Category: NEAS News

NEAS is pleased to announce the completion of a quality review activity at SELA Sydney. The review confirmed SELA’s ongoing commitment to providing quality English language education across its expanding campuses and diverse student community. 

Located on levels two and six of 401-403 Sussex Street, SELA Sydney is situated in the heart of Chinatown, offering students easy access to local eateries and public transport. The recent expansion includes a new extension campus on Thomas Street, Haymarket, featuring modern classrooms and well-designed breakout areas, which support an effective learning environment for students. 

SELA Sydney serves a diverse group of students from countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Thailand, and Mongolia. The college offers courses including General English, IELTS Preparation, and Cambridge Exam Preparation. 

The focus on continuous improvement is reflected in SELA’s regular collection of student feedback. This feedback is shared with teaching staff and used to enhance course delivery and student services. Regular meetings between teachers, the Director of Studies (DoS), and the Assistant Director of Studies (ADoS) help to support ongoing curriculum development and teaching practices. 

September 2024

NEAS congratulates ELS Language Centres Malaysia (ELS) on the successful completion of the 2024 Self-Assessment Quality Review. This achievement demonstrates ELS Malaysia’s commitment to delivering high-quality education in line with the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, strengthening its reputation as a leader in English language education in Malaysia.

Specialising in English language training, ELS Malaysia provides a diverse range of programs, including General English, English for Academic Purposes, and specialised courses for professionals and students. Working within the global network of ELS language centres, the institution distinguishes itself for its rigorous curriculum, experienced instructors, and state-of-the-art facilities. The NEAS endorsed ELS Certified Intensive English Programme (CIEP) is recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education as a benchmark for university admissions. This recognition allows students to present the ELS CIEP qualification as proof of English proficiency when advancing to partner universities.

ELS Malaysia is dedicated to the continuous quality improvement of its educational offerings. The centre regularly reviews its practices and plans enhancements across four Quality Principles in Areas A, E, and G of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework. In alignment with NEAS’s recommendations, ELS Malaysia has incorporated these principles into its operational goals.

Following the 2023 NEAS Quality Review, ELS Malaysia has committed to holding an annual in-person professional development workshop to foster collaboration among its four centres. The centre is also focused on enhancing academic support by developing supplementary materials and personalised study plans to meet the diverse needs of its students. Recognising recent visa changes that allow international graduates from select countries to stay in Malaysia for up to a year, ELS Malaysia is planning to recruit marketing staff from its partner universities, to specifically target relevant markets.

In terms of risk management, ELS is implementing robust measures, including improved backup systems, additional financial protocols, and strengthened customer feedback mechanisms. The centre is also refining its communication strategy, upgrading security protocols, and refining stakeholder interactions to strengthen its risk strategies.

ELS has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to evaluating its current practices and has shown initiative in establishing a process for continuous quality improvement.

August 2024

NOVA Institute of Technology is a multi-campus VET provider, offering General English (GE) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses at its main campus in Melbourne, with additional locations in Adelaide and Sydney. The Melbourne campus is centrally located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, providing easy access to public transport, dining options, and shopping centres. The campus occupies a single floor and features state-of-the-art facilities, including a central common area where students can socialise, use microwaves, and engage in informal conversations with peers, teachers, and staff.

Currently, the Melbourne branch delivers GE and EAP programs to a diverse student body from countries such as South America, Thailand, and India. To enhance language learning outside the classroom, NOVA Institute holds informal fortnightly combined English language classes, where students enjoy ‘potluck’ dining by bringing a dish to share. Teachers actively encourage students to participate in language exchange opportunities in Melbourne.

For professional development, NOVA Institute of Technology has a dedicated PD calendar featuring in-house and external events, including those from NEAS. Compulsory peer observations are conducted once per term, which have proven highly effective. Additionally, teachers participate in professional development opportunities offered by English Australia, National Geographic, Pearson, and Cambridge University Press whenever possible.

August 2024

NEAS congratulates The University of Sydney Centre for English Teaching (CET) for successfully completing a Quality Review Activity.

The University of Sydney’s Centre for English Teaching (CET) continues to provide high-quality education to international students, predominantly from China, with most students enrolled in their Direct Entry Courses (DECs). CET also offers specialised courses for study groups from Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand, along with short academic skill development programs.

Courses at CET are delivered via the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), mirroring the platform used for primary university courses. Feedback from the Student Focus Group was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing enthusiasm for their studies and a strong sense of support from the CET team. One student remarked, “This is a real college, and you can feel it,” highlighting the authenticity of the learning experience.

