NEWS

What happens when students don’t feel like they belong? When they’re misunderstood, isolated, or unsure of their place in a new learning environment? This week’s Speaker Spotlight highlights sessions focused on community engagement and student support, to help students fell like they belong.

Community Engagement Through Language Projects and Outreach

In this session, Zoe explores how adults learn best when their experiences shape the learning process. Drawing on Malcolm Knowles’ andragogical principles, she demonstrates how real-world, problem-based language activities improve communication outcomes and encourage students to co-design their own learning goals, building confidence and a deeper sense of ownership in the classroom.

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Finding your place when you don’t belong

In “Finding your place when you don’t belong”, Leisl Bruhn, Jo Kwai, and Vanessa Newbery, share practical approaches to re-engaging disengaged students. From homestay and wellbeing initiatives to academic and pastoral care, these educators present best practice models for supporting young international students.

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Creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and valued is a leadership imperative. This topic lies at the centre of our next speaker spotlight at the 2025 NEAS Conference, exploring how leadership and peer engagement can create inclusive, student-centred environments where learners thrive.

Leadership in ELT: Creating Cultures of Belonging in University English Language Centres

Creating a sense of belonging is essential to student wellbeing and academic success. In this session, Zoe Hancock explores the role of belonging in the language learning journey. Backed by current research and student insights, Zoe shares eleven ways students experience belonging and offers practical strategies to build inclusive cultures in university English language centres.

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Building Bridges – Fostering Belonging Through Peer-Driven Engagement in International Education

What does belonging look like from a student’s perspective? This panel discussion explores how peer-to-peer engagement and community-driven models shape a sense of inclusion, connection, and success for international students. The panel will present best practices in student communication, community engagement, and co-creation of content to amplify authentic student voices.

With expertise spanning student services, research, marketing, and international health, these industry leaders will share practical tips on building trust and connection through student-centred communication strategies.

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We are thrilled to bring to you the 2025 NEAS Conference keynote speakers!

Technology is transforming education, breaking down barriers, and creating new ways for students and teachers to connect. But as digital tools become more embedded in English Language Teaching (ELT), we must ask: is technology truly enhancing learning and community-building, or are we losing something in the process?

The Need for Oracy in the Age of AI

Cathy Jones
Assessment Development Specialist, LANGUAGECERT

Have you ever wondered if our students are truly ready to communicate in a world full of AI, deep fakes, and fake news? At the 2025 NEAS Conference, Cathy Jones, an Assessment Development Specialist from the UK, introduces a fresh perspective on the importance of strong oracy skills.

In her session, Cathy explains why live, spoken assessments can better reveal students’ critical thinking and genuine communication skills compared to traditional written tests. More importantly, she explores how oracy builds community: creating spaces where every voice is heard and authentic dialogue leads to deeper connections between educators and learners.

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AI Agents in the English Language Sector:
Our New Robotic Colleagues

Jarrad Merlo
AI Product Manager at Pearson’s Accelerator, Pearson

We’ve all seen what ChatGPT can do – and where it falls short. But the next wave of AI innovation is here, and it’s far more powerful than anything we’ve seen before. Say hello to “agentic AI” – large language models with tools, memory, autonomy, and the ability to perform real-world actions. These aren’t just poem-writing chatbots; they’re multitasking digital workers that can research, plan, execute, and collaborate – outperforming humans in terms of speed and cost, and competing on quality.

In this provocative yet practical keynote, Jarrad Merlo will show you exactly how ‘AI agents’ work and how they’ll begin to transform the English language sector. From automating admin tasks to generating assessments at scale, AI agents are poised to become your most productive new team members.

Whether you’re a teacher, test developer, or decision-maker, this session will help you make sense of this powerful – and potentially uncomfortable – technology. Jarrad won’t push a vision; he’ll simply demonstrate what’s already possible, share some examples, and invite you to consider the near-term impact of agentic AI on your context.

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We are excited to have Luke Kennedy as our closing plenary speaker. Luke’s journey reminds us that our toughest challenges can actually open doors to new growth and opportunities. His message of resilience encourages us to embrace change, look past difficulties, and draw strength from the communities we build together.

Luke Kennedy
Motivational Speaker

A Story of Profound Transformation

Luke Kennedy is far from your typical inspirational speaker. His story stretches from street survival and near-death experiences to becoming a best-selling author, a successful corporate trainer, and a mentor for young people. Luke shows us that overcoming hardship isn’t just possible, but it can inspire personal and professional growth. A message that feels especially relevant now,  as the international education sector in Australia faces critical, make-or-break challenges.

The Power of Resilience and a Transformative Mindset

Luke’s story offers a fresh perspective on the power of mental strength and transformative mindset shifts. His approach goes beyond just managing difficulties; it’s about thriving amidst uncertainty. By addressing wellness and mental health, he offers practical strategies to build emotional and mental resilience, nurture a sense of purpose, and cultivate environments where people feel connected and ready to embrace change.

A Closing Plenary Speaker Who Delivers More Than Inspiration

Luke isn’t just here to talk about resilience: he’s here to show us how to live it. As the closing plenary speaker at this year’s NEAS Conference, Luke will go beyond motivation, providing real strategies to help us navigate change and uncertainty. His engaging, no-nonsense approach will provide us with the tools to turn adversity into opportunity and strengthen our sense of community, connection, and belonging.

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With so much change and uncertainty in Australia’s international education sector, Luke’s message couldn’t be more timely. His story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t just about getting through tough times, it’s about moving forward with purpose. 

Join us at the 2025 NEAS Conference and gain real, practical strategies to navigate change. Luke’s session will help you shift your mindset, adapt, and turn challenges into opportunities. As a community, we will come together to embrace change and shape the future of international education, stronger and more connected than ever.

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