Author: Ed Itor

The Envoy English language test was developed to offer accurate and reliable language proficiency predictions across four key skills, along with detailed scoring, all within an educational context. Its flexible design allows students to take the test on demand from any location. Tailored with teachers in mind, Envoy aids in assessing student proficiency through its modular structure, providing results within two hours. Envoy caters to both Academic and General English needs and functions as a diagnostic tool and placement test for students aged 16 and above. Clients can customise the test by selecting specific skill combinations according to their requirements.

NEAS is pleased to assess and endorse Envoy in the category of Quality Products and Services (Area K). The Quality Principles of Area K focus on these features of the target Product and Service: its underlying research; its fulfilment of purpose; its processes for maintaining quality; its uniqueness and innovation; and its contribution to the ELT community. Detailed information on Area K of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-k.

NEAS commends the Envoy test for its adept integration of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the British Council EAQUALS Core Inventory, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of skills in real-life scenarios. Rigorous security measures and human checks are central to test administration. Developed by specialists in applied linguistics and assessment, Envoy stays current through active engagement with customers, continuous market research, and feedback from test-takers. Operating under the IDP banner grants access to valuable student expectation data. The unique Envoy AI Rater evaluates extended, open-ended responses, aiming to construct a detailed profile of authentic English proficiency while maintaining content neutrality in scoring models.

May 2024

Congratulations to Hoa Sen University on its successful completion of a Quality Assurance Management Meeting, which confirms the centre’s continued Quality Endorsement. A structured Management Meeting was conducted as an additional engagement point for NEAS to understand the centre and its priorities better. Management Meetings are integral to the ongoing Quality Review cycle and complement other regular Quality Assurance activities. The Management Meeting covered key areas of the NEAS Quality Framework (Areas A to D) as well as areas of significance for the centre. For further information about the Quality Assurance Framework, please refer to this section of the NEAS website: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/.

Hoa Sen University continues to deliver high-quality English language programs across multiple campuses in Ho Chi Minh City. Following the 2023 Self-Assessment activity, Hoa Sen University has demonstrated significant progress in addressing the three Quality Principles focused on: A1 – Course design supporting quality learning outcomes; A2 – Ensuring teachers possess appropriate training and experience for course delivery and assessment; and A4 – Optimising course delivery, assessment, and teaching approaches to enhance student outcomes.

The university has implemented a six-month staffing plan, with Level Heads holding regular meetings to address teaching staff concerns and ensure consistent moderation of teacher delivery and assessment. An assessment review process has been established to ensure alignment with learning outcomes and validation standards, overseen by the Quality Assurance Department. This process has led to the introduction of a broader range of assessment methods, including projects and recorded presentations, introduced by Level Heads who continue to monitor alongside the Director of English Language Programs.

May 2024

Vietnam USA Society English Centres (VUS) is a leading institution for English Language Teaching in Vietnam, annually enrolling approximately 250,000 students across the country. Primarily situated in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Hanoi, VUS began its NEAS membership in 2017, starting with 15 centres, 14 in HCMC and 1 in Hanoi. Presently, the number of centres has expanded to 43. A recent Quality Assurance activity was conducted to confirm NEAS Quality Endorsement for nine new centres: Buon Ma Thuot Branch; Kon Tum Branch – Kon Tum Province; Pleiku Branch; Quy Nhon Branch; Nha Trang Branch; An Hung Branch; Linh Dam Branch; Pham Van Dong Branch; and Van Khe Branch – Ha Noi.

Congratulations to VUS for successfully completing the NEAS Quality Endorsement Meeting. This exercise included structured meetings and focus group discussions with management, students, teachers, and professional staff. Using anonymised Quality Principles Surveys helped pinpoint areas of focus for the Quality Review process. For more information on the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, please refer to this section of the NEAS website: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/.

Students expressed satisfaction with the course design and its quality outcomes, as evidenced by unanimous agreement in the online surveys regarding the well-designed nature of the courses at VUS. All teachers hold appropriate qualifications, typically a bachelor’s degree with ELT components or additional TESOL qualifications. The teaching staff draw on extensive experience. Course delivery, attendance, and assessment records are meticulously maintained online in V-Hub, providing stakeholders, including parents, easy access to progress information. Student feedback consistently highlights satisfaction with course delivery, assessment methods, and teaching approaches.

