Author: Ed Itor

Congratulations to the English Language School in Sydney (ELSIS) Brisbane for successfully completing the 2023 Quality Review – Self-Assessment. This achievement reaffirms the Centre’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.

The English language education division of the Education Centre of Australia, ELSIS has been delivering high-quality English courses to students from all over the world in Sydney since 1991. In 2014 and 2016, two additional ELSIS campuses were opened in Melbourne and Brisbane, respectively. ELSIS Brisbane is commended for its considered self-reflection of current practices. It has showcased its proficiency in developing plans for continuous improvement, with a specific focus on these important Principles of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework: A3. Students are enrolled in courses and levels that reflect their language proficiency and learning goals; B2. Students have the information and support needed to adjust to living and studying in this country; and C1. The Centre’s premises reflect a professional workplace. As part of its Self-Assessment lodgement, the Centre presented specific action plans to: enhance its English language placement test; improve its orientation program; and optimise the provision of customer service in its reception area.

September 2023

NEAS congratulates Cairns College of English on completing a successful Quality Review Activity. Cairns College of English and Business (CCEB) boasts state-of-the-art facilities at its newly acquired premises on Aplin Street. This strategically located campus offers students the convenience of being within walking distance of Cairns’ renowned attractions and services, including the Cairns Esplanade, Aquarium, Performing Arts Centre, and more. Spread across two levels, the campus ensures accessibility for all, with a street-level café adding to its appeal.

The innovative design of the second level enhances the student experience, featuring a spacious central student area that can be adapted for various student activities. Students come to CCEB from diverse regions such as Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. Switzerland and Japan are of particular interest due to the institution’s well-established ties with these countries.

CCEB prides itself on the support it provides to both teachers and students. Instructors in the focus group praised the comprehensive teacher handbook and the central resource drive. Students echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for their teachers’ helpfulness, responsiveness to questions, and genuine concern for their daily lives and concerns.

To further aid student success, CCEB has implemented a one-hour self-study session at the end of each day, where two dedicated teachers are available to address students’ language-related queries from their daily lessons. Additionally, the college organizes Friday afternoon activities, facilitating student interaction with both peers and members of the Cairns community to enhance their spoken English skills.

The reception staff at CCEB have garnered praise from students for their unwavering support. The Centre Director maintains an open-door policy, welcoming students who wish to discuss study pathways or any other concerns they may have, ensuring a holistic and supportive learning environment.

September 2023

NEAS congratulates Charlton Brown for for achieving Quality Endorsement with NEAS!  A division of the NIET Group, Charlton Brown oversees the implementation of NIET’s High School Preparation (HSP) operations. The Centre has forged robust partnerships with vital HSP stakeholders throughout Queensland, including Education Queensland International (EQI) and independent schools. These collaborations inform the Centre’s HSP policies and practices, facilitating a smooth transition for their students.

The Charlton Brown HSP curriculum ensures strong learning outcomes by focusing on quality course design. Core elements include literacy, numeracy, and the ability to analyse written content for inferences, while also building computer literacy. The program’s partnerships allow for seamless progression to mainstream high school programs at specific points. Aligned with language acquisition theory, each level corresponds to the CEFR framework, spanning from below A1 to B1+. Lessons follow themes and a formative approach, promoting personalised feedback and skill improvement.

The NEAS Quality Assessor noted a good balance of student interaction and teacher corrective feedback during class observations. There was a focus on vocabulary building strategies using interactive games (such as laminated cards). This encourages students to build confidence in speaking in a controlled, scaffolded way, and is an example of best practice strategy to engage young learners. Centre staff are well qualified and experienced for their roles at Charlton Brown. Teacher observations are regularly performed. Teachers and administration staff engage with other HSP providers through joint professional development events.

September 2023

We are pleased to announce our special networking event at the Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) to celebrate the new Homestay Service Provider Standards: Quality Area O that we have co-developed with industry practitioners and stakeholders.

We cordially invite you to join NEAS Australia at AIEC for the:

Industry Networking Event for Homestay Service Providers and Stakeholders

Thursday 12 October at 12:30 pm

Booth #14

Should you be present at AIEC we would love to see you! – please be sure to register and join us by clicking on this link and inputting your details: 

At NEAS, the team would like to thank all stakeholders for their enthusiastic participation in the virtual workshops and in-person forum conducted between May and August 2023. These encounters led to the formation of the Homestay Service Provider standards Quality Area O. You are welcome to view early adopters here and the standards here.

NEAS is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity. We recognise that some Homestay Service Providers may continue to be adversely impacted by COVID-19. In acknowledgement of these challenges, we are developing special arrangements for businesses wishing to apply for Quality Endorsement, that are not in a position to pay the application fee. Please contact NEAS if you wish to discuss a tailored solution to support your business.

