Petra and Martin
From: Czech Republic
Studied: English
Ask Czech couple Petra and Martin what they loved about studying English in New Zealand and the list is very long! “Fish 'n' chips on the beach, friendly locals, excellent teachers at AIS St Helens, exciting classes, different cultures and wild west coast beaches..."
The couple studied in the English Language Centre for three months and enjoyed every minute of it. “The teachers were always willing to help and the classes were outgoing and never boring. We loved the extra activities every day and the dormitory was very convenient.”
They plan to continue their New Zealand adventure sightseeing in the South Island and doing seasonal fruit-picking jobs along the way.
Hanna Jang
From: Korean
Studied: English
When Korean student Hanna Jang first arrived in New Zealand , listening to television was “just noise”. Ten months later, she loves watching Kiwi soap operas and can now understand a lot of the jokes on TV.
Hanna decided to come to New Zealand to study because she had heard it was peaceful and beautiful and she is still excited to be studying at AIS St Helens because of its unique location.
“Here you can concentrate on study, there aren't the distractions of the city and there are less chances to speak Korean,” she says.
Hanna has also enjoyed the English Language Centre daily activity programme which gives her a great chance to have fun and make new friends while getting to know Auckland.
Marcin Kurek
From: Polish
Studied:English
Polish student Marcin Kurek came to New Zealand to study English, but ended up falling in love with its natural beauty.
“The nature here is the best I saw in my life and I am in love with this country,” says Marcin, who studied English language at AIS St Helens for two months earlier this year before setting off around the country. “New Zealand has beautiful nature and very nice and friendly people,” he says.
So friendly, that when he was running late at Auckland Airport for his departure to Sydney, four total strangers helped him. “I arrived at the airport twenty minutes before my flight, four people were running with me through the airport, people were shouting ‘let us through' like an American movie,” remembers Marcin. “They were great, I was on the airplane two minutes before it started. In Europe, this is impossible!”
Marcin has also noticed other differences here compared to Poland and Germany, where he has lived for the last five years. “In New Zealand, there are more places to live and relax, and people are not so busy,” he says. “But it is almost impossible to buy new electronic things, and it is a little bit less organised.”
The less organised way of life rubbed off on Marcin, as he and friend decided to take a month to travel the South Island with only a vague idea of what they wanted to see and do.
They enjoyed the relaxed backpacker trail, including the nightlife. “After I bought in the disco in Queenstown a two liter beer for me and Jan (we were proud to have so much beer), somebody turned on the fire alarm and we had to leave the whole beer there! But sometimes we got from backpackers vouchers for beer, so it was okay.”
Marcin says his English studies helped him to communicate along the way and he enjoyed the interactive nature of his English classes, which were “with lots of laughter, action and moving around” whilst learning a lot.
It must be true love for Marcin and New Zealand: he's now planning his future here after a brief period of study and travel in Australia.
IELTS Success for AIS Student
Kim Min-Jung (Hannah)
From: Korean
Studied:English
Great friends, wonderful teachers and an IELTS score of 7.0 mean Korean student Kim Min-Jung (Hannah) will have lifelong memories of New Zealand and excellent English skills for the future.
Hannah studied in the ELC for 10 weeks and enjoyed all aspects of her experience in New Zealand. “I love NZ and AIS St Helens. The most impressive thing is unspoilt nature. Also, I will remember people whom I've met here - they are all kind to me and we shared unforgettable memories,” says Hannah.
Hannah believes the high calibre of teaching at AIS St Helens helped her to achieve her goals. “For me, AIS is the best choice. Thanks to the wonderful teachers, I've learned lots of things, so I could get a good score and my English has improved,” she says.
Her studies were invaluable in preparing Hannah for the IELTS test. “I think the IELTS class is very well-organised according to useful topics. When I sat the exam, I met familiar topics in the writing and speaking test. It was very helpful,” she says. Hannah says she also learned useful time management and exam technique skills.
Hannah finished her studies recently and heads back to Korea, where she hopes to find a job in a multinational company and use her English skills to succeed in the future.
Her advice to students studying IELTS is simple - listen to your teacher. “I don't know if I can give advice to students, but I can say just believe our teachers and follow their teaching methods. The real exam is not so different from our class.”
English students:
Karen Qiu
From: China
Studied:English
Twisting, hilly roads do not deter AIS St Helens student Karen Qiu. In fact, show her a mountain and she will hop on her bike and cycle to the top.
