What's great about Australia?

On Tuesday 26th of January we celebrate Australia Day. We celebrate everything that's great about Australia and being Australian.
 There are many events planned in every major town. An important part of each event is the Citizenship ceremony where new citizens pledge their loyalty to the country. You can see more information on this at the Citizenship tab on this blog. 

At Distance Learning we think it's great that Australia is a multicultural country and we value the contribution of migrants now and through Australia's history. Here are some thoughts from staff members on the question: What's great about Australia and being Australian?

"For me Australian citizenship allows me to participate in elections. So I have rights and I feel like a full member of the country. Also I like the people, climate and the multiculturalism here. It's hard to say..it means I have made the right choice for my family and I."

"I love Australia  because of the fresh air, beautiful sunshine and delicious international food. I also love the friendly Australian people and the fair environment where everyone is equal and well respected."

You can find out what's on in your area from your local newspaper or by going to the website Australia Day Events. For more information and videos on Australia Day go to the website ABC TV.

So the discussion question for this week is:

What do you think is great about Australia?

Courage to speak in public with Toastmasters

Katia, DL student

When I started my Distance Learning English course with Navitas I was feeling depressed. My English was not improving as I would have liked. So I did not believe in myself to look for a job. In my first lesson my DL teacher Barbara encouraged me to join a Toastmasters Club. Toastmasters is an educational organisation which helps members improve their public speaking and leadership skills. In the beginning I struggled to have the courage to go. After the next lesson with my teacher I decided to go and it was amazing.

On my first day as a visitor I lacked confidence and felt nervous. I couldn't say any sentence that made sense. However the members were very supportive and encouraged me to keep going. I trusted them because I felt they believed in me and welcomed me to their meetings.

After the third meeting I felt confident to do my first speech which is called an Ice Breaker. The goal of this speech is to introduce yourself to the members giving them information about your background, interests and ambitions.

I stood in front of an audience of 17 people. People who were just like me, who come to Toastmasters to improve themselves. Then I realized that other people also speak with different accents and make grammar mistakes, but they come to Toastmasters because there's an opportunity to speak to people and make friends.I feel proud of myself for starting something new which is helping me to be not just a positive, confident speaker but an assertive and self-assured person.

Congratulations Katia for starting something new to help yourself.You can find details of your local Toastmasters club at http://www.d70toastmasters.org.au/
Do you belong to a club or organisation? 
How has joining a club helped you to improve your English? 

My path to a better life

Kevin - DL student
Navitas - Auburn

I migrated by myself from South Korea in October 2014, leaving my family behind.  Fortunately there it was, Navitas Auburn, near my new house.

Initially I registered in the morning class then later changed to the evening class.  My teacher at that time, Genevieve, strongly recommended that I enrol in the Workplace Communication for Professionals (WCP) course after she heard that I am an experienced Software Developer with years of experience in South Korea.  She was helpful and provided me with extra support to aid my advancement to CSWE Level 3, which was an essential prerequisite for this course.

The WCP course was very beneficial; through it I learned all the necessary employment skills, obtained my dream job and reunited with my wife and daughter.

Few months later, I met my former classmate, Tatiana, on the train by chance.  She told me that she is studying by Distance Learning (DL) and she found it very interesting and helpful for her work.  After her recommendation, I enrolled in the course immediately.

My DL Teacher, Claudette, designed the lessons to match my work requirements so I was able to achieve better work results for the company and work well with my colleagues.

Finally, through the variety of courses provided by Navitas I developed various skills.  After finding a job, DL was an excellent choice for me.  I was able to study English at a convenient time.  I couldn't attend class due to work, but I felt that my language still needed improvement.  I am sure that Distance Learning is the best option for improving one's education, especially if you cannot attend class.

Congratulations Kevin on improving your English and gaining employment and we are pleased that you've been able to feel more settled in Australia with your family.

Why not leave a comment here!
  

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR 2016

As we return back on 4th January 2016 we’d like to welcome all our continuing and new Distance Learning students to the program.  We hope you've had a wonderful break and you’re ready to start the new year with energy and enthusiasm.

A lot of people find that New Year Resolutions are the perfect opportunity to make lifestyle changes.  Some of the most popular resolutions include:

- Getting into shape
- Becoming more active
- Quitting smoking or drinking
- Becoming more organised
- Learning a new skill
- Becoming a better person
- Reducing stress
- Saving more money

While these are all terrific goals some people think there is no point in making promises we can’t keep.  They believe New Year Resolutions often don’t last and before we know it we’re back to our old habits.

Research has shown that although positive thinking can be helpful, people achieve their goals when they:

• set realistic expectations of themselves
• break down their goals into small steps 
• are patient and don’t expect quick fixes
• have a plan, stay focussed and keep trying hard
• don’t get discouraged by setbacks

Have you ever had success with making New Year Resolutions that lasted beyond January?

Have you made any resolutions for 2016?

If your goal this year is to improve your English or achieve a CSWE certificate, how can you achieve this goal?

We wish you every success in 2016 and our teachers look forward to working with you to achieve your English language goals.

Don't forget to add your comments below.