HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES / LIFE SKILLS: SEEING A VETERINARIAN
LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: SEEING THE VETERINARIAN
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Prescription = A piece of paper on which a doctor writes which medication he/she recommends
Spaying/neutering = Making an animal unable to reproduce (have children); Spaying and neutering is an important step in controlling the number of unwanted pets.
Vet = Short for "veterinarian"
To put to sleep =
To end a life; a veterinarian can put a terminally ill and suffering animal to sleep
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST
Remember to choose the most natural-sounding answer.
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
All his shots are up to date. = The animal has been vaccinated regularly.
You can give her a mild sedative. = You can give her something to calm her down a little.
Your dog is overweight. = Your dog weighs more than he should; he's a little fat.
You don't feed him enough. = You don't give him enough food.
Book a follow-up visit for next week. = Arrange for another visit to the vet to check how the animal is doing.
RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here's a comprehensive guide to immigrant support services in Sydney, Australia - including settlement help, refugee and asylum seeker support, language and employment assistance, and legal/consultation resources for newcomers:
SETTLEMENT & NEWCOMER SUPPORT (FREE & LOW-COST)
GOVERNMENT-FUNDED SETTLEMENT SERVICES
These programs help with practical settlement needs like information, referrals, employment support, English skills, navigating government services, and social inclusion:
• Settlement Services International - Major provider of settlement support including the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) and community engagement activities for newly arrived migrants and refugees in Sydney and NSW. HSP offers tailored case management, help with English, employment, education and community connections.
• Settlement Services International, Bankstown Office - Local branch of SSI offering settlement engagement, referrals, and support close to home.
• Settlement Engagement & Transition Support (SETS) - Delivered by Sydney Multicultural Community Services and partner organisations, SETS provides one-on-one casework, settlement info sessions, employment readiness, English support, citizenship preparation, social support and referrals.
• Edmund Rice Community Services - SETS Program - Tailored settlement support including one-on-one casework to help new migrants navigate services and community resources.
• Multicultural Services (e.g., Cultural Diversity Network Inc.) - Settlement support and community connection programs, with a focus on social inclusion and specialist support for diverse needs including women, elderly and people with disability.
• Metro Assist - Supports migrants and refugees with settlement services focusing on English proficiency, education, job preparation, family and community leadership programs.
• Community Refugee Welcome Centre (Inner West Council) - A safe community space offering programs that help refugees and asylum seekers build connection and integrate into local life.
• Australian Red Cross Settlement Services - Provides humanitarian settlement support including help setting up homes, accessing services, community connections, skills development, and volunteer support.
LEGAL & IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION SERVICES
If you're looking for immigration advice, visa assistance, or help with residency/citizenship processes, these registered professionals and consultants in Sydney can help (note: many charge fees - always check credentials and registration with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) where applicable):
Immigration Law & Migration Agents
• HOPE IMMIGRATION LAWYER SYDNEY - Immigration law firm handling visas, migration law, appeals, and related matters.
• Immigration Advice & Rights Centre - Offers immigration advice and assistance.
• Australian Immigration Specialists - Migration agents supporting visa applications and residency pathways.
• CTA Migration Services - Highly rated migration service provider.
• Sydney Visa, 纽星达教育移民 (悉尼) NewStars Education and Migration (Sydney), eHub International - Sydney, Atlas Migration and others - experienced migration consultants offering visa guidance and support.
Other Providers
• Sydney Immigration & Student Service, Dreams Australia Immigration Services - Gurpinder Chima, Migration Centre of Australia, Immi Response, CDR Australia Vip and others - various immigration and settlement support consultants in Sydney (quality and services vary - check reviews/credentials).
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Specialised Health & Well-Being
• Multicultural & Refugee Health Services (NSW Health) - Refugee health assessments, child and family support, dietetics clinics and mental health services tailored for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Community & Social Support
• Local councils, libraries, community centres and cultural associations offer social groups, language cafes, volunteering opportunities and social inclusion programs across Sydney.
TIPS FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS IN SYDNEY
• Settlement Programs: Government-funded programs like HSP and SETS are free and designed to help you settle, find work, learn English and connect with services.
• Health & Well-Being: NSW Health multicultural services offer tailored support for refugees and migrant families.
• Community Centres: Visit local councils or multicultural centres for events and social support groups.
• Immigration Advice: For complex visa or legal issues, consult a registered migration agent.