The energetic 32-year-old recently spent a few days cycling the top of New Zealand's North Island with friends. Karen's holiday adventure was her way of relaxing after a busy semester studying English at AIS St Helens city campus.
Karen thinks studying in New Zealand is fabulous. “We can meet students from many different countries. My classmates are from Brazil, Italy, Indonesia and Japan.”
Karen was introduced to AIS St Helens through a Chinese agent. “I heard that AIS St Helens was the best place to learn English and had the best teacher.”
As a keen outdoors person, Karen says the New Zealand lifestyle suits her personality. For her most recent holiday, she cycled, camped, fished, rock-climbed, mountain-biked and even took a ferry ride. “New Zealand is a good place for outdoor sports. The views are great and the air is better than in China.”
When she finishes her course, she hopes to study media design. Back in China, she was a graphic designer. In the meantime, she hopes to introduce other international students to New Zealand's great outdoors and maybe set up a club.
Celso Squipano
From: San Pàulo, Brazil
Studying: English (Intermediate)
Aspiring:Actor
Eager to undertake a new challenge Brazilian actor Celso Rodrigo Squipano flew to New Zealand to study English at AIS St Helens.
More accustomed to stage lights than New Zealand classrooms, Celso knew it would be a new, but exciting experience. He chose AIS St Helens on the advice of a friend who had been a student at the institute. Since becoming a student, Celso has also recommended the institute to other friends.
Although he has never studied English before, Celso is mastering the language quickly. He credits his AIS St Helens teacher for his English language confidence. He says the practical lessons and discussion groups are a good way to learn English. “I am surprised that I can understand. Kiwi people speak fast, but the teacher sets a good pace and doesn't speak too fast.”
The multicultural atmosphere at AIS St Helens also appeals to Celso. He has friends from Europe and Asia and enjoys playing soccer or visiting nearby parks and beaches with them.
The bubbly Brazilian says improving his English means he can meet more people. “The first day in New Zealand I didn't ask questions. Now I am communicating with people in my hostel, on the street, in shops and in the bank. I am much more confident speaking English.”
As for the future, Celso plans to study English at AIS St Helens for nine months. Although he would love to be an actor in New Zealand, he may also return home and import perfume, watches and sunglasses.
Ricardo Pereira
From: Brazil
Studying: Intermediate English at AIS St Helens City Campus
Ricardo Kendy Horikawa Pereira is an adventurous man who has travelled to 25 different countries. However, it is his challenge to learn English that is his newest adventure.
A friend convinced Ricardo to study intermediate English at AIS St Helens city campus. Since enrolling in the course three months ago, he has had plenty of practice improving his writing, speaking and listening skills. He says the best thing about his English classes is the opportunities he has to talk with people from around the world.
Ricardo says learning English is difficult, but the many games and topics they study make the learning enjoyable. So far, he has learned about New Zealand culture, travel and food.
Living in New Zealand also pleases Ricardo. Since arriving in the country, he has tramped Mount Cook and travelled around the South and North Island. He has even braved skydiving, bungee jumping and jet boating. Auckland's beautiful oceans, old architecture clear skies and multicultural vibrancy also appeal. “New Zealand is a beautiful country. It is not too busy, but peaceful. The people are nice too.”
In Brazil Ricardo was a restaurant manager and later worked for four years in a Japanese food factory. Ricardo and his wife decided to travel so they could experience different cultures, countries and places. Ricardo's wife Claudia is also learning English at AIS St Helens. When they finish their studies shortly, they will travel again.
Ricardo says travelling and studying abroad makes you more flexible, friendly, open and confident. “In the beginning my English was not good, but after awhile I have progressed. Learning English is useful for travel and work.”
Monika Amstad
From: Switzerland
Studied: General English City Campus (graduated October 2004)
A casual stroll past the AIS St Helens city campus resulted in Monika Amstad studying English at the institute.
“I wanted to study English and I had only been a week in New Zealand before I chose this school.”
Monika was pleased with her decision. She enjoyed the fun practical games, the small class sizes and she says she has learned many new words.
“In my classes we used a lot of drama and conversation. This is a good way to improve your English and you learn something about different cultures.”
Monika, who is a kindergarten teacher in Switzerland, says other exercises such as resume preparation and interviewing techniques were interesting and useful.
