Student Stories

Nancy arrived in Australia from Vietnam in 2013 and could not speaking any English. She enrolled in an English course but shared, “…after two months I found it too hard for me then I gave up. I realised that I could hardly communicate with people as I probably suffered from depression, which led me to serve in Temples and tried to hide myself for more than 11 years. It was such a long time for me to find out that it was the time for me to open my mind, to improve myself with language, confidence and socialization so that I could help myself and others. Hiding myself is not the good way. I made a decision enroll in an English course run by Navitas Skilled Futures located in Cabramatta NSW. It was the right decision for me, my family and for my second home country. From lessons of the teachers, I am getting more confidence in communication skills, better pronunciation skill and more vocabularies.”

Nancy added, “Last month I went to Service NSW in Wetherill Park, a clinic in Fairfield, fill forms at the clinic and bank by myself, which I used to need my son’s help. My son asked me if I was able to do all kinds of things. Moreover, I am able to have great contribution to my family business with my English and my customer service skills that I have been learning from Navitas Skilled Futures. I would like to express my appreciation for Navitas Skilled Futures where I have many opportunities to enrich quality of my life, where I can find it useful and helpful for migrants.”

Jingyi Li, a talented radio presenter from China, embarked on an adventure to Canberra in 2018 to experience freedom of speech. With eight years of experience in radio broadcasting, she was eager to explore new opportunities in Australia.

Jingyi began her language learning journey in the AMEP program, starting at Level 3. This laid a solid foundation for her skills. Later, she enrolled in the Pathway to Work course, which proved to be a game-changer. During the course, she had the exciting opportunity to intern at ABC Canberra, which fueled her passion for the media industry.

Jingyi’s enthusiasm for the work placement was evident, and she embraced the Pathway to Work course wholeheartedly. She credits the program for improving her speaking, writing, and comprehension skills, which boosted her confidence in using English in various situations. Beyond language proficiency, the course provided Jingyi with valuable skills and practical experience in her desired field. Applying her newfound knowledge in a real work environment allowed her to gain insights into the Australian media industry.

With immense pride, Jingyi recently secured a freelance job at ABC Chinese, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey in Australia. She is grateful for the transformative impact of the AMEP Pathway to Work program, which empowered her to pursue her passion and thrive in the media industry.

Habibah left Afghanistan and arrived in Australia in 2017 with her kids. Her husband had been here for some years prior.

She shared, “I enrolled into English classes at Navitas Bankstown. I enjoy speaking and reading English in my class, this course helped me a lot. I’m more independent now with my daily tasks, I do everything by myself. I recommend Navitas to all my friends and family. This course helped me to learn English and know more about Australia… I love the excursion to the city and to the beach… I would like to thank everyone in Navitas Bankstown because they care about me and all the students.”

Mahfuza first came to Australia from Bangladesh as an immigrant with her family on a student visa. She was later able to find work and gain her Permanent Residency. Mahfuza found herself unemployed due to health reasons and came to Navitas Skilled Futures in Liverpool, where, after completing courses in the AMEP, Pathways to Work and Skills for Employment and Education (SEE) was able to rejoin the workforce after gaining confidence and support from the courses.

Mahfuza commented, “The course content was very engaging and informative. It helped a lot for my communication and technical skills. It was easy to learn due to great guidance of lecturers. I felt like part of a community and my classmates, teachers, and other faculty of Navitas were very welcoming. I was part of a close community where we celebrated occasions and collaborated and shared our cultures.”

She added, “I was able to make lifelong friends through studying together. Everyone was supportive and welcoming. The team at Navitas always made me feel welcome, were approachable and supportive of me for any questions or concerns I had. The skills I learnt, such as communication and technical skills, gave me the confidence to look for and go back to work. After my studies, I found a job in a management-based role, which was my goal when first starting this course. I believe my communication skills have improved and I am able to converse more freely with public.”

