Category: NEAS News

UOW College Australia is nestled among the trees, gardens, and buildings that constitute the UOW campus in North Wollongong. Building 30 serves as the hub for delivering English language courses to international students. Currently, students come from a diverse range of countries with a majority originating from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and a smaller number of students coming from China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Mongolia. In addition, the Centre regularly hosts study tours from Japan.

Classrooms, relaxation and learning spaces, as well as administration and staff rooms, are set over approximately 2.5 floors which have been renovated, since the last NEAS Quality Review, creating a flowing campus with plenty of light and space. The Centre is delivering ten courses including English for Tertiary Study, Direct Entry Programs, EAP, IELTS and General English.

Teachers advised that the orientation program was well planned and very thorough and students in the Focus Group agreed. As part of that program teachers run a workshop entitled “Settling into Studies” which includes sessions on meeting new friends, controlling emotions, and addressing negative feelings. UOW College Australia also provides students access to various student activities and keeps them informed through student newsletters about activities available at the campus-based student clubs.

Students reported being happy with the quality of teachers and were also keen to talk about the role of their teachers in promoting the Centre. One student said, “Teachers have taught here for a long time” and are “very serious about helping us improve.” Students were also satisfied with the amount of feedback they received and noted that teachers would often advise them about their progress and their level of confidence. Students also advised that they enrolled in the Centre because “the school has good education.”

November 2023

NEAS congratulates English Unlimited for completing a successful quality review activity! 

English Unlimited Sydney is situated at 189 Kent Street, Sydney, and benefits from its proximity to Wynard Station and Barangaroo. Students come to English Unlimited Sydney from various regions, including Thailand, Korea, and South America, enrolling in General English courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels, as well as Cambridge B1 and IELTS courses, available on either morning or evening schedules. The College has cultivated strong relationships with marketing agents and has also gained students through word-of-mouth recommendations, contributing to healthy student enrollments.

The Centre boasts a robust Student Care department, which places significant focus on the well-being of its students and their integration into the Centre’s social life through a variety of engaging extracurricular activities. Students and teachers expressed their positive feedback regarding these activities.

English Unlimited Sydney employs highly qualified and experienced teachers, which greatly contributes to the quality of teaching and learning. This has ultimately resulted in high student satisfaction, as reflected in the feedback gathered from focus group sessions and surveys. Students reported contentment with their courses, teachers, the support provided by the management, and their overall learning experience at English Unlimited.

November 2023

The International Institute of Business and Technology (IIBT) is situated in the heart of Central Sydney CBD. The Centre caters to students from various countries, including India, Nepal, Vietnam, and China. At IIBT, students have access to a range of English language courses, including General English (GE), English for Academic Purposes (EAP), and IELTS preparation.

IIBT provides ELICOS students with pathway options into its Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, spanning from Certificate III to Diploma levels including courses in Accounting, Information Technology, Leadership, and Management.

IIBT has also established an enduring partnership with Federation University, a collaboration that has thrived for 22 years. This partnership enables students to seamlessly transition from their English language studies (ELICOS programs) to both VET and Higher Education courses.

Students at IIBT expressed their satisfaction with the teaching and support they receive. They appreciate the well-prepared lessons and clear explanations provided by their teachers. In the NEAS Focus Group discussion, students were particularly positive about their teachers, describing them as “very friendly.” They also highlighted the effective feedback process, which allows for one-on-one time with their instructors after assessments.

In surveys and feedback, the teachers at IIBT have praised the ease of teaching and following the course materials, emphasising the ready availability and accessibility of all the necessary information. 

The professional staff at IIBT hold a strong sense of confidence in promoting the institution and are delighted with the welcoming atmosphere and favorable working conditions. As one staff member put it, “It’s like a family, and we are part of the student life.”

November 2023

In May 2022, UOW College Australia successfully completed a special pilot initiative introduced by NEAS for its new Area M, focusing on the Quality Endorsement of Transnational Delivery. UOW College Australia became the inaugural NEAS Centre to receive Quality Endorsement in the Transnational Delivery category, specifically for its English for Tertiary Studies (ETS) International Program.

The ETS International Program was developed at the request of the University of Wollongong (UOW)-Central China Normal University (CCNU) Joint Institute in Wuhan, China to enhance further the connection between the two universities. Based on the onshore (UOW College Australia) ETS Program, a direct entry English course for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at UOW, the ETS International Program was developed collaboratively by senior professionals of the UOW-CCNU Joint Institute, UOW, and UOW College Australia, and has been in operation since 2018.

