Learn English in New ZealandOtago Language Centre New Zealand New Zealand is becoming an increasing attractive location for students who want to learn English or improve their English language skills by travelling abroad to study. It is a beautiful country full of opportunities to enjoy an excellent education, culture and lifestyle. For a long time parents, teachers and curriculum planners around the world have considered the learning of English to be an important part of a well rounded education. In today's increasingly international world, we have a whole generation of students who know they need English to compete in today's market places: business men and women who need to sell products; mechanics who need to read instruction manuals, doctors who need to read and keep up- to-date with medical information; musicians and sports people who need to travel to further develop their talents. Such students are coming in increasing numbers from around the world to universities, polytechnics and their associated language schools in New Zealand. At the Otago language centre in Dunedin, for example, in the current intake of students alongside the many tertiary students wanting a high level of English proficiency for their future career paths, are journalists, doctors, dentists, an interior decorator, a kindergarten teacher, a professional golf player and (surprisingly) two jewellers from opposite sides of the globe (Iran and Taiwan). Motivated, with a goal, a purpose, a dream, some of these students have already developed a reasonable level of proficiency in English in their own countries. Aware that foreign language learning with sufficient opportunity to use the language in interaction with native speakers does not result in the level of fluency they realise they require, such students have adopted to further their language studies in an English speaking country. Why they and the many other students less proficient in English have chosen New Zealand as that English speaking country is an interesting sociological study. These general themes, however emerge: New Zealand is perceived as safer, cleaner and greener than many other destinations, costs and studying and living in New Zealand are relatively low; New Zealand's relatively late entry into the English teaching market means fewer international students which increase students chances of mixing with non- compatriots and needing to use English as their only medium of communication. Students often make their choices to come on such grounds. Once they arrive here they choose to stay for similar and additional reasons. New Zealanders, they discover, are warm, friendly and relaxed; teachers and host families take a personal interest in them, and encouraging their learning experiences. New Zealand, they discover, as well as being a country of green hills, sheep and snow-capped mountains is also highly developed technologically with computer and video an important part of any learning curriculum. New Zealand does prove to be that centre of educational excellence students have been promised that they do achieve their goals and dreams often with stunning results. Numerous examples spring to mind but post-graduate students at Otago University stand out. One a Japanese swimming instructor who arrived at Otago Language Centre, with no English, but two years later was ready to embark on her postgraduate physical education degree. The other, a Cambodian, Russian speaking engineer who spent 18 months working on his academic English before beginning postgraduate studies in the surveying department. Not all students have such long term goals. Many come to study English in New Zealand as much for the opportunity to experience another culture as to improve their English. These cases will illustrate that fluency and accuracy in a second language do not just happen merely by living in an English speaking environment. Adult language learners are not just sponges, able to soak up the language through the pores of their skin. Focused attention to language form is also necessary for accurate language development. The best way to achieve this is by attending a structured programme of language learning that includes both fluent and accurate language users, and that allows the learner the opportunity to process and thus better absorb the language encountered in the learners daily environment. The experience of travelling to and living in a foreign country without the support of ones own family, peers, and language is an experience that will stay with the students for all of their lives. New sights, new sounds, new friends, new ideas, new experiences. Many students will experience for the first time life with a family of strangers, different social and cultural activities and excursions and different kinds of interaction with others. This can be frightening as well as exhilarating. It is important, therefore, for students to achieve their dreams, that they feel supported in this new living and learning environment. The system of homestays arranged by most Language Centres in New Zealand (where students live as part of a New Zealand family) goes a long way to meeting those needs. Small classes help where teachers can get know to know students individually and students begin to form strong bonds with peers of all nationalities. Specialist staff are also usually available to assist students with adjusting to their new situation. Author: Alison Adams Otago Language Centre The Administrative OfficerUniversity of Otago Language CentreP.O. Box 6061Dunedin New ZealandTelephone: 64 (3) 479 5708Facsimile: 64 (3) 479 5701E-mail: info@uolc.ac.nzWeb: www.uolc.ac.nz
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University of Otago Language Centre
P.O. Box 6061
Dunedin
New Zealand
Telephone: 64 (3) 479 5708
Facsimile: 64 (3) 479 5701
Email: info@uolc.ac.nz Web: www.uolc.ac.nz | |||||||||||||||||||
