Category: Press Release

Speaker Spotlight – Education Agents

Posted on | by Ed Itor

This year’s NEAS Management Conference brings us a lot of diversity with speakers from all areas of the ELT sector. This week we are throwing the Spotlight on Education Agents and those who work closely with agents from schools, colleges and English Language centres, as they all play a significant roll in bringing English language students to our Australian shores.

At the conference there will two discussion panels where there will be a focus on Education Agents and the importance of the work they do.

At the In Focus: Education Agents session with: Sylvain Lolley, Melanie MacFalane and Guaravdeep (GD) Signh, agents will talk about their work in helping students choose education institutions to suit their needs.

At the COP Workshop: Education Agents session, with Gavin Dowling, Shirley Sun, Youngeun Song and Leisl Bruhn who are from different education establishments around Australia you will hear insights into the importance of Education Agents and their important role in student recruitment.

In Focus: Education Agents

Melanie MacFarlane

Melanie Macfarlane is a registered and practising Migration Agent with over 17 years’ experience securing visas for migrants to live, work and study in Australia. She has worked with individuals, families and employers from small to large-scale businesses, all with the same common goal – to explore new opportunities and create a happy world, one migrant at a time. 

Melanie founded MMMigration & Recruitment and VETA Education & Migration in 2007 and has since grown the company to offices across 3 states in Australia as well as Colombia, Chile and Mexico. At MMMigration and VETA the team reduces the stress and confusion from the migration process, ensuring peace of mind and positive outcomes. 

Sylvain Lolley

In 2016, Sylvain Lolley founded Catch-Up Education and offer numerous education opportunities to people of all ages, backgrounds and origins. 

After more than 20 years in the Pacific (Tahiti, New Caledonia) in the marketing and communication sector, Sylvain joined the education sector by becoming Sales Manager for a French-speaking education agency based in Sydney, Australia. When he created Catch-Up Education in 2016, Sylvain already had a strong network of contacts within the industry. In 2019, Catch-up Education joined ICEF as an education agency and in 2020, Catch-up Education received the KISS Rock Award from ILAC Canada for the quality of its services to students and its involvement during the Covid-19 period. The same year, Sylvain received the Quality Agent endorsement from NEAS and Sylvain believes this distinction is a guarantee of seriousness and quality for any support agency.

Guaravdeep (GD) Singh

Guaravdeep (fondly known as GD) is the CEO & MD of Apply 4 Study & also the Representative of Migration Alliance, (Australian Professional Lobby for Migration Practitioners) for Indian Subcontinent & Australian Education Sector. I have been working in Education Industry for over 18 years & have rich experience at Senior level management, particularly in areas of HRM, Training, Migration Law & Marketing.

GD’s key areas of focus are global expansion, brand building, collaborations, acquisitions & mergers. Finalist at Australian Business Champion awards, winner of the Best Inbound Education Consultancy by Corporate Vision, AI Publishing UK, winner of CEO of the Year 2022 Skill India Business Awards, New Delhi India & an eminent Indian Australian entrepreneur figure in Global education space.

COP Workshop: Education Agents

Leisl Bruhn

Leisl is the Dean of International Students at Ivanhoe Grammar, which includes being the Academic Manager of the ELICOS Program, teaching VCE EAL and pastoral care responsibilities for the School’s international students.  Leisl began her teaching career in the East End of London and for the past 6 years she has held the very rewarding position as EAL Mentor for Ivanhoe’s VCE Offshore Programs which has given her the privilege of working alongside and sharing EAL teaching practices with highly experienced and professional colleagues. Leisl is also Convenor for the Education Agents COP at this year’s NEAS Management Conference.

Shirley Sun

Shirley was appointed the Head of St John’s International College in 2006. Prior to the Head of College position, she was the Marketing Manager as well as a teacher within the college, then known as Forest Lake College.

Shirley has been working closely with education agents for more than 20 years. Due to the age of the high school students, she has to delve deeper into the complexities of connecting the agents with the parents.

Youngeun Song

Youngeun is Principal Executive Officer of APC Education Group currently comprises English Unlimited and Australian Pacific College and is responsible for overseeing the operation and strategic movements for the group. 

Youngeun started her career in education as owner director of a childcare centre in Seoul, South Korea. Since arriving in Australia 2003, Youngeun has been taking on multiple management and executive roles in the international education industry for private ELICOS centres and Vocational Education and Training colleges. 

