SBS Learn English launches series to help new migrants with the Australian citizenship test

SBS Learn English launches series to help new migrants with the Australian citizenship test – SBS Learn English, a free multilingual English adult language learning service, has launched a new video and podcast series available in over 10 languages to help new migrants successfully complete the Australian citizenship test regardless of their English level.

The four-part series, called Australian Citizenship, covers the topics of Australia’s people, democratic rights, government and law, and cultural values. Content is aligned to the official government booklet ’Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond’ and includes a special podcast episode on First Nations people.

The videos are hosted by Wiradjuri warriors and actors Luke Carroll and Angeline Penrith, who explain important colloquial vocabulary such as ‘fair go’ and ‘mateship’ and simplify complex concepts including ‘referendum’ and ‘double majority’ in an easy-to-understand and entertaining format for diverse audiences.

“Taking the Australian citizenship test is one of the most important milestones in the migrant journey and we know it can be a daunting task, especially for those who are still learning English and come from diverse backgrounds,”

– said David Hua, SBS Director of Audio and Language Content.

“That’s why we created our multilingual Australian Citizenship video and podcast series to make the process as accessible and engaging as possible. It’s the combination of Australian cultural information and English language learning that makes this resource so relevant and empowering for new migrants.”

The accompanying multilingual podcast series features conversations in-language between people who have taken the citizenship test and those who are preparing for it, with each sharing their real-life experiences. This includes diverse stories in Cantonese, English, Filipino and Hindi which build on the video topics.

The 6-7 minute videos are subtitled in 11 languages: Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Filipino, Gujarati, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Punjabi, Urdu and Vietnamese. These languages were selected based on statistical data of those who gained Australian citizenship in 2021/2022.

“Many migrants, like myself, are really nervous about taking the citizenship test. It’s so helpful to hear real life experiences from people who have been through the process,”

– said TJ Correa, SBS Filipino Producer who features on the podcast series.

“Even if you’re an expert English speaker, SBS’s Australian Citizenship series is a valuable resource for those who are eager to become new citizens and it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of feeling that you belong and are accepted.”

The Australian Citizenship series is available now on the SBS Learn English website and SBS Audio app (App store | Google Play). Or link to video episodes i) Australia and its people; ii) Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights and liberties; iii) Government and the law in Australia; iv) Australian values. Podcast episodes available in Cantonese, English, Filipino and Hindi.