Importance of Learning English Language for Developing Countries
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The outsourcing phenomenon has made the importance of learning English language very clear.
In a general sense, outsourcing refers to the process of hiring the services of outside contractors to complete tasks originally carried out within an organization.
The reason may be to utilize skills and expertise not present within the company and to reduce labor costs.
The beauty of the outsourcing model is that companies that outsource projects pay in US dollars (sometimes euro), regardless of the contractor's location across the globe.
Major Countries Providing Offshore Outsourcing
The main countries that outsource projects are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Among the developing countries that will get the most benefit out of the outsourcing industry are those whose currencies are lagging far behind the US dollar.
It came to me as a surprise when I noticed some workers in oDesk bidding way too low or displaying very low hourly payments in their profiles.
Can you imagine contractors offering their services for hourly rates of $1 to $2? To find the reason behind this apparent bargaining, I listed those workers who accept very low payments as well as the countries they belong to.
Then I checked Google for some answer. This willingness to accept projects that pay a few dollars can be explained by the exchange rate between their currency and the US dollars.
Huge Difference in Exchange Rates
The following list shows the huge difference between the US dollar and some currency units from 2011 to 2012:
- USD = 215 YER (Yemini riyal)
- 1 USD = 88.5 PKR (Pakistani rupee)
- 1 USD = 83 KES (Kenyan shilling)
- 1 USD = 77 BDT (Bangladesh taka)
- 1 USD = 50 INR (Indian rupee)
- 1 USD = 42 PHP (Philippine peso)
Wikipedia.org revealed that, as of January 2012, there were 43 currency units for which 1 USD was worth over 100 units. First in the list is Somalia. Its exchange rate with the US dollar in 2012 is shocking!
- 1 USD = 1,600 SOS (Somalian shilling)
A large difference in exchange rate does not essentially mean low monetary value, though. Another factor that determines the purchasing power of a currency is the country’s cost of living.
In the Philippines, earning $12 a day may be sufficient for a family of four children to have a satisfactory living. This is somehow affected by the location of the family, whether in the city or in a remote place.
The good news is that earning $12/day supplemental income is really possible! Many online workers even earn more. If you can find a long-term, stable job online, it can actually replace your current job in the real world.
Importance of Good English Skills
By now, you should have an idea of the importance of learning English language at this present time. English is, without a doubt, the language of business and commerce.
If you want to take the plunge into the outsourcing industry, make certain your English skill is at the expected standard.
To get a head start, you should be able to demonstrate good English skills in both written and spoken communication. To obtain a certain level of command of the language learning English must be a priority.
To jumpstart your online career, you must find a reputable company providing a proven platform for success. oDesk is one of such companies, with a track record of nine years. If you have a good command of the English language, you can apply for positions requiring the following skills:
- Copywriting
- Content writing
- Technical writing
- Copy editing
- Proofreading
- Transcription
- Translation
- Customer service
Other Ways to Earn Online
Another way to make money online using your writing flair is through blogging. Coupled with a working knowledge of html, you can write and create blog posts offering useful and engaging content. With blogging, you can be the writer and the webmaster at the same time.
If blogging seems difficult for you, you can start your online career by publishing articles in revenue share sites, such as HubPages, Squidoo, Wizzley, Snipsly, Triond, Tumblr, and more.
There are online jobs and several other opportunities online that do not require good English; however, communication and collaboration are important components of working with a client from a remote location.
CommentsLoading...
You have a very solid grasp of English, congratulations!
good hub. that's what I'm trying to do now, learning english first then look for an online job.
An extremely useful hub especially for those who want to earn through writing. The most interesting thing is who does not want to earn in this present situation. Thus, good luck to you and all our fellow hubbers.
Yes, you are right about that, Shampa. Thanks for leaving this comment. Good luck to you and all of us hubbers.
oh no, this is very interesting, now I have a courage to learn how to speak English. I can learn a lot of things here and of course I can earn money through internet.
Absolutely agree with you. English has just become so important to succeeding in the global marketplace.
As the head of the International Monetary fund said recently, "I have a Yen for a Kroner."
We learn by our mistakes, as I see it. Look at Puerto Rico. Its people, many of whom don't speak English, come here to live, etc., and Puerto Rico might even become a state! So, even if many Phillipinos have already put themselves out and have learned English, let's have all of them learn it before they want to become a state, too. That's the language here and in most of the world, and they can still keep there own.
So you can talk to people in the Philipines who only speak English?
Your facility in the use of English language will bring you good fortune as a writer. It makes you proud as a Filipino educated in bilingual language. Writing not only brings you money. It has a healing power. Good luck to your writing business and to your continued good health, Kabayan. Mabuhay!
It wasn't that good, but thank you, too, Ms. Malicdem.
I'm trying to learn english. Then earn money online by internet. I have interest in.
One major benefit of learning English for Filipinos is so they can read this web site and know some benefits of learning English.
astig to..very informative at totoo :) i'm one of the life long English learner na Pinay. Mabuhay! :)
Thanks for presenting a very useful article. What are they principal keys to improve English writing?
Hello, beyondthebox. When it comes to improving our writing, the two most important things are learning the basics and reading for meaning. To learn the basics, one of the best site I can recommend is http://www.dailywritingtips.com/. Good luck.
Wow! I hope this gonna be a great site! Thank you very much for the link.
Thank you very much for this hub ..... :)
Edoka Writes 16 months ago
Well written article.