Nhan Cao took IELTS as part of his move from Vietnam to Australia. More than meeting his visa and study requirements, IELTS helped him build confidence in real conversations, adjust to a new school system and complete VCE. Read his journey below!
Can you tell us about your background and what motivated you to start this journey?
I grew up in Vietnam and decided to move to Australia to pursue a different education pathway. Taking the IELTS test became an essential first step for both immigration requirements and school enrolment.
What are some key achievements since moving to Australia that you’re most proud of?
One of the biggest achievements is successfully completing the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), despite joining the system quite late. Adapting to a new country and a whole new style of schooling was challenging. However, I am proud of the friendships I have built and the improvement in my English skills.
What are you most proud of in your journey, and what do you hope to achieve next?
I am proud of how resilient I have become throughout the journey. Moving countries as a teenager was never easy. I am glad that I stayed focused and pushed through the challenges.
My next goal is to continue my studies at university in Australia, explore a career here, and ultimately contribute back to the communities that supported me.
How did the IELTS/OSR help you achieve your academic, professional, or immigration goals in Australia? Did you get the results you needed to achieve your goals?
IELTS played a crucial role in my transition to Australia. It was required for both my student visa and my school application, so achieving the required scores allowed me to start my journey smoothly.
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Why did you choose to take the IELTS test over PTE?
I am particularly impressed by the Speaking module, which allows me to speak to an actual examiner. Speaking to a human feels much more natural and better supports me to express. I also felt that a live interaction would give me a more accurate assessment of my English skills, rather than relying on a computer to evaluate my speech.
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How do you think IELTS has strengthened your confidence in using English in real-life situations?
Preparing for IELTS helped me practice English in a very structured way, especially in listening and speaking. I found myself more confident in everyday conversations, participating in class discussions, and giving presentations.
How was your experience with a one-on-one Speaking test with a human examiner? Did you feel that the Speaking test allowed you to fully express your English-speaking abilities?
Honestly, the one-on-one Speaking test was one of the best parts of the IELTS experience.
The examiner made the conversation feel natural, which helped me speak more freely. I definitely felt that the test let me express myself clearly, show my personality and demonstrate my ability to communicate in real English conversations.
Know more about the IELTS Speaking test
How would you rate the support you received from IELTS?
It was excellent. Every test centre staff member was friendly and professional, and the whole process from registration to receiving results was straightforward. Also, the wealth of preparation materials was really impressive, especially for the sample tests and practice questions.
I would definitely recommend IELTS to others. I would emphasise the reliability of the test and especially the fairness of the marking systems, particularly the Speaking test with a human examiner.
IELTS does resemble how you use English in real life, making it a great choice for students, workers, or anyone planning to move abroad.
Nhan, on why he would recommend IELTS to other test taker.
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