MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Filipinos often embark on journeys abroad with hopes of a brighter future, filled with anticipation and excitement. These aspirations often extend beyond personal goals, influencing families and communities in significant ways. Yet, the path to realising these dreams is often tackled with challenges, requiring resilience, determination, and the right support to succeed on the global stage.
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| From left to right: Lianne De Vera, Thomas Aguila, and Hannah Velasco, past IELTS test takers now successfully living abroad. |
For many, English language proficiency is key to unlocking these opportunities. Whether advancing careers, pursuing further education, or starting a new life, taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a critical step. The British Council, co-owner of the IELTS test, delivers the IELTS exam and offers support for individuals preparing for international assessments so they can adapt to a life abroad. Meet Lianne, Thomas, and Hannah—three Filipinos who successfully navigated personal and professional challenges to thrive in their new homes.
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.
The experiences of Lianne, Thomas, and Hannah show that English language proficiency fosters both personal and professional growth. For Filipinos seeking to thrive abroad, the British Council offers extensive support, from IELTS preparation to test-taking resources. With over 20 test centres nationwide and the IELTS Ready Premium, their comprehensive online preparation material, the British Council is committed to empowering individuals to achieve their global aspirations.
Are you ready to take the first step towards your international journey? Book your IELTS test today and seize the chance to benefit from our Early Holiday Promo this October! Register for your IELTS on computer and enjoy a 10% discount at our test centres in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Pampanga. Secure your spot now at https://www.britishcouncil.ph/exam.
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About the British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people.
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