VUS prioritises the welfare of students under 18, implementing robust arrangements including the provision of Teacher Assistants and additional classroom support for younger students. A child protection Code of Conduct is integrated into the employment contracts of all VUS employees. Security is paramount at VUS campuses, with onsite security guards ensuring a safe environment at all times.

May 2024

Allianz Partners provides assistance and insurance solutions to customers in over 70 countries. Under its international health insurance brand, Allianz Care Australia, Allianz Partners provide access to high quality healthcare to international students studying in Australia through their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC provides medical insurance coverage aligned with the requirements set by the Australian government for obtaining a student visa. It includes coverage for hospital expenses, GP visits, prescription medications, and emergency medical services.

NEAS is pleased to assess and endorse Allianz Care Australia’s OSHC in the category of Quality Products and Services (Area K). The Quality Principles of Area K focus on these features of the target Product and Service: its underlying research; its fulfilment of purpose; its processes for maintaining quality; its uniqueness and innovation; and its contribution to the ELT community.
Detailed information on Area K of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-k.

Allianz Partners demonstrated its comprehensive stakeholder engagement process, which yielded feedback crucial for informing the research and development of their tailored insurance. This process ensured that the resulting product effectively addressed the needs of students, parents, and NEAS centres. The staggered communications plan implemented by Allianz Partners also earned commendation for its efficacy in preventing information overload among students. Allianz Partners conducted stakeholder focus groups, optimising channels for streamlined customer onboarding. With regular feedback mechanisms in place, Allianz Partners demonstrates commitment to continuously enhancing and innovating product effectiveness, thus adding significant value for both students and institutions.

May 2024

Congratulations to Latinoz Education for achieving NEAS endorsement in the Quality Education Agent category. Established in 2019, Latinoz Education is an Australian-registered education agency operating from Melbourne, specialising in recruiting international students primarily from Latin American countries like Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru for ELICOS and Vocational Education and Training courses. Providing comprehensive support services, including flight reservations, initial accommodation arrangements, and employment advice, Latinoz Education maintains a commitment to quality and professionalism through partnership agreements with NEAS members and memberships in key Australian organizations such as ISANA, VCCI, PIER (QEAC), ISEAA, and IEAA. 

NEAS assessed Latinoz Education’s application using Area J of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, focussing on these important Quality Principles: the presence of an ethical framework underpinning the practices of the agency and its counsellors; provision of information to stakeholders that is ethical, accurate and consistent; use of governance structures that are effective and transparent; supporting a performance and development culture for staff; implementing systematic risk management processes; and routinely obtaining stakeholder feedback to inform the continuous improvement of services. More information on Area J can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-j.  

NEAS employs a unique 360-degree stakeholder feedback model in its Quality Review processes, gathering structured feedback through telephone interviews with partner providers and students. During these interviews, the agency’s commitment to delivering professional, high-quality service to all stakeholders comes through. Providers highlighted the agency’s professionalism and reliability, noting a lack of complaints over its four-year tenure. Students praised the counsellors’ openness, knowledge, and realism, emphasising their assistance in navigating government policies and providing personalised support. The agency’s focus on compliance with legal requirements and continuous research was also commended by students. Overall, students expressed satisfaction with Latinoz Education, feeling well-supported and cared for in a professional yet friendly manner. This sentiment is echoed in the agency’s 4.8-star rating from 26 Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating from 30 Facebook reviews. 

April 2024

Congratulations to the Australian Centre for Education (ACE) Cambodia on the successful completion of the 2024 Quality Review – Self-Assessment, showcasing its commitment to delivering high-quality education in line with the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework. As a distinguished provider of English Language Teaching in Cambodia, ACE operates under the IDP Education brand.

The Centre’s dedication to continuous quality enhancement is evident through various initiatives, including the implementation of recommendations from the 2023 NEAS Quality Management Meeting. Notable efforts include the selection of contemporary textbooks by Program Academic Managers and Lead Teachers to enhance class engagement, as well as the development of new course documents and supplementary materials to enrich the learning experience.

ACE ensures students are well-informed about course objectives, expectations, and learning outcomes through comprehensive communication during initial lessons and on platforms like Google Classroom. Additionally, the Centre’s proactive approach to reviewing resources in the Guided Individual Learning Centre, Bookclub, and Language Learning Advising reflects its commitment to supporting students’ learning beyond traditional classroom settings.

ACE’s thorough self-reflection on current practices, particularly in targeted Quality Principles areas, underscores its dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in education.

April 2024