Pedro Fernando, Peru

"I was running a security branch in Trujillo when I decided to look into study options in Australia." After extensive research and with the help of information from his family, education agent and the internet he applied to RMIT for his Masters program. Having not met the IELTS requirements, RMIT suggested he undertake English language training at REW as an alternative pathway into his course. Pedro began his EAP studies at REW in April 2011.

"The teachers were helpful and friendly and the class materials were interesting. I liked how they were linked to what I need for studying at university. The education system is so different in Peru and the academic context of the course has really helped prepare me for my further studies."

"I love living in Melbourne and it's so easy to get around the city – the public transport is great. I've also started attending local Australian Rules Football (AFL) matches. My uncle follows Carlton and I now support them too. "

Omar Correa, Mexico

"I won a 20 week tuition scholarship in a competition sponsored by my agent in 2010 and began my studies at REW in January 2011. It was really easy to get a visa as I was well prepared and had all my documentation in order. Google and the REW website were useful for finding information about studying and life in Melbourne. The teachers are really good at grammar and integrating language skills. I also like the conversation classes, you can hear different things from the locals and they can correct you."

"My advice to other students is to try every experience, the cultures in Melbourne are so diverse and you get to meet a lot of people from all over the world."

Pablo Vahos, Colombia

""I am a Computer Engineer originally from Medellin but have spent the last seven years in Bogota, working as a consultant in projects with a communication company." After considerable research, Pablo chose Melbourne for his study, mainly because he had heard so many good things about it. "I needed to take the best option and in the end it was Melbourne." He had lots of advice about language schools from his cousin who lives in Melbourne and a peer, Jorge, with whom he studied in Colombia. Jorge also studied at REW so was able to tell him about the program and skills he would learn at REW.

"I used everything available to me at REW – the ILC, the free conversation classes, the social activities and the online materials. I loved that my teachers were from a variety of backgrounds (Australia, America, England and Malta), which gave me the opportunity to be exposed to a full range of accents. I also learnt a lot about different cultures from my class mates. Melbourne is a great place to study and live, there are many opportunities to work and there are many parallels between Australian and Colombian culture which makes it easy to integrate with society."

Tatiana Aparicio, Colombia

"I come from Bogota and have studied at REW for six months in 2009 and 2010. Having studied and worked hard at my engineering and project management career, I decided to study English in Melbourne to help improve my employment prospects." Her company has partners in the US so improved English will help her communicate better with them. "Business and academic styles (of writing) are related so writing an essay will help with writing a business report. I like the online materials, especially the videos and listening practice."

Tatiana shares a house with five other people from Australia and New Zealand and recommends this as great way to improve your listening and speaking skills. "REW's location is close to everything and the public transport is easy. It also has a good reputation and I can enjoy the city when I'm not studying or working."