HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES / LIFE SKILLS: SEEING A DOCTOR
LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: GOING TO THE DOCTOR
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
House calls = When a doctor visits a patient at the patient's house
Ache = Pain
Immune system =
The parts of the body that fight illnesses, infections, etc.
Dehydrated = The state of not having enough water in your body
Side effect = A secondary effect, often negative, that a medicine or procedure might cause
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST
Remember to choose the most natural-sounding answer.
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
You have food poisoning. = You've eaten something that made you sick.
I'm going to refer you to a specialist. = I'm going to send you to see a doctor that specializes in your illness/condition.
You'll have to fast for 12 hours. = You won't be able to eat for 12 hours.
You have an iron deficiency. = You don't have enough iron (in your blood).
The tests were inconclusive. = The tests didn't have a clear positive or negative result.
RESOURCES FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here's a comprehensive list of useful resources and support services for new immigrants in Melbourne, Australia - especially focused on settlement help, community support, language, employment and more:
SETTLEMENT & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES
1. Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre
A long-standing service offering migration, settlement and family support including help with finding a job, bringing family members, youth support and aged care services. Staff speak many languages.
2. Jesuit Social Services - Settlement Program
Assists newly arrived refugees and migrants with casework support, referrals, local connections, housing, information on life in Australia, workshops, and community groups, especially in Melbourne's western suburbs.
3. Uniting Vic.Tas - New Arrival Support
Provides practical support for newly arrived people including help with essentials (food, housing), referrals, legal advice, English & computer classes, social groups and connection programs.
4. Migrant Resource Centre North-West Region - SETS
The Settlement, Engagement & Transition Services (SETS) assists newcomers, including refugees and family migrants, with casework, information sessions, community activities and capacity building.
5. Refugee & Migrant Communities Network (RMCN)
Community-based organisation supporting newly arrived migrants and refugees (especially from diverse backgrounds) with advocacy, life skills education, case support and social groups.
LANGUAGE, EDUCATION, & EMPLOYMENT
• Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
Government-funded English classes available to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants - free or low-cost courses to build language skills and help participation in work and community life.
• English & Vocational Training via AMES Australia
AMES offers settlement support, English language courses, vocational training and employment services in multiple locations around Melbourne.
YOUTH & FAMILY SUPPORT
• Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)
Supports young people and families from migrant/refugee backgrounds with counselling, group work, education & employment pathways, helping overcome isolation and barriers.
OTHER HELPFUL SETTLEMENT SERVICES IN VICTORIA
(Listed by the Victorian government as support links for migrants/refugees)
• Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne) - support services and settlement info in eastern suburbs. DFFH Services
• Migrant Resource Centre (Southern Region) - settlement and community support in south-east Melbourne. DFFH Services
• New Hope Foundation (Victoria) - assistance programs for refugees and migrants. DFFH Services
• Refugee Council of Australia - national body with resources and advocacy (not Melbourne-specific but valuable). DFFH Services
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS
• Settlement services usually focus on the first five years after arrival. Jesuit Social Services
• Interpreter services are often available free or low-cost through many organisations so you can get help in your language.
• Local councils in Melbourne also run multicultural and community programs - check your local council's community services section.
