Jobs after arriving US

[My&Truong 4]

My fiance rather me stay home and go to an ESL class at a community college before being ready for a "real" college. I need to improve much more my English in all of skills. By the way, I know working in a restaurant is not easy even in Vietnam, but I think it will be just fine because cooking is my hobby. And I am ambitious for professional success. I am ready for a new life in America.

Thanks y'all!

Edited June 2, 2014 by My&Truong

[Boiler 45,765]

It is a new world.

I can think of quite a few people working in menial jobs with advanced degrees.

[lil2be 11]

Anyone can go to college if they meet a requirement. Most CCs require all international students to take ESL classes first with a proof of TOFEL or some kind of English proficiency test (in Michigan, we have so call MTELP which is free to take in my community college). The test determines your proficiency and the college will place you in the right class.

After that, if you are interested in nursing program, then you will have to take a placement test for math, biology, and so on. Most foundation classes don't require any prequirsite. More advance class do require it.

In my state, if you are an adult learner (not sure how old, possibly over 26, correct me if I am wrong.), you don't need a proof of high school diploma. However, if you are still young, you need that certificate to prove that you have general educational development (GED) of high school equivency.

2-year college is easy to get admitted versus 4-year college will require you much more (vary by school).

I started with ESL from a community college. I obtained degree, I now can transfer most credits to a 4- year institution.

All in all, OP will need to start somewhere depending on her educational background. But most likely, we need ESL first as many others. Believe me, it is crucial to have a good foundation in writing, listening, communicating, and reading skills for an higher education. I have been struggling during my first year in a nursing school because of English. (I thought I was good. )

Edited June 2, 2014 by lil2be

[luckytxn 2,264]

I actually have a degree and was a Petroleum Chemist for 15 years and the regional Guf Coast Vice President. Now I drive a truck. What difference does it matter?

It is a new world.

I can think of quite a few people working in menial jobs with advanced degrees.

[frontgear 194]

Based on the OP's writing, I don't think she needs any ESL classes.

[lil2be 11]

Based on the OP's writing, I don't think she needs any ESL classes.

Based on my knowledge and education background (I obtained a master's degree prior to an associate's degree admission in the US), OP definitely needs to take ESL classes. She might be placed in higher/advanced level. I was placed in an advanced level and was able to take comp. I & II right after.

OP would not need an ESL classes only if she has been in the US for certain period of time and/or has her citizenship. Again vary by institution and state.

You can not base someone's proficiency on an ONLINE forum. That's why there are standard tests out there. So people can prove their proficient!

[Boiler 45,765]

Most Americans I have met could do with ESL classes.

[My&Truong 4]

I will go to an ESL class for sure. I do want to improve my English. Language as well as communication is the major key to success.

[lil2be 11]

Most Americans I have met could do with ESL classes.

Ditto!

[Tighfield 3]

My girl wants to learn nails and go to a local vocational school to learn something. She's taking her English classes now and getting much better at speaking and writing. She worries a lot that she won't be able to find a job here and her mom worries too. But I reassure her that she'll be fine, it's just doesn't happen overnight.

[skyking02 11]

My girl wants to learn nails and go to a local vocational school to learn something. She's taking her English classes now and getting much better at speaking and writing. She worries a lot that she won't be able to find a job here and her mom worries too. But I reassure her that she'll be fine, it's just doesn't happen overnight.

i agree, it won't happen overnight. it will take time. my fiancee is taking extra English classes and plan to study nail. she can work part time and take class part time at the beginning. then she can be a full time student once everything settling in.

[skyking02 11]

Why do these newly immigrated need to take ESL classes?

While dating their lovers/petitoners, shouldn't they know they will immigrate to America in the near future and English is the official spoken language? Some of them even have to communicate in English to their lovers during that period (those who dated people who are other than VNese).

Wait, wait. They were to busy wasting time chit chating all day long (and use foul language like engaging in sex talks) instead of using their time to go to ESL classes in Vietnam! There're PLENTY of those schools in Vietnam.

Then once they're here in the States, instead of improving their English skill, they choose to work at nail salons where all they do is communicating with other co-workers in VNese and watch VNese films either on TV or the internet. Instead of investing time going to school here, they choose to go back to VN at least 2, 3 times annually or even more frequently.

Why do these newly immigrated need to take ESL classes? <<---- is that a serious question?

While dating their lovers/petitoners, shouldn't they know they will immigrate to America in the near future and English is the official spoken language? Some of them even have to communicate in English to their lovers during that period (those who dated people who are other than VNese). <<--- turn on webcam

Wait, wait. They were to busy wasting time chit chating all day long (and use foul language like engaging in sex talks) instead of using their time to go to ESL classes in Vietnam! There're PLENTY of those schools in Vietnam. <<---- international classes with foreign teachers are too expensive for some people.

Then once they're here in the States, instead of improving their English skill, they choose to work at nail salons where all they do is communicating with other co-workers in VNese and watch VNese films either on TV or the internet. Instead of investing time going to school here, they choose to go back to VN at least 2, 3 times annually or even more frequently. <<---- they miss vn, more fun

[skyking02 11]

Why do these newly immigrated need to take ESL classes? <<---- is that a serious question?<<<Dead serious. I post in VN forum. It only applies to VNese. I know what I'm talking about <<<---- know what?

