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hawkeyez

ESL English learning for your new Chinese companion

By hawkeyez in China

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hawkeyez Collaborator

hawkeyez   45

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

Anyone had experience with having your fiancé learn English once transplanted in the USA? I know ESL classes can be found. Any other home remedies or suggestions? Iv'e been taking Chinese Mandarin for 4 years, but we would a bilingual home. I'm still not fluent and she has a long way to go. Time frame for her grasping it?

Fortunately the daughter will receive ESL in school upon enrollment and at 13 should pick it up fast.

Thanks

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canadian_wife Grand Master

canadian_wife   1,822

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
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Posted

What about Rosetta Stone? I've heard great things from people who've used it

Good luck

USCIS
August 12, 2008 - petition sent
August 16, 2008 - NOA-1
February 10, 2009 - NOA-2
178 DAYS FROM NOA-1

NVC
February 13, 2009 - NVC case number assigned
March 12, 2009 - Case Complete
25 DAY TRIP THROUGH NVC

Medical
May 4, 2009

Interview
May, 26, 2009

POE - June 20, 2009 Toronto - Atlanta, GA

Removal of Conditions
Filed - April 14, 2011
Biometrics - June 2, 2011 (early)
Approval - November 9, 2011
209 DAY TRIP TO REMOVE CONDITIONS

Citizenship

April 29, 2013 - NOA1 for petition received

September 10, 2013 Interview - decision could not be made.

April 15, 2014 APPROVED. Wait for oath ceremony

Waited...

September 29, 2015 - sent letter to senator.

October 16, 2015 - US Citizen

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des1867 Explorer

des1867   6

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Philippines
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I live in Eastern NC and most of the community colleges here give english classes free to immigrants. You might want to check the colleges in your area.

11/30/11 Mailed K-1 petition

12/5/11 NOA1

12/13/11 Touched

5/8/12 Called USCIS for OUT OF NORMAL PROCESSING TIME inquiry

5/10/12 received email from VSC stating to wait 60 more days for decision

6/25/12 emailed my congressman

6/29/12 congressman's caseworker called me to gather more information about my case

6/29/12 sent request to state senator for an official inquiry into my case

7/3/12 Touched

7/3/12 text and email received for NOA2 approval

7/9/12 Received NOA2 hard copy in the mail

7/16/12 Called and received NVC Case Number

7/18/12 Called NVC and was told my case was in "additional processing"

7/27/12 Called NVC and was told my case is in "administrative processing"

8/2/12 Called NVC and was told my case is on the way to Manila.

8/6/12 Petition arrived in Manila

8/7/12 Called and obtained Embassy Interview Date, received appointment letter in email

Interview Date : 9/13/12

8/8/12 Fiance passed medical exam at SLEC

8/10/12 Fiance took CFO seminar

8/10/12 NVC letter arrived in mail (hardcopy)

8/13/12 Called the US Traveldocs number and asked to have earlier interview from 9/13/12 to 8/17/12

8/15/12 Interview Instruction Letter arrived in email

8/17/12 Interview date

8/17/12 Interview complete, 221g issued to send NSO CENOMAR to embassy through 2go

8/31/12 Called Senator to ask for inquiry at embassy.

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8/31/12 Visa printed

9/5/12 2GO Courier service has visa in transit

9/6/12 2go Courier delivered VISA at 4:30 pm

9/6/12 Ticket purchased for flight leaving 9/8/12 POE Chicago

9/8/12 Arrived in USA

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Malagasy Contributor

Malagasy   4

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Madagascar
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Posted

My sister-in-law is from Madagascar and spoke very little English when she arrived. Initially my brother went to their local library and got a number of videos and books which helped "a little". They also used sub-titles on their TV which helped.

They moved to a slightly larger city that offered free ESL (English as a Second Language) lessons and my SIL's English has improved tremendously and she has established numerous friendships by attending the classes.

I did a quick google on 'free ESL lessons,new york' and there are quite a few locations that offer free ESL lessons.

Best of luck...

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Ning Experienced

Ning   619

Posted
Filed: K-3 Visa Country: Thailand
 Timeline
Posted

Anyone had experience with having your fiancé learn English once transplanted in the USA? I know ESL classes can be found. Any other home remedies or suggestions? Iv'e been taking Chinese Mandarin for 4 years, but we would a bilingual home. I'm still not fluent and she has a long way to go. Time frame for her grasping it?

Fortunately the daughter will receive ESL in school upon enrollment and at 13 should pick it up fast.

Thanks

I just completed ESL classes recently at our local community college. I think its much better than trying to sit and listen to tapes ect. My classes had 15 other students which helped as we studied in groups. Its an advantage to be able to learn to speak one on one with others. They will test her to decide what level she will begin at then place her in a class.

Check on line or at the school for info on Pell grants. This is a fantastic govt program. She will recieve funds to pay for the classes and her books ect.

