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A new technology-driven approach is transforming how international students learn English, particularly the technical language required in complex fields like engineering, to help them better adapt to study and work in Australia. By leveraging immersive virtual reality (i-VR) technology, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) have developed an innovative solution that creates discipline-specific scenarios for students. This enables them to practice both their engineering skills and the profession’s specialised language in a simulated environment.
Immersive virtual reality (i-VR) technology employs headsets and controllers, allowing users to navigate and interact within a wide variety of virtual environments. In the context of this educational initiative, i-VR provides realistic, job-relevant scenarios where students can engage with and apply engineering concepts. This includes not just general English, but more crucially, the specific technical terminology and academic language used in the engineering profession. This technological intervention is designed to support international students in mastering language skills that are critical for their success in both academic and professional settings.
The project is timely, addressing two major challenges: the English proficiency levels of international students studying in Australian universities, and the country’s acute shortage of skilled engineers. Australia is currently facing a significant shortfall in engineering professionals, with demand far exceeding the available supply. Nearly 63% of the nation’s engineering workforce is composed of migrants, underscoring Australia’s dependence on international talent to fill gaps in its labour market. As the country competes globally to attract skilled engineers, this innovative approach could help ensure a steady stream of job-ready graduates.
UniSA researcher and PhD candidate Ada Yao emphasised that the i-VR language modules are designed to upskill international students and contribute to Australia’s pipeline of highly qualified engineering professionals. Yao highlights that despite the growing need for engineers, only a small percentage of secondary students in Australia – between 6% and 12% – choose to study STEM subjects. This imbalance between supply and demand is a significant concern, with engineering bodies predicting that Australia could face a shortfall of 200,000 engineers by 2040. This shortage could delay crucial infrastructure projects and negatively affect economic growth.
International students, particularly those in STEM fields like engineering, represent an essential resource for addressing this skills gap. However, engineering courses present unique challenges for non-native English speakers, as they require students to understand and articulate complex technical concepts. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in technical terms is critical, both for academic success and for future employment. Through i-VR, international students can engage with complex material in a structured, immersive environment that facilitates not only language learning but also the mastery of engineering concepts.
The i-VR project is currently being piloted in collaboration with An De College in China, targeting Chinese students who are preparing to study in Australia. The i-VR language modules are tailored to different stages of a student’s academic journey: before arrival in Australia, during the transition period, and once they are settled at their host institution. This comprehensive, phased approach ensures that students receive the support they need at critical points in their educational experience.
The i-VR technology provides a valuable, realistic, and relevant context for developing English language skills, as it mirrors the environments students will encounter in their studies and professional careers. Although the focus is currently on engineering modules, Yao notes that the i-VR platform could easily be adapted for other disciplines, offering a flexible tool for teaching the specialised language of various professions.