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Etem grew up in Turkey and was forced to flee for his safety in 2015. His wife and six children joined him in Australia four years later. Although it was a tough beginning for Etem, knowing no English in a new country and being separated from his family, he was still “very happy” because he knew his children would have a good future in Australia.

He came from a big family with 12 brothers and sisters. As a child he attended public school, but his family needed help financially, so he went to work, tailoring, from 11 years old.

Etem is grateful to the Australian Government for his life in Australia, and to Navitas Skilled Futures, where he started learning English through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) when he first arrived. He said before knowing English he lacked the confidence and knowledge to work for himself. He now operates a small but successful tailoring shop in Auburn and his life in Australia is full and happy, with his wife now studying English through the AMEP and his children speaking fluent English. While he insists his English is still not as good as he’d like it to be, he never stops learning and he keeps trying, encouraging other migrants to do the same. “I can do it. You can do it,” Etem says.

Click here to read more about Etem’s Story.

Mei Hua is originally from Taiwan and has been in Australia for one year. She is learning English through the AMEP at Navitas Skilled Futures Bankstown.

Mei Hua shared, “During my study I met many students from countries. Everyone is having a good time. The teachers are also very kind to us. I was working as a Real Estate agent in Taiwan, I hope I can find a stable job in the future. Thank you very much to the Australian Government and Navitas staff for their help and care for our new immigrants.”

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Randa came to Australia from Syria four and a half years ago and enrolled at Navitas Skilled Futures Fairfield College in the AMEP to improve her English language skills.

Randa says, “There I made new friends and learned about different customs and cultures. The teaching staff at Navitas cooperated with me and contributed to my success and helped me reach an advanced stage of success. Then I had the opportunity to do customer service course and training. I am currently studying certificate IV in Community Services also I help newly arrived people with limited English to teach them through the Volunteer Tutor Scheme. I hope to become a teacher’s assistant because I like to stand behind all people and support them. I would like to thank Navitas on the occasion of my success in the citizenship test and to get a 100%, I’m so happy and I appreciate for your support.”

Cao Zhiqiang, a determined and ambitious man from Hebei, China, embarked on a life-changing adventure when he arrived in Australia with his wife in 2015. Driven by a thirst for exploration and personal growth, he chose Australia as his destination to broaden his horizons.

After settling in Australia, Cao began his language learning journey at Navitas Skilled Futures Canberra. Over the span of seven months, he wholeheartedly engaged in the AMEP, an experience that proved invaluable for his personal and professional development. Cao’s dedication and hard work yielded fruitful results, as he not only improved his English proficiency but also discovered new career opportunities. The AMEP curriculum captivated him with its diverse and engaging content, aligning perfectly with his interests and goals. Through the program, he gained valuable skills and knowledge that enabled him to secure employment in the construction industry.

With unwavering determination, Cao set his sights on becoming a builder. The AMEP served as a stepping stone, equipping him with the necessary language skills and confidence to pursue his desired career path. Through his relentless commitment, he not only found work but also honed his English skills, bolstering his self-assurance.

When asked about his experience, Cao wholeheartedly recommended Navitas, emphasizing how the institution’s courses had a profoundly positive impact on his life. The supportive environment and quality education provided by Navitas played a pivotal role in his success. Furthermore, Cao expressed his intentions to attend AMEP evening classes in the near future as he desires to continue expanding his English proficiency and furthering his personal growth.

Rafia was born in Bangladesh but migrated to Australia in 2014 with her husband in search of a better life and prosperous future. As someone who was always seeking opportunities to learn and grow, she is determined to achieve her career goals through hard work and dedication. Specifically, Rafia shares, “I aspire to become an expert or leader in my field of work and enhance my public speaking and presentation skills.”

Studying at Navitas Skilled Futures has been an enjoyable experience for Rafia, as it provided a safe space to make mistakes without feeling judged. Additionally, Rafia enjoyed “the chance to meet new speaking partners, discuss interesting topics, and receive support from expert English teachers. This has helped me to overcome my fear of English and become more confident in my abilities.”

