Can taking ESL help me prepare for the Citizenship interview?

Question

English classes can be planned to both improve language skills, as well as learn about the USCIS interview process and the civics questions. An experienced ESL tutor, who also has knowledge of the naturalization process, can do both things in her lessons.

Answer 1

Yes! Most definitely!

I have worked with over 400 students who were taking classes to prepare for their interviews. When I do this, I integrate the information about the interview and the civics questions into my ESL classes.

My B.A. is in English from Emory University and I have taught English since receiving my TESOL Certificate from Seattle University's Graduate School of Education in 2001. If your goal is to become a naturalized citizen, I will tailor your lessons with that context in mind.

When I was working for a non-profit agency, I wrote and received a grant from the USCIS to provide citizenship preparation education. I was successful at meeting our objectives, and learned a lot from the experience of working with over 300 students preparing for their citizenship interview. All but 5 students who submitted an N-400 were successful in passing, and are now citizens.

During this time, I underwent numerous trainings provided by the USCIS for assisting instructors who are preparing students for citizenship (both in Atlanta and Washington, DC). I successfully completed the Basic Immigration Law Course (40 hour plus exam) offered by the Immigrant Pathway Institute (curriculum developed by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center of San Francisco), and have assisted applicants at numerous activities and citizenship application events for the New Americans Campaign in Atlanta and Miami.

My schedule is flexible and I will work with you to meet your goals!

Loretta

Answer 2

The more confident you are with your English speaking skills the better. The USCIS agent is looking for an appropriate response but not exactly as its listed on the Citizenship practice test review. It could change a little as long as you get the message across. It doesn't have to be word for word. The important thing here is not to be nervous during the interview and speak naturally. Don't try to speak fast. Recently, one of my students from Africa failed the interview because he got nervous and tried to speak fast so he started choking on his own saliva and started coughing. He couldn't stop coughing so the officer had to stop the interview(failed). So yes, esl studying and knowing how to answer naturally does help a lot(not just for the interview but for life in general). Trust me, I taught ESL in Korea for 6 years.

Answer 3

I have worked with ESL students who were taking classes to prepare for their interviews. When I do this, I integrate the information about the interview and the civics questions into my ESL classes.

My B.A. is in English from Loyola University, and I have taught English as a Second Language for about 30 years. During that time, I taught US history to middle schoolers and prepared them to take the Constitution test. I also have taught the Democratic Process section to Adult ESL Students and integrated many of the citizenship questions in our lessons. If your goal is to become a naturalized citizen, I will tailor your lessons with that context in mind.

I currently teach in the ABEC department (ESL Classes) of a community college. I have been on a team that wrote online curriculum that included civics and some citizenship lessons.

My schedule is flexible, and I will work with you to meet your goals!