Heather Thomas, Director of Global Programs and Deputy General Manager at UOW College Australia, visited CCNU in early November 2023, marking her first visit since the pandemic. She expressed delight in observing CCNU proudly showcasing the NEAS Quality Endorsement of the ETS International Program as a significant milestone achievement for the University.

November 2023

It is with sincere gratitude that we farewell Dr Patrick Pheasant as NEAS Australia’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer.  

Patrick has been an exemplary leader over the past seven years – for our organisation, our members, and the sector. Patrick’s focus on Quality Assurance (QA) has upheld the integrity and reputation of English Language Teaching (ELT) in Australia and internationally, during uniquely challenging times. 

Led by Patrick’s advocacy, NEAS has influenced national policy conversations that have shaped the future of our sector and represented our members. Through his development and expansion of the NEAS Advisory Council, being a founding member of the global Quality Assurance in Language Education Network (QALEN) and introducing the NEAS Capstone Course: Master Practitioner in ELT (Quality Assurance) and Communities of Practice, Patrick has skilfully balanced innovation and QA throughout his tenure. 

Patrick’s focus on relationships with providers and overseas partners has solidified the reputation of the Australian ELT sector at home and abroad. This has been exemplified through the design, development, and delivery of nine additional QA framework areas including ELT Qualifications, Endorsed Education Agents, Homestay Providers and ELT Products & Services.

In guiding us to become a global network with a flagship annual conference, expanding our professional development programs and introducing a hybrid service delivery model, Patrick’s passion for connection created opportunities for members to learn and grow with each other, resulting in the confidence to deliver quality ELT. 

Demonstrating stoicism and wisdom when the world as we knew it changed, Patrick guided us through a response plan and strategic pivots that led the organisational transformation to what NEAS is today.  

We wish Patrick the best in his future pursuits and look forward to staying connected for years to come. 

During the leadership transition, our long-standing team continues to serve our members. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Daniel Yuen (Operations Manager), Rima Ibrahim (Education Manager) and Peetra Lechte (Communications Manager) for support.  

November 2023

STARFISH Education, the first NEAS Quality Endorsed Centre in Myanmar, is pleased to announce the resumption of in-person classes, marking a noteworthy return to on-site engagement. This move underscores the Centre’s dedication to providing quality education and reflects its adaptability in navigating challenges.

As face-to-face learning resumes, STARFISH Education is committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment, prioritising personalised and impactful education. 

Congratulations to STARFISH Education on this significant step!

November 2023.

The NEAS team is proud to have been a nominee at the Associations Forum Association Awards ceremony on Tuesday 21 November, 2023. NEAS was nominated for the Association External Campaign of the Year 2023.

The campaign highlighted for this award was the Ukraine Workshop Series Campaign, which was in response to an urgent call from the Ukraine Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko and GoGlobal NGO. In consultation with them, NEAS provided organisational resources and support to deliver this workshop series. 

This workshop was free for all participants and attendees, and centred around trauma-informed practice and teaching, maintaining student and teacher motivation and mental health, as well as building resilience in ELT in times of crisis. 

November 2023

The NEAS Team congratulates David Riordan, Director on the NEAS Board, for receiving the inaugural award for ‘Outstanding Contributions to the International Education Sector’, a new category introduced at the Study NSW International Education Awards 2023.

David has dedicated 30 years to the field of international education. David has held many prominent positions, including CEO of the NSW Department of Education International, CEO of TAFE NSW, CEO of the Office of Communities, and Director of City Services at the City of Sydney. This recognition is well-deserved and marks the culmination of three decades of exceptional service.

The team at NEAS is delighted and proud to celebrate David’s remarkable achievements!

November 2023

It is with immense pleasure that NEAS extends a warm congratulations to Mr Adam Kilburn, the next Chief Executive Officer and Public Officer of NEAS Australia. 

Adam brings extensive experience in the English Language Teaching sector, most recently as Director of Holmesglen’s English Language Centre in Melbourne.  

Adam has had executive oversight for ELICOS, AMEP and teacher training programs within a TAFE and training environment, specialising in management and bringing experience as lead teacher and teacher trainer specialist. 

With deep knowledge of student recruitment, quality and compliance, and curriculum development, we are confident that Adam’s skill set and experience in business start-ups and process improvement will be an asset to NEAS.  

Adam holds a Master of Arts (Language and Literacy) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Our capable NEAS team, consisting of Daniel Yuen, Operations Manager, Rima Ibrahim, Education Manager and Peetra Lechte, Communications Manager, continue to support our members throughout the leadership transition period. Please do not hesitate to contact us for anything you may need during this time. 

At the end of November, we will have our farewell to Dr Patrick Pheasant, but for now, we officially welcome Adam to the role, commencing 8 January 2024. 

November 2023