NEWS

Congratulations to INUS English!

INUS English is located in the vibrant centre of Melbourne’s CBD, offering a welcoming, supportive, and professional atmosphere. Classes are available on both morning and evening timetables. 

INUS English provides courses for international students in General English (Elementary to Advanced), English for Academic Purposes (EAP), IELTS Preparation, and Cambridge First Certificate English (FCE) Preparation. 

With a robust marketing team and a wide international reach through Board of Directors members overseas, as well as close links with agents, INUS English continues to recruit students both off- and on-shore. Most students come to INUS English through agents. The current student cohort is diverse, with students from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Italy, Spain, Korea, Turkey, China, Thailand, and Mongolia. 

INUS English fosters a culture of friendliness, collaboration, and support. Transparent communication channels ensure that all staff, students, and teachers engage comfortably with each other and management. The sense of community among students and teachers is enhanced by excursions, and student wellbeing is maintained with the provision of a Student Support Officer. One student commented, “They care. One classmate was not in the appropriate class, so the staff helped him, showing they care for him.” 

Students are pleased with the course design and the quality outcomes it provides. One student reported, “This course helps me speak more fluently and gives me support in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.” Another student praised their teacher, saying, “Our teacher gives us additional material from YouTube and websites, is very prepared, very friendly, very kind, and gives us advice on how to study English.” 

June 2024

Congratulations to Queen Anne English College!

Queen Anne English College is located in a commercial area in Bankstown, NSW, providing convenient access to food outlets and parking. The college offers English language programs designed to help students improve their skills. Recognised for its commitment to quality education, the college provides a supportive learning environment for students of all levels. 

Courses currently on offer include English for General Purposes, IELTS Preparation 1 & 2, and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level 1 & 2. Teachers at the college are passionate about learning and committed to their own professional development, with some continuing their higher education studies. Students praised their teachers for being caring and considerate and for making the courses engaging and enjoyable. They expressed satisfaction with the curriculum and the independent learning materials provided. Progression through levels is managed through continuous testing, with formative and summative assessments covering all four skills delivered to students regularly. 

June 2024

News from Adam

Welcome to the latest edition of our CEO’s column News From Adam.

I am often impressed at the diversity that exists in our membership. The settings vary (from universities and TAFE to stand-alone centres) as do the locations (from every state in Australia to a range of global locations). I’m lucky enough to have had the satisfaction of working in a range of settings and in different programs.

One of my career highlights was working with a high school preparation program for international students preparing for entry to private schools in Sydney. The challenges were so very different. These were kids and they came with all the issues kids have. Of course, as always, it’s never “just English”. In this case, it was creating carefully tailored programs of study for teenagers, thinking about the safest and best homestay arrangements, handling the odd melt-down and bringing into place a range of specialist supports. It was complex, challenging and there were some failures here and there.

What lingers most in my memory about that time in my career was the powerful collegiality existing across the high school sector. As with our broader sector, people were willing to give and to share and find common solutions to specific problems. This willingness to collaborate makes us special in ELT and I’m so pleased that NEAS, being of and for its members, is able to reflect and facilitate this wonderful attribute through our Communities of Practice (CoPs).

NEAS is hosting a high school CoP in Brisbane on the 26th of July on the theme of Language, Learning, Leadership: Empowering Young ESL Students for Success. We’re planning this to be a great opportunity for sharing, debating and considering the issues specific to High School. Discussions may include adapting to regulatory changes, engaging with onshore families, and recognising the importance of homestay experiences in fostering cultural awareness. Additionally, it highlights the significance of enhancing academic skills through multidisciplinary approaches and acknowledges the significance of developing students’ language skills and leadership qualities in helping and guiding young ESL students.

For more details and to register, click here.

June 2024

Educational Leadership: From Classroom to Community

Leading in education means more than holding a title or position; it is about inspiring and guiding others to achieve their best, fostering an environment where learning and growth are the priority. Leadership in education involves strategic thinking, empathy, and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

The influence of education leaders extends beyond the classroom walls, impacting the lives of students, families, and the community at large. They collaborate with local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organisations to address community needs and leverage resources that improve educational opportunities for students. Through partnerships and outreach initiatives, educational leaders strengthen the bond with the community, creating a shared sense of purpose and investment in the success of learners. 

