HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES / LIFE SKILLS: AT THE AIRPORT
LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: AT THE AIRPORT
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Check in counter = The place where you check in for your flight, leave your bags, etc.
Carry-on luggage = The bag(s) that you take with you on the airplane
Boarding pass =
A piece of paper that allows you to board (get on) the airplane for your flight
Customs = A place at the airport where officials check your luggage, what you're bringing into the country, etc.
Baggage claim = The place where you pick up your luggage after your flight
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST
Remember to choose the most natural-sounding answer.
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
You'll have to transfer in Dubai. = You will have to get on a different flight in Dubai.
The flight is now ready for boarding. = You may now board (get on) the airplane.
We will be boarding by rows. = Who gets on first/last will be based on where you are sitting on the airplane.
The gate is now closed. = You can no longer board (get on) the airplane.
You're in the wrong terminal. = You're in the wrong part of the airport.
RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS: MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here's a comprehensive guide to immigrant and refugee support services in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Twin Cities) - including settlement help, legal assistance, employment support, language services, health resources, and community support.
KEY LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS & RESOURCE HUBS
• Minnesota Refugee and Immigrant Helpline - A statewide navigational service you can call to connect with jobs, food, housing, legal help, language classes, and more. Navigation is available in many languages and they'll refer you to local providers. Phone: 1-800-814-4806 or email DHS.RPO.Helpline@state.mn.us.
• City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs - Coordinates citywide support, connects residents to services (shelter, food, legal help, and more), and offers Know Your Rights information. You can also call 311 or 612-673-3129 to connect with services.
IMMIGRATION LEGAL ASSISTANCE
These nonprofits provide free or low-cost legal advice, representation, and support for immigration cases including family petitions, citizenship, deportation defense, DACA renewals, asylum, and more:
• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota - Free immigration legal representation for low-income immigrants and refugees. Offers help with citizenship, DACA renewal, green cards, and immigration status changes (call ahead for intake hours).
• The Advocates for Human Rights - Provides legal help around asylum, trafficking victims, and human rights issues including immigration.
• Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid - Offers pro bono immigration legal services (as listed on DOJ pro bono roster).
• Volunteer Lawyers Network - Partners with the city to offer free legal clinics.
• International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) - Offers comprehensive support including legal referrals and citizenship assistance.
SETTLEMENT, SOCIAL SERVICES, & INTEGRATION
These organizations support settlement, case management, job search help, housing navigation, community orientation, and more:
• Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota - Major statewide nonprofit providing refugee resettlement, case management, employment support, and legal service referrals.
• Alight - Supports refugees and asylum seekers in finding stability and community integration.
• Arrive Ministries - Community organization assisting newcomers with resources and support.
• Immigrant Resource Center Office - Local center offering navigation support and connections to area services.
• Midway Immigrants Center & Taaj - Community-focused immigration support.
• African Immigrants Community Services and African Community Services - Support services tailored for African immigrant communities.
• Lao Center of Minnesota - Services and support for Lao and Hmong communities.
• MORE Community Services and CAPI USA - Broader community and support services helpful to immigrants (employment, education, case support).
OFFICAL GOVERNMENT IMMIGRATION OFFICE
• USCIS Minneapolis Field Office and USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) St Paul - Federal offices for USCIS appointments, biometrics, and application support.
LANGUAGE, EMPLOYMENT, AND PRACTICAL SUPPORT
These services help with employment readiness, English learning, and integration:
• Employment & Career Assistance - Many settlement agencies listed above (e.g., Lutheran Social Service and Alight) have job readiness resources.
• Community orientation workshops and cultural transition training are offered by Minnesota Council of Churches Twin Cities Services.
HEALTH & BASIC NEEDS
While not exclusively immigration-focused, these services often help newcomers with multilingual support and integrated care:
• Hennepin County Office of Multicultural Services - Provides culturally responsive support to immigrant families and individuals.
• Community health centers and food shelf partners can be accessed through city resource pages.
TIPS FOR GETTING SUPPORT IN MINNEAPOLIS
• Call the Minnesota Refugee and Immigrant Helpline first at 1-800-814-4806 - they can connect you to appropriate services near you.
• Use 311 or Hennepin County multicultural services to find local help for immediate needs like food, shelter, or healthcare.
• For legal help, start with nonprofits like ILCM, Legal Aid, and Advocates for Human Rights before seeking private attorneys - they often offer free guidance or referrals.
• Minneapolis has a historically strong Somali and East African community; community-specific organizations may also offer support and culturally tailored assistance.