“I strongly recommend Navitas Skilled Futures to anyone who is seeking personalised solutions to improve their skills and knowledge. Thanks to their guidance, I have been able to secure a job offer from Service Australia as an APS3 position starting from April 2023. With the confidence that Navitas has instilled in me, I am excited to progress further in my career.”

Reshme has lived in Australia for more than seven years with her family. She is the proud mother of three beautiful children. When Reshme arrived in Australia, she was very shy and uncomfortable because her English wasn’t good, and she found it difficult to communicate with people. She stayed at home much of the time, looking after her baby and family. Her husband told her about Navitas Skilled Futures college in Bankstown, and she was soon enrolled in the AMEP. Her studies did not end there, however. She went on to complete the English for Driving, English for First Aid, and Pathways to Work Customer Service courses.

Reshme shared, “It’s really changed my life. Now I’m a part-time employee. I’m working, maintaining family and really enjoying my life.” When asked about her experiences at the Bankstown college she said, “I like this college very much, I really appreciate them because here are all our lovely teachers very friendly, much helpful, and professional staff. I would highly suggest those who are new in Australia, who wants to be make a career for your future, please don’t lose your time, just start your study here.  It’s really given me the right pathway for my future. Thanks, all my teachers of Navitas for supporting me.”

Areerat arrived in Australia from Thailand in February 2022 to marry her Australian husband. She began her AMEP studies in April 2022 at Navitas Skilled Futures Fairfield. At the same time, she found employment as a kitchen hand and then as a massage and beauty assistant as part of her studies in these areas. Additionally, she enrolled in the Pathways to Business Administration course in January 2023 to gain further local work experience and learn new skills. Her work experience was at a real estate agent in Cabramatta. Areerat shared that completing the Pathways to Work course in Business Administration and Customer Service has given her the confidence and skills to search for work, write a resume, improve her communication and teamwork skills and understand how prepare for job interviews. Furthermore, the course provided her the opportunity to make new friends, understand the Australian workplace and identify her strengths and areas for improvement.

Click here to read more about Areerat’s Story.

Mai is Vietnamese and from Ukraine. She moved to Ukraine when she was young and built a family there. Due to the conflict that began in 2022, Mai and her family had to flee Ukraine as they lived in the right in the epicentre of where the conflict is. Australia opened the pathway for Ukrainians and provided asylum full rights to work, study, and access to Medicare which they immediately accepted. Mai shared that moving to an unknown country was terrifying, but they have no regrets choosing Australia as their new home. Mai is working full-time as an individual support worker. To improve her English, Mai is attending English classes under AMEP at Navitas Skilled Futures Cabramatta College. Mai is “having the best time learning English and making connections. I am very grateful to the Australian Government and Navitas Skilled Futures particularly for giving an opportunity to live life to the fullest.”

Click here to read more about Mai’s Story.

My name is Zhen Kui Chen. I come from China. I started to learn English at Navitas Skilled Futures from 10th January 2022. I like learning English here because the teachers and classmates are very nice. Now I have a job. I am working as a stocker at a Chinese discount shop in Ryde. I work four to five days a week and about five to eight hours a day. I put things onto the shelves. Sometimes I deliver things too. I am tired when I finish work, but it is okay because I am working now!

After studying AMEP and as part of her Pathways to Work Customer Service Course at Navitas Skilled Futures, Kim Chi secured work experience at a beautician in Parramatta. It went so well that she continued working at the clinic until it was sadly sold. The skills Kim Chi learnt meant she was able to go on to secure part-time work in another clinic and go on to further her studies with a Diploma of Beauty Therapy. Kim is working in a role she loves and the same as she was doing in Vietnam before she moved to Australia.

