When Mayumi Hiyoshi moved from Japan to Melbourne three years ago to care for her mother-in-law with dementia, she never imagined she would be receiving an Outstanding Foundation Student of the Year award for her Certificate III in EAL (Access) 22640VIC studies at Melbourne Polytechnic.
Coming from a countryside area in Japan where diversity was limited, Mayumi found herself in what her teacher Mary described as "a small Australia" within the classroom. Her classmates represented many different countries and cultures, providing her with invaluable exposure to Australia's multicultural landscape.
Mayumi recalls a key moment in her studies was "a presentation in front of all the classmates." Mayumi was nervous because she had never done a presentation in English in front of an audience before. The presentation to 35 EAL (English as an Additional Language) classmates marked a turning point in increasing her confidence and communication skills.
What set Mayumi apart as an outstanding student was her determination to apply her English learning beyond the classroom. She actively communicated with parents at her children's school and cricket team, demonstrating the practical application of her language skills in real community settings.
Mayumi describes the classroom environment like a cocoon, "We are protected, [a] safe place to make mistakes...But I tried to communicate to my boys’ cricket team and school," Mayumi explains. This willingness to step outside her comfort zone and continue challenging herself with English communication caught her teacher's attention and contributed to her recognition.
Melbourne Polytechnic's Certificate III in EAL (Access) 22640VIC program provided Mayumi with more than just language instruction. Through the onsite Skills and Jobs Centre at Melbourne Polytechnic, she accessed resume writing workshops, interview practice and one-on-one career counselling services for free.
After attending an Adult Learner Week workshop run by Darebin Council, Mayumi realised she needed additional professional support to be able to start searching for employment. The Skills and Jobs Centre staff provided personalised assistance that proved instrumental in her career success.
Just three months after completing her course in December 2024, Mayumi secured employment as a home care support worker with Darebin Council. Her background as a dietitian at a rehabilitation hospital in Japan, combined with her newly-developed English communication skills, made her an ideal candidate for this role.
"I learned how to fill out forms and many things about Australian culture and history," Mayumi reflects on her comprehensive learning experience. This knowledge now helps her communicate effectively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds in her new role.
The learning experience extended beyond Mayumi herself. Her children, who were born and raised in Japan, have embraced the Australian education system's creative and collaborative approach, which differs significantly from the rote learning methods they experienced in Japan.
Living in Preston, Mayumi has developed a deep appreciation for local parks and creek paths. Her youngest son's interest in cricket introduced her to the sport, and she successfully learned to score entire cricket games despite having no prior knowledge of the sport.
Receiving the Outstanding Foundation Student of the Year award 2025 was "wonderful and I couldn't believe it," according to Mayumi. The recognition validated her hard work and dedication to not just learning English but fully integrating into Australian society.
Mayumi's story demonstrates how Melbourne Polytechnic's EAL programs provide comprehensive support for new migrants, combining language instruction with practical applications and cultural integration opportunities. Her success serves as inspiration for other migrant students embarking on similar journeys in Australian education.
Melbourne Polytechnic is proud to congratulate Mayumi on her achievements, and we look forward to seeing her success continue in her adopted home.
Our EAL (English as an Additional Language) department delivers English language courses through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program.