Congratulations to Password English Language Test on receiving its NEAS Quality Endorsement!

The Password English Language Test assesses English proficiency across listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Widely used in academic and professional settings, it gauges an individual’s ability to communicate effectively in English. Components include multiple-choice questions, listening exercises, writing tasks, and oral interviews. Test scores indicate proficiency levels, spanning from beginner to advanced.

NEAS is pleased to assess and endorse the Password English Language Test 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. 

The Password English Language Test is a cost-effective tool used for assessment, counselling, screening, and placement within English Language Teaching (ELT) Centres. Developed with expertise from the Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment (CRELLA) at the University of Bedford and in collaboration with various universities, it focuses on high-frequency grammar and vocabulary, beneficial for assessing lower proficiency levels down to A2 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This facilitates quick and effective student placement and course design for progression towards desired scores in high-stakes exams. Tailored for young adults, it incorporates communication patterns from popular textbooks and undergoes rigorous validation processes involving industry professionals. Continuous review and enhancement include feedback from leading ELT organisations and contributions to publications like EL Gazette, PIE News, and Independent Education Today.

February 2024

At TasTAFE, students in the Focus Group spoke highly of the positive learning experience, with their contentment extending to teachers, fellow students, and the program as a whole. Students praised the clarity of explanations, an easy-going teaching approach, and the creation of a collaborative learning environment.

The ELICOS department at TasTAFE has actively improved communication with VET departments , undertaking substantial measures to stay updated on the language skills essential for upcoming TAFE programs. This ensures alignment with evolving educational needs. These collaborative efforts have resulted in adjustments that have already positively influenced the goals of current students. 

In their pursuit of quality, TasTAFE has undertaken a successful project to update their curriculums in line with student needs. The updated curriculums integrate language skills, cultural understanding, and effective communication strategies to deliver a comprehensive learning experience. The focus on desired learning outcomes ensures that students receive high-quality education adhering to NEAS standards and reflecting TasTAFE’s dedication to providing top notch educational opportunities.

February 2024

As an Australian-registered Education Consultant Agency, Link House Group began recruiting international students from its head office in Sydney in 2015. It also has an office in Medellín, Colombia.

NEAS assessed Link House Group’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 uses a unique 360-degree stakeholder feedback model in its Quality Review processes, ensuring comprehensive input from partner providers and students. These interviews underscore the agency’s dedication to delivering professional, high-quality services to its stakeholders.

Student interviews highlighted the agency’s exceptional level of care and professionalism, particularly in their attentive approach to addressing student needs. Provider feedback echoed this sentiment, emphasising the agency staff’s consistent professionalism and quality throughout their longstanding business relationships. The overarching theme from these stakeholder interviews is the agency’s commitment to compliance with legal requirements and related processes.

February 2024

We are thrilled to be announcing the upcoming Homestay Symposium on:

Providing Solutions in an Accommodation Crisis

This Homestay COP event is being held on Friday 22 March 2024 in Sydney, in partnership with industry stakeholders and practitioners and is supported by NSW Government and Study NSW. Sponsors for this symposium are IELTS, Edgewise  and Pearson

Australia has reached a historic milestone by establishing the world’s first-ever set of quality standards for international student homestay accommodation in Australia. This achievement is pivotal in ensuring a premium experience for international students. 

This symposium will be an engaging workshop that will delve into the theme of Providing Solutions in an Accommodation Crisis. Expert speakers will share insights, and a panel of specialists will discuss burning issues under the umbrella of this theme. 

This Homestay Symposium caters to homestay service providers, education providers, education agents, and professional staff supporting students in accommodation and welfare matters.

Date and Time: Friday 22 March 2024, 3-5pm (Sydney). 5-6pm: Networking drinks and refreshments.

Venue: 2/63 Dixon Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.

Register here.

February 2024

The first NEAS PD was held on the Gold Coast in conjunction with Study Gold Coast and was a roaring success. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of collaboration and investigation at this Communities of Practice: Leadership in ELT event, which explored the theme of Elevate & Collaborate: Nurturing Growth through Teacher Training and Collegiality in ELT.