While dating their lovers/petitoners, shouldn't they know they will immigrate to America in the near future and English is the official spoken language? Some of them even have to communicate in English to their lovers during that period (those who dated people who are other than VNese). <<--- turn on webcam <<<<Webcams, unfortunately, can't and won't make old, ugly people become otherwise. Sweet talk can, on the other hand! <<---- u married someone not based on their look? LOL

Wait, wait. They were to busy wasting time chit chating all day long (and use foul language like engaging in sex talks) instead of using their time to go to ESL classes in Vietnam! There're PLENTY of those schools in Vietnam. <<---- international classes with foreign teachers are too expensive for some people.<<<<< so is endless and extended period of chitchatting, skyping, phone talking/texting.....Cut down on those expenses and use the funding for something more useful and PRACTICAL in the future: taking ESL classes. Next excuse in queue, please. <<-----what expenses with most of service are free via wifi/internet.

Then once they're here in the States, instead of improving their English skill, they choose to work at nail salons where all they do is communicating with other co-workers in VNese and watch VNese films either on TV or the internet. Instead of investing time going to school here, they choose to go back to VN at least 2, 3 times annually or even more frequently. <<---- they miss vn, more fun <<<< They just came to the States. What did they miss? Vietnam is still a communist country and people find anyway they can to flee from that country (the immigrants should know. They just did it not too long ago) <<---- even if it's a communist country, their parent still live there and it's more fun.

Anymore question, concern? <<---if u got more, i can answer for you.

but in the end, it's based on that person willingly study or not.

Edited June 5, 2014 by skyking02

[skyking02 11]

Why do these newly immigrated need to take ESL classes? <<---- is that a serious question?<<<Dead serious. I post in VN forum. It only applies to VNese. I know what I'm talking about <<<---- know what? <<<<a lot. What do you want to know? <<---it's ok, i know enough.

While dating their lovers/petitoners, shouldn't they know they will immigrate to America in the near future and English is the official spoken language? Some of them even have to communicate in English to their lovers during that period (those who dated people who are other than VNese). <<--- turn on webcam <<<<Webcams, unfortunately, can't and won't make old, ugly people become otherwise. Sweet talk can, on the other hand! <<---- u married someone not based on their look? LOL<<<<can't speak for someone else. I can't care about looks. Wife's good looking is no use to me if she doesn't plan to stick around with me. Get my point? <<<----good looking or not, she' might leave u, so why not married a good looking girl hihih

Wait, wait. They were to busy wasting time chit chating all day long (and use foul language like engaging in sex talks) instead of using their time to go to ESL classes in Vietnam! There're PLENTY of those schools in Vietnam. <<---- international classes with foreign teachers are too expensive for some people.<<<<< so is endless and extended period of chitchatting, skyping, phone talking/texting.....Cut down on those expenses and use the funding for something more useful and PRACTICAL in the future: taking ESL classes. Next excuse in queue, please. <<-----what expenses with most of service are free via wifi/internet.<<<< I didn't know stealing is cool in VN <<----yea, it's super cool in vn.

Then once they're here in the States, instead of improving their English skill, they choose to work at nail salons where all they do is communicating with other co-workers in VNese and watch VNese films either on TV or the internet. Instead of investing time going to school here, they choose to go back to VN at least 2, 3 times annually or even more frequently. <<---- they miss vn, more fun <<<< They just came to the States. What did they miss? Vietnam is still a communist country and people find anyway they can to flee from that country (the immigrants should know. They just did it not too long ago) <<---- even if it's a communist country, their parent still live there and it's more fun. <<<< then shouldn't they stay in Vietnam and take good care of their parents? Wait, so they don't come to America for love afterall. They're after the money!!!! BEcause they know their parents or whoever else still left at home send them out to America on a mission to make $$$$? Gee, surprise! <<<----you didn't know that? i'm shocked!

[verysadguy 170]

Yep. Without solid English skills the best they can usually get is a job working for other VN people. I don't mean to denigrate VN people in any way, but they tend to be not very generous to their own people unless they're family. That means long hours and short pay. In the SF Bay Area that usually means babysitting for a VN couple while they go to work, or working in a nail salon in a contract job. You need a license to work in a nail salon, but all of the manicure schools here have VN staff and conduct classes in Vietnamese, and the state even administers the test in Vietnamese for those who prefer it. It's tough to go to ESL classes when you're working 12 hours a day. The nail salon gig at least has the side benefit that you'll be interacting with English speaking people during the day, so you get a chance to practice English.

The traditional American thinking would be to work part time and go to school part time, but most of the jobs they could get without English skills aren't part time. They're more like some form of indentured slavery.

The ideal situation is if their new American family can afford to support them while they acquire English skills and then go on to learn a trade or get a degree. Even then, they'll often insist on working, even if it's a crappy job, because they feel guilty if they're not contributing. This is especially true if they're getting flak from their VN family members here about being a burden on their family when they're expected to be not only helping to support themselves, but also sending some cash to the family back home. It's a thorny issue that really needs to be discussed with them.

I think you have to be careful with the "indentured slavery" wording. 2 reasons. As many folks know here I was falsely accused of human trafficking and investigated AND CLEARED by the Feds of this disgusting allegations. Secondly, as JVP can attest to, many VN immigrants exchange hard work as compensation for the many thousands of dollars needed to travel and apply for a GC in the USA. The custom is no only common in the bay area but also in Orange County and many other heavily populated VN communities. It is not unheard of to hear about $25,000 dollar deals with various forms of payback contracts (implied, verbal, and written!).

On the real human trafficking side of things it should come as no surprise that the absolutely exploding numbers of massage parlors in California are heavily staffed by young VN females. I don't know any statistics but I wouldn't be surprised if a vast majority of massage parlor arrests are also linked to immigration issues. I know of one for sure that an attorney friend of mine handled.

I think there is a fine line in many cases between working hard to pay off a debt vs. indentured slavery vs. human trafficking.