Author: Ed Itor

On 15 May 2023, ASEAN University Network, together with National English Language Teaching Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) Australia, held the 2nd Online Introductory Meeting on NEAS’ ELT Quality Endorsement/Certification Project.  ELT administrators and lecturers from nine university English Language Teaching Department/Centres across six ASEAN countries joined this online session. This meeting, which is a follow-up from the first one held in March 2023, signifies the continuing commitment of ASEAN higher education institutions to strengthen their English language capability.

Mr. Daniel Yuen, Operation Manager of NEAS Australia, provided participants with insightful details on the core criteria of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, which include:

• Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
• Student Experience
• Strategy, Risk, and Governance
• Resources and Facilities
• Admin, Management, and Staffing
• Promotion and Student Recruitment

In addition Mr. Yeun also pointed out eight supplementary areas of quality which could provide a comprehensive, dedicating assessment to the characteristic of the teaching carried out by each ELT centre. Some of the supplementary areas of quality included Welfare for Students under 18s (for Centres that provide courses for students under 18s), Online Delivery, Transnational Delivery, Foundation Programs, and more.

AUN and NEAS Australia are united under the shared goal of driving English Language Teaching capability of ASEAN higher education institutions to the next level. The ongoing partnership promises a unique opportunity for higher education institutions in ASEAN to take another step ahead in strengthening the English Language Teaching capability.

June 2023

The PIE Live is a conference held on the 24/25 July at the Gold Coast Convention  & Exhibition Centre.

The two-day, PIE Live Australia is focused on building connections and learning amongst leaders and aspiring leaders in international education from across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. There will be attendees from higher education, edtech, private education and government, predominantly from Australia/APAC, but also from the US and Europe. Presentations will be dynamic and engaging, delivered through a mixture of panel discussions, power presentations, roundtables and workshops. The debate about future trends and challenges ahead will be developed and the amazing work being done by the sector will be showcased. 

Dr Patrick Pheasant, the NEAS CEO will be presenting at this event and is looking forward to engaging with representatives from the broader education community. The title of his presentation is: Strengthening Bilateral Relationships: ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Partnership with NEAS Australia for Quality Assurance in English Language Teaching and will delve into the collaborative efforts of the AUN-QA and NEAS Australia, highlighting the key strategies employed to enhance bilateral relationships between Australian university English language centres and AUN member English language centres.

The main focus will be on quality assurance measures that have been developed and implemented to ensure the delivery of high-quality ELT programs, while a secondary focus will be on the role of Education Agents in this dynamic. The findings will benefit administrators, practitioners, and policymakers in Australian Universities, providing effective strategies for international collaborations and ensuring quality ELT programs. The session will also discuss future prospects, expansion of the partnership, and implications for English language education in the ASEAN region and beyond.

June 2023

Have you created a fun classroom activity? Or have you helped a student in a new and innovative way? Consider applying for the IELTS Morgan Terry Memorial IATEFL Scholarship Award 2024. Simply submit your application detailing how you’ve been creative in your teaching to help test takers prepare for IELTS.
The award features:
·        registration for the Testing, Evaluation and Assessment Special Interest Group (TEASIG) pre-IATEFL conference event
·        registration for IATEFL
·        a year’s IATEFL membership
·        a maximum of five nights’ accommodation
·        travel costs, including, if necessary, an economy flight to the UK GBP 55.00 per day expenses.
Application deadline: 21 June 2023: https://www.ielts.org/for-researchers/grants-and-awards/iatefl-scholarship

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/6asssg1I1sQ

June 2023

Congratulations to JCU Language School, part of James Cook University Singapore, on successfully completing the 2023 Quality Review – Self-Assessment, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to quality education. The Self-Assessment process, aligned with the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, enables Centres to evaluate their operations and plan for continuous improvement.

JCU Language School is dedicated to delivering exceptional language education. As an integral part of James Cook University, a highly esteemed Australian institution with a global reputation, JCU Language School offers a diverse range of language programs catering to students from diverse backgrounds. The Centre is highly commended for its thorough self-reflection on current practices and the development of well-considered plans for continuous improvement, specifically addressing key areas such as Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (Area A), the Student Experience (Area B), and Online Delivery (Area H), as outlined in the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework. JCU Language School is, furthermore, commended for its proactive approach in implementing recommendations from the previous NEAS Quality Review conducted in 2022. The Centre’s notable initiative to enhance digital learning further demonstrates its commitment to staying at the forefront of educational advancements.

June 2023

Congratulations to Global Business College of Australia (GBCA) on completing a successful Quality Review activity with NEAS.

