While a number of language lesson options exist --
A Volga Girl offers some thoughts here that we believe can
better facilitate your special lady learing English in a way that will
best suit adjustment in a new culture. While still in Russia, we strongly
suggest private
English lessons. Once she has arrived in America (or other host
country), we think that English As Second Language (ESL) classes are
best suited toward overall adaptation and social adjustment.
A number of our clients have sought out "private tutors"
as a way to enhance their lady's English skills once her Fiancee Visa
has finally been proceesed and she has arrived in America. We are of
the opinion that while the option of a private tutor/teacher is both
convenient and in most cases more comfortable for a newly arrived spouse,
it does her a disservice in the long-run, as it takes considerably longer
to become fluent in English -- taking classes for only a few hours per
week.
Consider that your new wife has come to a new culture with permanent-resident
intentions. The faster that she can assimilate and blend into her new
culture and surroundings, the easier it will be for her ongoing adjustment.
Hiding in her new home and struggling to communicate with her new husband
may be an essential need her new arrival; but should by any and all
means proveonly a temporary situation.
We know of a number of the better-half of our couples who were characterized
as "shy" by their new husbands. Such ladies wwre allowed NOT
to begin English As Second Language Classes (ESL) locally.
They did not feel comfortable mixing with other people, or felt somehow
guilty having little proficiency in English. The undeniable fact is
this: EVERYONE taking ESL classes begins with little proficiency in
the English language. Students enrolled in these classes are native
speakers of other languages. Chinese, Russian, Indian, Spanish ... and
many languages in-between.
Quite possibly the husband did not fully recognize the importance of
communicating how important enrolling in such classes would be ... and
how his new wife would greatly benefit from taking such steps ... and
as quickly as possible. Or maybe the new husband felt gratified
that his wife was so isolated from most everyone but him ... and fostered
such isolation and one-dimensional dependence without really realizing
it as such.
Your new bride's ability to begin working at any employment position
allows her to begin to get a feel for what Americans - and the specific
culture of your immediate area - are like. Her ability to speak English
has everything to do with just that.