APC Education Group is a multiple award winning private education provider that has been operating since 2004 and currently operates 13 campuses on the eastern seaboard and South Australia.

Gavin Dowling

Gavin is Chief Operating Officer at Education Centre of Australia, responsible for university partnerships, marketing, admissions, sales, HR, IT and the colleges within the ECA Group. 

He has more than 20 years’ experience in the international education sector in the UK and Australia with significant experience in student acquisition, strategic management and leadership.

After an earlier career working in marketing agencies for a broad range of clients in London, he moved into the high growth international education sector in late 1990’s working for small and large organisations; consulting; and establishing and running two successful education marketing businesses.

March 2023

Conference Speaker Spotlight

Posted on | by Ed Itor

Joanna Kelly

Joanna Kelly is the General Manager, English at Academies Australasia, a publicly listed education group. Within that role she is running ELICOS operations at Discover English in Melbourne and Language Links International in Perth. Additionally, she is the CEO of Academies Australasia Polytechnic, a private VET and HE provider. Joanna has been the General Delegate on the board of English Australia since 2019. She has a comprehensive understanding of the core issues facing the international education industry and is an active contributor to submissions to government on policy changes. She is committed to enhancing Australia’s reputation as a preferred destination for international students.

Lucas Chiusoli

Lucas Chiusoli has been working in the International Education sector since 2004. He is currently the National Director, ELICOS & Higher Education Pathways at ILSC, where he has the overall responsibility for the growth, profitability, leadership, and management of the Australian schools. Lucas holds a BA in Business Management, Cambridge DELTA and other TESOL and Training qualifications. He is committed to professional development, having started as an English teacher and building to Senior Management roles. Lucas’s background in business and his previous professional experiences have provided him with a deeper understanding of how businesses operate and given him the skill set to understand and address the needs of different stakeholders. He is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of challenging the status quo by successfully designing, presenting and implementing innovative ideas and solutions, and highly skilled at solving problems and managing projects in alignment with the organisational goals. Lucas also serves on the Board of English Australia as an elected Director and Delegate for NSW, representing state college members and engaging with several industry stakeholders. Lucas has a true passion for education and its ability to transform lives and empower people.

Sarah Huaraka

Sarah Huaraka completed a Bachelor of Arts from Lyon University (France), a Master’s degree in Language and Literature from Reading University (UK) and a Master’s degree in Intercultural Management from SIT in Vermont (USA). 

Passionate about teaching and learning, Sarah completed her Post-Graduate Certificate in Education in 2003 from Greenwich University (UK). She has over 20 years’ experience in teaching and educational leadership, both in TAFEs and at University. Sarah has a strong interest in Foundation studies, Teacher Training and TESOL.

March 2023

DAY ONE (3 May): Professional Academic Manager Training

Posted on | by Ed Itor

With only six weeks before the start of the 2023 NEAS Management Conference we are excited to highlight DAY ONE of the conference – Wednesday 3 May.

Day one has been set aside to focus solely on Academic Managers – new, emerging and aspirational. This special full-day Professional Academic Manager Training Workshop worth 10 CPD points, at UTS College, Ultimo, Sydney.

If you are new to academic management or aspiring to become involved in academic management, as your ELT professional career progresses, then this is the workshop for you! This interactive day will facilitate you with exceptional management skills and equip you with strategies to become a formidable, respected and capable leader. The cost for the whole day is just $175 (+GST) for NEAS members, $275 (+GST) for non-NEAS members and places are limited to 25 – so get in quick! 

To register, please complete the JotForm.

March 2023

Australian NEAS members benefit from bilateral co-operation with ASEAN University Network Secretariat (AUN) 

Posted on | by Ed Itor

AUN Secretariat – building strong ties in the ASEAN Region

NEAS, with foresight into the importance of international promotion in Quality Assurance (QA) has continued to nurture connections in the Southeast Asian region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) University Network (AUN) Secretariat has collaborated with NEAS as a recognised QA body in the region, with a proposal that enables university ELT centres to be endorsed by NEAS. With a number of ASEAN ELT centres keen to engage with Australia and NEAS, this initiative will commence in Bangkok on 14 March 2023.

This AUN Secretariat initiative is particularly important to Australian NEAS members because it not only opens bilateral business opportunities, but ensures quality delivery of English language courses to students in the ASEAN region. NEAS recognises that good quality English language tuition is central to students’ career capital and that by possessing good English language proficiency, students’ job prospects can widen and lifestyles can be elevated. For Australia this also extends its global reach in the search for high-quality employees and bolsters healthy competition in the world of jobseekers.