GBCA is situated in the bustling heart of Melbourne’s CBD. GBCA traditionally offers VET courses in Business, IT and Childcare. In addition, GBCA has established a partnership with the University of Canberra, offering undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in business. Since 2019, GBCA has been delivering ELICOS programs to a diverse international student cohort including students from China, India, Colombia and Sri Lanka. The ELICOS program serves as support for international students intending to transition into VET and other higher education courses.

GBCA upholds a strong commitment to Work, Health and Safety (WHS) regulations. All staff members receive first aid training, fire exits are clearly signposted and accessible first aid kits are available to cater to any emergency situation that may arise.

June 2023

Congratulations to the Preparation Center for Languages and Mathematics, part of Mahidol University International College (MUIC), for successfully completing the 2023 Quality Review – Self-Assessment. This achievement reaffirms the Center’s commitment to providing quality education. Aligned with the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, the Self-Assessment process empowers the Center to evaluate its operations and establish plans for continuous improvement.

Part of MUIC, the Preparation Center for Languages and Mathematics is dedicated to fostering academic excellence. The Center offers comprehensive language and mathematics preparation programs designed to equip students with the necessary skills for success. With a strong emphasis on quality education and personalised instruction, the Center prepares students not only for their academic pursuits at MUIC but also for their future endeavours. The Center is commended for its considered self-reflection of current practices. It has showcased its proficiency in developing well-thought-out plans for continuous improvement, with a specific focus on key areas such as Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (Area A), the Student Experience (Area B), and Administration, Management, and Staffing (Area D), as outlined in the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework.

June 2023

Avalon College is a privately owned co-educational ELT Centre with comprehensive boarding facilities. Most students come to Avalon College from China, in addition Russia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan. Student facilities at Avalon College include two student games rooms, a music room, a football court, extensive playing fields, and a scenic beachside walking track. Extra-curricular activities are highly valued by students and staff as they contributed to the overall learning experience.  The College is currently offering English Language Preparation from beginner to Intermediate level and the student learning experience and quality of teaching are highly praised. 

Students feel well-looked after by teachers, professional staff and management. The College places great emphasis on ensuring students quickly adapt to the College environment and that parents are well informed about the school before sending their children to Australia.  

June 2023

The NEAS Jobs Board offers numerous benefits that make it an exceptional platform for job seekers and employers alike. The board is specifically tailored to the English language teaching community, ensuring that job listings are relevant and targeted, resulting in a higher likelihood of finding suitable positions or qualified candidates. It is also  trusted by reputable organisations so that employers who post jobs on this board are typically highly regarded institutions, language schools, or universities, enhancing the quality and legitimacy of the job opportunities available.

The NEAS Jobs Board allows job seekers to easily see positions and listings are frequently updated, ensuring a steady flow of new and exciting job opportunities. This  makes it a go-to resource for both experienced professionals and individuals seeking entry-level and advanced-level positions.

June 2023

Congratulations to Hoa Sen University on the successful completion of its 2023 Quality Review – Self-Assessment, which confirms the Centre’s continued Quality Endorsement. The Self-Assessment process is designed to support Centres in assessing the quality of their operations against the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework. The Self-Assessment incorporates a review of current practice along with planning for continuous improvement.

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Hoa Sen University is a higher education institution established in 1991. It has grown to become one of the leading private universities in Vietnam. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business administration, finance, marketing, tourism and hospitality, communications, design, social sciences, logistics, and information technology. Hoa Sen University achieved its NEAS Quality Endorsement in 2022 and this is the Centre’s first Self-Assessment exercise. The Centre is to be commended for its careful self-reflection of current practices. The Centre has demonstrated aptitude in presenting considered plans for its continuous improvement, focusing on targeted Quality Principles of Area A – Teaching, Learning and Assessment.

May 2023

Congratulations to Albright Institute of Business and Language – Sydney on its successful completion of a Quality Review activity with NEAS, which confirms the Centre’s continued Quality Endorsement. A structured Management Meeting was conducted as part of an Onsite Visit by the assigned NEAS Quality Assessor. Management Meetings are integral to the ongoing Quality Review cycle. The review exercise covered core areas of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework and additional areas of significance for the Centre. 

Albright Sydney has relocated to levels 2 and 3, 10 Quay Street, Haymarket. The new campus is easily reached by public transport and offers state of the art facilities.

Catering to a healthy number of students from Latin America, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam as well as from the subcontinent region, India and Pakistan, Albright Sydney is currently offering classes in the morning and the evening including General English classes from Beginner to Advanced,  EAP, IELTS and PTE courses.

Albright provides students with a thorough orientation and ongoing support. Extracurricular activities are regularly organised by the College to enhance the student experience outside the classroom. The National Academic Manager oversees academic matters across states and the role is supported by coordinators in each campus. Regular meetings with coordinators ensure consistency in delivery and processes.

May 2023