“I just want to say that I very appreciate all the things Navitas gave to me. Thanks to Navitas I feel more confident to speak English with my customers and have a great opportunity to work with the job I love to do. I am very thankful to all my teachers – Therese, Irena and also Micheline for helping me in the time I was studying at Navitas. And send my thankfulness to the educators in KU Childcare for taking care of my son during the time I was studying, they helped me a lot.”

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Safa came to Australia on a migrant marriage visa from Afghanistan in 2021. Arriving in Australia was a big change, and to help her settle into life in Australia, she searched for educational resources and enrolled at Navitas Skilled Futures in Liverpool.

“I attended the AMEP to improve my language skills. The skills I learned allowed me to adjust to the Australian culture more comfortably. It also allowed me to pursue personal goals and dreams of my own, such as receiving my learner’s license, and then receiving my official NSW driver’s permit.”

Safa then enrolled in the Pathways to Work program with a focus on Early Childhood Education course.  She completed work experience at a childcare centre and then applied to continue to a Certificate III qualification through TAFE.

“I have recently found a job as a carer in a childcare centre on a casual basis. Overall, I am very proud and excited to share my story and the skills and attributes that Navitas has taught me. I will only continue to grow from here, using the great skills and memories provided to me by Navitas. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity Navitas has given me, I only hope that others who enrol get as inspired as I am by the Navitas curriculum and courses.”

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Samira came to Australia from Afghanistan in 2021. With dreams of becoming a nurse in the future, she enrolled at Navitas Skilled Futures Bankstown to learn English.

“When I started my classes, I was not confident to do anything but now I can solve my problems by myself. I don’t need anyone to help me all the time such as shopping, using public transport and so on.”

Coming to class introduced Samira to a different culture and she made a lot of new friends.

“Studying at Navitas is a good experience for me I recommend it to all my friends. Because I’m not working, I have time to study in the morning class, my teachers are very friendly and nice. I would like to thank everyone, and Navitas Bankstown.”

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Nasima was born in Bangladesh and worked as an online cosmetic salesperson in Saudi Arabia, supporting her three children in their high school studies in Australia.

“My husband and I moved to Australia in 1995. I found a childcare educator job in Queanbeyan and worked there for several years. In 2000, I returned to my home country, but decided to move back to Australia permanently in 2018. This time, my family wanted me to relax and enjoy my life there. But I felt I needed to improve my English and find a job that I would like. I wanted to contribute to society and thought I could still work and create value for myself and my family.”

Nasima started her AMEP studies at Navitas and met many wonderful people from different countries and her teacher was very helpful and encouraging. Nasima studied full-time and her speaking and writing ability improved a lot.

Nasima consulted with the Pathway Guidance Advisor at the college and asked for assistance with job searching.

“She listened to my life story and was interested in my previous experience as a childcare educator. She helped me with my CV and gave me many suggestions for finding a childcare job. She, along with one of my teachers, provided excellent references for me. I was eventually able to find a casual childcare educator job. My employer agreed to offer me a casual job with a trainee program from which I will be able to get my childcare qualification. I am very happy and grateful.”

“Even while I am working, I will continue to study English and thank AMEP for providing me with great opportunities for learning and settling in Australia.”

Feng was born in China and came to Australia with his wife in December 2021 to begin a new life that prioritised a healthy work-life balance. He enrolled in the Navitas AMEP course to help his transition to life in Australia.

“The opportunity to interact with classmates from all over the world was an enjoyable experience, and through my studies at Navitas, I was able to improve my English language skills. These new skills have allowed me to better integrate into my new environment and taught me the appropriate way to navigate life in Australia. Now, I have a greater understanding of local customs and idioms which has helped me to communicate more effectively with the people around me.”

Feng’s new language skills and confidence enabled him to find work as a freelance designer.

“I am very confident in my ability to succeed professionally in Australia, and I am eager to continue growing my skills and experience in this new chapter of my career.”

