What a remarkably resilient group of people our wonderful English as an Additional Language (EAL) students are!
Mardi Holland says that while escaping a violent regime is positive, the difference in food, money, transport, weather, and levels of freedom can be overwhelming for EAL students. Faces, language, clothing, resources, classroom set-up and expectations are all new.
BSSC works hard to soften the culture shock experienced by many of our EAL students when they come to Australia. One way is to make sure students have wonderfully enjoyable experiences—such as the trip to Gariwerd (the Grampians) they are enjoying this week.
It’s also educational in that students have applied their maths and literacy skills to organise all the accommodation and the itinerary for this trip.
It’s very different living in a refugee camp surrounded by people with the same language, culture, and experiences, compared to living in a house in Bendigo where you may know none of your neighbours. Especially so for those who don’t yet have the language to talk about how this feels.
EAL students often become the strongest English speakers in their families. This is particularly important for family members needing medical appointments—and a huge responsibility for our students.
BSSC’s Multicultural Aides really shine as they provide connection between the old and the new, supporting students at school to give it their best.
If other BSSC students want an exercise in building understanding about how culture shock feels, take a moment to imagine waking up tomorrow in a country whose language and culture is a complete mystery to you.
Look out for our next articles introducing the great work of BSSC’s Karen Multicultural Aides, Mu Soe and Tha Lan, who contribute so much as classroom assistants, through individual student support, and as interpreters—and who have their own incredible stories to tell.
… and say ‘hello’ today.
