Not only is the world smaller than we think, but technology and affordable travel make it possible for businesses and people to come together more than ever before — and it’s all possible due to internet availability and e-commerce. But no matter how advanced technology becomes, understanding language is still required to bridge the gap.

We’re living in the times of global citizens who travel and trade freely with others, and within these times, speaking more than one language is an invaluable tool. Although English may be considered a universal language that brings people together, having more than two or three additional languages under your belt can give you an edge in your future endeavors, whether they be professional or personal. If you are currently studying English as a second language or you’re committed to developing fluency, there are many opportunities available to use your language proficiency to get ahead in a career, no matter the industry. Let’s take a closer look at how language can help you advance your professional goals.

Expanding Employment Opportunities
“Remote work” is the new catchphrase in the employment world, especially as the coronavirus has pushed many companies and their employees to telecommute for safety purposes. For some companies, the global-scale experiment of working from home was a success — and there are even some, such as insurance provider Nationwide, who have decided to continue and expand remote work programs for all employees, even after closures end.

Employers aren’t the only ones seeing the benefits of a team that works from home. Many individuals have realized that working remotely expands their chances of employment. Specifically, telecommuting breaks down the geographical barriers and limitations of having to work for a local employer within a certain distance from your home. All you need is an internet connection and a computer to work for an employer half across the world. And being able to speak a second or third language — especially if it’s English — only improves those opportunities available to you.

For example, a growing number of international firms use English as the main language of communication, even if they’re based in Asia or Europe. It's entirely possible to work for a Japanese firm these days from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s also growing more common to join a video conference that includes remote workers of many nationalities, checking in from all parts of the world — and the unifying language is usually English. 

Promoting Better Human Connections 
Using the scenario of a multinational company hosting a company teleconference between the headquarters team and the remote workers worldwide, the ability to communicate in English creates a higher level of understanding and unity between the employees. 

If you aspire to a higher management position in a multinational company, ESL may be especially crucial. Clear communication fosters connection, essential for building trust and loyalty between individuals, and one of the important pillars of emotional and cultural intelligence is the ability to manage relationships. Being able to communicate effectively with others will help you better understand their cultural mindsets, regardless of the career or industry you’re in.

Having multiple language skills can be helpful for more than leadership, too. For example, if you’re in sales or wish to work with the public, being able to speak with someone and connect with them on a personal level before you pitch them with a product or service will likely improve your odds of closing a sale. 

You don't need advanced language skills to personally connect with someone, either. In fact, casual conversations about family, travel, favorite foods, or other friendly, engaging topics that tend to break the ice and build relationships are some of the earliest forms of a language you'll learn. In fact, casual conversation is a great way to improve your English all around. Small talk may not be an advanced language skill, but conversations about a person’s day to day life are essential in the business world, no matter where you’re from. They’ll serve as the stepping stone to improve your interpersonal skills to be a better salesperson, customer service representative, or public-facing employee.

Improved Cultural Awareness
Being able to speak a second language, even if you don't have full mastery of it yet, can open you up to a world you may not have experienced or noticed before. This proves especially true as you travel or go abroad for a study abroad program or business meeting. 

Being able to speak with others in their native language, or connect with someone through a shared language such as English, can provide you insight about the culture or the place you're visiting you wouldn’t have had access to before.
 
ESL and Expanded Career Opportunities 
Nearly every type of industry or business these days could use employees who are multilingual. There isn't one specific career or field that couldn't make use of someone with good language skills. If you’re searching for a job, being able to communicate with others in their language or a shared one, such as English, may set you apart from the competition. Make sure you continue honing your ESL and foreign-language skills and showcase your efforts, so that employers are aware of your dedication to better communication.

Adrian Johansen is a freelance writer in the Pacific Northwest.

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Deciding to study abroad can be an exciting challenge and new adventure. However, there can be limitations to studying elsewhere, before making the decision you should ask yourself some important questions. 

What Will the Location Be Like?
Choosing to study abroad is a great excuse to live temporarily in a different country. You get to experience a  brand new culture and meet new people, but is it the right place to study and learn? What sort of environment are you looking for? Every country and city has its pros and cons, New York is a huge, densely populated city, but so is London. Australia has fewer people, but still has popular cities with still a lot going on. Do you want to be in the heart of the city, or will you vibe better living just outside? Do you think you want to live closer or further away from your campus? Research and educate yourself about the campus life and culture and familiarize yourself as much as you can as this is the information you need to make a well-informed decision. 

Can You Afford It? 
Studying abroad will cost you money, depending on accommodation and the cost of the university term or year, books and other expenses will be a deciding factor on whether you can afford it or not. You can however apply for compensation through scholarships and grants. Most universities offer aid for students, so don’t be disheartened by this fact of expenses and the cost. Also, you could plan your year abroad to be just one semester instead, which will save on money and other costly expenses. A top tip is to apply for aid and grants early on to guarantee that you have a better chance of receiving it. 