Participating in the Career Transition Assistance (CTA) program at Navitas Skilled Futures turned Valerie’s luck, and life, around. The Western Sydney resident is now a full-time home care worker, using her life skills in a job she is not only good at, but she loves.

“Doing this course helped me to decide the path I really wanted to take, which was in aged care, where I had the life experience and the passion. The trainer was wonderful … and gave me the direction, the job-seeking skills and the confidence I needed to pursue it.”

When he arrived in Australia with his mother, siblings, wife and two eldest children in 2015, Albert enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). He knew that learning English was the gateway to future opportunities.

Described by his teacher as “a very driven student”, Albert completed nine months of lessons, obtaining his Certificate 1 and 2, then moving on to further study to complete his Certificate 3 and 4 in Customer Service.

“In one month [after my studies] I bought a ute and tools and started the job of painting, mostly [residential] houses,” Albert says. “I love it.”

Albert is now an Australian Citizen, gaining his citizenship last year – something he is very proud of.

Click here to read more about Albert’s story.

“Someone suggested I enrol in the Adult Migrant English Program at Navitas, which was great advice. Because I had a higher level of English than some of the other students in my class, I soon started to help them where I could. As a result, after two months, I was asked to become a volunteer tutor, which I was very happy to do!

Navitas also suggested I take their Customer Service course. In that course, I not only learned about many important skills for the Australian workplace, but also about how I could improve my interview performance. The teacher, Michael, was one of the best teachers I have ever had, as he really knew how to motivate the students.”

“When I got on the plane to come here, I was very excited for my new life in a beautiful country, but at the same time I knew it would be difficult because I could only speak basic English. I didn’t expect that I would be a journalist, but I hoped there would be other opportunities in time.

Luckily, a week after I arrived, someone told me there was an Afghan radio station in Sydney looking for volunteers. I went in, and the guy who ran it told me to read a script and a news story. When I finished, he asked me how many years’ experience I had, and when I could start!”

Mujeeb is now working at SBS Dari and SBS Pashto, producing and presenting stories in his own language, and also in English.

“I was very confident that I was going to get that job, but once they started interviewing me, there were again instances where I couldn’t catch the accent. I did actually get called in for the second round of interviews, but ultimately, I was not selected. I was really shattered by that, and started to experience imposter syndrome.

Then, one day, I was looking at my visa paper, and I noticed that I was eligible for free classes with the Adult Migrant English Program. So the next day I booked an appointment with Navitas in the city, and I started studying the day after that! I was very happy there. It was the very first time in my life I was able to meet people from different parts of the world – from Bangladesh, to Spain, to Colombia – and we were all in the same boat, there to improve our English.”

Click here to read more about Shruti’s experiences with her Volunteer Tutor, Helen.

“One day when one of the refugee centre staff returned from Australia, and noticed my husband looked very similar to a man she had met in Canberra. And when she asked him his name and village, they realised that the man was actually my husband’s older brother, who had left Myanmar when he was still a baby. After that, my husband called his brother and spoke to him for the first time in his life!

His brother then offered to sponsor us to join him here. When we found out our visa had been approved, I was so happy, as I knew Australia would be a safer place for us.

My first impression of Canberra was very good. We only had a few dollars with us when we arrived, but the next day, we went to Centrelink and they organised for us to have a payment every two weeks. I really couldn’t believe that. We were also provided with free English lessons at Navitas, which was very helpful.”

I still remember that day, I participated in the IELTS course. The day before that day, I could not open my mouth, even a simple English sentence，I could only relieve my tension and embarrassment by smiling or apologising.

Luckily, this embarrassing situation has changed because of the help of the teacher Sam. Sam, who is a warm-hearted and responsible teacher, encouraged all my classmates to express their opinions in English, even though we could only respond with some simple words. Sam listened to our answers patiently. Gradually, we were willing to express ourselves in Sam’s class.

