English Language Matters News

Petra's Endorsement            Mon 16 Jan 06

Petra and her daughter Klara with IELTS Teacher Jenny Rufaut and Principal Sharron Verberne Heazlewood.

The last six months... I came to Dunedin with my family from Germany, not really knowing what to expect from the country being away from my home country as far as possible on this planet.

I had been living in another English speaking country (US) more than half a decade ago, but still, it was quite a shock to be confronted again with a different system that forced me to refresh and upgrade my English.

Fortunately, people in New Zealand were very friendly, supportive and - above all - very child-friendly, which helped to overcome the initial strangeness. But then, this time I am not a student or postdoc any more. I have my own family now and serious matters begin: How to obtain registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand in order to work here as an obstetrician or gynecologist.

The first hurdle is an English test called IELTS ("International English Language Testing System" ). After struggling on my own with preparations for that test, luckily someone recommended an institution to me that turned out to be of tremendous help not only in preparing for the test, but also in getting settled into Dunedin: The "English Language Matters Ltd" in Princes Street, Dunedin, founded and managed by Mrs. Sharron Verberne Heazlewood. This wonderful teacher who has amongst other qualities the professional capability to accumulate a friendly and efficient team of teaching and general staff. This team accompanies foreigners in their individual requirements and on all levels of proficiency in English in a way I have not come across ever before.

When I came first to the school I felt integrated very quickly into a culturally and in terms of language ability heterogenous group of students, due to the very sensitive teaching method of my teacher.

We all became part of the class, fascinated and carried away during her lessons, because of her way of communicating with us on a very personal level and at the same time being very precise and determined in teaching the material required to pass that difficult exam sooner or later. I was lucky to pass the test after a few weeks due to the excellent preparation by this school. I am very grateful for this positive experience.

Petra T. Schmitt, MD

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