Hello, Mr Zhang. Welcome to AMES.
Thank you very much. I am excited about starting my new course here.
Well, Mr Zhang. I need to give you some information about the course you will do at AMES in Box Hill.
I know some information about studying at AMES already. My wife studies here in certificate III.
This is good. You will be studying here 510 hours. If you do a full time course, you will be here for about 7 months. Each week, you will be in class for 20 hours. This is 5 days a week. Every day you will study 4 hours.
This sounds good. Will I study a certificate III like my wife?
No, you will study a level II course. You still need to do some work before you go to level III. This will be really good for you because if I put you in a level III class now, I am sure it will be difficult for you.
I see. I would like to know when I can start the course.
Mr Zhang, you will have to attend an orientation session this Friday.
What is an orientation session?
A teacher will give you some information about the course you will study here. The teacher will give you a package that has all the information you will need to know about studying in the AMEP program.
What is the AMEP program?
It is an English language for adult learners. It stands for Adult Migrant English Program.
After finishing my 510 hours, will I be allowed to study more?
When you are about to finish your 510 hours, you will have a meeting with the educational counsellor here and she will have a chat with you to find out about your future goals. She can give you advice to enrol in other courses if you would like to.
Can I see the counsellor only before I finish my hours?
No, you can ask to meet with the counsellor any time during the course. It is a counsellor’s job to provide information and advice to you so you can settle better in Australia.
I see. And how many modules do I have to finish to get a certificate II in spoken and written English?
You will need to finish 7 modules. Only module A is compulsory.
What does compulsory mean?
It means you have to do it. Module A is about how you learn in and outside class. It is very easy to achieve. You will also do some reading and writing in the course and your work will be assessed by the teacher.
Will we use computers in class?
Yes, there is a computer room for students to use. I am sure your class will do work on computers during the course.
How long will it take me to finish level II?
Well, this is the million dollar question, Mr Zhang. You see. There are some students who learn English fast and they go to a higher level sooner than others. Also we have some students who don’t study that hard. They don’t do any reading in English at home. Those students don’t progress quickly. So, it is up to you to go to a higher level. I know that Chinese students normally study and work very hard.
Yes, Chinese students always study very hard. School work in China is sometimes too much.
Yes, but we want you to learn and enjoy your life in Australia. We don’t give you a lot of pressure to learn English. We teach differently here in Australia.
Can you give me more information about teaching in Australia?
Teachers here are normally friendly. Students can ask them to repeat anything they don’t understand. Also students and their teachers go on excursions. These excursions are part of the course. Students don’t use titles when they talk to their teachers. They use their first names.
Oh, this is nice to know. Will AMES help me get a job after finishing the course?
We have an employment service at AMES in Box Hill. I am sure when your English is better; you will have no problem getting a job. Just book an appointment with them and they will give you more information.
I can use computers very well. Will this help me learn English faster?
I believe so. There are many web sites that your teachers can show you and you can spend time at home on the internet learning the language. You can also help other students in the computer room and make friends too. You see, it is not only about learning the language.
When can I start learning English?
Your course will start on Monday at 8.45 in the morning. I will give you a timetable. Anything else I can help you with, Mr Zhang?
No, that’s all. Thank you very much.
