Filipinos frequently travel overseas in the dreams of a better future, full of excitement and anticipation. These ambitions frequently go beyond individual objectives and have a big impact on families and communities. However, the road to achieving these goals is frequently fraught with difficulties, necessitating fortitude, tenacity, and the proper assistance to thrive on the international scene.
From left to right: Lianne De Vera, Thomas Aguila, and Hannah Velasco, past IELTS test takers now successfully living abroad.
For many, being able to communicate in English is essential to taking advantage of these opportunities. Taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a crucial step for anybody looking to advance in their job, pursue additional education, or begin a new life. In addition to administering the IELTS exam, the British Council, which co-owns the test, provides assistance to those getting ready for international exams so they can adjust to life overseas. Introducing Lianne, Thomas, and Hannah—three Filipinos who overcame both personal and professional obstacles to prosper in their new communities.
Dreams Beyond Borders
For Lianne De Vera, a British Council scholarship grantee and now the marketing communications head of a London-based non-profit, the dream was always to broaden her horizons. Initially believing her strength was in writing, her speaking skills surpassed her expectations after taking the IELTS exam and scoring higher in speaking than in writing. “Taking the IELTS felt like a stamp of validation. It gave me the confidence to engage with my peers and professors,” she said. Earning a scholarship through the British Council’s IELTS Prize further motivated her to hone her skills in her field. “The IELTS was an eye-opener. I’m not particularly an extrovert, and I’m not comfortable speaking in public, but I did well with my speaking, showing me that I could surprise myself,” Lianne shared.
Moving to Canada to work as a nurse was a long-standing goal according to Thomas Aguila. This also required the right credentials. His employer and the academic institution where he is completing his degree units easily recognised his IELTS certification because it was from the British Council. “If I had taken another test, I think the outcome would’ve been different,” he explained. “The process was much smoother, and I got my results quickly from the British Council.” He added that improving his English skills also helped him be more attuned to his patients’ needs and adapt to the foreign environment.
Meanwhile, after years of navigating the paperwork to move to Bermuda, Hannah Velasco took the leap to relocate from her hometown of Dagupan three years ago. It was an adjustment that pushed her out of her comfort zone, but it led to fulfilling experiences that extended beyond her career. “Talking to people from different cultures has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me,” she said. “Improving English through the IELTS not only made me more fluent, but it also broke down barriers. I gained friends and insights into their cultures, which made my transition smoother.” Beyond her life as a nurse, the skills she gained through her IELTS journey helped her adapt to a foreign community.
A Stepping Stone to Success
The IELTS journey also provides individuals with the skills needed to create life-altering experiences. As Lianne shared, “IELTS opened the doors for me to step into a new chapter, leading to career and study opportunities, as well as the chance to live here and raise my family.”
Thomas echoed this, sharing how IELTS helped him achieve his dream of working abroad. After securing a healthcare role, he later received a scholarship in Canada with his employer covering his travel, accommodation, and education. “For the first time, I felt truly valued in my profession,” Thomas said, reflecting on how the experience has created opportunities for him.
For all three of them, the difference in their IELTS experience came down to the personalised support that the British Council offered. “The test may be the same, but how they deliver it and the support given makes all the difference,” Lianne said, likening her experience to a safe space for pursuing her goals. The British Council also provided tips on building a mindset ready for the exam, helping ease her anxiety. “The readily available resources and stamp of credibility are what make the journey more empowering,” she added.
Lianne, Thomas, and Hannah’s experiences demonstrate how fluency in the English language promotes both career and personal development. The British Council provides a wealth of assistance for Filipinos who want to succeed overseas, including materials for test-taking and IELTS preparation. With more than 20 testing locations around the country and their extensive online preparation resource, IELTS Ready Premium, the British Council is dedicated to helping people realize their dreams of living abroad.
Are you prepared to embark on your worldwide adventure? Take advantage of our Early Holiday Promo this October! by scheduling your IELTS exam now! Take advantage of a 10% discount at our test locations in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Pampanga when you register for your IELTS online. Go to https://www.britishcouncil.ph/exam to reserve your place right now.
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