Career options for a foreign university BA holder with limited English skills?

[Nguyet+Alan 1]

My wife is Vietnamese and earned a B.A. at Danang University in Chinese Language. Her English reading skills are good, her writing skills could use improvement, and her speaking/listening skills are pretty basic. Her English grammar knowledge is very good. She attends ESL classes, but I'm less than impressed by their rigor (never any homework, for example). I tutor her on correct pronunciation and syntax when I can, on the spot.

Thankfully she is currently employed at an "Asian" supermarket, but I'd like for her to earn more than the minimum wage in a career that is more satisfying to her.

Any ideas? I wonder if going to school to earn a LVN degree might be worthwhile. I work in an academic environment and I know that there are quite a few non-native English speakers in health field programs (but not MDs), and that many schools are geared towards helping those students attain greater English fluency while they pursue their degrees or certifications.

I asked this question here because Googling something like this generates millions of hits--for English speakers who want to teach English in foreign countries.

[JRF 117]

Good question! My wife has a BA degree and fairly good spoken and written English skills. We've talked about her getting an associates degree in something like medical records. She's got a good mind for business and wants to be challenged. My wife insists I correct her pronunciation and grammar. I normally oblige unless I'm really tired and forget.

From what I've read the Bexar county community college system is pretty good and with the abundance of medical facilities in SAT she should have a lot of options if she pursues an AA in a medical field. She can transfer to UTSA if she wants to get a four year degree. Tuition seems low to me (compared to LA everything there is inexpensive).

Good luck!

[Nguyet+Alan 1]

Thanks, man! It's obvious to me that it all crystallizes into improving language skills. I'm seriously considering retiring in Vietnam in 15 years or so--I need to drastically improve my Vietnamese, so we both need to improve our language skills. My Aussie brother-in-law has mastered the basics of "marketplace Vietnamese," so I guess there's hope for my yet.

I know what you mean about the relative costs between California and Texas. I moved from San Diego to Austin to attend UT years ago.

[Chris & Trinh 15]

I will be moving back to the US soon along with my wife and son. We know a few people who have moved to the US with their BA degree from Vietnam and in the US it is not worth the paper it was written on. If they want to further their education they will take an entrance like assetment exam at a university in the US and many times will have to take many highschool level classes just to be able to begin at the University.

With that said, improving their English should be priority. After that I think an associates degree or even a certified program would be a good choice. I was thinking something in the health field as well and it seems many go this route after moving to the US if they desire a higher position than doing nails, working in a restaurant, or some type of sales associate at a clothing store.

As for English lessons in you city. Many local Universities, Community Colleges and Language schools offer cheap or even have free programs for recent immigrants. If you are not happy with your wife's English lessons look around your city for other programs she might be able to join.

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Edited January 18, 2014 by Chris & Trinh

[Darnell 8,478]

Hey Alan !

a lot of the 2 year schools in your area

are teaching chinese language now.

since yer wife holds a 4 year degree, and you two did the work to get it evaluated prior to her immigrating over,

I suggest that she apply to be a teacher of chinese language at those schools.

No teacher certificate needed at that level.

After a year, if'n she gets on full-time, her tuition is waived - so bear that in mind when choosing that LVN program.

She'll love you more cause you showed her a way to make real money and get free tuition.

Of course, she should have applied in December, as the hiring decisions get made right before the semester starts.

Still, go chase this down, nowish.