Zhang Haigang is a journalist who works for 21st Century Junior Teens. Known in Australia as “Frank”, he was offered a scholarship to study at the University of Melbourne, and is half-way through the Master of English as an International Language Program, a course offered through the Faculty of Education. He reflects on his studies so far:

"Coming from a professional background, last February I threw myself into the University of Melbourne, a perfect academic environment and one of the best universities in the world. I would describe my Melbourne experience so far as being different, fulfilling and exciting.

What has impressed me most was the emphasis by teachers on student individuality. Classes are taught here in a way that makes each student feel valued as an individual, and my teachers invite individual opinions actively and offer individual help frequently.

The diversity of the student population is another noticeable advantage of studying at Melbourne. In my class of six, for example, students come from five different countries and regions: Spain, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong and mainland China. This cultural diversity in the classroom, and the Australian culture represented by lecturers, is fascinating, and exposes me to genuine international English language experiences.

Cultural diversity in the classroom is an indication of the multi-cultural face of this city at large. Wandering in the city’s China Town offers me a taste of Chinese flavor and comforts my nostalgia; talking with people of different colours on a tram makes me feel what a wonderful, varied world it is."

My name is Paul A. Huang.  I was born and brought up in Taiwan (Formosa), where I got an MA degree from the National Chengchi University (Taipei) I completed the Graduate Diploma in English as an International Language and now I am doing my PhD in the Department of Political Science at The University of Melbourne. 

Based on my experience of learning English, I believe that the English language is not only a significant tool for non-native English students, but also an essential bridge between different cultures in Australia and the around the world. Advanced English language skills are important for further study and for professional communication. 

Doing a higher degree at The University of Melbourne for most students is a challenging task and especially so for non-native English students. The main problem is not their research ability, but their English skills. At postgraduate levels of study, students not only have to do a lot of writing, but also need to present their research in different academic seminars during their studies.  Therefore, in order to improve my English skills, I  decided to apply the Graduate Program of English as an International Language before my PhD research. 

During this course, I really made great progress in my English ability, in speaking, writing, reading and listening.  I learnt to communicate more effectively using English and I learnt about how English is used in professional and academic contexts internationally and I graduated with a University of Melbourne award. Some of my fellow classmates continued to study in the program to obtain the Master level ward. Others used the Diploma as a pathway into other postgraduate programs or to improve their chances of getting a better job. 

In short, this course truly made me different and more self-confident in my PhD studies at the University of Melbourne and in my daily life of Australia. I am also confident that it has prepared me well for my future professional life in a world in which high level English language and intercultural communication skills are becoming more and more important.




My name is Mao Ling and I am a journalist from China. When I made the decision to study abroad, I had one goal in mind – to improve my English language and communication skills and to increase my chances of success as a journalist using the English language in China. I chose to study in the Graduate Program in English as an International Language offered by the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne. The program offers much more than I expected!

The more time I have spent in this program, the more I have found that it is tailored to international graduate students. The experienced teaching staff know exactly what practical and theoretical skills we need to prepare ourselves either for further studies or for work internationally. I have not only improved my comprehensive English language skills and intercultural communication abilities, but also gained more insights and perspectives into other cultures and thought patterns.

I enjoy the refreshing teaching style here and all the lecturers are as much our friends as they are our teachers. Instead of simply lecturing us, they like to ask our opinions and listen to our hearts. If there are any difficulties in our studies or life, they are there for us and they assist us to develop our individual strengths.


Mao Ling, successfully completed the Master of English as an International Language course in June 2006 and has since resumed her position as a journalist with the China Daily newspaper.