A master student, still no work visa, so what’s the point, English is disappointing What is the point of doing Master courses? Despite having finished all courses in my MA,&nbsp;It is difficult to sec

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A master student, still no work visa, so what’s the point, English is disappointing

What is the point of doing Master courses? Despite having finished all courses in my MA, It is difficult to secure a job in London, UK, that grants Tier-2 visa (work visa) sponsorship. As a postgraduate international student I am still on Tier 4 student visa. Numerous attempts to switch visa type have failed. I have returned home.

In addition I doubt the value of possessing proficient English skills, which haven’t landed me any job. I strongly question the value of English. I have developed negative feelings regarding English, but positive feelings regarding Polish. It is so disappointing, English neither helps with applying for jobs nor with applying for citizenship in any English-speaking country. English doesn’t even help me stand out from the crowd. Just imagine how many foreigners speak English. What’s the point of English?

Aug 1, 2019 11:35 AM

Comments · 28

How delusional can someone be? What made you think that the UK, or any other country, would grant residency simply because you ask for it and happen to be able to speak English?

You've said a lot about what you want and how you feel, but nothing about what you have to offer.

What are your skills? What can you contribute to any company or any country? Of course English in itself won't get you a job or a visa - half the developed world speaks English, so language proficiency in itself counts for nothing. Yes, it's essential : but only in the same way that being able to breathe or count is essential.

I know plenty of non-native English speakers from every corner of the world, former overseas students, who are now pursuing successful business careers in London. It goes without saying that these young people are proficient in English, but they also have the knowledge, skills and aptitudes required to fulfil their professional roles.

Look at this from the employer's perspective. Think about what they want from an employee. You failed to secure a job because, for whatever reason, you weren't the right 'fit' for the post in question. You should now be thinking about what's lacking in terms of your employability rather than what is already there and taken for granted. Your ability to speak English has no bearing on your failure to be granted a visa and should have no bearing on how you feel about your situation.

Whatever your problems are, they have nothing to do with the English language.

August 1, 2019

Well, what kind of master course did you take? Is it something that is demanded in England? In most countries it's easier to find a job as a foreigner if you either are willing to do the low level jobs, the others don't want to do or if you bring some skills that others don't have. Just being able to speak the language of the country can hardly be enough. And as half the world speaks English already, it isn't a skill to stand out but a necessity if you want to make a career in international business. Why don't you try your luck in Poland if you're so much in love with their language?

August 1, 2019

First of all, Alan, you’re young, and as you continue improving your skills, knowledge, and attitude, you’ll find that opportunity knocks on your door more and more frequently. Second, as Kseniia says, you should not ignore your greatest language asset — Chinese. Thirdly, the UK is probably one of the worst places in the world for you to look for work. If you were born there, you might even want to leave, why would you want to move there? Not only do you have to compete with British citizens, but you must also compete with all the European Community citizens (I forget — are you a Portuguese citizen?). Given the labor market conditions in places like Serbia, Poland, Italy, Greece and Spain, you haven’t got a chance. Why not try Karl’s suggestion? Canada, Australia, and maybe even Poland would probably all be a lot easier. Australia’s climate is probably closest to your native Macau, plus the time zones are closer, which may facilitate putting your Chinese skills to good use in the business world.

August 4, 2019

Maybe they just should be more honest with their prospective students: "yes, we demand that you, as a foreigner, pay for a Master's degree five times more than a UK/EU citizen, but don't even think it'll help you to get a job here".

Anyway, I don't know if it's of any consolation, but actually it's the same in your country for foreigners (I'm not 100% sure about Macаu but I suppose it's not that different there). Anyone who has ever applied for a work permit in Сhina probably knows what I mean — for certain jobs your employer has to go through the nine circles of hell to persuade the Ministrу of Humаn Resоurces and Sоcial Sеcurity that they couldn't find a Сhinese citizen as skilled as you (and they literally rank you as a Type A, Type B or Type C worker... though it's probably the same in Canada and other countries where they use a grading system). It takes a lot of time and paperwork for the employer and eventually they get more attention from supervisory authorities, so of course they will choose a Сhinese citizen unless you're <em>way</em> more useful for them, it's not enough to be just as good as the other guy.

August 2, 2019

Many people study English in order to get a better job in their own country, where the majority of the population doesn't speak English. As other commenters here have said, knowing English is not, in itself, helpful for getting a job in an English-speaking country, since everyone else who applies for the same job will also be fluent in English.

As you said, there are many native English speakers who are still beggars in their own countries. Speaking fluent English doesn't help them to get jobs. There are also many, many people in America and the UK who have Master's degrees, and still cannot get good jobs. (I have a Master's degree in English. My sister, on the other hand, does not have any degrees at all. She grooms dogs. And she makes more money than I do.)

I would imagine that speaking English should make it easier for you to get a job in some places, including your home country. But unfortunately, in English-speaking countries, you will have a LOT of competition. You'll need to prove that you have something unique and valuable to offer, apart from simply having a degree.

August 2, 2019