NEWS

Congratulations to the International Institute of Business and Technology (IIBT)

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

Myanmar English Language College Seeks Australian Foundation Partner

Purpose

We are a quality English language college seeking to connect with a NEAS Member Centre to deliver a University Foundation Program in our Centre in Myanmar.

Who we are

STARFISH Education is the first NEAS Member Centre in Myanmar. Established in 2008, STARFISH Education has consistently demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the English language proficiency of Myanmar’s young learners.

Before the pandemic, STARFISH Education maintained four physical Centres in Yangon and Mandalay. These Centres were dedicated to offering English language Proficiency courses and Test Preparation Courses such as IELTS, TOEFL and SAT.

Over the past three years, STARFISH Education has made a significant transition to become a proficient online English language provider and now offers education in a hybrid virtual and in-person format.

Partnership request

STARFISH Education trains and educates numerous high school students, many of whom aspire to pursue studies abroad in English-speaking countries, including Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore.

In our commitment to prepare and acculturate students for overseas learning, we are in the initial phases of developing a University Foundation Program, designed to elevate both their English language proficiency and study skills.

Our goal is to assist students transition successfully to higher education overseas. With this in mind, we aim to commence our efforts in Australia and establish our inaugural pathway partnership with an Australian education provider.

Please connect with me

We would be thrilled to hear from you. For additional details on partnership opportunities, please feel free to contact me directly:

Mr Daniel Sang, CEO and Founder, STARFISH Education

E: danielsang@starfishedu.com

T:  +959782006953 (Myanmar) | +66639394461 (Thailand)

Transnational Delivery Success for UOW College since 2018

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

Thank you and Farewell to Dr Patrick Pheasant!

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 Resumes In-person Classes

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.

Associations Forum Awards

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

NEAS Board Director, David Riordan, receives award for: Outstanding Contributions to the International Education Sector

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

NEAS Australia Welcomes a New CEO!

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

Registrations are now open for our 2024 NEAS Management Conference!

It is with great excitement and pleasure that we announce the launch of the BUY TICKETS page for our next NEAS Management Conference to be held on 9 & 10 May 2024. 

Limited First Release Tickets Available Now for Members Only! Buy now

Day 1, Thursday (9 May 2024) is dedicated to the Academic Manager Workshop and participants will be invited to explore, in an intimate setting, key issues related to the changing landscapes that surround the role of the Academic Manager.

Day 2, Friday (10 May 2024) features Plenary Speakers and Panels of speakers all delving deep into the theme of this year’s conference and full catering is provided with a sumptuous buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas and drinks and canapés to finish.

The theme is: 

Quality Revolution: Rethinking, Reshaping, and Redefining Excellence in ELT

This theme challenges the traditional notions of quality assurance in English Language Teaching (ELT), management, and leadership, urging participants to envision and drive a paradigm shift in how we perceive and ensure excellence in English language education.

The theme encourages a deep dive into innovative approaches, disruptive strategies, and transformative frameworks that redefine quality assurance practices. It aims to inspire provocative discussions, ignite change-driven thinking, and propel participants towards reimagining and reshaping the future of ELT quality assurance. We will be focusing on questions such as: 

  • How can we redefine and measure excellence in ELT beyond traditional quality assurance methods, taking into account innovative approaches and revolutionary strategies?
  • What role does leadership play in driving the Quality Revolution in ELT, and how can leaders inspire change-driven thinking among educators and institutions?
  • What transformative frameworks and best practices can be explored to reshape the future of ELT quality assurance, ensuring it remains relevant in an evolving educational landscape?

November 2023

NEAS Management Conference 2024 Plenary Speaker: Louka Parry

We are immensely proud to have secured our Plenary Speaker: Louka Parry!

Idea Curator. Learning Futurist. Global Strategist. Believer that the future belongs to those who constantly and rapidly unlearn and relearn in their daily work and life.

As one of Australia’s top innovators Louka Parry speaks on futures, leadership, and transformation; having worked with thousands of leaders and educators from diverse contexts across the world, including in high-level policy fora such as the OECD, UNESCO, the European Commission, and with all Australian States and Territories.

An award-winning educator, speaker, facilitator and adventurer, Louka’s powerful ability to communicate ideas with clarity allows him to guide thinking about learning, leadership and life to new places, earning him a place in 2022 as a Top 100 Innovator for Australia.

As CEO + Founder of The Learning Future, Louka is committed to transforming learning structures, systems and societies that further empower individuals to develop the key human capabilities that matter most now and into the future. 

At a time in history when converging technologies are rapidly changing the realities of workplaces and schools, Louka is passionate about exploring the connection point between learning and the era of AI, through powerful provocations.

Louka also co-leads the non-profit Karanga: The Global Alliance for Social-Emotional Learning and Life Skills, which connects the global education community at the forefront of the future of education and social-emotional learning to empower children, educators and communities all across the globe.

A rapid learner, Louka speaks five languages, has visited over 80 countries, holds two Masters degrees, completed executive studies at Harvard and a residency at the d.school at Stanford University. 

As an education leader, Louka was promoted to Principal at only 27 years old and was named South Australian Inspirational Public Secondary Teacher of the Year.

November 2023