Season’s Greetings: Looking Back, Moving Forward

We have arrived at the end of the year.

For most NEAS members in Australia this has been a year of radical change brought about by external factors. I know that many will be looking to the year with some trepidation. Some of our members have ceased activity. There is no avoiding the serious concern that this brings all of us. On the other hand, opportunity is almost always a result of change.

At NEAS, we continue to build community across national borders bringing our growing international member base in touch with our Australian centres. Quality transnational education and global partnerships founded in continuous improvement has become an exciting topic of conversation and activity. NEAS also continues to maintain strong relationships with government.

The new year brings much promise.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the NEAS staff, our independent assessors, the NEAS board, the Advisory Council and all our loyal, passionate NEAS followers.

I want to wish you all the best for the festive season and I remain excited about what I expect to be a bright and promising new year. 

Adam Kilburn
Chief Executive Officer
NEAS Australia

December 2024

Congratulations to the University of New England (UNE) English Language Centre!

NEAS congratulates the University of New England (UNE) English Language Centre on successfully completing their 2024 Online Delivery Self-Assessment and reaffirming their Quality Endorsement.

The centre has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to enhancing online education by introducing hybrid classrooms equipped with OWL camera systems, fostering engaging and inclusive interactions between remote and in-person students, and promoting individualised 1:1 meetings with academic staff.

Additionally, UNE is piloting innovative learning strategies, such as gamified tasks, incorporating Cambridge One resources for automated feedback, and refining lesson design to reduce cognitive load. The integration of a 5-week Research Skills component into EAP programs and the support of a dedicated Digital Engagement Officer further highlight their commitment to digital literacy and student success.

December 2024

Congratulations to Explore English!

NEAS congratulates Explore English on successfully completing their 2024 Quality Review and confirming their continued Quality Endorsement.

Through the NEAS Self-Assessment process, the centre has demonstrated a strong commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in education. Explore English has outlined plans to enhance their operations, including incorporating regular validation and moderation meetings, and refining evaluation processes to align with syllabus learning outcomes.

Explore English is also integrating teacher feedback into operational improvements aiming to elevate the student experience. Additionally, the centre is fostering a culture of professional growth by allocating budgets for staff development, reintroducing peer observations, and establishing a Staff Social Club to encourage collaboration and engagement. These initiatives reflect Explore English’s proactive approach to quality assurance.

December 2024

Congratulations to Saint Stephen’s College!

NEAS congratulates Saint Stephen’s College on becoming its most recent quality endorsed centre.

The quality endorsement commended the college’s expertly designed curriculum, tailored to support student success, and its robust planning for the upcoming standalone ELICOS program.

Key strengths include a dedicated International Administration unit that ensures personalised support, advanced administrative systems such as a comprehensive Learning Management System, and innovative community-building initiatives through extracurricular programs like music, sports, and cultural activities. The College’s commitment to staff professional development and its strategic expansion plans further underline its dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Congratulations to Saint Stephen’s College on this significant milestone!

December 2024

Congratulations to UOW College!

Congratulations to UOW College on completing a successful quality review activity with NEAS.

UOW College Australia recently completed its NEAS 2024 Self-Assessment, demonstrating a commitment to quality enhancement and ongoing development. The self-assessment included plans to develop additional resources and provide staff training to ensure students are placed in courses that reflect their language proficiency and learning goals. The College also aims to re-activate its Master Practitioner SIG, fostering a culture of professional growth and collaboration among staff.

December 2024

Congratulations to Shafston International College!

NEAS congratulates Shafston International College on completing a quality review activity and dedication to excellence in education.

Shafston International College recently completed its NEAS 2024 Self-Assessment, reflecting a strong commitment to continuous improvement and quality assurance.

The self-assessment included plans to implement a targeted student outcomes survey and enhanced staff training to strengthen course evaluation processes. The College also prioritises student well-being, with initiatives to improve support services and update student information resources. With a focus on optimising teaching resources, Shafston aims to ensure that a diverse range of student learning needs are met.

December 2024

Congratulations to Albright Institute of Business and Language Sydney and Melbourne!

Congratulations to Albright Institute of Business and Language Sydney and Melbourne on completing a successful quality review activity.

