ask me anything (no really!)


Hello Reader,

School is back in session - and I bet you already know that. But boy, I'm not sure about you, but my life sure feels like it's gone into overdrive! (Meaning: super busy!) How about you?

Our youngest son just started grade 7, and man that makes me feel old!

How about you? Is your life starting to get busier now that Summer is over?

You know, something? I know you are a real live person, and not a number. Pretty much everywhere else in your journey to settle in Canada, I bet you find yourself feeling somehow less than a person.

On the CELPIP, often times your ability to stay in Canada depends completely on a number. And if you're not careful, it's easy to let that score somehow define who you are, isn't it? (Didn't get that 10....for the 8th time? That lower score can begin to make you feel like a loser. Get that 10 and you tell yourself you're a rockstar! See what I mean?)

Your immigration score is another one of those 'dehumanizing' things you have to fight through. You can end up feeling like, 'just another number' on some government system.

But I see you. Or at least I'm trying really hard to.

I know how expensive, long, frustrating and downright discouraging this whole process can be - my wife and three children all had to go through versions of it.

And that's a big part of why I'm here, sending this to you and making podcast episodes every week: I want to do something to really help you fight through your process too.

And one way I want to help you is this: my inbox is wide open. I'm hosting an "Inbox Ask Me Anything" about getting ready for the CELPIP from today until Saturday. To join in, just reply to this email and let me know what your CELPIP question is.

I'll reply with my best answer for you.

I would be so excited to hear from you, and even more excited to try and help you out with whatever you're facing with your CELPIP prep.

A second 'power up option!' I'm planning an experiment with my podcast, and you could be a part of it! Would you like to get some free coaching on your CELPIP prep? I would love to help you out, but as an episode segment on my podcast - meaning we'll record our conversation together, and then share our interview with my listeners. Would you like to try this out with me? Just hit reply and let me know! I'll get in touch with you to set up an interview time that works for both of us.

Whichever option you choose, I would absolutely love to connect with you. So don't be shy!

****

In case you missed it:

A new podcast dropped this week! How to Practice With A Timer On The CELPIP Exam​

Free course for you! I have a free 5 part mini audio course that will help you avoid the top 5 CELPIP speaking mistakes that are stealing points from you on exam day (if you don't avoid them, that is! This mini course will help you do that!)

Build your writing skills for the CELPIP!

Need to work on your writing skills for the CELPIP? I've got you covered with my 4 week writing skills program.​

Thank you for reading, and have a fantastic day!

Aaron

Learn How To Speak English Fearlessly + Effectively Prepare for the CELPIP Exam

Weekly emails to help you say goodbye to fear and speak English fearlessly. Learn effective and practical tips to help you prepare for and conquer the CELPIP Exam. I also host The CELPIP Success Podcast.

Read more from Learn How To Speak English Fearlessly + Effectively Prepare for the CELPIP Exam
A 7 train on elevated tracks with the New York City skyline at golden hour

Hello Reader, Too much all at once is one of the top challenges from CELPIP Speaking task 3 where you have just 60 seconds to describe a busy image. Busy = lots going on all at once. The common problem you might find yourself in? Where do I begin, and how will I fit all that into just 60 seconds!? If that's where you find yourself with this task, then you're in the right place! Join me for the most introvert friendly (and fun!) training session you'll ever have where you'll learn practical...

An inflatable green frog in a space suit on a city plaza

Hello Reader, The quick answer: a big fat FALSE. Living in Canada for 10 years DOES NOT = acing the CELPIP. In fact, it can = being stuck at the same English level as when you first started! In this week's podcast, you'll hear about a person who has been in Canada 10+ years but they are still stuck at an intermediate/upper intermediate level of English. The problem: they desperately need a 10 on the CELPIP for their PR. But you know what? Their real problem isn't being stuck at an 8. The real...

A compass tattoo with a mountain and forest design on a person's arm

Hello Reader, It's Saturday already! Wow, this week has gone by quickly for me. How about you? And now that my youngest is back in school, we now have had our first bouts with the flu! He's been home sick for the past few days - welcome to school life! Kids sharing everything with each other - including their germs. Happens every year! Do you have kids in school right now? How's it going? **** A quick challenge for you: pause and take look back at your week. Where have you made progress, even...