As the only German-speaking person in her class, this was also an advantage, as she had to communicate with others in English. Despite this, she made friends with people from Asia, Chile and Colombia.
One of Monika's favourite experiences was during test week, where she took a trip with her class to Rangitoto (a volcanic island).
Monika says the city campus is very close to many wonderful sights and facilities. She adds that having a better understanding of the English language is immensely useful. “It is good to know English, because in Switzerland, English language in business is very important.”
Ivan and Tamara Frolova
From: Russia
Studying: English
When Ivan Frolova turned up to class in a wig and false nose, his AIS St Helens English teacher laughed.
Ivan's master of disguise was in aid of April Fools day, a day where people play tricks on each other. Having fun while learning English is one of the aims of the High Beginners English class.
Ivan and Tamara decided to study English at AIS St Helens this year, after immigrating to New Zealand from Russia a year ago. The couple wanted to improve their English and be near their daughter and granddaughter who live in Auckland. In Russia, Ivan was a project manager and Tamara was a doctor.
Tamara and Ivan say they chose AIS St Helens city campus because everyone is friendly and the class sizes are small. Listening, writing, reading and conversation skills are taught. Tamara says the classes are very interesting. “We have learned about many subjects such as shopping, food, travelling and the beach,” says Tamara.
The couple says they were not concerned about studying, as the atmosphere at AIS St Helens is relaxed and welcoming.
As well as enjoying study, they also like the New Zealand lifestyle. They say New Zealand is a safe, clean, green and friendly country.
Yuki Masaki
From: Japan
Studying: English (Pre-Intermediate)
Aspiring:To become a vet
Yuki Masaki's image of New Zealand was that it was a country full of sheep so therefore you can imagine her surprise when she first arrived in Auckland and could not find any.
Thankfully, after a year in New Zealand Yuki has seen plenty of sheep and discovered that there is more to this country than woolly herbivores. Tramping, mountain climbing, badminton and basketball are just some of the sports she has enjoyed.
Yuki has also been studying English at AIS St Helens. Recently she graduated. A desire to study English in another country was what motivated her to try her luck in New Zealand.
“New Zealand is a good country, it is not dangerous and I was told it was the best place to study,” she says.
Yuki has enjoyed student life at AIS St Helens. She has particular fond memories of Orientation day, especially the fun games and helping with the barbeque.
As for her classes, she liked mixing with people from different countries and sharing opinions. On her course, she learned about education and business. She also developed her academic writing and presentation skills. Of the subjects taken, her favourite topic was Listening and Speaking. Her advice to other students is to keep communicating.
Despite the usual challenges, which come with learning Yuki found AIS St Helens' staff supportive and understanding “My teacher was good, because when I didn't understand something she would always explain.”
Now that Yuki has graduated, she plans to return to Japan, where she will study further to become a vet. One day she hopes to return to New Zealand and help injured animals and maybe a sheep.
Maxim Absandze
From: Russia
Studied:Pre-intermediate English (graduated January 2005)
When you are just 15 years old it takes courage to study and live in a country that does not speak your language, but Russian teenager Maxim Absandze embraced the challenge.
On the AIS St Helens Pre-intermediate English course Maxim developed his writing, speaking and listening skills. He learned about different cultures and met people from Asia, Europe and South America.
“When I made new friends, I became braver. I am now more confident and my English has improved,” he says.
Maxim says it is good to study in an English-speaking country such as New Zealand, because English is spoken in many countries. He also praised the support he received from AIS St Helens. “I was not homesick, because I had such a good time. The teachers at AIS St Helens are good. You can ask them questions and if you have a problem they will help you.”
Since completing his AIS St Helens course Maxim has returned home for a holiday, however he will be back in New Zealand shortly to resume his education at Auckland's Western Springs College.
Mari Ito
From: Japan
Studying: English (Upper Elementary)
For Mari Ito it was a chance meeting with a family friend that resulted in a trip halfway across the world.
After hearing about the study opportunities in New Zealand, Mari bravely packed her bags and headed off. As a young 17-year-old, fresh from high school, she admits she was afraid. “I didn't know anybody and the only English words I could speak were yes or no.”
She remembers initially life in New Zealand was hard. Thankfully, a group of domestic students at AIS St Helens invited her to play basketball and from this she made new friends.
These days Mari is accustomed to student life in New Zealand. She now has friends from Brazil, Chile, Russia and New Zealand. She describes her teachers at AIS St Helens as family and says they are helpful and supportive.
