NEAS congratulates RMIT UP on the successful completion of its Quality Assurance activity, which focused on the three key Quality Principles of Learner Autonomy, Stakeholder Feedback, and Organisational Structure.
The Centre demonstrated a strong culture of reflection and improvement. Plans are in place to actively promote supplementary learning resources to enhance learner autonomy; to strengthen stakeholder engagement through regular student focus groups and ongoing review of the EAP Review and Appeal of Assessment Results procedures; and to deepen communication between management and teaching staff through digital feedback channels and the English Language Teacher Consultative Committee.
These initiatives reflect the Centre’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement in both teaching quality and student experience.
NEAS commends the Centre for its proactive self-assessment, realistic timelines, and evidence-based approach to quality enhancement.
Ivanhoe Grammar School has has successfully continued its Quality Endorsement following a recent Management Meeting held on 18 August 2025.
A long-standing NEAS member with 27 years of continuous Quality Endorsement, Ivanhoe Grammar School continues to demonstrate excellence through its inclusive and collaborative culture, robust EAL programs, and commitment to student wellbeing and global engagement. The School’s newly launched Ivanhoe Instructional Model(2025) highlights its dedication to evidence-based teaching, consistency in practice, and shared responsibility for learning excellence.
With state-of-the-art facilities, a diverse international student body, and a passionate leadership team, Ivanhoe Grammar School exemplifies the NEAS values of quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Over the past months, NEAS’s Quality Assessor completed an in-depth assessment of SRI’s application and supporting documents and followed up with an onsite Quality Endorsement visit. Structured meetings and interviews with SRI management, teachers and operational staff were completed, and class observations also formed part of the quality audit.
Sarina Russo Institute shares their Brisbane campus with James Cook University Brisbane and Russo Business school. SRI offers a range of courses in VET and ELICOS. ELICOS courses include General English and University Pathway courses that pathway students to diploma and bachelor’s courses.
Sarina Russo Institute is centrally located in the city centre, it is well connected to public transport, and close to the popular and scenic Brisbane River area.
Sarina Russo Institute currently has students studying English language courses from South American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, as well as students from China, and a group of government-supported students from South Korea.
Sarina Russo Institute’s services are integrated across ELICOS, VET and University courses, including strong student welfare and support requirements. Teachers and students reported warmly and enthusiastically about teaching and learning at Sarina Russo Institute during the Quality Review focus group interviews. The teaching and learning facilities, community feeling, and teaching quality were all explicitly mentioned as valuable for teachers and students alike. NEAS congratulates Sarina Russo Institute staff and leadership for their continued commitment to quality in English language course provision.
Avalon College has successfully maintained its NEAS Quality Endorsement, following the Management Meeting held on 30 August 2025.
Established in 1997 in picturesque Geelong, Avalon delivers targeted English Language Preparation for primary and secondary learners within a safe, fully residential environment. Strengths include a cohesive, internally developed curriculum with moderated assessment rubrics; 25 contact hours per week delivered on campus; contemporary resources and digital platforms (including Orah) that support teaching, assessment, attendance and engagement; and an Only English immersion policy that builds confidence across reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Students benefit from experienced, long-serving staff, clear orientation and conduct expectations, robust welfare practices, and an engaging weekend program that deepens cultural understanding. NEAS commends Avalon’s collaborative culture and commitment to continuous improvement.
Over the past months, NEAS’s Quality Assessor completed an in-depth assessment of AIL’s application and supporting documents and followed up with an onsite Quality Endorsement visit. Structured meetings and interviews with AIL management, teachers and operational staff were completed, and class observations also formed part of the quality audit.
The Australian Institute of Language (AIL) is located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD and is easily accessible by public transport. AIL proudly welcomes students from over 36 countries and regions, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment. Students enjoy high-quality teaching and outstanding support services, learning in culturally dynamic classes where they not only improve their English but also make friends and share experiences beyond the classroom. Friendly and accomplished reception and student services staff, together with highly experienced teachers, foster a welcoming and professional environment throughout the centre.
AIL offers General English, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and IELTS Preparation courses to students from a wide range of backgrounds and proficiency levels. Regular classes run Monday to Thursday, with Fridays dedicated to academic or welfare support, excursions, and wellbeing activities.
AIL continues to expand into new international education markets, ensuring genuine student recruitment and long-term stability. NEAS congratulates AIL on its continued commitment to quality course delivery and an exceptional student experience.
The Self-Assessment process is an important part of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, supporting members to reflect on their current practices, engage stakeholders, and plan for continuous improvement. RMIT Vietnam demonstrated commendable commitment to quality enhancement, undertaking a thorough review across multiple principles, including course evaluation, student support, facilities, communication, strategic planning, and organisational structure.
