Liwei Zhang took the IELTS Academic test for his university studies.
He moved from Shanghai, China, to the Sunshine Coast, Australia, with his family to fulfill his dreams. Learn how IELTS helped open the door to his new life.
Can you tell us about your background and what motivated you to start this journey (migration, work, study)?
My name is Liwei, and I am in my late 30s, living in Australia with my wife and son. I moved to the beautiful Sunshine Coast from Shanghai eight years ago.
After several years as a chef, I realised I wanted a career that better aligned with my current interests and offered greater opportunities for my family and me. This inspired my transition from the kitchen to the classroom, where I began pursuing a Bachelor of Health Science.
As an immigrant with a foreign education background, I took the IELTS test to meet the language requirements essential for my academic and professional goals.
Learn about IELTS Academic for study
With scores of 9 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 7.5 in Speaking, and 7 in Writing, I met the university's requirements and received an offer.
Liwei, took IELTS to enrol in Bachelor of Health Science program.
What are some key achievements since moving to Australia that you’re most proud of?
One of my greatest achievements since moving to Australia has been successfully transitioning to a new career. In China, I worked as a town planner, but in Australia, I followed my passion for cooking by enrolling in TAFE’s commercial cookery program. Through hard work, I refined my skills and gained the confidence to manage a kitchen.
I’m also proud of embracing Australia’s cultural diversity. I’ve always loved learning about different cultures, languages, and cuisines, and living here has allowed me to connect with people from all over. Over time, I’ve learned some Portuguese, Japanese, and significantly improved my English, which has enriched my perspective and helped me build meaningful relationships.
Read: Pathway to Permanent Residency: Cooking
What are you most proud of in your journey, and what do you hope to achieve next?
I’m most proud of my adaptability, resilience, and willingness to embrace new challenges. These qualities have been key to navigating career transitions and personal growth.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to pursue a career in health science and eventually work as an Environmental Health Officer. I aim to contribute to public health and environmental sustainability, using my skills and experiences to make a positive impact on the community.
While people opt for other tests thinking that it is easier, I chose IELTS because it helped me improve my English skills through the learning process.
IELTS has always been my trusted measure of real English proficiency. Nine years later, I chose it again without hesitation!
Liwei, moved from China to Australia
Read: Why more people choose the quality test
How do you think IELTS has strengthened your confidence in using English in real-life situations?
Preparing for the IELTS test allowed me to reflect on the English I’ve learned in Australia through daily communication. While my vocabulary and pronunciation had improved greatly, I realised my grammar had remained unchanged over the past eight years. The IELTS preparation process motivated me to refine my grammar, boosting my confidence in both work and everyday conversations.
Achieving a 7 in Writing has further strengthened my confidence for future university studies, reassuring me that I can now express myself more clearly and effectively in academic settings.
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How was your experience with a one-on-one Speaking test with a human examiner? Did you feel that the Speaking test allow you to fully express your English-speaking abilities?
It was an amazing experience. The setting was comfortable and relaxed, which helped me feel at ease. Throughout the exam, the examiner provided clear guidance and encouraged me to express my views, especially when I felt overwhelmed by too many ideas. This supportive atmosphere allowed me to focus on communicating effectively, helping me to fully express my English-speaking abilities.
Learn more about the IELTS Speaking test
Yes, I would definitely recommend IELTS to others. It provides a comprehensive assessment of language skills across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. I particularly appreciate the speaking test, as it feels more like a natural conversation, allowing me to effectively demonstrate my speaking abilities.
Additionally, the preparation process for IELTS not only helped improve my test results but also enhanced my overall language skills, which has benefited my work, daily life, and future academic journey.
Liwei, on why IELTS is his preferred test
Like Liwei, millions of other test takers have transformed their dreams into reality with IELTS.
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