Students were confident in their language progress and praised the constructive feedback from teachers. CET also offers additional support through at-risk support classes, an “intervention club” aligned with the intervention policy, and a “transition program” to assist students as they progress to further study at the university. Management reported that tracking CET students into the first year of their primary university courses has yielded positive results.

CET’s commitment to student well-being is evident, with two dedicated counsellors available five days a week. Students can easily access support via reception, email, or an online form.

Teachers at CET appreciate the centre’s open-door policy, which fosters direct communication with management regarding teaching schedules, content, and other concerns. Professional development (PD) is regular and CET management also actively promotes attendance at external conferences, such as the NEAS Management Conference, the English Australia Conference, and UECA, ensuring continuous professional growth for their staff.

August 2024

The JCU Language School at James Cook University Singapore provides English language programs to help students improve their language skills for academic and professional purposes. With an emphasis on interactive learning and cultural immersion, students develop essential communication skills in a supportive environment.

Congratulations to JCU Language School for its successful completion of the NEAS Quality Review for 2024. This review encompassed structured meetings and focus group discussions involving management, students, teachers, and professional staff. Additionally, the use of anonymised Quality Principles Surveys helped identify focal points for the Quality Review process, while comprehensive stakeholder feedback was analysed in alignment with the key Principles and Drivers of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework. For more information on the Quality Assurance Framework, please refer to this section of the NEAS website: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/.

The JCU Language School offers the English Language Preparatory Program (ELPP) to international students as a pathway to further studies at JCU Singapore and other higher education institutions. The ELPP is structured into five levels, from Beginner to Advanced, and operates in 12-week trimesters with three shifts. The program ensures quality through a rigorous validation process for each assessment, involving all teachers in post-test marking, analysis, and discussion. The teaching staff at JCU are highly experienced, with between nine and 31 years of experience, and they engage in regular professional development. Notably, four members of the teaching team have recently completed their Master Practitioner Certificates with NEAS, highlighting their commitment to professional growth.

JCU Singapore actively recruits international students, focusing its marketing efforts on East Asia, North America, and Europe. The university’s Admissions Department supports international students by providing assistance in all aspects of student life. JCU Singapore fosters a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and support, with transparent communication among staff, students, and teachers. The Student Welfare department ensures student well-being, with all staff trained in first aid and psychological first aid. Each student is also assigned a staff member as an ambassador, ensuring personalised support throughout their academic journey.

August 2024

Western Sydney University (WSU) The College, located at the Sydney Olympic Park campus, provides a well-furnished and supportive learning environment. The facilities include modern classroom technology, breakout areas, and a spacious communal area for teachers.

The College hosts a diverse student body, with a significant number of students from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The principal course offered to students is English for Academic Purposes (EAP). In addition to EAP, the College offers various other courses like the Teacher Education Direct Entry English Program. Upon completing EAP 5, most students transition into various courses at WSU.

WSU The College benefits from being part of a larger university, particularly in the provision of a well-organised student admissions process, comprehensive support and wellbeing services, and homestay services which contribute to students’ overall academic success.

In the focus group and survey, students expressed their satisfaction with the academic support classes and appreciated their teachers. Teachers, some of whom have been with the College for several years, also appreciate the supportive environment, which has contributed to their long-term commitment.

August 2024

Congratulations to the University of Technology (UTS) College for completing a quality review activity with NEAS.

UTS College is located at 645 Harris Street Ultimo, one of four UTS locations that can accommodate students for language classes, academic support and student common areas. The common areas promote social interaction between students during their class breaks. Students mentioned that there were also plenty of opportunities to study before and after class in the UTS library.

A proud NEAS member since 1989, UTS College has been a gateway for students aiming for direct entry into UTS. The current student body is primarily from China, with others from Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea. In a recent Focus Group, students expressed their satisfaction with the support and information they receive, sharing sentiments like, “everyone can help, and teachers help me a lot” and “I now have fewer problems in my life.” They described their teachers as “happy,” “friendly,” “funny,” and “caring,” and felt that they were making solid progress in their studies, gaining confidence along the way.

During Welcome Week, students are informed about various opportunities to enhance their learning experience. They learn about joining campus clubs and groups, and how to access support services like the HELPS (Higher Ed Learning and Pathways Support) centre and online resources.

Teachers in the Focus Group expressed confidence that students are well-integrated into university life, with ample chances to join over 100 clubs across the wider university campus.

July 2024