Raafat Almakhzoum, a 28-year-old Syrian who arrived in Scotland four years ago, has transformed his life through education. Originally a chemistry student in Syria, Raafat’s studies were interrupted when he had to leave his home country. Determined to rebuild his future, he enrolled at West College Scotland to improve his English and pave the way for further education.
Raafat began his journey with the National 4 Intermediate ESOL course, chosen after researching WCS’s strong reputation online. The course proved to be a turning point. “I enjoyed communicating with other students from different countries,” he said.
The classes helped me improve my writing skills, which was essential for moving on to my next course.
Thanks to his hard work and the foundation provided by ESOL, Raafat successfully progressed to NC Architectural Design. He is now excelling in HNC Interior Architecture and Design, where he continues to develop his skills in English while pursuing his passion for architecture. “In my new course, I meet native speakers every day, which helps me improve my English.
You never stop learning.
Raafat’s achievements are a testament to the impact of ESOL courses in helping students achieve their ambitions. He plans to further his studies at university to pursue a degree in Architecture. If that isn’t possible, he is ready to continue to an HND in Interior Architecture and Design.
Reflecting on his journey, Raafat has become a passionate advocate for ESOL courses. “I’ve recommended ESOL to many people from different nationalities. The college helped me improve my English skills and gave me the tools to move forward,” he said, praising the supportive staff lecturers.
From mastering a new language to thriving in a mainstream course, Raafat’s story is one of resilience and hard work. We look forward to following his journey.
Find out more about our ESOL courses.