Mari says the lifestyle here is very different from Japan especially the ‘strange' custom of wearing no shoes that Kiwis favour. Mari says studying abroad teaches skills such as independence that will be valuable in life. The experience has also boosted her confidence and she has even attempted a bungee jump.
Yasuhiro Matsuo
From: Japan
Studying: English Upper Elementary
Aspiring: To improve his English and work overseas
Yasuhiro Matsuo had heard so much about New Zealand's majestic mountains that he decided to experience the country for himself.
“In Japan my mountain lodge owner had visited New Zealand, he said it was a very beautiful country and that it would be a good place to study English.”
Without hesitation, Yasuhiro left the Japanese mountains where he was working and boarded a plane to New Zealand. Despite having already done a history degree in Japan, Yasuhiro was keen to improve his English. A travel company suggested AIS St Helens as an option.
Since attending classes at the institute, Yasuhiro has made many new friends. He is also taking boxing lessons and has tried indoor climbing. Eventually he would like to try some other outdoor activities such as rock climbing, diving and sea kayaking.
Yasuhiro says the class sizes at AIS St Helens are smaller than his university in Japan. The teacher and student relationships are also stronger.
“If I can't understand, I ask the teacher and the teacher carefully and clearly teaches me. In Japan the teacher speaks and the students listen; they rarely interact.”
He finds the learning style suits his personality and classes are fun and lively. “In Japan I didn't like studying English, but here I study English in evening, during the week and at the weekend.”
When Yasuhiro finishes his course, he wants to cycle around New Zealand and experience the great outdoors. On the agenda is a tramp up Mount Tongariro, Mount Cook and Mount Egmont.
TOEIC:
Cecile Arnal
From: France
Studying: TOEIC and English (Upper Intermediate)
In France Cecile studied marketing; however, unsure of her career direction, she decided to take time out to travel and improve her English.
After enquiring into several schools, Cecile chose AIS St Helens to study English. “AIS St Helens is a very good school.”
Cecile enjoys AIS St Helens because there are many nationalities. She knows students from China, Japan, Korea and Saudi Arabia.
At AIS St Helens Cecile studied Upper Intermediate English. She describes this course as practical and interactive, whereas her current TOEIC classes focus on business vocabulary, grammar, listening and writing skills. When she finishes TOEIC, she hopes to do IELTS.
Cecile's goal is to speak English fluently. “Studying English in an English-speaking country is better because I will use the language everyday.”
Cecile's advice to other international students is to have fun. She says living in another country and flatting is a learning experience and a great way to make new friends. “I like New Zealand, especially Auckland, because people are very friendly and helpful.”
Khalid Alshammri
From: Saudi Arabia
Studying: TOEIC
Studied:English (Upper Intermediate)
Aspiring: To study dentistry at the University of Otago
For Khalid Alshammri living and studying in New Zealand is diversely different from his life in Saudi Arabia.
Visiting Rotorua, Tauranga, Christchurch and Queenstown, bungee jumping, enjoying Maori culture and rugby and meeting international tennis stars on Auckland's Queen Street are all first-time experiences for Khalid.
Back home Khalid was a dental technologist. However, a visit to the New Zealand Embassy in Saudi Arabia and an Internet search convinced him New Zealand would be a great place to improve his English skills. He found out about AIS St Helens through a friend who had studied at the institute.
Currently Khalid is doing the TOEIC course after recently graduating from the Upper Intermediate English programme. He says on these courses he has improved his writing, reading, speaking, listening and English vocabulary skills.
Khalid says the teachers at AIS St Helens are helpful and approachable. Furthermore, the city campus is well resourced and centrally located.
Khalid has also made new friends from other countries. “This is my first time living in a new country and I like it very much. The New Zealand education system is good and the culture is easy-going and friendly.”
Khalid hopes that improving his English will help him in his future. When he graduates from AIS ST Helens, he wants to continue studying dentistry at Otago University. “The English skills I am gaining will help me a lot in my life; also the TOEIC certificate will be useful.”
Angeline Xie
From: China
Studying:TOEIC
Aspiring: To be a businesswoman
Confidence, independence and improved English language fluency are just some of the skills Angeline Xie has acquired since becoming a student at AIS St Helens.
