Language can be a significant barrier in a number of aspects of everyday life. Everything from interacting with others to finding a career that you love can hinge on being able to connect and communicate.
So for people who come to Australia with English as a second language, study in both written and spoken communications can be an incredibly useful tool to not only further your job prospects, but to also meet like-minded people and build lasting friendships along the way.
What’s more, if you’ve recently acquired a permanent visa or eligible temporary visa, then you may be in luck. A recent Australian Government initiative means that you could be able to study an English language TAFE course in Melbourne for free, without having to worry about saving up or paying back a debt.
Let’s start by looking at some of the ways that you can improve your skills, including the best ways to access, practice and study English.
While it can be scary to know where to start, the key is to just start somewhere. Introductory courses are available at Kangan Institute, such as our Course in Preliminary Spoken and Written English, or Certificate I in Spoken and Written English. A TAFE course in Melbourne like this is designed for people of non-English speaking backgrounds and will provide you with the foundations needed to build up to further study, like a Certificate II, III or IV. You will be placed in the appropriate class to build these foundations, after an initial consultation with your chosen institution to ensure you are being taught at a level that is right for you. You can see the full range of courses we offer here.
While online study can be really helpful at connecting people who would otherwise not have access to study, try to find a course that includes face-to-face interaction as well, with both a teacher and other students, as this can be an invaluable part of your English education.
Once the basics have been learned, you can begin introducing your English study into other parts of your life. Try reading a short story, or writing about what you’ve done each day, like a journal. You’ll find that the more you practice, the better you become—and you can progress at a pace that matches your learning. You might even engage in online chats to bring your learning into the real world, with real people.
There are so many parts involved in learning a new language. You might have mastered writing and reading during your TAFE English course in Melbourne but might struggle with speaking and listening to colloquial, conversational speech. Or it may be the other way around, that you can get by with having a real conversation, but you’re still learning the spelling and grammar on paper.
Becoming good at English means taking the time to focus on all of these elements, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone. Start by attending meetups or events to practice your listening and speaking skills. It may be a catch-up with fellow students, a social event, or purely something that interests you and motivates you to get involved. At Kangan Institute, we run a range of different events. You can check these out here.
Don’t Leave Your Study Behind
Studying English should never be pushed aside, especially as you improve. In the early years, as you’re learning, it’s always wise to continue to further your English studies in a formal setting, like as part of a TAFE course in Melbourne at Kangan Institute. While speaking and writing with friends is a great start, only a structured and nationally accredited English course will give you the critique or feedback that really helps you improve—correcting any bad habits early on to help you become a better English writer and speaker.
AMEP is Kangan Institute’s Adult Migrant English Program. An initiative of the Australian Government, it offers eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants up to 510 hours of free English tuition. You may be eligible for this program if you have recently (in the last six to 12 months) been granted a permanent or temporary visa, and have not achieved functional English. These courses are offered at over 300 locations across Australia, including Kangan Institute, which offers a range of TAFE courses in Melbourne dedicated to English as a second language.
You can also access free childcare for the time that you study English, and may be eligible for further tuition if you have had a disrupted education.
Want to study English at Kangan Institute? You can find out about more about our courses on our website, call us on 138 233, or apply online now.
