VU English

We offer a range of programs to help you improve and extend your English language skills in our vibrant Independent Learning Centre (ILC).

Our centre has a full-time coordinator who offers specialised support and free lunchtime skills classes.

Skills program

Improve your writing, reading, grammar and pronunciation skills in our free lunchtime skills classes. We run classes each week during lunchtime.

Classes are limited to 15 students and are free of charge.

They are generally held on a "first-come-first-served" basis using the sign-up sheets on the noticeboard.

One-on-one study support

Our one-on-one study support is customised to focus on areas that you need to improve.

It can help you to better understand your course material.

These 30-minute sessions are available outside of class times and can be booked with the Independent Learning Centre Coordinator.

Online learning program

Our online learning program helps you control your own learning.

You can choose from a range of online learning materials including independent learning packages, links to useful ESL websites, videos and audio files.

We run weekly information sessions on how to use online programs in the Independent Learning Centre.

We encourage a learning environment that extends beyond the classroom.

You can take part in a range of social and sporting activities, join clubs and meet new friends. For every intake, VU English offers social activities such as:

• cooking classes
• rock climbing
• field trips
• social media competitions.

We post about upcoming activities and events on on Facebook page.

Participation is voluntary. Additional costs may be charged; however, every effort is made to keep these activities affordable for all students

We have many support services to help make your stay as enjoyable as possible, including:

• English skills programs
• accommodation and employment advice
• personal and academic counselling
• social activities and programs
• support and encouragement
• free airport reception service when you arrive in Melbourne (please pre-book).

Find out more about support services for international students.

Dianne Mckeagney, Director, VU English

Dianne has more than 20 years' experience in international education. In addition to teaching in Australia, she has taught English in Japan, China, Vietnam and Indonesia. She has a Master of Education in TESOL and has been an IELTS examiner for more than 10 years.

Dianne loves travel, film, music and tap dancing.

Hilda Cove, Program Manager, Teaching & Learning

Hilda has worked at Victoria University (VU) for several years in a variety of roles. Before working in her current position, she was the Senior Project Officer (Offshore) and was based in Beijing where she oversaw VU’s partner university programs across China. She has also been Course Coordinator and ELICOS teacher with VU English and she is an experienced IELTS examiner and test administrator.

Hilda is an avid traveller.

Carla Bardella, Director of Studies

Carla has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) specialising in sociology and Italian language and postgraduate studies in TESOL and Italian education.  She has taught on all programs at VUE and has extensive experience teaching in China and Hong Kong and examining speaking and writing for IELTS.

Her passions include reading, swimming, cooking and dance and spending time with her family: Mark, Lucia and Emiliano.

Sarah Sutton, Independent Learning Centre Coordinator

Sarah has over a decade of experience teaching English, including roles in Indonesia and Italy. For the past seven years, she has been teaching at Victoria University across a range of levels, and she is now the Independent Learning Centre Coordinator. 

She thoroughly enjoys planning fun social activities for students, as well as supporting them to achieve their academic goals. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Business (Management) and a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. 

She enjoys travel, cooking, and live music. 

Matthew Truelove

Matthew graduated from his Bachelor of English Literature in 1998. He worked in London for seven years before completing his postgraduate teacher training and moving to Australia. He taught in the Gold Coast and Sydney before moving to Melbourne and joining Victoria University in 2008.

He enjoys playing the guitar and taking his two sons, Oscar and Harvey, to the beach.

Richard Holland

Richard's first job after leaving university was as a high school French teacher in Harare, Zimbabwe. After re-locating to the UK, he qualified as an EFL teacher and spent 10 years in the Middle East. He migrated to Australia in 2003 and starting work at Victoria University. He enjoys teaching the higher levels of English and particularly enjoys working on the English for Academic Purposes course.

Richard likes swimming, running, yoga and good cinema.

Netra Dave, Senior Administrative Officer

Netra brings over 12 years of expertise in professional administration and three years of teaching experience at Commerce and Management Colleges in India. She earned her Master’s degree in Business Administration in 2008 and was appointed as a lecturer to teach MBA students, demonstrating her strong credentials as a business administration professional.

She enjoys cooking, going on bike rides, engaging in arts and crafts activities, discovering creative approaches to drafting administrative tasks and leveraging MS 365 tools, techniques, and project management solutions.