Albright Institute of Business and Language recently completed its NEAS 2024 Self-Assessment, demonstrating commendable self-reflection and commitment to continuous improvement.

The Self-Assessment included plans to enhance course delivery through proprietary teaching resources and structured assessment moderation. The centre has also shared initiatives to support active student engagement, such as creating detailed course presentation templates and an external activity calendar, showcasing a proactive approach to enriching the learning experience.

The Self-Assessment also included a focus on staff development demonstrating the Institute’s dedication to cultivating a thriving performance culture. NEAS congratulates Albright on its continued Quality Endorsement and efforts to uphold excellence in education.

December 2024

Congratulations to NOVA Institute of Technology (Adelaide and Sydney)!

NEAS Congratulates NOVA Institute of Technology on its recent Quality Endorsement of its Adelaide and Sydney centres.

NOVA Institute of Technology is a multi-campus VET provider with General English (GE) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) offered at its main Melbourne campus and additional Adelaide and Sydney campuses.

The Adelaide campus, located in the vibrant CBD, provides easy access to public transport, shops, and entertainment venues, creating a welcoming environment for its diverse international student body. The Adelaide campus boasts modern facilities, including well-resourced classrooms a spacious student area equipped with microwaves, a refrigerator, complimentary tea and coffee, and a vending machine. As a Study Adelaide member, the campus leverages local initiatives to enrich the international student experience, while maintaining strong links with the centrally managed Melbourne campus for resource management and strategic planning.

NOVA Institute of Technology’s Parramatta campus, located in Sydney’s rapidly evolving western suburbs, offers a modern learning environment complemented by convenient access to public transport, shopping hubs, and the vibrant redevelopment of the area. Opened in July 2023, the campus currently hosts students across three General English (GE) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes, held in the late afternoon and evening.

The campus features a welcoming central student area, promoting social interaction among peers and staff, and is supported by a strong professional development framework for teachers, including regular assessment validation and peer observations.

December 2024

Congratulations to Education First (EF) Perth!

NEAS congratulates Education First (EF) Perth on the successful completion of a Quality Review.

EF Language School, Perth, is part of EF, Education First, a global network of English language centres with centralised syllabi, assessment processes, student accommodation, and marketing. The Perth campus welcomes students from countries including France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Japan.

The campus comprises two centrally located buildings in Perth’s CBD, close to public transport hubs. The main building combines heritage charm with modern, well-designed classrooms and student facilities, providing spaces for study, relaxation, and social activities.

EF Perth demonstrated strengths in course design, teaching quality, and student support. Its programs are guided by a structured syllabus and well-aligned assessments, offering students clear learning pathways. A supportive learning environment includes academic workshops, individual consultations, and a comprehensive orientation process.

Students described their teachers as “very supportive” and their lessons as “interesting.” The review also noted the management’s encouragement of professional development and the centre’s ability to foster a sense of community through a variety of extracurricular activities.

December 2024

2025 NEAS Conference – Registrations Now Open

Pathways to Belonging: Our Role in Building Communities

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the role of English Language Teaching (ELT) has expanded beyond language instruction. ELT professionals now play a crucial part in shaping vibrant and inclusive communities where learners can thrive both linguistically and socially. The NEAS Conference 2025 theme, “Pathways to Belonging: Our Role in Building Communities,” highlights how ELT centres and educators are at the forefront of creating learning environments that cultivate belonging for students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Through innovative teaching methods, cultural exchange, and active community engagement, ELT professionals help students not only master the English language but also develop the social, cultural, and leadership skills essential for integration and meaningful participation within communities.

This theme invites participants to explore the transformative power of language in breaking down barriers and uniting people across differences. ELT professionals, including centre directors, student engagement, and teachers, are encouraged to share their experiences in building and strengthening communities.

Focus Questions:

  1. How have you created learning environments that foster a sense of belonging and community among ESL students?
  2. How have you helped students apply language skills in real-world communities?
  3. How can ELT centres build partnerships that support cultural exchange and community cohesion?

With Early Bird Tickets available for members until the end of this month, discounted accommodation, call for abstracts open and sponsorship packages still available, now is the time to get on board!

6 Dec 24