Tukta worked in low paid cleaning jobs when she arrived in Australian 7 years ago, despite holding a Bachelor of Business from Chang Mai University and five years’ experience in management roles.  As her English improved, she found administrative work but has struggled to move into management, an area she’s both qualified and experienced in.   Tukta’s early attempts to receive further qualifications in Australia were thwarted by her very good, but not academic level English. When Tukta undertook post-graduate study online, she found the flexibility to “look up words and concepts” in real time, pausing and restarting lectures to suit her own individual needs.

The fundamental shift to online learning during Covid, had an unexpected benefit for New Australians, the ability to learn at their own pace.  This in turn allowed Tukta to cement her understanding of business English in a manner that wouldn’t be possible in a classroom setting.  In combination with Advanced Standing or Recognition of Prior Learning, foreign-born students are able to rapidly improve their career prospects as well as their English proficiency in their chosen field – a key obstacle for many new Australians. 

“I tried to study at University of Queensland when I first came to Australia, but it was very difficult for me.  The lectures move very fast.  Translating business English and learning post graduate subject matter was too difficult for me and the cost of the course was very high.   I think that maybe I am not the only Thai student with these problems.  Online I can stop, start, stop start – but now, I don’t need to so much. I can teach myself the words in English, that I already know in Thai.  Now I am much better at business English.  Because I can feel more confident in job interviews, I have already been offered a promotion after graduation” she said.

Tukta is one of a growing cohort of new Australians finding new paths to tertiary education and improved career prospects.  

“We’ve seen a big uptake in enrollments amongst Australian citizens who speak English as a second language.  The barriers to a quality education are so high, between the cost of studying, the rigidity of on campus study and the time expenditure, a lot of new Australians are finally taking tertiary study out of the too-hard basket,” said Ben Klatt, Education Delivery Expert.

A recent study of 27000 students in the UK (30% international students) found that 81% of students were happy with online learning structures.  Where students are likely to speak English as a second or additional language, learning institutions noted that assistive technology is key, including:

• Captions (28%)
• Spelling/writing support (26%)
• Screen reader (17%)
• Transcripts (16%)
• Dictation (15%)
• Screen magnification (10%)

 Improved employment opportunities benefit the whole community

Can online learning environments fast-track integration into the Australian community?  Will a higher percentage of higher paid community members impact new Australian communities overall?  Tukta believes so.

“After being stuck in an administration role for so long, I will now become a section manager.  I will earn an extra $35,000 which I will use to provide a better life for my daughter.  Now, I will manage 18 staff, including many who speak English as a second language. I will always take time to help them to succeed in their jobs,” she said.