Using interviews with adult migrants over a period of two years, the authors look at how undertaking an English as a second language (ESL) class helps to facilitate integration into Australian society.

Overall, not being competent and confident in speaking English was seen by all (migrants and ESL teachers) as the biggest barrier to integration. If migrants were confident in speaking English they were able to find employment, move into mainstream study and engage more in social activities. This paper was funded through an academic scholarship as part of NCVER's Building Researcher Capacity Program.

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