Your daughter will have little problem once she begins. Mine started at 11 here. Within a short time she was really doing well. In her second year of school here she won her school speech contest and was sent to the State finals. She didnt win that but placed well. This shows you what is possible. Kids do well in these classes and in schools here. Kids learn a lot by using the computer as well. You Tube ect.

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bigdog Veteran

bigdog   376

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

My wife thought Rosetta stone was too easy, she liked watching a kids show, ni hao kai lan, and found some good stuff on her Ipad. Personally I don't get Rosetta stone?

In Arizona its hot hot hot.

http://www.uscis.gov/dateCalculator.html

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Larry_and_Xinji Contributor

Larry_and_Xinji   1

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: China
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Posted

I like Rosetta Stone personally. It won't make you fluent or anything but gets you started and gives you structure. I was using it for learning Chinese though. Then I picked up a beginner's dictionary which is really helpful. Maybe there is something like that for English too. You can look up a word then it not only gives the definition but explains how to use it. I also use grammar and vocabulary books. One of the hang ups of Rosetta Stone is that you get stuck sometimes. Fluenz is another software where there is also a recorded teacher that explains concepts instead of making you grasp at straws at times.

The fact they'll be around English all the time though will be the biggest contributor to quick learning.

2010-07-15 - Met in China as graduate students, began dating
2011-10-03 - Engagement proposal, 2 week visit to China
2011-12-10 - I-129F Sent
2011-12-21 - I-129F NOA1, Notice Date
2012-04-18 - Larry visits Xinji and family for 12 days in China
2012-04-24 - I-129F NOA2, Notice Date
2012-05-10 - NVC Left
2012-05-25 - Packet 3 Received
2012-05-29 - Packet 3 Sent
2012-06-07 - Packet 4 Received
2012-07-02 - Interview Date - Approved
2012-07-07 - Visa Received
2012-07-18 - US Entry - Newark
2012-08-12 - Married
2012-08-23 - Date Filed I-485 (AOS), 765 (EA), 131 (AP)
2012-09-21 - Biometrics Appointment
2012-10-26 - Approved Date for EA and AP
2012-11-05 - Date EA and AP Combo Card Received

2013-07-25 - Informed online green card was ordered to be produced (no interview)

2013-08-02 - Permanent resident card received

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Darnell Grand Master

Darnell   8,478

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

are you in New York City with a 'soon to arrive' Chinese Companion ?

Sometimes my language usage seems confusing - please feel free to 'read it twice', just in case !
Ya know, you can find the answer to your question with the advanced search tool, when using a PC? Ditch the handphone, come back later on a PC, and try again.

-=-=-=-=-=R E A D ! ! !=-=-=-=-=-

Whoa Nelly ! Want NVC Info? see http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process

Congratulations on your approval ! We All Applaud your accomplishment with Most Wonderful Kissies !

 

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  • 3 months later...
rogerj Contributor

rogerj   0

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

My darling tried Rosetta Stone, but gave up. It was not user friendly to a Chinese speaker to learn English. All instructions are in English.

Now in ESL class at Chinese church. Going well, but slow.

Our situation is different that our 15 year old son recently joined us from China. His English is fair, and he is learning in school rapidly. He is helping some... But a teenager...

Bottom line for us was Rosetta Stone was no help.

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hawkeyez Collaborator

hawkeyez   45

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Anything you have access to will help, Rosetta, Pimlour, ESL. You get out of it what you put into it. Im in the same boat as you. 4 years of Chinese but not fluent. She is working her behind off online learning and then we do some practice when I get home from work. Also in New York State western side. Little available but an ESL at International Institute at night. Best is conversation with others. It's a slow process unless you are under 14.

Iv'e been told 3 years is the learning curve for older folks. Kids pick it up in a year. Work on it together. Mine is getting better at English and my Mandarine is improving as well.

Yes New York State SUCKs with Democrats/Unions and Mafia. Everybody wants a piece of you and Taxes,regulations and surcharges up your wazoo.

Good luck and keep at it. There is no majic to it just hard work.

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unlockingsky Proficient

unlockingsky   94

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

it gets even weirder in nyc with esl availability...

"Family time is very precious and you should cherish every moment of it."

01/20/12 - I-130 sent to Chicago Lockbox.

01/26/12 - NOA1 received and processing at Vermont.

06/28/12 - NOA2 announced on status check.

06/29/12 - NVC received case learned on 07/2/12.

06/30/12 - Hard copy NOA2 received.

07/09/12 - NVC Casefile Number and IIN Issued.

07/16/12 - Receive and Sent DS-3032 via email.

07/17/12 - Mailed DS-3032 via mail, AOS bill received via email, paid online, Optin email sent.

07/18/12 - Optin accepted and new case number, AOS marked paid, emailed AOS packet.

07/24/12 - Assigned as Agent, IV Fee bill received via email, paid online.

07/25/12 - IV Fee marked paid, emailed IV packet.

07/31/12 - Emailed GZO Supplemental Packet 3.

