NEWS

NEAS congratulates Hills Language College on successfully completing a quality review activity.

Hills Language College conducted a self-assessment, evaluating practices across three quality areas aligned with the Centre’s strategic goals for 2023/2024. The action items in the self-assessment focused on internal review and evaluation processes, emphasising their impact on the Centre’s strategic planning.

This self-reflection highlights the Centre’s dedication to continuous improvement, the well-being and success of its students, and its pivotal role in delivering quality education to international students.

December 2023

Union Institute of Language (UIL) is situated in Springfield, Brisbane, was acquired by the University of Southern Queensland (Uni SQ) in late 2022. Despite the ownership change, the day-to-day operations remain the responsibility of the previous owners, preserving the college’s distinctive culture. The institution places a strong emphasis on programs designed for students under 18, and recent adjustments have been implemented to enrich pathways for students on university pathways. 

UIL prioritises the well-being of students under 18, exemplified by the arrangement of a UIL employee to welcome all new students upon their arrival at Brisbane airport, providing transportation to their designated homestay placements. This personalised welcome not only ensures a smooth transition but also includes part orientation during the drive. 

UIL offers a varied selection of games and equipment for activity days, enhancing students’ social experiences at school. Teachers have expressed satisfaction with the Centre’s encouragement to explore innovative resources, as well as the office space that facilitates collaborative and creative development of teaching materials.

Activity days for Under-18s are integral to the UIL’s curriculum, contributing to student motivation and aiding in the adjustment to the Australian schooling system.

December 2023

NEAS is pleased to assess and endorse Global Experience in the category of Quality Products and Services (Area O – Homestay Service Providers). The Quality Principles of Area O focus on the following critical aspects of the vendor’s service: its governance and management practices; the provision of a safe and comfortable living environment for students; its support for student welfare arrangements; and the training of host families for student welfare and wellbeing. Detailed information on Area O of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-o.  

Established in 1999, Global Experience provides homestay solutions for international students, offering standard, self-catered, and VIP options. The services extend to caregiving, airport transfers, and study tours. Over the years, Global Experience has expanded its reach to accommodate 120,000 students through a network of host families spanning Sydney and beyond. The organisation emphasises a distinctive approach, fostering a warm and personal culture. It attracts families and staff who align with the ethos of bridging gaps between students, families, and institutions.

NEAS commends Global Experience for its outstanding performance. Partnering with over 20 educational institutions and numerous education agents, the company facilitates suitable placements for students. A custom database, established over a decade ago, enables efficient access to placement and payment data, compliance reminders for hosts, and storage of stakeholder feedback. The company stays current with industry trends through active engagement with ISANA and participation in international education events. Global Experience prioritises clarity in communication, using plain English, logical headings, and graphical representations to simplify agreements and rules. The user-friendly website further enhances accessibility.

December 2023

Albright Institute Brisbane is conveniently situated on Adelaide Street in the heart of Brisbane City, making it an accessible choice for prospective students. The Centre offers two shifts, catering to both morning and evening schedules. Approximately 50% of Albright Brisbane’s students transition into higher education pathways via Albright’s pathway agreements, which include partnerships with Torrens University, Southern Cross University, University of Southern Queensland, and Griffith University.

The Centre is committed to student success and runs weekly national ELICOS meetings, where the focus is on students and forecasting class requirements for the upcoming week. 

To enhance the student experience, Albright Institute Brisbane hosts an English club twice a month, fostering language proficiency and a sense of community. The Centre also organises pre-planned excursions, taking advantage of its proximity to various culturally enriching sites.

December 2023

We congratulate Cass Training International College, which is located in the heart of Sydney City, in close proximity to Darling Harbour and the city centre’s diverse range of restaurants. This advantageous location enables students to immerse themselves in real-world English experiences, aligning with the college’s policy to actively utilise the surrounding environment. This not only enhances students’ English proficiency but also creates a ‘lively, fantastic atmosphere’, as highlighted by one administrative staff member who noted it as a significant strength of the college.

The college’s commitment to fostering a sense of community is evident in its well-planned design, featuring compact facilities and a communal area equipped with seating and kitchen facilities. The Centre attracts students from a wide variety of nationalities, mostly from Southeast and East Asia and some from Latin America, Europe, and Arabian countries. 

Feedback from students reflected their satisfaction with the Centre’s services. They appreciate the helpful and accessible administrative staff, noting a genuine caring attitude from teachers who inquire about absences and demonstrate attentiveness to students’ well-being. The personalised one-on-one feedback system, allowing students to participate in setting their learning goals, adds to their positive learning experience.

