Moving to a new country changes so much more than just your address; it changes your language, too.
I thought I knew English well enough to thrive anywhere, but the reality of adapting to Canadian culture revealed unexpected challenges. That journey taught me lessons I never anticipated, both in language and in resilience.
Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” – Rita Mae Brown
The day I landed in Canada, the last thing on my mind was my English skills. I’d worked in multinational companies, using English all day, every day—it was as natural as breathing.
Yet, it wasn’t long before I realized that what had once felt like second nature was now a source of struggle. Suddenly, I was losing words, stumbling over phrases, and watching conversations slip away from me.
My job as a Strategy consultant in the Advisory Department required a higher level of language proficiency than I’d expected, one that could navigate complex interactions and present ideas clearly and persuasively.
At first, I found myself struggling, watching my confidence waver as I realized I couldn’t articulate myself as smoothly as my colleagues. English failed me just when I needed it most, and for the first time, I truly felt limited by language. I remember feeling hopeless at times, wondering if I’d ever be able to catch up.
But I didn’t let that feeling settle. Instead, I turned it into motivation. I threw myself into refining my pronunciation, adjusting my intonation, expanding my vocabulary, and discovering new ways to express ideas.
I became a student all over again, devouring feedback and treating every conversation as a learning opportunity. The easy path—saying “whatever” and moving on—wasn’t an option for me.
I had a drive to keep getting better, to close the gap between myself and the fluency of native speakers. And over time, I did.
Now, I often think about what this journey means, especially for other immigrants who are facing similar challenges. Moving to a new country and adapting to a different language can be daunting.
I know how easy it is to feel defeated by language barriers, or to believe that being “good enough” is all you need. But I also believe that incremental improvements can make an enormous difference. The key is to keep pushing, little by little.
Start with basics like pronunciation, learn the common expressions that native speakers use, and integrate them naturally into your speech. Immersing yourself in the language won’t just make you sound fluent—it can actually transform the way you connect and interact.
There’s no need to idolize English or measure yourself against native speakers. But I’ve learned that for some employers, especially in larger corporations, communication skills can be a deciding factor.
It may not be fair, but it’s the reality: weaker English can hold you back, and often, you’ll never even know why you were passed over. So why not remove every possible obstacle? Master the language so you’re judged by your abilities, not by your accent or phrasing.
Looking back over these past five years, I can see how far I’ve come. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made—not by settling for “good enough” but by constantly aiming higher. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that each of us has the potential to reach beyond our starting point.
We’re capable of change and growth, and with consistent effort, we can surpass even our own expectations. So take the lessons I’ve learned, build on them, and make your journey one you can be proud of, too.
Parting Message
The lesson I want to leave you with is this: never underestimate the power of small, consistent efforts. Whether you’re learning a new language, adapting to a new environment, or striving to improve in any area of your life, remember that progress is often made in small steps, not giant leaps.
Embrace the discomfort of being a beginner again, and use it as fuel to drive your growth.
Treat every challenge as an opportunity to learn and every setback as a stepping stone to success. By focusing on incremental improvements, you can overcome barriers and achieve fluency—not just in language, but in life.
If you’re on a journey to strengthen your English skills and navigate cultural nuances in a professional setting, consider exploring my Professional English & Cultural Sensitivity Course. It’s designed to help you build confidence step by step, with practical insights on language and communication tailored for newcomers. Embrace the power of small changes—and see how far they can take you. You can learn more here
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