Language Guide Sydney
English is the only official language spoken in Australia. Australia uses United Kingdom English although you will find some words particular to Australia only. Sydney is a multicultural city and people from many non-English speaking backgrounds can often find assistance when dealing with major government departments in their own language. People from non-English speaking backgrounds can also find support from other people from their community through community organizations and in cultural hubs.
Learning English in Sydney
Sydney is a popular destination for foreigners to learn English, and there are more than eighteen English Language colleges in the CBD and in close proximity. Including Insearch, Institute of Languages, Milton Language Centre, Universal English College and more.
It depends on your skill and commitment level as to how long it will take to learn English. Many people already have some comprehension of the English language because of its prevalence internationally and this will help. Also, learning any language is all about repetition and practice so make sure you do lots of both. It can be tiring speaking in a second language all day when you are still learning it but it will pay off. So try to speak as much as possible. And if you don’t understand what someone is saying, ask them to explain. It will not only help you learn, but it will also demonstrate your keenness.
Language Schools
| School | Location | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| InSearch | Ultimo (city) | A division of the University of Technology, Sydney which offers highly credible English courses. |
| Institute of Languages | Camperdown (inner west) | A division of Sydney university offering the best courses and range in English learning. |
| Universal English College | City | One of Australia’s leading private language schools |
| Sydney Insitute, TAFE | Ultimo (city) | TAFE is a public run institution offering reasonably priced and credible courses. |
Many local community groups have free English lessons, although these are mainly directed at immigrants from poorer countries or refugees. They do, however, promote English learning and there may be meet-up sessions organized by them.
There is an ESL Meet Up Group that meets regularly and is a good chance to meet with other ESL learners
In Crows Nest (North Shore) there is a multicultural women’s group that bring women of non-English speaking backgrounds together. http://www.crowsnestcentre.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=63&Itemid=82
