el tema laboral. Como también para tener una mejor comunicación en la comunidad.

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It has been a massive help because thanks to them [teachers], we can learn the language more quickly and thereby have better opportunities for employment. With that we can also have better communication with the community.

GGIC nos proveyó clases de inglés gratuitas, nos asignó una profesora especialmente para nuestro grupo, además nos inscribieron en las clases de ESOL para adultos, y también nos brindaron mucha información de donde acceder a otros programas gratuitos para aprender inglés que brinda la comunidad, estamos muy agradecidos.

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GGIC provided us free English classes, assigning a teacher specifically for our group. They registered us for Adult ESOL classes and also brought us a lot of information about where to access other free programs for learning English in the community. We are very grateful.