Angeline is doing the TOEIC course at the city campus. “I really like AIS St Helens because the teachers are excellent. There are also many different nationalities. We have to communicate in English and this is a good way for me to improve my English.”
Angeline wants to complete the TOEIC course so she can successfully gain the necessary IELTS points to enter university in New Zealand. Back in China, she studied marketing and she hopes to continue studying this subject.
Although the 20-year-old loves New Zealand student life, she admits being away from home for the first-time is challenging. “In my home country my parents take care of me, but now I must take care of myself.”
Despite her initial nervousness, Angeline says she has gained confidence thanks to the support she has received from AIS St Helens staff. She has also mastered the New Zealand transportation system and can understand English better. “Now I like to talk with people, whereas before I came here (AIS St Helens) I didn't want to speak English, because I was afraid of making mistakes.”
On the TOEIC course, Angeline has learned new business words, which she hopes will be useful in the future. Eventually she would like to be a businesswoman in New Zealand and open her own deli. In the meantime, she is enjoying making friends and discovering new opportunities.
Shuichi Suzuki
From: Japan
Studying: TOEIC
Aspiring:To work in a hospital as a pharmacist
Shuichi Suzuki says English fluency is necessary for his future and the TOEIC course teaches him some useful skills.
Back home Shuichi studied medicine at university. When he completes his studies, he would like to work in a hospital in a developing country or for an organisation such as UNICEF.
TOEIC is a qualification that recognises an employee's English language abilities. It also prepares students for the IELTS test. On this course, Shuichi finds the law and order subjects the most interesting. He has also improved his English grammar and writing skills.
Shuichi is also studying in the Upper-Intermediate English course. This course has helped Shuichi improve his English conversation skills. “The teachers encourage us to speak a lot in class. They help correct my sentences which is very good.”
Outside of class hours, the ping-pong table and the AIS St Helens gym are Shuichi's favourite venues. “At AIS St Helens I have made many friends. Ping-pong and indoor soccer have helped me meet new people.”
Shuichi says he likes AIS St Helens very much. He says because the students are from many different countries speaking English is necessary. “At first, it was difficult speaking English all the time, but gradually my English ability has improved.”
Living with a New Zealand host family and his part-time volunteer rest home work has also improved his English fluency. “The New Zealand social service system is of a higher level than Japan and I wanted to experience this.”
Shuichi words of wisdom to other students are smile, be friendly and speak English often.
Ji Hee Kim
From: South Korea
Studied: TOEIC (graduated 2005)
Studying:General English
Back home Ji Hee Kim was a university student majoring in Public Health, but her passion for travel has directed her career path into a different direction.
Ji Hee now wants to be a travel agent or work at an airport. She hopes the English skills she is learning on her AIS St Helens courses will help her achieve this dream. “With a higher TOEIC score, I can improve my chances of getting a good job in my country,” she says.
Ji Hee says being a student in New Zealand is different from being a student in South Korea. “In my country there is more focus on grammar rather than speaking or listening skills. I think the teaching style in New Zealand is better than in my country.”
Ji Hee describes AIS St Helens as an international environment and a great place to make new friends. She says AIS St Helens has wonderful teachers. Her advice to other students is to be happy and study hard.
IELTS:
Thanh Tran
From: Vietnam
Studying: IELTS preparation
Aspiring:To become an electrical engineer
In Vietnam Thanh Tran was a watchmaker and made the flashing eyes of the dragons used in dragon dances. Life in New Zealand as in international student is entirely different.
Thanh is spending one month at AIS St Helens preparing for his IELTS exam. Once he passes this exam and has the adequate English skills, he hopes to begin an electrical engineering degree. “I want to work in a job that I like and that is creative,” he says.
On the IELTS course, Thanh has been developing his listening, written and spoken English skills. Thanh says he likes the skills he has learned and the class discussions. “I enjoy studying here. It is like a family and it has been easy to make friends. The teachers teach you skills that are relevant to life.”
Thanh says it is easier to study English in an English-speaking country. He adds that it is also a good way to improve your general English conversation skills. He says that his biggest challenge is writing.
The other aspect Thanh enjoys about AIS St Helens is the facilities. When he is not studying, he likes playing badminton and basketball at the Asquith gym.
EAP:
Zhi Yan He
From: China
Studying: English for Academic Purposes 1
Aspiring:Bachelor of International Business
Zhi Yan is a Rugby Super 12 convert. He loves the game. This is a turnaround for someone who a few months ago did not know anything about rugby.
