ESL Builds Confidence

Ismael resides in the Bay Area, and immigrated from Colombia five years ago. The father of three found it difficult to transition in the U.S. due to language and societal barriers. He has discovered that through participating in BSP’s programs, he is able to overcome obstacles in realizing the benefits of social, civic, and economic integration.

He has engaged in BSP’s Citizenship, English-As-a-Second Language (ESL), and Digital Literacy classes, saying: “All BSP courses have helped [me], especially the instructors. They have been a great key to my learning since they are attentive to students and keep the classes engaging with relevant information in order to develop communication, social, writing and listening skills.” 

Ismael feels that the BSP team has helped to improve his self-confidence in a new societal landscape.

Grateful for the free courses, the hardworking father says that “through the ESL classes, I now feel more confident to speak to others and converse. The courses have also helped me to feel more comfortable speaking English because the coordinators and instructors motivate the class to speak in conversation, since it is the best way for us to learn.”

He is happy that the BSP team keeps him well-informed on upcoming programs, and emphasizes that the team is present, while building good relationships in participants’ lives, stating that “the BSP team is good at offering class reminders, naturalization support, health and wellness information, and digital literacy resources available to the community and their families.”

Isamel states that he is “very grateful to be surrounded by an organization that cares about its participants and is there to help people and motivate them to be better in their daily lives. BSP is the best organization where participants will get the support they need, and I encourage others to take BSP classes.”