Experienced educators play an essential role in mentoring and inspiring curiosity in their students. Effective teacher leaders use their expertise to influence curriculum design, encourage best teaching practices, and advocate for their students’ needs. By fostering critical thinking and collaborative skills, teachers help students develop into independent, lifelong learners.  

In ELT, educational leaders take on unique challenges and opportunities. They must navigate diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes to provide effective language education. They set high standards for teaching quality and learner outcomes, ensuring that language programs are inclusive and culturally sensitive. By integrating international students into the community, ELT leaders enrich the educational experience and promote diversity, inclusivity, and global citizenship within the local community. 

NEAS Australia exemplifies organisational leadership in education, setting high standards and quality endorsing institutions to foster excellence and continuous improvement. Through professional development, resources, and its unique quality assurance framework, NEAS supports educators and ensures students receive the highest standard of education. Beyond quality assurance, NEAS cultivates a culture of quality and accountability, uniting ELT professionals to share best practices and promote collective growth, amongst the diversity of its domestic and international membership. 

June 2024

Congratulations to Smart Education Link!

Congratulations to Smart Education Link for achieving NEAS endorsement in the Quality Education Agent category! Smart Education Link, an Australian-registered education agency, has been recruiting international students from its Sydney office since 2012. The agency focuses on recruiting students from Indonesia; it also services students from Southeast Asia (Thailand and the Philippines) and Northeast Asia (Japan and South Korea). Most students enrol in vocational education training courses. Smart Education Link offers a range of support services, including document translation by NAATI accredited or sworn translators, complimentary Australian SIM cards pre-arrival, and airport transfer services upon request. The agency has partnership agreements with NEAS members and is a member of the International Student Education Agents Association (ISEAA). 

NEAS assessed Smart Education Link’s application using Area J of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, focusing on these important Quality Principles: the presence of an ethical framework underpinning the practices of the agency and its counsellors; provision of information to stakeholders that is ethical, accurate and consistent; use of governance structures that are effective and transparent; supporting a performance and development culture for staff; implementing systematic risk management processes; and routinely obtaining stakeholder feedback to inform the continuous improvement of services. More information on Area J can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-j.  

NEAS employs a unique 360-degree stakeholder feedback model in its Quality Review processes, gathering structured feedback through telephone interviews with partner providers and students. This direct feedback consistently highlighted the agency’s high-quality results, with all providers reporting no issues with visa refusals and praising the high quality of Smart Education Link students. Student interviews emphasised the agency’s exceptional care and professionalism, particularly noting how staff attentively listened to their needs. Providers also commended the agency’s professionalism and quality over the years, reinforcing the positive feedback. A recurring theme from the stakeholder interviews was the agency’s strong focus on compliance with legal requirements and related processes. Students appreciated the detailed information and support provided by the agency, with comments like, “She gave me a lot of information on what I have to and don’t have to do because [I] didn’t know about the student visa process in Australia and she answered all my questions…which is what I really like and appreciate.” Providers echoed this sentiment, highlighting the agency’s understanding of industry regulations and their commitment to educating students on these matters. 

June 2024

Congratulations to The Rockhampton English Language Academy (RELA)!

NEAS congratulates The Rockhampton English Language Academy (RELA) of The Rockhampton Grammar School (RGS) on becoming the latest Quality Endorsed Member! RGS is a well-established boarding and day school dating back to its establishment in 1881. It has a strong connection and reputation with the Central Queensland region, a robust alumni network, a dedicated Board of Trustees, and a reputation for quality educational outcomes and duty of care. RGS is a member of the Independent Schools Association and complies with Education Queensland standards and regulations. The School has a keen interest in developing international connections through its English for High School course and RELA. RGS caters to international students at the primary, junior, and senior levels. 