If you would like to stay connected and be informed of our Industry Networking Event for Homestay Service Providers and Stakeholders and all our other activities throughout the year, please sign up to our free e-newsletter here.

We look forward to seeing you at AIEC!

September 2023

The Australia – China Business Council (ACBC) Symposium will be held from 24-25 October 2023 at Sydney Town hall. This is an Education/Tourism Symposium with a theme of ‘New Beginnings’.  The forum specifically addresses the unique needs of Chinese international students, Australia’s most important student cohort. Joining universities, there will be vocational education providers and representatives of the broader ecosystem as best practice is examined in addressing new challenges and providing a world-class education experience to Chinese international students. This year, a sub-theme will be Synergies Between the Education and Tourism Sectors.

NEAS CEO, Dr Pheasant will be moderating the session: Migration – Impact of Policy Reforms with representatives of the Federal Government, Brett Blacker (CEO, English Australia) and James Flannagan (Director – International TAFE NSW).

September2023

From 10 – 13 October 2023 Dr Patrick Pheasant, NEAS CEO and the rest of the NEAS team look forward to welcoming you to NEAS Booth #14 at this year’s Australian International Education Conference (AIEC)! 

Dr Patrick Pheasant will be convening a panel discussion with Katherine Olston (University of Sydney), Michael Bos (Moreton Bay College) and David Boycroft (Australian Homestay Network) on the theme: English language teaching’s role in supporting a quality international student journey. Thiswill prove to be an interesting and stimulating discussion as these expert practitioners take a deep-dive into this important topic.

September 2023

We are excited at NEAS to be announcing three upcoming Industry Webinars over the upcoming weeks on 28 Sep, 5 Oct, 19 Oct 2023. This is an open invitation to everyone to attend and please pass this information onto your mailing lists!

Our Online Industry-led Webinar Series with Cambridge, Duolingo and Pearson are open to everyone and absolutely free to participants. You can register for all or any of the webinar series and expand and update the currency of your knowledge at no cost. These webinars promise to be interesting, stimulating and informative as they showcase new and upcoming initiatives in the ELT sector. Select one or all of the webinars – whatever your preference – and register here.

September 2023

The NEAS Communications Manager, Peetra Lechte, presented last week at the ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) conference in Bangkok, with a focus on strengthening bilateral relationships between the ASEAN region and Australia.

With the theme: Driving True Quality in Education: AUN-QA International Conference 2023, the AUN-QA International Conference 2023 took place on 6 and 7 September 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. This conference provided the opportunity to gather practitioners of quality assurance from around the world with a drive toward true quality in education and real innovative changes in Quality Assurance. With international speakers and experts, there was a plethora of excellent practices, experiences, and discussions. AUN-QA is keen for knowledge, practices and experiences to be accessible to everyone, as it encourages all universities, not just in ASEAN, but across the world to improve their QA processes and improve education quality for the betterment of students. 

NEAS wholeheartedly supports Quality Assurance both nationally and internationally and encourages all our members to seek international benchmarking.

September 2023

NEAS recently held a management meeting at ILSC Melbourne, further contributing to the institution’s commitment to quality.

Situated across from Southern Cross station, in Melbourne’s CBD the Centre enjoys convenient access to transportation, catering hubs, and shopping. The ILSC campus at 120 Spencer Street occupies three floors, with classrooms on levels 7, 9, and 16. The main reception is located on level 7.

The Student body is diverse with students coming from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, France, Spain and Turkey.

A commendable practice at ILSC Melbourne is the regular administration of student surveys. These surveys address various aspects of courses, classes, and teachers. Additionally, an exit survey is conducted for every student leaving ILSC Melbourne. These constructive surveys hold significant value as they actively inform and shape the ongoing development of the curriculum.

Promoting a well-rounded experience, the Centre features a team of Activity Coordinators and Pathway Coordinators. These coordinators curate extracurricular activities, both on-campus and off-campus. Moreover, they orchestrate tours of partner colleges and universities, enhancing overall student engagement.

August 2023

Congratulations to NOVA Institute of Technology for successfully completing a Self-Assessment Activity with NEAS.

The Centre conducted its Self-Assessment against three key Quality Areas:

                         A: Teaching, Learning, and Assessment,

                         B: The Student Experience, and

                         C: Resources and Facilities.

Within each Quality Area, a comprehensive evaluation against all Quality Principles took place.

The Center has shown proficiency in developing plans for continuous improvement, with a particular emphasis on enhancing Quality Principles within Areas A, B, and C. This commitment to ongoing development ensures that NOVA Institute of Technology maintains its dedication to providing a high-quality educational experience for its students.

August 2023