There was a special focus on the NEAS requirements for teacher qualifications and tips on how to assess teacher qualifications.

This theme resonated with the current landscape of English Language Teaching (ELT), which is witnessing an influx of new teachers with limited in-class experience. It also explored effective teacher-training strategies; how to equip new teachers with skills and insights to navigate diverse classrooms effectively. By addressing the topic of collaboration, it acknowledged the importance of fostering a collegial work environment where essential support mechanisms are provided, and shared expertise can be easily circulated.  

Attendees expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for this highly interactive and enjoyable afternoon and calls for more of the same have been heard. Watch this space!

February 2024

Australia Education Management Group (AEMG) is an established global facilitator for partner institutes in the areas of education, research, professional development and student services. As a registered company in Australia, AEMG is specifically focused on the promotion of international education and cross-cultural communication. Since its inception in 2001, the aim of the group has been to promote cultural diversity and educational exchange. AEMG has established cooperation between educational institutes and research centres in China, New Zealand, America and Europe. NEAS recently quality endorsed three centres, Northeast Forestry University (NFU), Ocean University of China (OUC) and Southwest University (SWU), with whom AEMG has established strong partnerships in the delivery of AEMG English language programs.

Congratulates Northeast Forestry University (NFU) on becoming Quality Endorsed with NEAS.

NFU is a public university in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education, and co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and the Heilongjiang Provincial People’s Government. 

The English language programs are delivered at NFU by AEMG and constitute a significant portion of the delivery to students in their first year of study. AEMG delivers Academic Language Courses, Academic Research and Culture courses, a Direct Entry Program and an English for Specific Purposes program. Students move through Academic Language Courses, Academic Culture and Research Skills Intermediate and Direct Entry Programs.

The curriculum is centralised and quality-controlled by the Melbourne office of AEMG, and staff at NFU have the flexibility to customise the curriculum to align with the specific needs of their students. The staff members at NFU exhibit a clear comprehension of assessments, uphold academic integrity, and effectively integrate a range of skills into their teaching practices.

Students in the focus group expressed satisfaction with the program, stating, “This is the best education experience I have ever had.” Those interviewed spoke highly of the valuable opportunity to engage in lectures from New Zealand. Students described their teachers as “kind and helpful” and “always available.”

Congratulations to Southwest University (SWU) on achieving Quality Endorsement with NEAS.

SWU, a national public university in Chongqing, China, is affiliated with the Ministry of Education and co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the City of Chongqing.

The English language programs at SWU, delivered by AEMG, constitute a significant portion of the overall delivery to first-year students. The program includes English language courses provided by Australian and New Zealand University partners and a portion is delivered in Chinese by SWU. Students progress through EAP1, EAP2, EAP3, Academic Culture and Research Skills Intermediate, and Direct Entry Programs.

All academic managers at SWU possess relevant qualifications and management experience. Teacher qualifications and experience align with the classes they teach. The university is well-staffed, and management demonstrates an excellent understanding of teachers’ needs.

Management actively participates in joint meetings with all partners, including AEMG, the Australian and New Zealand University partners, and other branch universities in China, which contributes to the continual development of the English language delivery.

Students expressed satisfaction with their learning experience, appreciating access to tutorials with teachers and a custom-designed Learning Management System that facilitates learning consolidation and extension.

Congratulations to Ocean University on achieving Quality Endorsed status with NEAS. 

OUC is a national public research university located in Qingdao, Shandong, China. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China. The university is part of Project 985, Project 211, and the Double First-Class University Plan. 

The English language programs are delivered at OUC by AEMG and the delivery of English language programs includes courses delivered by Australian University partners. The program comprises Academic Language Courses, an Academic Research and Culture course, and a Direct Entry Program. Students progress through Academic Language Courses 1 and 2, Academic Culture and Research Skills Intermediate, and Direct Entry Programs.

Students interviewed spoke highly of the opportunity to participate in lectures from Australia, noting that the lessons are practical and contribute to improving their “English for daily life.” 

Teachers reported a collegial and supportive environment.  Staff were satisfied with the comprehensive professional development program including mentoring, observations, ongoing performance assessment and feedback. 

January 2024