English Language Pathway boosts study confidence for policy success

Soysouphalack, who also goes by Anna, is from Laos where she graduated from a bachelor's degree in Environmental Management.

After graduating she worked as an administration officer and later a procurement officer within various environmental conservation and community development organisations before deciding to change careers and move into policy analysis.

This decision led her to Australia and subsequently to the University of Newcastle.

“I consulted with an educational consultant who suggested a Master of Social Change and Development at the University of Newcastle. When I saw the course details, I realised this program could help me achieve my dream job, so I applied,” Anna explained.

To improve her English skills, Anna also enrolled in the English Language Bridging Program (ELBP).

Access to student assistance, including campus accommodation, navigating the uni systems and academic support contributed to Anna’s decision to choose the University of Newcastle to study.

Anna credits ELBP with boosting her confidence in her studies, not only by improving her English skills but also by enhancing her academic abilities, such as taking notes in lectures, reading articles, giving presentations, and writing essays.

Additionally, Anna participated in the Student Experience Program during ELBP.

“I joined the Speed Conversation classes and Pronunciation workshop. These classes allowed me to practice speaking more with friends from other countries and native speakers who led the sessions. They corrected my words and taught me common expressions,” she said.

What Anna loves most about Newcastle is the clean air, pleasant weather, and its proximity to Sydney.

Reflecting on her ELBP experience, Anna fondly recalls her last day of exams for the upper-intermediate level when her teacher gave everyone a card congratulating them on moving up to the next level.

Anna elaborated, “Not only that, but our teacher brought out a cake for my birthday! I didn't know what to do . . .  I felt warm like I was with family.”

Soysouphalack (Anna) Southammakoth

Anna credits ELBP with boosting her confidence in her studies.

Access to student accommodation, help navigating the uni systems and academic support contributed to Anna’s decision to choose the University of Newcastle to study.