Under the help of Sam，I got improvement in my writing part and speaking part. I know there is a long way to go in my English, and I will spend more time learning English.

I appreciated teacher Sam and Navitas for their help. If you want to improve your IELTS level, you must not miss the IELTS course of Navitas.

“After completing the AMEP at Bankstown I had my sights set on the PtW course in office administration. Taking this course was one of the best decisions I ever made and prepared me with everything I need to know to enter the Australian workplace.

“I had the opportunity to do a work placement in real estate and I discovered that this is the field that I want to work in. Now I have local experience on my resume which will put me a step ahead as I pursue my new career path.”

“When I started to learn English at Navitas Skilled Futures I didn’t know anything about the language. However, after just a few weeks I was able to understand lots of words and phrases and as I improved I managed to regain my independence and find my place in Australian society.

“I am now able to go to the hospital, local council and job provider without any assistance or translation. This is all thanks to the amazing staff at Navitas Skilled Futures who all made me feel like I was at home.”

“When I arrived in Australia with my two young sons I was confused and worried because I did not understand English at all.

“After studying the AMEP I am now confident enough communicating in English that I have been able to find work at a farm. I am excited to learn more with Navitas Skilled Futures and open up better work opportunities in the future!”

“I studied SEE online and was really impressed with the tailored lessons and feedback from my trainer.

“My trainer helped me to tailor my resume to match my needs and job descriptions and as a result I was able to gain employment with Westpac.

“I highly recommend the program to anyone looking to improve their language and digital skills for work!”

“I had three years of experience in administration at a library back in Lebanon I wanted to gain some local experience in Australia and while studying the AMEP had the chance to take part in the Pathways to Work program which provided me with a work placement at a real estate agent in Bankstown.

“I now have a job offering bi-lingual support to Navitas clients! Choosing Navitas was the best choice I made because it helped me to improve my English and gave me the experience and skills to find a job.”

“I want to work as a beauty therapist and so far the SEE program is providing me with the language, numeracy and digital skills to pursue the Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy and get a better job in Australia.

“I’m so thankful for my teacher because not only is she a great teacher but she’s also a very lovely person. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to further their studies and explore a new career. It’s given me the chance to find out what I want to be.”

“When I first arrived in Australia it was hard for me to settle because I have to learn a new language, make new friends and integrate into a new environment.

“I started at Navitas Skilled Futures to improve my language skills but I also had the opportunity to take a course to help me find work in hospitality. As part of the course I completed a work placement at a hotel where the manager offered me a job.

“Thank you Navitas Skilled Futures for allowing me to lay the foundations for my life in Australia and helping me to start my career.”

“I completed the AMEP before starting the SEE program IN 2018. I always remember my teacher saying to me ‘practice talking, don’t be shy, you can do it’ and now I have a job in a coffee shop where I can practise all of the time.

“Once you start working you realise how important the SEE program is in preparing you for the different workplaces, workplace language and digital skills. Thank you Navitas Skilled Futures!”

“I have a bachelor degree in science, majoring in chemistry and was a teacher for more than 10 years back in Lebanon.

“I started the AMEP to improve my English to help me transfer my experience to settle in Australia and its one of the best things I have ever done.

“I have built wonderful friendships with many students and staff- thank you to all of the team!”

“I chose to study at Navitas Skilled Futures because it offered both English and work skills. I am a driver for children with disabilities and was able to study the SEE program online.

“The digital skills I learn have been extremely useful for my job and I can now use the computer to check invoices and send emails.”

I entered the SEE program with Navitas Skilled Futures to maximise my employability skills and increase my confidence communicating in English to help me achieve my goal of working in social care.

I have since founded the Hymiana Mandaean Social Group to provide a safe hub and support circle for Mandaeans living in Australia including the eldery, single mothers, those experiencing PTSD, social isolation and disabilities.”- Shalaa Shakir, SEE Program at Navitas Skilled Futures Liverpool.