Friendly Request: A One-Word Reply

Read Time: 3 minutes

I’ve traveled to over two dozen countries across 5 continents.

And one of the places I had the most difficulty communicating was…. Scotland.

Where they speak English.

Well, kind of.

On the other hand, I’ve been to places where I couldn’t speak more than 5 words of the native language, and I’ve been able to get around without on my own without a problem.

Because there’s a difference between language and communication.

When I was in Italy, for example, I’d go to these little pizza cafes where they had big rectangular pizzas and they’d cut you a slice and charge you based on how much the pizza weighed (to factor in the toppings).

I’d just point at the pizza I wanted and I’d use my hands to show about how big I wanted a slice.

It was so easy I figured out this way to ‘talk’ with the store clerk within seconds of my first time walking in the store.

See, language is a funny thing.

(Sometimes literally.)

 While it’s not perfect, it is the easiest way to communicate.

Even if you’re not that great at it yet.

I just said that I went some places and couldn’t speak more than 5 words.

The few words I did know?

How to ask the locals if they spoke English.

Lei parla inglese?

Anata wa eigo o hanashimasu ka?

Hal tatakalam bial'iinjiliziati?

I found, very quickly, that the locals appreciated my effort to at least learn some of their language, instead of just speaking English at them and hoping they understood.

And that is what I want to start doing with you.

At one point you signed up to receive this newsletter in English.

But for some of the more involved material, it would be helpful to get the information in your first language.

So I have a quick ask.

Please reply to this email with one word- just the language that your most comfortable speaking/reading/understanding.

Even if your English is great, it helps me to know everyone’s first language.

Because (SPOILER ALERT) I have a big release coming soon…

Including a community where and prospective international students can network and learn all they need to know about getting a student visa, as well as how to best position themselves for future visas like the H1B work visa (or even a green card).

And I want the information truly accessible.

I’m going to base the translations that I create for the community content in this information, so please be sure to submit your language for consideration, simply by clicking ‘Reply’ and entering your ideal language.

That’s it. Quick & easy.

So I can make my material easier for you to read and understand.

Which will hopefully increase your odds to eventually…

Live Your American Dream ™.

Josh

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help:

1. Follow me on LinkedIn. I post about international student related content, so hit that Follow button if you haven’t already (or, even better, hit Connect!).

2. The Complete Post-Graduation Masterclass Series. Learn the tips & strategies that have helped over 3,000 international students get approved for OPT/STEM OPT, over 1,500 get approved for H1B work visas, and over 400 get approved for green cards. Important Note: this series is only going to be available as a stand-alone service for a few more weeks, so better jump at the opportunity to get it now! Last chance to get $49 off during the month of March only with coupon code “MarchOn”

3. Individualized Support. Dive right in and check out my Services page to learn how we can work with each other 1:1

4. Still not sure? Send me a DM or email me at [email protected] with a brief overview of your situation and I'll explain the options for how I can help you. (Or you can book a free call!)