Learning English While You Work

Many students learning English are working their way through school or are struggling families trying to learn a new language and earn a living at the same time. Learning a new language is hard enough without having to depend on it so you can provide for your family. Actually though there are many jobs that will help you with your English because you will be constantly speaking to others while doing your job. 

What types of jobs are available to someone who speaks limited English but will allow them the opportunity to practice while they work? Here are some ideas that might help you.

- Servers in restaurants or bars – this is a typical student job but can give you the opportunity to meet lots of people and practice your English skills. Restaurants frequently have other jobs as cooks, dishwashers, head waiters and other types of positions that don’t often require lots of experience.
- Cashiers or baggers – grocery store chains and small “Mom & Pop” groceries or other businesses will hire people as cashiers or to work stocking shelves or bagging groceries.
- Hotel staff – some require multi-lingual employees because of their clientele. This could be at registration, restaurant or bar staff, housekeeping and other staff.
- Tour guides – Frequently in larger cities like New York or San Francisco, bilingual staff are required for tourists which is the perfect opportunity to practice your English.
- Housekeepers – Many families hire housekeeping staff on a weekly or biweekly basis with referrals providing other clients.

These are just a few of the opportunities available to improve your English skills while earning a living. Any city has a need for translation services, along with airlines and other professionals that need people to assist with their clients. What could be better than earning a living – and learning English at the same time?