Refugee Language Program
Many of our students come from violent, wartorn countries where they accumulate physical, emotional and psychological scars they continue to carry as they start their new lives in Australia.
Our program provides opportunities that aren’t available to them anywhere else. As well as free English language classes, we aim to break down social barriers for refugees by introducing them to Australian ideas and customs, and providing reading materials, social activities and volunteer mentors. Wherever possible, we guide these students in finding work.
After working with just two students, I can see how indispensable a resource the Program is for them. They get language, social, cultural and emotional support that might otherwise be inaccessible
About the program
The Refugee Language Program offers face-to-face tutoring for a wide range of language abilities on Wednesday evenings at Sydney University. The next program will run from 17 July to 4 September 2024. We also offer community one-on-one tutoring with a designated tutor. These sessions usually take place at a local library or public meeting place. Tutoring via Zoom is also available. For more information about any of these options please contact RLP.admin@sydney.edu.au.
My student and I have been continuing our twice weekly evening zoom tutoring sessions which I really enjoy. She is so committed, eager and hardworking! We use most of the materials that you send, with a particular focus on the pronunciation, listening and writing skills that assist her at work.
Our students have come from more than 60 different countries including Sudan, Iraq, Syria, Iran, China, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
Our tutors and mentors are university staff, students, alumni and local community members and like our students, they are a joy to work with.
If you have any questions about volunteering as a tutor or applying to be a student, please email the program coordinators at RLP.admin@sydney.edu.au.
Additional information
To refer a client, please download and complete the student application form (pdf, 150KB) with them and email RLP.admin@sydney.edu.au. We will contact your client so we can assess their language skills and place them in a class or on our waiting list.
Applications for volunteering in 2024 have closed. If you would like to be contacted about volunteer opportunities with the Refugee Language Program in 2025, please follow the link below and complete the online Expression of Interest (EoI) form.
Support us
We depend entirely on private donations to fund our work.
By supporting the Refugee Language Program, you will be offering refugees access to important opportunities, and giving asylum seekers and refugees the chance to make a home in Australia.