08/02/12 - Case completed and commenced final review.

08/03/12 - Shipped all copies of forms/letters/documents to my wife - arriving on 8/9/12.

08/06/12 - Case completed final review.

08/09/12 - Appointment letter received via email interview date set 9/6/12.

08/14/12 - Medical exam done.

08/15/12 - Medical exam results all normal.

09/06/12 - Submitted required documents at the embassy and interview set next day at 0730.

09/07/12 - Visa approved, click here for review http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/view-dos-cis-reviews.php?entry=10401 .

09/14/12 - Visa received on hand!

10/07/12 - Arrived at NYC! click here for review http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/view-poe-reviews.php?entry=15293

10/20/12 - Received welcome letter from USCIS.

10/25/12 - Green Card received!

"Nothing is more difficult than the art of maneuvering for advantageous positions." - Sun-Tzu

04/27/13 - Submitted DS-160 online for parent-in-laws and sister-in-law.

05/01/13 - Paid DS-160 or MRV Fee Payments on CGI Stanley.

05/03/13 - Made appointment for 05/16/13 on CGI Stanley.

05/16/13 - Arrived at GUZ and impromptu notice on the front it was closed.

05/30/13 - B2 visa interview passed! Read review here http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/433263-b2-visa-was-approved-for-parentinlaw/ <p>

"Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience." - ADM Hyman G. Rickover

08/08/14 - Mailed I-175 application.

08/11/14 - I-175 arrived at VSC.

08/18/14 - Received NOA1 with date 08/12/14.

08/27/14 - Received biometrics appointment for 09/09/14.

02/27/15 - GC in production from email notification.

03/02/15 - Received NOA2 with approval dated 02/25/15.

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Pitaya Grand Master

Pitaya   2,577

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

We live in union-controlled, Dem-controlled Seattle area. My wife is taking an ESL class at the local community college for $25, and is enjoying it. :thumbs:

YMMV.

Completed: K1/K2 (271 days) - AOS/EAD/AP (134 days) - ROC (279 days)

"Si vis amari, ama" - Seneca

 

 

 

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unlockingsky Proficient

unlockingsky   94

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

We live in union-controlled, Dem-controlled Seattle area. My wife is taking an ESL class at the local community college for $25, and is enjoying it. :thumbs:

YMMV.

lucky you. it sucks over here =( too many special interest on dem-controlled area.

"Family time is very precious and you should cherish every moment of it."

01/20/12 - I-130 sent to Chicago Lockbox.

01/26/12 - NOA1 received and processing at Vermont.

06/28/12 - NOA2 announced on status check.

06/29/12 - NVC received case learned on 07/2/12.

06/30/12 - Hard copy NOA2 received.

07/09/12 - NVC Casefile Number and IIN Issued.

07/16/12 - Receive and Sent DS-3032 via email.

07/17/12 - Mailed DS-3032 via mail, AOS bill received via email, paid online, Optin email sent.

07/18/12 - Optin accepted and new case number, AOS marked paid, emailed AOS packet.

07/24/12 - Assigned as Agent, IV Fee bill received via email, paid online.

07/25/12 - IV Fee marked paid, emailed IV packet.

07/31/12 - Emailed GZO Supplemental Packet 3.

08/02/12 - Case completed and commenced final review.

08/03/12 - Shipped all copies of forms/letters/documents to my wife - arriving on 8/9/12.

08/06/12 - Case completed final review.

08/09/12 - Appointment letter received via email interview date set 9/6/12.

08/14/12 - Medical exam done.

08/15/12 - Medical exam results all normal.

09/06/12 - Submitted required documents at the embassy and interview set next day at 0730.

09/07/12 - Visa approved, click here for review http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/view-dos-cis-reviews.php?entry=10401 .

09/14/12 - Visa received on hand!

10/07/12 - Arrived at NYC! click here for review http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/view-poe-reviews.php?entry=15293

10/20/12 - Received welcome letter from USCIS.

10/25/12 - Green Card received!

"Nothing is more difficult than the art of maneuvering for advantageous positions." - Sun-Tzu

04/27/13 - Submitted DS-160 online for parent-in-laws and sister-in-law.

05/01/13 - Paid DS-160 or MRV Fee Payments on CGI Stanley.

05/03/13 - Made appointment for 05/16/13 on CGI Stanley.

05/16/13 - Arrived at GUZ and impromptu notice on the front it was closed.

05/30/13 - B2 visa interview passed! Read review here http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/433263-b2-visa-was-approved-for-parentinlaw/ <p>

"Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience." - ADM Hyman G. Rickover

08/08/14 - Mailed I-175 application.

08/11/14 - I-175 arrived at VSC.

08/18/14 - Received NOA1 with date 08/12/14.

08/27/14 - Received biometrics appointment for 09/09/14.

02/27/15 - GC in production from email notification.

03/02/15 - Received NOA2 with approval dated 02/25/15.

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