Moving to the United States, Working as a Scientist, and Becoming Fluent in English

I’m thrilled to share episode 2 of my Confident English Spotlight interview series!

If you recall, in January I started a new monthly series. Every month, I’m interviewing a woman in my Confident English community who has developed a successful career, is doing amazing work for others, and has overcome challenges in English. They have successfully become more confident and fluent. 

And I want to share their stories with you for inspiration.

In episode 2 of Confident English Spotlight, I interview Emilia.

Emilia is from Brazil but she moved to the United States two years ago to do her post-doctorate research. I asked her to share her story and answer the following questions:

1. You’re from Brazil and you moved to the U.S. about 2 years ago – tell us why you moved and what you do.
2. What do you love most about your work? Do you have any big goals for your career in the next few years?
3. What do you think has helped you be successful in your work?
4. Is there one thing about living in the U.S. that you really wish you had known before you moved?
5. What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done since moving to the U.S.?
6. We’ll be sharing this lesson on Valentine’s Day – do you have a favorite word or expression in English related to love?
7. Of course, you use English every day because you live and work in the United States. Talk about your English language journey. How have you become more successful in English?
8. What is one piece of advice you have for someone who wants to become more confident and fluent in English?

If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated with your English, listen to this interview! Emilia talks about how she has overcome challenges to feel more confident in English and has learned to feel comfortable starting conversations in English.

And if you missed episode 1 with Beatriz, you can get watch it here.

Notes from Today’s Confident English Spotlight with Emilia

In our interview, Emilia used some vocabulary and phrasal verbs that may be new to you. This is a great opportunity to add some new language to your daily English. Please review this new language and then join me in the online discussion below.

“I was working with *molecular biology* and in the *immunology field*.”

molecular biology: a branch of biology that investigates the structure and function of usually large molecules, such as DNA and proteins, of living matter in order to understand their role in biological processes

immunology: a science that deals with the immune system

“I was selected to do my *postdoctorate* here.”

postdoctoral or postdoc: advanced academic or professional work beyond a doctor’s degree

“My work here is in *transfusion medicine.*”

transfusion: the process of transfusing fluid (such as blood) into a vein or artery

“Love will always find a way.” – Emilia,favorite expression of love in English

to come up (with something)

To suggest or think of an idea or plan

to trust in one’s ability

To believe or have confidence in one’s abilities or strengths

to have everything *set up*

To have everything prepared or ready.

obstacles

Something that blocks you so that movement, going forward, or action, is prevented or made more difficult.

It’s not a big deal. (It’s no big deal.)

We use this to express that something is not a serious problem or issue.

Now that you’ve watched the video and reviewed some of the language from the interview, I’d love to hear from you.

This is a great opportunity to practice what you’ve learned in this interview with Emilia.

Here are a few questions using today’s key language:

1. Have you ever overcome an obstacle in your life? What was it?
2. What helps you to come up with new ideas when you feel stuck?
3. Emilia said her favorite expression of love in English is, “Love will always find a way.” Since it’s Valentine’s Day today, what is your favorite expression of love? (Note: If you want to learn new ways to say “I love you” in English, check on my lesson on this topic.)

The best place to share with me is in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you.

~ Annemarie

More Like This