Can I Study Beauty if English is My Second Language?
A second language can be challenging, and studying in a foreign language can make learning more complex. You can still study beauty as an ESL student, however. As long as you have the commitment to learning and can pick up on visual cues, you can be on your way to a career in beauty soon.
Hands-on Training
Much of the training for a beauty professional is hands-on. You can gain many of the skills you need by following along when instructors demonstrate techniques, whether you’re being taught about hairdressing or manicures. Hands-on training is the best way to learn beauty techniques as it is, so you won’t be at as much of a disadvantage as you may be worried about.
Practicing the techniques you’re learning is also more about your manual skills. You can learn a lot about working with barber’s tools and hair dye, for example, just by being attentive to what your instruction does an trying to do the same. Just be sure to ask for clarification of any safety-related procedures–your instructors should be happy to make sure you understand.
Your Passion for Beauty Will Translate
Your interest in the subject matter will also help you catch on, both in terms of your studies and strengthening your English. Find confidence in what you already know about beauty techniques. Any skills in cosmetology and esthetics could be transferable regardless of your native language, as every culture has valuable knowledge of how to accentuate human features.
You may even be able to contribute a fresh take on style based on your own culture’s methods. Studying something that matters to you may give you the motivation you need to improve your English, and learning the beauty-specific terminology will increase your vocabulary. Taking an ESL course alongside your beauty college classes will help even the playing field, and you’ll be gaining a skill that is useful in everyday life. Bilingualism could be an asset down the road, helping you reach out to potential future clients from different backgrounds.
You’re Not Alone. Study with Us!
Beauty colleges can also be very supportive of ESL students. Evergreen Beauty College educates a diverse student body. Students come from across the United States and around the world, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Korea, Vietnam, India, and the Congo. The college is willing to consider special accommodations such as the use of translation dictionaries.
If you’re an ESL student hoping to study cosmetology or esthetics, contact us today for more information about our beauty courses.
