English language programs offered as pathway to degree for domestic students

Student Mariatou Sylla says she has learnt a lot from the English for Academic Purposes program

English is a hard language to learn and an even harder language to master, which is why the USQ Open Access College offers English Language programs for domestic students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The English for Academic Purposes program offers a pathway to a degree for permanent Australian residents who can study full time on the Toowoomba campus.

USQ Refugee Support and Student Inclusion Officer Sue Bishop said 42 Australian resident students studied through this pathway in 2011 with 12 of them completing the course and qualifying for admission to a degree.

‘Approximately half these students were refugees, mainly from the Francophone countries of Africa,’ Ms Bishop said.

‘Among the migrants studying have been people from the Ukraine, South America, Nepal, China, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

‘There are currently 19 students studying and a number of applications have been received for the second session of 2012 which will start in late February.’

Student Mariatou Sylla, who has origins in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said the English for Academic Purposes program had taught her a lot.

‘(The program) has been a valuable experience for me and I learned a lot from teachers and my classmates,’ Miss Sylla said.

‘We share our values and beliefs through several cultural activities and class trips and this has helped me to feel more comfortable among other nationalities.

‘I learn about Australian culture and my English level improves.

‘The USQ staff are very kind and friendly; they will help you anytime.’

For more information on the program, visit www.usq.edu.au/international/english/eap

Contact Details:
Callum Johnson, USQ Media, +61 7 46 1163