Always wanted to comment but don't know how?

There have been some very thoughtful stories and comments this year on our Navitas Distance Learning  blog. 

Writing a comment on the  blog is a great way to feel part of our Distance Learning community. Also it's a marvelous way to use English in real life. You can add your thoughts on a story, answer a blog discussion question or write your own question.

So here's a video for you this week on how to comment. Before you can add a comment you need to sign in with a gmail or a google account. Here's a link to another video: How to make a google account 2015.

So let's go! 

• Do you comment on Facebook or other blogs?
• What type of comment is interesting?
• Comments can sometimes be negative. Why is it important to always write positive comments? 

From an AMEP student to a worker with AMEP

Malaykham, DL Office

Malaykham works as part of the admin team in our Distance Learning office in Sydney.  She came to Australia from Laos as a migrant 4 years ago.  Although she had a bachelor degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from her country, she was unable to work in that field in Australia because she felt her English was not good enough so she started attending AMEP Level 2 English classes.

From there Malaykham learnt that as an AMEP student she was also entitled to do a SLPET course (Settlement Language Pathway to Employment Training) so she enrolled in a Business Administration course with a Navitas college.  As part of the course she had to do 2 weeks of work experience with an employer.  It was fate or good luck that brought Malaykham to Distance Learning where she did her work experience.  During this time Malaykham demonstrated ability to get the job done well.  She designed a complex Excel spreadsheet that impressed the manager so she asked her to stay on for paid part-time work.  Three years later Malaykham is still working with DL, now full-time with a whole lot of other skills up her sleeve.

Surrounded by Distance Learning teachers Malaykham's English had to improve!  She says "It's handy to be able to ask teachers to explain things in English and help me check my writing." Despite that Malaykham admits she's got more work to do on her English.

We're pleased to see Malaykham progress in English and work skills.  We not only value her admin skills but enjoy the lovely meals she cooks and brings to share with us in the office from time to time.

• Do you think it is a good idea to change career in Australia?
• What do you plan to do after the AMEP course?
• What do you think employers in Australia value the most in their employees?

A story of commitment - 510 hours with DL

Teacher Jo and her student, Sula

Last week something special happened to me.  I met one of my students.  In my opinion she is a very special student.  Sula started and finished her 510 hours of English with me in Distance Learning.  We have been studying together for about 2 1/2 years. She started as a level 2 student and has just finished with her Certificate 3.  I really admired her because although she was working 2 jobs, she rarely missed a lesson and even when she was sick we would have a chat about what was wrong.

Over this time we became quite close.  She advised me on Thai cooking and herbs.  As well as studying Your Call, I advised her about Australian life, her pregnancy and all sorts of things.

She had flown from South Australia to Queensland to visit relatives and on the way home stopped in Sydney and we arranged to meet.  When we saw each other in the lobby of her hotel she ran to me and we had a huge hug!  It was so lovely to finally come face to face after so much time meeting on Skype.  We went off to a café and talked non-stop for a couple of hours before I finally had to go.  When we said goodbye I thought what a committed student she had been and how proud I was of her. 

Well done Sula for your commitment and hard work and congratulations on finishing the marathon AMEP race with Certificate 3 and finally catching up with your teacher face to face!

• Do you know how many hours you have left in the AMEP?
• What do you hope to achieve by the end of your AMEP journey?
• How can we best help you and how can you help yourself achieve your goals?

A new turn for Natalia

Natalia - DL Student
Navitas College, Campsie

I moved to Australia from Russia in December 2014 and started my AMEP Distance Learning lessons in July 2015.  From the very beginning my teacher, Karin, suggested I focus on my specific needs.  Since I was actively looking for a job we put all our efforts into improving my skills and knowledge in this area.

Karin provided me with the necessary materials and we practised vocabulary related to employment and interview questions.  Karin was extremely supportive and spent an enormous amount of time helping me adjust my resume and cover letter to Australian standards, like no other employment agency did.  I started to send my new resume and cover letter in reply to job ads.  I got a number of calls back and one of them invited me for an interview with a telecommunications company.  It was my chance!  I managed to get through the first interview successfully.

Karin told me that I could have 2 hours of interview practice sessions with DL teacher, Craig.  Craig walked me through the job interview session package and gave me a lot of tips on understanding interview questions and how to answer them.  We discussed general etiquette questions, dress code, greeting standards and other details that are crucial for a successful interview.  Finally, Craig organised a mock interview session for me that was actually very helpful since I had a second interview with that employer later that day.  Within a couple of days I got a job offer as a Quality and Reporting Analyst.

I believe that my participation in the AMEP and the professionalism of my DL teachers were the key to my success in employment.  I am very lucky that I had the chance to meet my Navitas DL teachers.

                   
Although Natalia gives credit to her teachers, her teachers think that she thoroughly deserved the success.  They describe her as "extremely organised, focussed, with a strong professional background".  They also believe that students such as Natalia are proof of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication and a clear sense of purpose.  

Well done Natalia and we wish you very well in your future career!

Why not build your confidence with the additional 2 hourly sessions of interview practice with one of our trained teachers!  Ask your regular DL teacher who will be happy to organise the referral.

Graffiti Removal Day in NSW - 18 October

Have you ever seen graffiti on walls, signs or buildings in your area?

What do you think of graffiti?  
Why do people do it?
Is it art or vandalism? 

Did you know that the estimated cost of graffiti vandalism to the Australian community is a massive $2.7 billion a year, money which could be used to build new schools, hospitals and roads.

Last year the Graffiti Removal Day  in NSW saw 2000 volunteers remove 21,000m2 from about 275 sites, saving the government and private property owners an estimated $1.5 million.

To volunteer to help with the cleaning or to nominate a clean-up site in NSW, you may visit this website: Graffiti Removal Day

What do you think are the benefits of participating in community events such as these?
If you're not from NSW, what does your state do about vandalism?

To share your views about graffiti you can add your comments to this post.