Our culture and language shape us, but when you’re visiting or moving to new places, it’s helpful to understand the local customs and language.
If you’re considering moving to WA, knowing basic English can improve your chances of finding a job. It’ll help you communicate your abilities, connect with employers and the community, and make the transition to hearing and speaking English daily easier.
Learning basic English before you arrive
Learning some English before coming to Australia can help you settle in and feel more comfortable. Here are some ways you can do this:
- Watching shows in English with subtitles in your language.
- Listening to English music or podcasts.
- Trying to read children’s books in English.
- Find online resources to teach you basic words and grammar.
- Use language learning phone applications.
- Using AMEPOnline(Opens in a new tab/window) – a tool you can access anywhere in the world from a desktop or a mobile device and has learning material across five levels of English. It also includes topics about life and settling in Australia.
Developing your English skills once you’re in WA
A way you can improve your language skills once you’re here is through taking a structured course or program.
You can do this in different ways, including through TAFE and through private and community organisations.
TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. In Australia, many people study at TAFE to improve their skills in a wide range of areas, including languages and practical skills.
Find out more at https://www.tafe.wa.edu.au/(Opens in a new tab/window)
The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is a free Australian Government program which helps eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants in Australia to learn English. You will learn new skills to help you work, make friends and to settle into Australia.
The AMEP helps you to improve your reading, writing, and listening skills, making your job applications stronger. It will also teach you more about Australian culture, values and safety, which are important in a work environment.
Eligibility for the AMEP
If you speak little or no English and have an eligible temporary visa,(Opens in a new tab/window) you and your family may be able to enrol in the AMEP for free.
The AMEP is also available to permanent residents, or citizens who have had an eligible visa previously.
Find out more about the AMEP eligibility(Opens in a new tab/window).
Contact your nearest service provider(Opens in a new tab/window) to check your eligibility and check the AMEP website for more information.
Learning English in rural or regional Western Australia
If you’re not based in Perth, there are rural and regional options available to help you learn English without having to travel.
Find AMEP locations(Opens in a new tab/window)
If you cannot attend an AMEP class in person, you may be able to learn English through the AMEP by Distance Learning(Opens in a new tab/window). This means that you can study remotely at a time that suits you with support from an AMEP teacher.
You can also learn English online and free using AMEPOnline.(Opens in a new tab/window)
Find information about the AMEP in your language(Opens in a new tab/window).