With the promise of better pay, global career growth, and enriching experiences, more Filipinos are setting their sights on promising opportunities abroad. The British Council, a globally trusted and recognised provider of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), offers essential, expert-backed guidance to help aspiring overseas Filipino workers navigate the cultural, social, and professional shifts of living and working abroad.
For many Filipinos, settling abroad brings personal challenges like adapting to new cultures, coping with distance from home, and navigating unfamiliar social and professional settings that can impact their success as much as a job offer or visa approval. To support this journey, the British Council IELTS, known globally for excellence, provides a practical guide filled with expert and test-taker insights, real-life experiences, and communication tips to help Filipinos adapt with confidence and ease.
Gladys Lacanilao, a former British Council test taker,
now lives and works as a nurse in New York City, USA.
1. Understand the unspoken
Settling into life abroad means understanding subtle cultural cues—like jokes, side remarks, or silences—that often carry hidden meanings. Gladys Lacanilao, a British Council test taker, who is now a nurse working and living in the US recounts her experience, “When I first came to New York City, I found it hard to understand people’s pronunciation of words and sometimes even their tone since the city was a very diverse place.”
To avoid misinterpreting these cues, Gladys shares that she made it a habit to ask for a clarification and further explanation—a skill she strengthened through IELTS. Its Listening and Speaking components train learners to interpret tone, formality, and conversational rhythm to make social and professional exchanges more intuitive and less intimidating.
2. Anticipate culture shock
Culture shock often sneaks in during casual chats through slang, unfamiliar references, or unexpected social norms. Gladys notes, ”New York City is a melting pot of different cultures and beliefs. You may not be used to it but it is important to learn how to respect each and everyone’s preferences and beliefs.”
IELTS develops this sensitivity through structured conversation exercises, helping learners build the verbal agility and confidence needed to handle unfamiliar situations or express opinions respectfully in a new cultural context.
3. Build social confidence
Feeling homesick or isolated in a new country is common, especially when small talk doesn’t come easily or local humor is hard to follow. Social confidence grows with the ability to speak naturally and comfortably in everyday situations.
Gladys shares that while the internet helped her stay emotionally close to loved ones and ease homesickness by sharing updates from her daily life, it was her improved English speaking skills that gave her the confidence to start friendships, join local activities, and find a sense of belonging in unfamiliar places.
4.Speak everyday English
Simple tasks like understanding a doctor’s instructions, filling out a rental agreement, or reading transit signs can become unexpectedly difficult without strong comprehension skills. The Reading and Listening sections of IELTS focus on real-world texts and conversations which helps to reduce day-to-day stress and build independence in your new environment.
And when something is still unclear, Gladys offers a valuable reminder, “Never feel embarrassed about speaking English, even if it’s not your first language, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or help when you need it.”
5. Communicate professionally from day one
In many countries, professional communication requires clarity, diplomacy, and structure, especially in writing. Whether you’re preparing for a job interview, composing a formal email, or presenting an idea during a meeting, the Writing and Speaking components of IELTS help sharpen these skills by simulating common workplace scenarios such as summarising complex information and articulating opinions under time pressure.
“I was able to improve my English communication skills thanks to the wide range of resources from the British Council IELTS,” shares Gladys. “As a nurse, I’m now able to find the right words when documenting patient charts and communicating with doctors efficiently to ensure the best care for my patients.”
As more Filipinos pursue opportunities overseas, the British Council supports their journey ahead by empowering them with skills needed to build confidence, adapt with ease, and succeed in today’s global landscape. “While no guide can cover every scenario, building strong English communication skills is a powerful way to prepare for life abroad,” says Zoe Zhang, Regional Director for Exams at the British Council. “We provide personalised support and resources to not only prepare aspiring Filipino overseas workers to achieve their target band scores but also build confidence and readiness as they begin their journey in unfamiliar places. After all, thriving in a new environment is all about being fully equipped and ready when the time comes.”
To book your IELTS exam, secure your slot here: https://bit.ly/4jJrHud. For more information about the British Council visit the IELTS British Council Facebook page or website.