Will You Be Able to Cope? 
Even if you are only moving abroad for a semester, homesickness is commonplace. Making new friends and feeling comfortable can be difficult when you’re out of your comfort zone and far away from home. “Staying in contact with friends from home is important but also try and push yourself and put in the effort to make new friends while you’re away. If you put in the effort to try something different and study abroad, it will also help you get closer to your dream job and show others your willingness to persevere,” writes Tina D. Helms, an educator at 1Day2Write and Write My X.

You will go through some initial shock when you move away, but you’ll never regret trying something new. 

Will It Be Easy to Make Friends? 
Making new friends can be tricky but being in university can make it easier as there are more people in the same situation and place as you. “Chances are that you’ll go to the same social events and classes as them, being around new people in the same classes you’re bound to have similar things in common. In a different country you can feel like an outsider, but making the effort to introduce yourself to others, being open, and starting new conversations will help along the way to making lasting friendships,” writes Jennifer B. Duffy, college blogger at Brit Student and NextCoursework. 

Does the Course Align with Your Values? 
Teaching courses are not always going to be the same as they are in other universities, equally some universities have different priorities and values. To make sure that you agree and align with the university's values, do all your research before making the decision to study abroad. Depending on what your values align with — if you want to get involved with the community, learn about the culture, and give back — should be a defining feature of the choice you make. You want to get the most out of your time abroad and make it count. 

Deciding where to study abroad and how long to go for will take some time, research as much as you can before making a decision. Also talk to your student council or other advisors about the best program for you, and reach out to other students who have studied abroad to find out their experiences and time abroad. 
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Michael Dehoyos is a content marketer and editor at PhD Kingdom and Coursework writing services, and is a writer at Essay Help. He assists companies in their marketing strategy concepts and contributes to numerous sites and publications. 

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WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STUDY IN THE USA?

At first, my mother wanted me to try to come to the USA to study because she thought that if I study abroad that I will have more opportunities for my future. I was 14 when I came to the USA. I felt excited because I heard about American as a dream of many people. She also felt less worried because I have a relative in the USA.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PARTICULAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY? 

I choose Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) because tuition is not expensive like the university. MVCC is near where I am living, which is great because I am not driving and I am walking to school every day. My high school made a couple of trips to visit MVCC. Moreover, MVCC has the major that I want to study, and I have many free lectures. 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR PROGRAM OR UNIVERSITY?

What I like the most about MVCC is its holistic student support office that helps students with their schedule. The school has a career and transfer office to help students work on their resume when they are looking for jobs on campus. My school also protects the privacy of students from health officials, for example, students need mental help, they can walk through into the room but other people think that they get hurt, not because of mental help.

WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT HOME?

I have been living in the USA for almost 6 years, but I never have a chance to go back to my country because the ticket is too expensive. I miss my family a lot, street foods, and my best friend.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST SURPRISE ABOUT U.S. LIFE AND EDUCATION?

I was surprised about the culture, about foods, and how people dress when they are outside of their house. Education is lighter than my country, one subject takes one year instead of my country, students need to take about 12-13 subjects each year, and they have no choice what they want to learn.

... YOUR BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT?

My biggest disappointment is I was not trying my best while I was in high school so I can get more scholarships. I did not make a lot of friends, but I will try to at MVCC and I did have a lot of friends at MVCC, after a year.

HOW HAVE YOU HANDLED:

... LANGUAGE DIFFERENCES?

I felt stress when I started my life in the USA. The pronunciation is completely different from what I have learned in my country. Other people could not understand what I wanted to say, and I was not able to get their points, either. However, at MVCC they provide ESL for anybody where English is their second language. 

... FINANCES?
I do not have any finances but for native American students, especially at MVCC, they provide not only finances but also some more help, some programs on campus are free for students, provided needed for students.

... ADJUSTING TO A DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM?

I love the education system in the USA. They do not rank the students who are better, but they reward good students. They let students choose what the students want to take this year, next year, and they will set up the plan in the future for students. Therefore, students will feel more comfortable and balanced between their studies and can take part in the sport in school, without any burden.

WHAT ARE YOUR ACTIVITIES?

One of the many ways quickly to get to know or join college life is clubs and programs. I am involved with the International club, PTK club, and Kidz-N-Coach club plus the Food Recovery Program.

HOW EASY OR DIFFICULT IS MAKING FRIENDS IN THE USA?

Asians eat everything inside of pigs or chickens or fish, so it is hard for some people to accept that smell, just kidding. Most people are friendly, so it is easier to make friends with them when we have the same things to talk about. This means some of them feel our culture is interesting so they asked about that, I feel happy to share and let more people get to know about us. In the beginning, my English was horrible so it was hard for me to find friends who had the patience to listen and understand what I wanted to say. Friends helped me improve my English skills a lot.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? HOW IS YOUR U.S. EDUCATION RELEVANT TO YOUR PERSONAL GOALS AND TO THE NEEDS OF YOUR COUNTRY?

