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When I first arrived in the UK, I felt lost. I left my home in Syria feeling afraid and leaving behind family, friends, and the life I knew.

It wasn’t just the trauma of war that frightened me, but also the idea I had to start over in a country where I didn’t speak the language.

Like many refugees, I struggled with simple daily tasks. Going to the shops or a doctor’s appointment, and even understanding the bus schedule was difficult. I felt lonely because I could not communicate. although people were friendly. I could see their kindness, but without the words to talk I felt separated from everyone around me.

Then a friend told me about the ESOL course. At first, I was nervous. I was a quick learner at school in my own language, but starting again in my mid-30s, in a foreign country, was frightening. What if I failed? What if I couldn’t keep up? Still, I knew that learning English was my only way forward, so I signed up.

When I joined the course I met people from all over the world, other refugees, migrants, and people who had moved for a better life. We all had different stories but shared the same goal: to learn English and rebuild our lives.

The course itself was structured in a way that made learning feel achievable. Jane was patient, understanding, and committed to our progress. She broke down complex ideas into manageable lessons, and before long, I started to feel more confident. We didn’t just learn vocabulary and grammar; we practised real-life situations. Role-playing how to ask for help, apply for a job, or make a doctor’s appointment gave me practical tools to get on with daily life in the UK.

One of the most profound changes came when I realised I could now communicate with my neighbours. Before, I had always nodded politely, offering a shy smile. Now, I could engage in small talk, ask them about their day, and even tell them a little about my background. The walls of isolation started to come down. I felt less like a stranger and more like a part of the community.

Beyond just the language, the City & Guilds ESOL course gave me something else, confidence living in the UK. With every new phrase I learned, I felt empowered. I began to believe that my future could be bright again. The course didn’t just teach me English; it opened doors to employment opportunities. With a better grasp of the language, I applied for jobs, attended interviews, and eventually secured a part-time position.

What I didn’t expect was how much this course would affect my mental well-being. Before, I often felt trapped in my own mind, unable to express my thoughts or share my story. Learning English gave me back my voice. I was no longer just a “refugee.” I became someone who could contribute, someone with ideas, experiences, and dreams.

Looking back now, the decision to take the ESOL course was one of the most important steps in my journey. It wasn’t just about learning English, it was about reclaiming my life. The City & Guilds ESOL course provided me with the skills I needed to adapt and thrive in my new home, and for that, I will always be grateful.

For any refugee or migrant who feels lost in a new country, I can’t recommend this course enough. It’s not just an education; it’s a lifeline. It gave me the ability to connect with others, the confidence to pursue my dreams, and the hope for a better future.