Amazingly, this project coincides with the presence of Dr Choltis Dhirathiti, the Executive Director of the AUN Secretariat, who will be presenting on The Importance of the ELT Profession in Bilateral Relations among Southeast Asian Nations and the Rest of the World at this year’s NEAS Management Conference at Doltone House, Darling Harbour, Sydney, 3-5 May. The Closing Plenary speaker at the conference will be the Ambassador of Ukraine, His Excellency Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko. The attendance of these two important diplomats will illuminate the preponderance of cultivating global ties in the English Language Teaching (ELT) sector.

February 2023

Australian NEAS members benefit from bilateral co-operation with Ukraine

Posted on | by Ed Itor

Ukraine Workshop Series(Live Webinar): Tuesday 18 April, 9:00 am to 10:30 am (Ukraine time)/4:00 pm to 5:30 pm (Sydney time). Registration: FREE. CPD Points: 6

English is a powerful tool. Generally accepted as the lingua franca it connects people globally in business, socially and academically. It is common these days for students anywhere in the world to be studying their chosen subject via the vehicle that is English – their second, third and sometimes fourth language.

At NEAS, we have students and education at the core of our focus and, as an Australian Charity and independent, industry-led and expert Quality Assurance provider, we are enhancing bilateral relationships between English Language Centres all over the world. Our Australian members now have an opportunity to connect and create meaningful partnerships with the ELT community in Ukraine. The Ukraine Workshop Series is in support of displaced teachers and students and is aimed at helping maintain the quality of English language teaching during times of crisis, while increasing and strengthening ties between Australian NEAS members and their counterparts overseas. This workshop is for strategic ELT decision-makers and teaching professionals in Ukraine and Australia. The Ukraine Workshop Series coincides with this year’s NEAS Management Conference, where the Ukrainian Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Vasyl Myroshnychenko will be the Closing Plenary speaker.   

The workshop in April will be centred around trauma-informed practice and teaching, maintaining student and teacher motivation and mental health, and building resilience. It will be an opportunity for sharing teaching and learning innovations and quality assurance activities of High Schools, Vocational Colleges, Universities, and English Language Centres, that are either operating in Australia or Ukraine. This workshop is in partnership with GoGlobal, which is an initiative of Global Office NGO aimed at promoting language learning and the volunteer movement in Ukraine. 

In the weeks leading up to this workshop, NEAS will release pre-recorded presentations addressing the themes with presentations from keynote speakers from both countries sharing their expertise and practical techniques and the live workshop will be held on Tuesday 18 April from 9:00 am to 10:30 am (Ukraine Time) 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm (Sydney Time). The workshop will feature a live virtual panel with panellists His Excellency Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand; Dr. Patrick Pheasant, CEO NEAS Australia and Ms Liubov Zaliubovska-Head of Education at GoGlobal NGO.

Making it happen (left to right):
Ms Liubov Zaliubovska, Head of Education at GoGlobal NGO; Patrick Pheasant, CEO NEAS and His Excellency Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand.

February 2023

Only 9 weeks until the 2023 NEAS Management Conference!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

Speaker Spotlight

Sandra Pitronaci

Sandra Pitronaci is National Academic Director ELICOS & Pathways at ILSC Education Group and has been actively involved in COPs throughout her ELT career. Sandra is currently Convenor of English Australia AMSIG; Classroom Talk Editor of the English Australia Journal, Newsletter; Editor and Committee Member of IATEFL LAMSIG and one of a dedicated Admin team for the 2,000+ members #AusELT online COP. At ILSC, Sandra leads the team of DOSs across ILSC Australia’s four national campuses. Sandra will be co-presenting The Building of the ELT Profession at the NEAS 2023 Management Conference with Lucas Chiusoli on Friday 5 May at 13:50.

February 20 2023

2023 NEAS Management Conference Awards Announcement

Posted on | by Ed Itor

We are thrilled to announce that this year at the 2023 NEAS Management Conference we will be presenting awards to more than 25 institutions! There will be two Award Ceremonies – one on Thursday afternoon, before the Cocktail Hour, and the other on Thursday evening during the Gala Dinner.

The first Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Learning Vault will be held on Thursday 4 May at 16:40 at Doltone House. Award categories are: Quality Provider Award – New Member (National and International); Quality Products & Services Award; Education Agent Award; Premium Product Award; Online Delivery Award and NEAS Master Practitioner Award.

