Practical English Courses for New Migrants to Australia

English for daily life: 31 real-life lessons

Each lesson teaches the phrases you'll actually hear and need, with audio, notes and a quick quiz.

• Visiting a GP & bulk billing

  Book an appointment, ask about bulk billing, explain symptoms and pick up medicine at the chemist.

• Centrelink & Services Australia

  Your CRN, myGov, claiming payments and reporting your income every fortnight.

• Renting & inspections

  Rental applications, bond, open inspections and asking for repairs.

• Job interviews & workplace

  Talk about experience, availability, your TFN, super and Aussie workplace culture.

• Public transport

  Opal, Myki and go cards, tapping on and off, peak times and thanking the driver.

• Supermarket & shopping

  Checkout chat, bags, rewards cards, cash out, refunds and a Bunnings snag.

• Opening a bank account

  Open an everyday account, get a debit card and understand BSB and account numbers.

• Getting a phone & SIM plan

  Prepaid vs postpaid, data allowances and keeping your number.

• Enrolling kids at school

  Catchment areas, uniforms, school terms and talking to the teacher.

• Childcare & kindy

  Find a daycare place, ask about the Child Care Subsidy and drop-off routines.

• Calling 000 in an emergency

  Ask for police, fire or ambulance and give clear details fast.

• At the chemist

  Over-the-counter medicine, dosage instructions and the PBS.

• A trip to the dentist

  Book a check-up, describe tooth pain and ask about costs.

• Hospital emergency department

  Triage, waiting times and explaining what happened.

• Getting a driver's licence

  Convert an overseas licence, book tests and learn road rules.

• Rego & the mechanic

  Car registration, booking a service and asking for a quote.

• Tax return & the ATO

  Lodge your tax return through myGov and claim work deductions.

• At the post office

  Send parcels overseas, collect a missed delivery and buy stamps.

• Ordering coffee at a café

  Flat white, long black and ordering like a local.

• Eating out & BYO

  Book a table, order, ask about allergies and split the bill.

• At the hairdresser

  Explain the haircut you want and make small talk.

• Meeting the neighbours

  Say hello, make small talk and ask politely about noise or parking.

• Invited to a barbie

  Accept invites, 'bring a plate' and fit in at an Aussie BBQ.

• Beach safety

  Swim between the flags, spot rips and ask the lifeguard.

• Heat, bushfire & storm warnings

  Understand fire danger ratings, heatwaves and emergency alerts.

• Electricity, gas & internet

  Connect utilities when you move in and understand your bills.

• Bins & the local council

  Bin night, recycling rules and booking a council clean-up.

• Enrolling in TAFE or AMEP

  Free English classes (AMEP), TAFE courses and recognising qualifications.

• Pay slips & workplace rights

  Minimum wage, penalty rates and asking about your pay.

• Calling about a job ad

  Phone an employer, ask about a role and follow up your resume.

• Airport & domestic flights

  Check in, baggage, security and declaring food at customs.

Adult ESL Australia: listening and speaking practice

Migrant language skills, in your language

Translations and explanations in nine languages. Read about MateLingo in yours:

Common questions

Bringing children? See interactive English practice for young children at home.