Vietnam is a small country, but these couple of years there are more schools that have connected with foreign as an exchange student program. In my study field, my career goals are to help students to understand more about other countries and what they will be facing. I can give them a general point of view and my experiences, and I hope to help them gain more confidence.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OTHER STUDENTS FROM YOUR COUNTRY WHO ARE CONSIDERING A U.S. EDUCATION?

We are humans, we will find some way to community with others, we do not need to feel worried or scared. The school will provide what you need. Make some friends so you will not feel lonely. The teachers will understand that English is not our first language, they may give you extra time for the tests or quizzes, but talk to them to let them know. The school will help you to look over your essays, fix your grammar, and avoid plagiarism. Someone will be there for you if you need help. Do not feel stressed, relax, and try your best.​

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While such a step is significant for one’s career and knowledge bank, it doesn’t mean that it is easy. More often than not, international students find themselves in the midst of a foreign culture, language, and atmosphere. The cultural shock, if not dealt with properly, can affect academic performance, lead to homesickness and insomnia.

If you are an international student, you would want to make the most out of the exciting experience of studying in a foreign university. To ensure that the cultural shock doesn’t disorient you, here are some steps you can take.

1. Begin by Accepting that Your Feelings Are Valid

Invalidating your feelings and emotions and thinking that you are overreacting can end up backfiring. The best way to deal with culture shock is accepting that the concept is normal and occurs to a lot of people. Recognizing the presence of the issue is the first step towards recovery!

Remember, it is not about you. There is nothing wrong with you. You are not incapable of fitting into the environment. Instead, you just need to give yourself time to adjust. You will be surprised that even the natives of the country can experience cultural shock.

For instance, there are a lot of excellent universities that offer executive MBA in Florida. People from various states of the US, along with international students, opt for such programs. US citizens from places like California or LA experience a culture shock in Florida too! Any place that is unfamiliar and has its own way of living can produce this effect. So, you are not alone.

2. Keep in Touch With Your Loved Ones

A great way to combat homesickness that comes as a symptom of culture shock is to stay in close contact with your family and friends from back home.

And don’t just talk to them about the weather. Instead, let them know about your inner turmoil and feelings. This will help you in letting it all out. Not to mention that your loved ones can provide you with a better escape route since they know your personality in and out.

One of the greatest things about living in this era is that we can easily connect with our loved ones back home. Think about the days when the sole way of communicating cross-country were letters and expensive phone calls!

With the rise of the internet, you can now video chat with your family. Make use of the various apps around you. The more you feel familiarity around you, the easier it would become to overcome the culture shock.

3. Never Miss Out on Orientation Day and Programs

The culture shock international students experience stems from the unfamiliarity that is around them. If one is able to combat this, it is automatically easier to feel better.

This is why it is highly advised that you attend the orientation sessions and programs organized by your university. Every university dedicated a day or week in introducing the new batch to the campus life.

These sessions tend to include ice-breaking programs, game nights, campus tours, informative talks about the different programs at the university etc. Various top universities further take it up a notch and tailor a separate program for international students. These programs aid in acclimatizing the students to the culture of the country as well as building a support network.

When you are feeling down and frustrated, you might think about missing such programs. But don’t do so. Fight the feeling. Put on a brave face and attend it all. You are bound to feel better by the end of it.

4. Try to Socialize

Regardless of whether you choose a university in your home country or a foreign one, you need a support system to make it through the four years. And this support system must be from the university. After all, no one else can understand and help you with your everyday struggle as good as someone who is going through the same thing!

This is why it is essential to make friends. By socializing and making friends, you can deal with the culture shock as well. How so? Well, suddenly, you will feel that the country doesn’t feel as complicated and new to you anymore. This is because you now have someone to turn to at times of need!

Socializing in a new country and college can be hard. An excellent way to break the ice is by joining the different clubs and societies. Some places even offer specific clubs for international students.

By becoming an active member of any society, you are passionate about will allow you to find like-minded people. Try to befriend international students specifically. They will be able to relate to your culture shock struggle as well as offer solutions that worked best for them.

5. Understand that Isolating Yourself is Not the Answer

One of the first things you would want to do when you start feeling the cultural shock is shutting yourself in your hostel room. Getting out of bed and making an effort to explore the city and your university may seem like the ultimate struggle.

But, isolating yourself from the world will only make it worse. The more time that goes by, the harder it will be for you to gel into the environment.

You are not alone. There will be various other students in your university going through the exact same struggle as yours. Reach out to them. Learn the native languages if you have to. Making an effort to overcome the culture shock is actually all it takes to overcome it eventually!

You Can Manage It!

With these five tips and a positive outlook on the situation, one can undoubtedly manage and overcome culture shock.

This feeling is fleeting. It will pass.