Teachers at CTIC are assigned to classes based on their experience and preferences. The college’s policy of rotating teachers across different General English levels promotes versatility, a practice valued by the teaching staff. Additionally, the implementation of ‘swaps,’ where teachers transition to another class for the final period of the day enriches the overall teaching experience for educators.

December 2023

LSI is situated in the heart of Brisbane City, strategically positioned near transport services, restaurants, and shops, offering students an enriching language-learning experience. The school’s prime location ensures easy access to iconic destinations such as Queen Street Mall, the picturesque Botanical Gardens along the riverside, and the bustling financial and retail districts.

The Centre is currently offering General English classes at five different levels with curriculums designed to foster proficiency and confidence in English communication.

In addition to structured classes, LSI enhances its students’ learning experience by offering two-hour activity sessions every Friday. Students can choose from a variety of options, including yoga, exam preparation, English for Work, and Conversation. To further enrich the sense of community among students, LSI organises social activities on campus as well as excursions to local tourist spots or sports facilities.

December 2023

UNE English Language Centre provides crucial language support for international students, offering pathways into University courses at all levels. The Centre’s key program, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), enhances language and study skills essential for tertiary education in Australia. The Centre serves as a bridge for international students, ensuring a smooth transition into the academic landscape of the University.

The Centre first achieved Quality Endorsement of online delivery for its EAP program in 2021. In the 2022, a second Quality Review of online delivery was conducted. After each of these annual initiatives, a dedicated NEAS Report was produced, noting areas of best practice, recommendations for improvement, as well as follow-up observations for the Centre’s online program. In 2023, the Centre’s online delivery strategy underwent evaluation amidst an LMS migration from Moodle to MyLearn and a transition to hybrid instruction post-COVID-19.

The latest Quality Review exercise revealed several noteworthy highlights. Notably, the effective use of the UNE Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) facilitated a seamless alignment of EAP Units with the design and teaching approaches employed for Faculty Units. The integration of the OWL camera system provided remote students with a simulated classroom experience, enhancing engagement. Additionally, the implementation of collaborative learning practices ensured meaningful interaction between face-to-face and remote learners.

The use of laptops in face-to-face classes enables communication with remote students in both pair and group modes. This innovative approach fosters an inclusive learning environment, ensuring that all students, regardless of location, actively participate in collaborative activities. Regular consultations between teachers and the Academic Manager serve as a proactive measure to identify remote students who may be facing challenges or are at risk. For those identified, personalised 1:1 consultations and pastoral care are offered, demonstrating the Centre’s commitment to addressing individual needs and ensuring a supportive learning experience for every student.

December 2023

Shafston International College is situated at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane, offering a serene environment along the Brisbane River. The campus features a mix of modern and heritage buildings along the riverbank, providing easy access to the City Cat ferry service and nearby bus routes. The campus also provides onsite accommodation services and homestay services. 

The largest contingent of students is from South America followed by East, and Southeast Asia. Currently, ELICOS students are enrolled in various programs including General English levels from Beginner to Upper Intermediate, Cambridge CAE, FCE and PET courses, IELTS Preparation, and HSP.

Teachers in the focus group presented themselves as highly competent and skilled in their individual areas of expertise. They also expressed their contentment with being given flexibility and autonomy to design resources that directly catered to the learning needs of students.

According to student feedback, campus facilities, including the self-study resources and self-access library, are well-received. The Shafston Plus hour after regular classes provides additional support in grammar, vocabulary, communication, and job search skills. Students value the relaxed, student-centred environment for learning and interaction with teachers and peers.

To support students, the Head of ELICOS dedicates an ‘open door’ hour every Friday afternoon. During this time, students can discuss their progress, learning pathways, and any concerns they may have, promoting open communication within the learning community.

December 2023

TAFE Queensland Southport campus features vibrant learning spaces and advanced learning technologies. It is situated in the heart of the Southport CBD, offering students expansive facilities in close proximity to the G: Link Gold Coast light rail and other public transport options.

Currently, TAFE Southport offers General English (Elementary to Advanced), English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and IELTS Preparation. The student body comprises individuals from South America, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. TAFE Queensland Southport is well positioned to introduce ELICOS students to the wide variety of TAFE pathways through its large campus and associated VET programs in health science, business, and hospitality. 

TAFE Southport has developed excellent curricula for each of the courses that run at the ELICOS Centre. EAP and IELTS courses have been developed in light of the most common pathways students follow and are informed by published texts in these areas to develop skills that students are likely to need in VET and tertiary pathways. Students in the focus group rated the Centre highly for course design, delivery and teaching quality. One student wrote “I enjoy learning English at TAFE, I like the teacher and the buildings”.

Dec 2023