NorthTec’s online English for Migrants programme

NorthTec’s online English for Migrants programme helps newcomers settle into New Zealand

NorthTec’s online English for Migrants programme helped Whangarei resident Jehad Mostafa gain the confidence to speak English. “My English was very poor when I arrived in New Zealand, I understood a little but I was afraid to speak in case I made mistakes.”

After taking the 26-week NorthTec course that is specifically designed to help migrants settle into life in New Zealand, Jehad’s life is very different. “I used to be afraid to answer the phone. Now I can ask people to slow down if I don’t understand. I also learnt a lot of useful information about New Zealand culture and ways of doing things. My grammar and my speaking and writing have all improved.”

One of Jehad’s tutors at NorthTec had a liberating effect on her. “He pushed us to talk without being shy and said that it was no problem if we made mistakes.”

NorthTec tutor Zana Bell said that the language taught on the programme is built around aspects of life such as education, driving, health and jobs. “Students can study online at their own convenience. This makes the programme ideal for people with children or jobs or those who aren’t living in the main centres. Students have their own personal tutor and do assignments online and over the phone.

“Students email their assignments to their tutor who aims to mark and return them to the student within 24 hours. The tutor maintains regular contact to provide encouragement and support for each student.

“Another advantage is that students can enrol on the programme anytime, they don’t have to wait until the start of a new semester. There is no cost to do this programme provided students complete it within one year. If they don’t complete the 11 units in that time, they will have to pay for the remaining units.”

Zana said that the programme has something to offer for a wide range of students. “This course can help migrants with limited English to become more fluent and confident. We have also had students with quite advanced English skills who have used the programme to improve the accuracy of their English to enhance work skills, such as their ability to give presentations.”

To enrol on the programme students need some computer skills, access to a computer and the internet and some basic English language skills.

Jehad definitely encourages others to take the online English for Migrants programme at NorthTec and enjoy the benefits of improved English language skills.

“It’s made a big difference to my life in terms of having the confidence to go shopping, set up appointments at the bank or the doctor by myself and go for interviews. I made new friends and it’s made it possible for me to do further study.”

ENDS

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