The centre lodged a comprehensive application for NEAS quality endorsement, and Pending status was conferred by the NEAS Endorsement Committee during the border closure. NEAS Quality Endorsement is granted and maintained through a distinctive 360-degree stakeholder-driven feedback model, which is informed by input from students, teachers and professional staff. With the disruptions to international travel arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated impact on student mobility and teacher employment, the Centre’s application had successfully undergone NEAS assessment, while its designation as an Endorsed Centre was pending a concluding Quality Endorsement Meeting involving the participation of students on campus. Upon the reopening of Australia’s international borders and the return of international enrolments, RELA coordinated with NEAS to conduct an in-person Quality Endorsement Meeting in May 2024. 

Students in the focus group expressed satisfaction with the quality of teaching and the individual attention they received from their teachers. RGS staff visit market countries to run focus groups with parents and agents, ensuring that the application and enrolment process is easy and clear. Teachers in the focus group reported that classroom and teaching resources are of a very high standard. Staff in focus groups also commented that induction and performance development are thorough and ongoing. Learning outcomes of the English for High School course are based on the Pearson Global Scale of English (GSE) and aligned with Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) ‘can do’ statements, with particular emphasis on the skills needed for mainstream programs, especially in science and math. Most international students live on campus and a comprehensive boarding program is offered. New students are teamed up with a different buddy each term. 

June 2024

Congratulations to Sarina Russo Institute (SRI)!

Sarina Russo Institute (SRI) is renowned for its commitment to providing high-quality vocational and academic education. With an emphasis on equipping students with practical skills and knowledge, SRI delivers programs tailored to meet industry demands. One of its key offerings includes English language courses, which are designed to align with international standards such as the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the Global Scale of English (GSE). These courses aim to enhance students’ language proficiency, ensuring they are well-prepared for further education and career opportunities. 

In 2021, SRI’s online Bridging English Entry Program (BEEP) was awarded NEAS quality endorsement. Since this endorsement, SRI has striven to align its lower-level courses to the same standards of online delivery so that these courses can be run either face-to-face, online, or in a hybrid/blended mode. Although currently operating in face-to-face mode, Unipath 2 can be run as a fully remote online course via the Blackboard LMS and Collaborate Tool. 

Online delivery is reviewed against the Quality Principles in Area H: Online Delivery. These Quality Principles focus on: ensuring the design of the online environment supports a positive and engaging user experience; the appropriateness of learning and assessment strategies for virtual delivery; provision of learning resources and technology to facilitate learning; and the presence of an integrated reporting system to support the online courses. Please refer to this section of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework for further information: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-h.  

The Unipath 2 and BEEP courses, each spanning ten weeks, enable students to progress to James Cook University Brisbane (JCUB) undergraduate and postgraduate courses respectively at direct entry level. SRI aims to acculturate students to the academic skills required for JCUB undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. By focusing on key Blackboard tools, SRI provides students with the online operability needed for success in subsequent pathway courses. The Unipath 2 course demonstrates a high degree of accessibility in terms of format, layout, font choice, and font size. The course pages feature good visual design and effective use of images, with a wide range of learning and consolidation activities for learners to choose from. Students commented favourably on the materials, content, and accessibility, and both students and staff rated the instructional language highly. SRI has ensured that instructional and content language falls within the word frequency ranges appropriate for current students’ levels. 

June 2024

Three Benefits of Lifelong Learning in ELT

The 2024 NEAS Management Conference highlighted the significance of lifelong learning for ELT educators and managers. Embracing continuous professional development strengthens teaching skills and keeps educational institutions competitive and innovative. 

NEAS Online provides a robust and flexible platform for ELT professionals to engage in continuous professional development. Through its commitment to provide thought leadership and learning opportunities in quality assurance and continuous improvement, NEAS supports the growth and development of ELT professionals, promoting excellence in the field.  

Here are three benefits of lifelong learning in ELT:

  1. Staying Updated with Teaching Methodologies and Technological Advancements

    One of the key benefits of lifelong learning is staying current with the latest teaching methodologies and technological advancements. The educational landscape is continuously evolving with new digital tools, online resources, and AI. By engaging in continuous professional development, ELT professionals can integrate these innovations into their classrooms, creating more engaging and effective learning environments.

  2. Enhancing Professional Growth and Adaptability 

    Lifelong learning fosters professional growth and adaptability, which are crucial in the diverse field of ELT. Continuous professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and webinars, provide valuable insights and strategies for addressing the unique challenges of the sector. 

