Learning to speak and write English is a key skill for migrants in Australia.
Not being able to write in English can be a problem if you are looking for work in Australia.
Understanding and developing a solid foundation in English can also help newly arrived migrants to improve their learning and understanding of Australian culture.
And this is primarily why the Australian government provides free English classes for newly arrived migrants.
WHERE SHOULD YOU ENQUIRE?
AMES Australia’s Laurie Nowell says adult literacy programs for migrants and refugees can be accessed through local Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) providers and for most eligible people the courses are free.
“The federal government provides 550 free hours of English tuition to migrants and refugees. It’s delivered through the Adult Migrant English program (AMEP) so anyone arriving here is entitled to 550 hours of free English tuition provided by organizations like AMES Australia. So you go along to a classroom and you learn English taught by a specialized ESL teacher, in a very engaging, informal and non-threatening way.”
Information on Adult Migrant English Program is available in 26 languages or contact AMES Australia www.ames.net.au at 13 26 37 for information on their courses.
Let's take a look at the 5 most important aspects of this program:
1. Most recently arrived permanent and some temporary visa holders are eligible for free classes
AMEP is free to all eligible permanent visa holders plus some temporary visa holders who don’t have a functional level of English language proficiency.
2. Eligible visa holders need to register for AMEP within six months of arrival in Australia
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People under 18 years have longer to register and all students must complete tuition within five years.
3. The courses are part of the nationally accredited Certificate in Spoken and Written English
Source: Wikipedia
There are four levels of study ranging from beginners to intermediate.
4. There are many ways to learn in many locations
Classes can be taken full-time, part-time in person or via distance learning, over the internet or with a Home Tutor with registered service providers in 250 locations around Australia.
5. Free child care is available for learners with under school age children
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AMEP service providers are responsible for arranging free child care for clients with under school age children who are attending classroom tuition.
Source: AAP
