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Learning English in Scotland
Being able to speak English before you come to Scotland will help you to get a job, make friends and do practical things such as open a bank account.
It is essential for getting the most out of living in Scotland and enjoying its rich cultural and diverse communities. Support is available if you arrive with limited English language skills.
Getting started with English
Support is available if you arrive with limited English language skills.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) offers a course in English for Speakers of Other Languages, (ESOL) designed for dealing with work, study, community and social situations. It also introduces you to a range of aspects of everyday life in Scotland.
All refugees and asylum seekers are eligible for free ESOL provision to improve their English language skills. Details of the next courses can be found on the
ESOL Scotland Website.
Organisations such as the
Refugee Council, the World University's
Refugee Education and Training Advisory Service and the
Refugee Advice and Guidance Unit can also provide help with English language.
Learn Direct gives you contact details of providers of English Language courses throughout Scotland.
The
HOST organisation offers a friendly welcome, an insight into customs and way of life. They can help with English conversation practice.
You can also ask the Relocation Advisory Service (RAS) for advice on where to find other sources of English language help.
Night classes like the 30 week course run by
Glasgow Metropolitan University are a great way to get a good grounding in English. Language courses are a great way to meet people from other countries too. See the Other languages in Scotland page [link to the new page to be created from the text below] to learn about other communities here.
There are community groups set up by a variety of ethnic minorities that may offer support with language skills. Visit your local community centre or contact your local council to find out about groups in your area For a list of local councils see the
COSLA website.
Language exchanges
One great way to improve your English is a language exchange. This is where you give help to someone studying your own language in return for them help you with English.
Many students of English use this to boost their studies; it works well because you can get specific help from a native speaker with things you find particularly difficult.
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