  3. Boosting Staff Retention and Motivation 

    Providing continuous professional development significantly boosts staff retention and motivation. Supported employees are more likely to stay committed, reducing turnover and fostering a stable, motivated team. Mastering new skills leads to personal fulfilment and reignites passion, preventing burnout and maintaining engagement. This creates a positive work environment that encourages innovation.  

    Prioritising lifelong learning demonstrates an institution’s commitment to staff growth, making it more competitive and improving its reputation by attracting high-quality educators. 

NEAS Online courses, and many other services, are available to employees at NEAS endorsed members and independent Associate Members through our website.

Connect with other ELT professionals both domestically and internationally by attending our webinars, become a certified Master Practitioner, or take advantage of our Communities of Practice (CoPs) to meet colleagues in person in Australia.

We also offer:

  • Webinar Archive: Access recordings of webinars to stay updated on the latest trends, methodologies, and insights in the ELT field, while learning at your own pace.

  • Core Courses: These are designed to help ELT professionals understand and implement the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework effectively.

  • NEAS Specialisations: NEAS offers specialised training courses that allow educators to focus on specific areas within ELT that align with their interests or career goals.

  • NEAS Master Practitioner:
    • Advanced Program: This advanced program is designed for experienced ELT professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and leadership skills. The Master Practitioner program includes comprehensive coursework and practical application of knowledge.
    • Apply Knowledge to an Area of Interest: Participants in the Master Practitioner program can choose to apply their knowledge of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework to a specific area of interest, allowing for targeted professional growth and development.

May 2024

News from Adam

Welcome to the latest edition of our CEO’s column News From Adam.

The government’s recently announced legislative changes to the ESOS Act and the agenda they have described in their draft consultation document, Australia’s International Education and Skills Strategic Framework, gives us pause as a community to stop and reflect.  

It’s so very encouraging that the government is placing quality and integrity at the centre of their reforms. At NEAS, those two words “quality” and ”integrity” sit at the core of who we are. We are very well positioned to support the government in its understanding of the impact its suggested changes will have on our sector. For example, is the government aware of just how fundamental international education and migration has been, and still is, to our economy? International students are an important labour source across a range of skill levels. These skills are learned through courses at the education providers affected by the changes.  

It’s important for them to be armed with an understanding of the various nuances that exist within our sector. Universities are very different from TAFE providers, stand-alone ELICOS centres, and cross-sector private providers. NEAS knows the differences between this diversity of international education provision, and so understands the very meaning of quality in each of these contexts. Let’s not forget too, that NEAS quality assures in related areas of policy concern for the government. Namely, homestay provision. Has the government considered quality provision in this sector as a means of solving accommodation shortages? It is widely used by international students, young and old, and might be another avenue of consideration to support the incentive they are offering universities to deliver to students beyond their caps. NEAS is close to the homestay provider industry, and recently launched the NEAS Homestay Standards, which would facilitate improved quality capacity. 

Finally, NEAS is ready to engage with the government and similar member associations such as us, to achieve the best outcomes for everyone. 

May 2024

Congratulations to Cairns College of English and Business (CCEB)!

Congratulations to Cairns College of English and Business (CCEB) for completing a successful Quality Review Activity with NEAS.

CCEB has completed a Self-Assessment activity. This activity supports member institutions in evaluating their quality and planning for continuous improvement. Through the Self-Assessment, CCEB has reviewed its practices, incorporated feedback, and set forth actionable goals for enhancement.

CCEB is set to elevate its educational standards by implementing NEAS templates for moderation and validation to ensure courses align seamlessly with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and with the ‘Can Do’ statements displayed in classrooms.
To safeguard the well-being of under-18 students, all visitors will undergo Blue Card (Working with Children Check) status checks, and those without a Blue Card will be accompanied throughout their visit. In a further commitment to safety, CCEB plans to conduct a comprehensive review of its Work Health and Safety (WHS) plan within the next six months and has begun a three-month trial of a new Safety Management System.

CCEB’s dedication to incorporating feedback from previous NEAS Quality Review activities into its planning highlights its commitment to excellence and continuous development.

May 2024