The school’s initiatives include strengthening external benchmarking, enhancing student and teacher feedback systems, refining induction and support processes, and developing a new strategic plan. These activities reflect a strong culture of reflection, transparency, and continuous improvement.
NEAS congratulates the leadership, staff, and students of School of English and University Pathways at RMIT University Vietnam on the confirmation of their ongoing Quality Endorsement, and we look forward to seeing their continued success and innovation in English language education.
Monday 9 September 2025, NEAS CEO Adam Kilburn participated in an important event hosted by Business NSW and Business Sydney, in partnership with Study NSW, for the launch of the report: Economic and Social Contributions of International Students to NSW.
The event marked the official launch of this landmark report commissioned by Study NSW and prepared by Business NSW. The Hon. Emily Suvaal MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business, delivered the keynote, underscoring the scale of international students’ contributions—economic, social, cultural, and long-term.
The report is a timely reminder of the significant impact international students have on our country—and in this case, specifically for NSW. In 2024, the sector supported nearly 120,000 full-time jobs and contributed close to $13 billion to the economy. But as the findings also make clear, the benefits extend far beyond the numbers: international students help fill critical workforce gaps, enrich our communities, and build lifelong cultural bonds across generations.
Adam joined the panel to reflect on these findings and to provide NEAS’ perspective on the role of accommodation—particularly homestay—in supporting international students. He highlighted how homestay provides more than just a place to stay: it creates a safe, culturally enriching environment that helps students adjust quickly to life in Australia, while also strengthening the social licence of international education by connecting students with Australian families.
NEAS is proud to be leading this important space. We have developed industry-backed guidelines for Homestay that set a high benchmark for quality and risk management. These guidelines support schools, providers, and families to deliver safe, enriching homestay experiences, while recognising homestay’s unique role in helping international students thrive.
As the report shows, international students are vital to NSW’s future—and indeed, to all of Australia’s. NEAS is honoured to contribute to this conversation and will continue advocating for high-quality homestay as a cornerstone of the international student experience.
The NEAS Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Parker as the next Chair of NEAS Australia, effective from the Annual General Meeting in November 2025.
Mr Parker brings a distinguished record of leadership in governance and international education. Until April 2025, he served as the Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner for NSW in ASEAN, based in Singapore. Prior to that, he was a Partner at PwC Australia, where he led the Asia Practice and held key roles including Asia Pacific Telecommunications Industry Leader and Chair of PwC Australia’s Public Reports Panel. With over 30 years of international experience in Australia, London, Moscow, Jakarta and Singapore, Mr Parker is a recognised expert in governance, cross-border investment and international education. He also contributes to several advisory boards, notably the Australia-Indonesia Centre at Monash University and the Asia Society of Australia.
“It is an honour to be appointed Chair of NEAS Australia,” said Andrew Parker. “International education plays a critical role in strengthening Australia’s connections with the world, and NEAS has long been a trusted leader in quality assurance. I look forward to working with the Board, our members, and our partners to continue building a strong, innovative and globally connected education sector.”
The Board extends its profound appreciation to Professor Tanya Buchanan, whose steadfast leadership as Chair has navigated NEAS through its most challenging period. Professor Buchanan’s courage, diligence and resilience have been instrumental in positioning NEAS as an adaptable, forward-looking organisation.
Reflecting on her tenure, Professor Tanya Buchanan said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of NEAS during such a transformative time. I am immensely proud of the way the organisation has remained committed, resilient and forward-thinking. I have every confidence that under Andrew’s leadership, NEAS will continue to thrive and make a lasting contribution to international education.”
Under Andrew Parker’s leadership, NEAS looks forward to renewed collaboration and continued advancement of its mission. We thank our partners and stakeholders for their unwavering support.
We are proud to announce the formalisation of our long-standing relationship with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
NEAS and ASQA have enjoyed a productive and collaborative partnership since ASQA’s inception: working side by side, supporting providers, listening to the sector, and promoting the values of quality and integrity. Over time, both organisations have found strong alignment in values, building a relationship grounded in trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to serving the sector.
“This MOU establishes a strong framework for collaboration between NEAS and ASQA. It allows us to share information more effectively, build a clearer appreciation of risk through data, and strengthen a positive sector culture. Together, we are committed to supporting high-quality providers who are dedicated to innovation, best practice, and continuous improvement.” – Adam Kilburn, CEO, NEAS
As part of this formalised partnership, NEAS and ASQA meet regularly and have developed a program of shared interests and activities.
Together, NEAS and ASQA remain committed to advancing quality and continuous improvement across the ELT and wider education sector.
We’re proud to announce that ACE Cambodia’s TESOL Teacher Certification Program has been endorsed by NEAS This endorsement recognises the program’s high-quality course design, experienced trainers, robust practical component, and commitment to continuous improvement in TESOL training.
August 2025
Media Enquiries
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