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Media release
TAFE NSW Ultimo | 25 March 2026
Iranian Migrant Reclaims Career in Australia
‘After a few months of studying, one day I received a phone call, and I answered it. I understood the questions and could reply. I was so proud of myself and it felt like a new freedom’
Nafiseh Javani, TAFE NSW Ultimo
After arriving in Australia in 2024 with limited English, Nafiseh Javani found just answering her phone overwhelming.
Before migrating to join her husband, Nafiseh had been studying architecture in her homeland, Iran. She was dreaming of a future working in modern building design. Once in Australia, language quickly became her biggest barrier.
“I couldn’t speak English very well, which made things difficult for me. Even daily activities were challenging, so I needed to find a way to make life easier,” Nafiseh said.
Determined to settle into her new life, she enrolled in several English courses at TAFE NSW Ultimo, including the Certificate II and Certificate III in Spoken and Written English. These are offered as part of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
“Before studying at TAFE NSW, when someone called my phone, I couldn’t answer because I couldn’t understand them or speak clearly,” Nafiseh said. “After a few months studying, one day I received a phone call, and I answered it. I understood the questions and could reply. I was so proud of myself and it felt like a new freedom.”
“I had three teachers who really cared about me and helped so much. They were supportive, kind, and made learning easier, which truly improved my confidence.”
TAFE NSW English teacher Erika Ceballos said Nafiseh’s determination made her a standout student.
“Nafiseh is exactly why programs like AMEP matter. She came to us with ambition, but language was the barrier. Once her English developed, her skills and drive really shone through. She’s a great example of how quickly people can contribute when given the right support,” Erika said.
Now confidently communicating in English, Nafiseh is pushing ahead with her studies in architecture and building design. While studying a Certificate IV in Residential Drafting last year, her townhouse design was chosen for the class to work on in detail – something that boosted her confidence further.
“I’m now working to complete my Diploma of Building Design at TAFE NSW, which will help me continue on the path I started when I studied architecture in Iran,” she said. “I hope to find my dream job - designing buildings for a big company and exploring my love of modern architecture.”
She encourages other migrants facing similar challenges to seek support through education, as she did.
“If you can’t speak English very well, consider studying the AMEP program at TAFE NSW. The teachers are great, and the course gives you the confidence to speak well and overcome language barriers.”
Media contact: Rob Virtue, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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