Students from 35 countries, ranging in age, English proficiency and education, are seated inside. For Adult Migrant English Program course coordinator and teacher Philomena Govias, the challenge is to help new arrivals get to know the lingo of Australia.

‘‘There are a lot of cultural and language barriers to start with,’’ she says. ‘‘But we work through that.’’

The program teaches students the language along with snippets of Australian history. The newly arrived migrants also learn about cultural icons – such as the Australian and Aboriginal flags, songs like Waltzing Matilda and Advance Australia Fair, and about native flora and fauna. In the lead up to Australia Day on January 26, Govias says students learn about what the day signifies.

‘‘I think most students have a fair idea of what Australia Day is,’’ she says. ‘‘Most of them want to learn about Australian culture because this is their adopted country and this is where many will live now for the rest of their lives, so they would like to make the most of it.’’

Students also learn about the basics of life in Australia, covering subjects like law and order, current affairs and how to utilise support systems such as Centrelink and Medicare.

Although there’s plenty of hard work for the students, teachers are also challenged, as they need to teach in a way that’s sensitive to cultural differences in such a diverse class.

‘‘Many students have come from war-torn areas where they’ve had real difficulties with trust of power, so that’s something we have to work through to earn that trust from students.’’

Govias has taught at NMIT for 20 years and has coordinated the program for 13 years, and says she loves seeing the students improve.

‘‘They all make progress one way or the other and it’s in their confidence more than in their language,’’ she says. ‘‘It’s one of the most rewarding jobs I think you could have.’’