Additional Learning Support
The Volunteer Tutor Scheme (VTS) is available for all AMEP students, and can give you free, additional support to learn English, in your home or a neutral location near you.
The Volunteer Tutor Scheme, for AMEP students who need extra support.
Would you like a little extra help learning English? The Volunteer Tutor Scheme has been created to provide additional support to migraents and refugees who are unable to attend AMEP classes, or simple those who would like some extra help to learn English.
At NSF, the scheme works across Sydney’s South West and the Canberra region.
To help you to reach your learning goals, NSF will match you with a tutor who may speak your language or live nearby, and can arrange to support you at your home, your College or any other location that suits you both.
This tutoring can take place at a time that suits you both, and can cover your classroom materials or focus on more conversational English. Tutors may also provide some extra settlement support.
Often, tutors are migrants or refugees themselves, who have already settled in Australia and who are comfortable with English. Tutors and learners can develop strong and enduring friendships that last for many years.
Supporting you throughout your study
We offer support and wellbeing services to help you settle into your new life in Australia, with teams from a range of cultures, speaking multiple languages. We offer free childcare in a friendly and safe environment, where children aged under six can also learn new skills.
Learn More About This Program in the videos below.
Would you like the support of a volunteer tutor? Simply, fill in the below form and one of the NSF team will be in touch, or ask at your College:
*Eligibility criteria apply. The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
Good news stories
- Marcella’s silver service
- Volunteer tutors’ enriching experience
- AMEP Volunteer Tutor Scheme expands reach of English tuition
- VTS case study: Elsy and Sandi
- Marcella’s Amazing Work Recognised at the Inspire Awards
- AMEP Student becomes the Master
Success Stories
Elsy and Sandi
Elsy Marta, a mother-of-three originally from Lebanon, “I came to Sydney with only ‘Yes, no, my name is Elsy and I am 30 years’ old; that’s all I knew’,” she said.
Now after almost three years of tutoring with Sandi Joelson, the 38-year-old midwife passed her Australian Citizenship test “the first time, easy”.
At 72 years of age, Sandi Joelson has long history of volunteering, in many capacities, but her current role as a VTS tutor for Elsy has been most rewarding.
“With Elsy she used to be nervous speaking English … but one of the comments she’s made to me is that I have given her the confidence to speak it … even if she makes mistakes, and her fluency has really improved.”
Yanbo Wang
When Yanbo Wang moved from China to Sydney on a student visa six years ago she knew no one, spoke limited English and didn’t even know how to buy groceries or use public transport. She wished she had someone to guide her through her transition to life in Australia, rather than “learning the hard way”.
Today, as a tutor to Taiwanese migrant Ivy Chen, Yanbo is happy she can now “be that person for someone else”.
“I wanted to be that person for somebody else, who would make their life a little bit easier when they just started a new life in Australia,” Yanbo says. “So being able to make that thought come true, I’m really grateful for this opportunity from Navitas.”
