Jamaican family

English: The Passport to the World 🌍✈️ (The Jamaican family)

If you’ve been following me here, you already know I’m from Brazil but currently living in China, working as a university teacher. One of the things I always tell my students is how powerful learning English can be. I like to joke that I’m living proof of it—English opened doors for me that I never imagined, including the chance to work abroad.

Here’s the funny part: I don’t speak Chinese. What brought me to China wasn’t my Mandarin skills (which are nonexistent),but my ability to speak English. Right now, I’m back in Brazil on vacation, enjoying time with my family. Every Sunday I go to church with my mother, reconnect with old friends, and even had the chance to give a speech at my ward a few weeks ago. It feels good to be home.

But today I want to share a story that perfectly illustrates why I keep insisting to my students that English is a game-changer. Brazil, in many ways, is similar to China: those who speak English well usually land the best jobs. And sometimes, English does more than just help you get a job—it helps you build a life abroad.

Here’s what happened: I met a Jamaican family at church. They don’t speak Portuguese, Brazil’s native language. So how are they managing to live here? You guessed it—English! Just like me in China, they’re thriving in Brazil thanks to the global language we share.

Think about it: I’m in China without Mandarin, they’re in Brazil without Portuguese, yet both of us are able to live, work, and connect because we speak English. That’s the power of this language—it’s truly the passport to the world. 🌎

I even took some pictures with them (with their permission, of course) because I wanted to share their story as inspiration. For my students in China—and anyone else learning a new language—this is proof that the effort is worth it. English doesn’t just improve your résumé; it can transform your life.

So here’s my message: keep pushing, keep practicing, and don’t give up. The world is waiting, and English can be your ticket to explore it. 

Review of this post by one of my student:

# E02 ZhouBoya 4128 # I did write a review of this post from my teacher, Here is my review: When I started this English class, I saw the language only as exam-focused grammar and vocabulary. I could pass quizzes but struggled to speak confidently or connect with native speakers. Your post about the Jamaican family completely changed my perspective, turning abstract learning into a meaningful, real-world journey. The story taught me that English is first a tool for connection, not just a school subject. Reading about the family’s daily lives and culture showed me language is rooted in real people and experiences. This mindset shift transformed my learning: instead of just memorizing words, I focused on using them to communicate authentically. My speaking confidence improved drastically. Once afraid of mistakes, I embraced imperfection like the Jamaican family, who used English naturally with their own accent. I practiced daily, prioritized fluency over perfection, and joined a conversation club. Within months, I went from struggling with 5-minute chats to confidently leading class discussions. The post also boosted my listening skills. I used to struggle with diverse accents, but learning about the family’s speech taught me to focus on context, not every word. Applying this to podcasts and shows, I now understand 80% of content without subtitles, opening up global media and communication. What makes this post special is its authenticity. Your human story, not just tips, made lessons relatable. It reminded me growth is a process, motivating me to use English outside class, from writing to pen pals to volunteering as a translator. This post turned my passive learning into active practice. I now see English as a bridge to connect across cultures, pursue my goals, and express myself authentically. I will carry these lessons forward, practicing with curiosity and confidence, and am forever grateful for your guidance.