The Gala Dinner special Awards Ceremony, starting at 18:00 will celebrate this year’s 

NEAS 25 Year Endorsement Award 

and the coveted

NEAS Lifetime Award 

For last year’s award recipients please see their names in lights here. Most excitingly, we are looking for YOUR nominations for the NEAS Lifetime Award. This prestigious award goes to the person who has shown distinguished, meritorious, and sustained service to the ELT Sector and to NEAS. To nominate the person who you think most suited to receive this award, you must be a Full or Associate NEAS member and the nominee cannot be a NEAS Board of staff member. 

To nominate, please complete the attached JotForm and submit it by Friday 3 March 2023. 

vote here

February 2023

Only 9 Weeks until the 2023 NEAS Management Conference

Posted on | by Ed Itor

Speaker Spotlight

Toby Jones

Toby Jones is an education technologist and industry leader in the digitisation of learning. As Head of Education at Learning Vault – vocational education content provider and Australia’s first digital badging agency – Toby leads the strategic thinking and development of RTO courses, micro-credentials and digital credentials. Toby is a passionate commentator on the future of education and the potential application of emerging technologies. Toby will be speaking on behalf of Learning Vault in the Innovation and Strategy Session at this year’s 2023 NEAS Management Conference on Friday, 5 May at 12:30 in Park View 1 at Doltone House, Darling Harbour, Sydney.

February 2023

Get ahead and plan your future PD!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

Communities of Practice: Arts Based Pedagogy

When: 24 March, 15:00 AEDT
Type: In-person Workshop
Registration: $10 CPD Points: 10

Arts based pedagogy in English language teaching (ELT) incorporates visual and performing arts into the learning process to engage students in a creative and dynamic way. This approach recognizes the power of art to foster critical thinking, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence. By using art as a tool for language development, students can experience the joy of expression and build a deeper connection to the language. Arts based pedagogy also encourages collaboration, communication, and the development of intercultural competencies, making it an effective and enriching addition to any ELT curriculum.

Drama is a powerful tool that can be used in English language teaching (ELT) to help students develop their language skills and cultural awareness in a fun and engaging way. Drama activities such as role-plays, improvisations, and scripted scenes can provide students with opportunities to practice their language skills in meaningful and authentic contexts. It can also help students build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills, while promoting collaboration, social interaction and keeping students engaged and motivated. 

This Arts Based Pedagogy Community of Practice (COP) Workshop is for teaching professionals who would like to embed the arts and drama into their teaching repertoire. The workshop will shine a spotlight on the benefits of alternative teaching methods in the ELT classroom and provides participants with a supportive structure to begin their journey into the world of the arts in ELT. 

Topics up for investigation in this COP include 

·      the power of the arts and drama in teaching 

·      reflective self-assessment 

·      further professional development opportunities

So, what are you waiting for? Book your place here to avoid disappointment!

Vale Christine Bundesen AM

Posted on | by Ed Itor

It is with deep regret, we wish to inform you that on Monday 26 September 2022, NEAS Board Member Christine Bundesen AM passed away. Indeed, this is a huge loss of a fierce advocate and much-loved member of our community. We are saddened we have lost a great leader for the sector and the broader international education endeavour. Christine’s contribution over decades has been immense.

Christine Bundesen AM, served as Director of ICTE-UQ for over 30 years and was on the Board of NEAS from 2015. She was recipient of the inaugural IDP Outstanding Achievement in International Education Award in 1997, was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001 for her “contributions to the reforms of the student visa program”, and personally drafted the original standards for the first National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) in 1989.

She was the cofounder of English Australia, in the early 1980s and went on to play a lead role in Australian English language training standards and accreditation in the 1990s. She was also instrumental in negotiating the first Australian Government Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 to protect the rights of international students in Australia. For her work, she was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2012 for service to the international education industry.

Christine was a national advocate for quality standards in English language training and a pioneer of the Australian international education industry, and today we honour her service and her life. The NEAS Board, Advisory Council and staff are grateful to have been able to share the NEAS conference in May this year with Christine and to see the joy and pride with which she received the well-deserved NEAS Lifetime Member award.

This is a great loss for NEAS and the industry, and our thoughts are with all her family and friends.

Our deepest sympathies,

Tanya, Patrick and the NEAS Board, Advisory Council and Staff