Understanding the rules of rugby is not the only thing Zhi Yan is mastering; he is also learning English at AIS St Helens.
Although he has an Information Systems degree from China's University of Zhong Shan, he believes studying English is important.
“With a degree and good English skills I will improve my job chances. In the future I would like to own my own business in International Trade.”
Zhi Yan says AIS St Helens is one of Auckland's main language schools. His friend had done the Bachelor of International Business (BIB) degree and recommended the institute.
In his English class, Zhi Yan has been improving his reading, writing and speaking skills. He also learns how to present information in front of a group. “The topics are interesting, the interactive games are enjoyable and class time passes quickly. AIS St Helens is a good school with fantastic teachers,” says Zhi Yan.
When he finishes the four-week English for Academic Purposes 1 programme, Zhi Yan hopes to enrol in a BIB course, so he can develop his skills and knowledge further.
Zhi Yan believes studying overseas is a good way to learn about another country's culture, traditions and economics. At AIS ST Helens, another positive is that there are many international students; he has friends from Argentina, Brazil and Korea.
When Zhi Yan is not studying, he enjoys touch rugby, visiting the Asquith gym for a game of indoor soccer or watching the Super 12.
Miyuki Miyamoto
From: Japan
Studying: English for Academic Purposes
Aspiring: Flight attendant for a Japanese airline
When studying gets difficult Miyuki Miyamoto dreams of foreign places and life as a flight attendant for a Japanese airline.
The ex-beauty therapist is currently studying English for Academic Purposes. After that, she will begin a Certificate and eventually a Diploma in Tourism and Travel at AIS St Helens. She says these qualifications will give her the necessary skills to fulfil her career plan.
On her current English course Miyuki has been learning public presentation, writing, and speaking, reading and organizational skills. She says this course will eventually help her get her diploma and improve her English.
At AIS St Helens Miyuki values the encouragement and advice she has received and the opportunities to develop her confidence.
“New Zealand is a good place to study and the people are kind. The students are very friendly and my teacher is helpful.”
Although Miyuki has studied English in Japan, she says the New Zealand teaching method focuses more on listening and speaking practice. She has even had to do an oral presentation in front of her class, which was a completely new experience.
Another new experience was a bungee-jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge. She admits that initially she did cry, but once she completed the jump, she was thrilled.
Miyuki advice to other students keen to study at AIS St Helens is to not worry, be positive and give it a go.
Yusuke Tanaka
From: Japan
Studying: English for Academic Purposes
Aspiring:To improve his English and work overseas
It was the sweet taste of honey that first lured Yusuke Tanaka to New Zealand. Yusuke's father exports New Zealand Manuka Honey to Japan, so Yusuke grew up hearing stories about Aotearoa.
After a fleeting visit as a teenager to glow-worm caves in Waitomo and bubbling mud in Rotorua, Yusuke was determined to return. At the age of 21, he got his wish. For the past few months, he has been studying English for Academic Purposes at AIS St Helens. “My father and his friend both knew about AIS St Helens and they said it is a very good school, so that is why I came here,” he says.
On his English course, Yusuke has learned to read sentences faster and communicate more fluently in English. He has developed his written skills and even prepared an oral presentation for the first time.
Yusuke says the classes in New Zealand are different from Japan. He finds the interactive style, whereby students contribute in class very interesting. “In Japan there is not much conversation, but at AIS St Helens students are encouraged to talk.”
As for Yusuke's living arrangements, currently he lives in a Christian hostel. He says this is a great way to learn about Western culture and make friends with foreigners. His advice to other international students is to practice speaking English often and remain motivated to ensure success.
Olga Golovko
From: Russia
Studying:EAP I
Olga chose to study at AIS St Helens because it is a convenient location and the courses are reasonably priced.
”What makes AIS St Helens unique is that it is not commercial like the majority of private schools. The staff are also nice and friendly.”
In her EAP class, one of her favourite activities is listening to the radio news. She says the most challenging aspect of the course is talking with other students during the classes.
Despite the challenges, Olga enjoys the EAP course because there is lots of writing practice.
“I am learning new vocabulary and grammar skills,” she says.
Olga says the new information she is learning is helping her develop her English writing skills and preparing her for degree and diploma study. Olga hopes the new writing and reading skills she is gaining will be useful in the future.
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