Wojciech & Magdalena
Polish students Wojciech Zippel and Magdalena Stadnik came to Scotland a number of years ago to work but realised that in order to have better work prospects and to speak to their new neighbours and friends, they would have to learn to speak English to a good standard. Both students have now completed English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Intermediate 2 and ESOL Higher courses.
32 year old Wojciech arrived in Scotland in 2007 when a friend suggested he came for a holiday. He came, liked Scotland so much that he found a job and stayed. Following full-time employment with Scotrail he enrolled at Reid Kerr College to study English. He said, “After only 2 years I have completed two qualifications in English language and I am delighted with my progress. The training here at the College has been excellent and the education system here is brilliant, offering us the best opportunity to achieve the best qualifications and English language support throughout our training.”
Magdalena came to Scotland when she was 25 and now at 31, she is very happy to have completed her training at the College and says that the staff have been a great support throughout. She said, “It was very important to me to learn to speak English and I feel the opportunities in Scotland have been very good and the overall experience stress free. In class you feel confident to speak out and encouraged not to feel worried about making mistakes. The College is a great place to learn and I found all of the staff very helpful and happy to work with you when you needed help. The ESOL training is not just about learning to speak the language. I particularly enjoyed the fact that we took on additional subjects such as culture, politics and assistance with looking for employment including help with preparing for interviews and securing a job – all of which was part of the training.”
Wojciech plans to return to Poland this month for a holiday and hopes that his training and work experience will help him secure employment when he comes back. Magdalena loves Scotland so much she is planning to stay here long term and hopes to gain employment after she completes her course.
