NEWS

Established in 2001, the Australia Education Management Group (AEMG) promotes international education and cross-cultural exchange by facilitating partnerships between education providers and research centres in China, Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Europe. AEMG engaged the services of NEAS Assist to review the benchmarking of its Academic Language and Study Skills 1 and 2 courses (ALS1 and ALS2) against the IELTS public band descriptors.

NEAS Assist, the consultancy arm of NEAS, offers expert, tailored assistance to further enhance the quality of ELT centres. AEMG provided comprehensive curriculum, assessment information, and evidence for the review. The resulting NEAS benchmarking report outlines the methodology applied and evidence examined, providing advice for quality improvement, and specifying the conditions for the report’s conclusions. Students successfully completing the ALS1 or ALS2 courses demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to the specified standards, with the report being valid for a period of two years.

May 2024

Congratulations to Catch-up Education for the successful completion of its 2024 Quality Review initiative. Founded in Sydney in 2016, Catch-up Education is an Australian-registered education agency that primarily recruits international students from France, French overseas collectivities, and other regions such as Mauritius, Fiji, Tahiti and New Caledonia. The agency facilitates study opportunities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, the USA, and Japan, with a particular emphasis on ELICOS and Higher Education courses in Australia. In addition to recruitment services, Catch-up Education offers comprehensive support services, including online courses, internships, demi/au-pair placements, airport transfers, and initial accommodation arrangements. The agency has established partnership agreements with NEAS members and holds certifications from ISEAA and ICEF, underscoring its dedication to providing quality education and student support.

NEAS conducted its assessment of Catch-up Education’s operations and services 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 360-degree stakeholder feedback model in its review procedures. Interviews with students and providers identified the agency’s professionalism and reliability. Students praised Catch-up Education for its adherence to legal requirements and processes, expressing satisfaction with the support they received. Their feedback highlighted a sense of being well-cared for in a professional yet friendly manner, with comments such as “He gave me a good balance and took away all the stress I’ve got, like all the administration,” and “He has become a friend and I visit him when I can,” indicating a deep level of trust and rapport. Facebook reviews and comments further validated these sentiments, with the agency receiving a commendable 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews. Telephone interviews revealed that all clients were highly satisfied with how Catch-up Education understood and responded to their individual needs, goals, and preferences. Education providers echoed this sentiment, recognising Catch-up Education’s comprehensive support and recounting instances where Sylvain had gone above and beyond to assist students in need, earning him praise as someone who “tends to provide the full packet of support” and who “scooped [students] from trouble.”

May 2024

The Preparation Center for Languages and Mathematics at Mahidol University International College (MUIC) is a premier educational institution committed to fostering excellence in language and mathematics proficiency. Situated within MUIC, the centre offers a wide range of courses designed to cater to the individual needs and goals of students.

Congratulations to The Preparation Center for Languages and Mathematics for its successful completion of the NEAS Quality Review for 2024. This review encompassed structured meetings and focus group discussions involving management, students, teachers, and professional staff. Additionally, the use of anonymised Quality Principles Surveys helped identify focal points for the Quality Review process, while comprehensive stakeholder feedback was analysed in alignment with the key Principles and Drivers of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework. For more information on the Quality Assurance Framework, please refer to this section of the NEAS website: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/.

The centre provides a rigorous English and academic preparation program spanning four proficiency levels. Tailored to assist students in gaining admission to MUIC courses, the program attracts a diverse student body, including Thai and international learners, with the latter comprising less than 5% of the cohort, primarily from China, Myanmar, and South Korea. Led by experienced instructors, the centre benefits from stable teaching and support staff, fostering a collaborative atmosphere focused on student success. The centre’s collegial environment is characterised by regular meetings and reviews, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with student needs. With a high staff retention rate, the centre maintains a deep understanding of its culture and operations, further enhancing its ability to support students effectively. Additionally, the centre offers scholarships for the children of MUIC staff and Mahidol University employees, underscoring its commitment to fostering a supportive community and facilitating access to quality education.

May 2024

UOW College Australia serves as the dedicated pathway provider to the University of Wollongong (UOW) and offers tailored English and academic programs to prepare students for undergraduate studies. Alongside academic support, UOW College Australia provides a Homestay Program, catering to both domestic and international students of UOW College Australia, the University of Wollongong, and The Illawarra Grammar School. This program promises care and assistance in settling into a new city and culture.

NEAS is pleased to assess and endorse UOW College Australia 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.

UOW College Australia is commended for its clear policy and procedure documents, which undergo regular reviews and version control. Expectations for staff communication with hosts and students are outlined in a homestay email template, supplemented by newsletters to keep host families informed of their responsibilities and contact points for assistance. For under 18 students with a UOW College Australia Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) letter, expectations for both students and host families are clearly outlined and signed by both parties, with welfare and support sessions provided. The college oversees student movement with an Under 18 International Homestay Students Travel Application Form. Host families are directed to the NSW Government site for the Working with Children Check, and insurance requirements are detailed in the Host Families Terms and Conditions.

Anonymised student feedback further emphasises the positive experiences within the homestay program, with one student expressing, “This is the second time I experienced homestay!! It was a nice experience to stay and can learn other countries’ cultures,” while another shares, “My homestay family is very kind and interesting, so I am having a very enjoyable time!” Additionally, a host family provided glowing feedback, stating, “Homestay has been awesome. I’ve had some beautiful students staying and it’s been a fantastic experience.”

May 2024

The Envoy English language test was developed to offer accurate and reliable language proficiency predictions across four key skills, along with detailed scoring, all within an educational context. Its flexible design allows students to take the test on demand from any location. Tailored with teachers in mind, Envoy aids in assessing student proficiency through its modular structure, providing results within two hours. Envoy caters to both Academic and General English needs and functions as a diagnostic tool and placement test for students aged 16 and above. Clients can customise the test by selecting specific skill combinations according to their requirements.

NEAS is pleased to assess and endorse Envoy in the category of Quality Products and Services (Area K). The Quality Principles of Area K focus on these features of the target Product and Service: its underlying research; its fulfilment of purpose; its processes for maintaining quality; its uniqueness and innovation; and its contribution to the ELT community. Detailed information on Area K of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-k.

NEAS commends the Envoy test for its adept integration of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the British Council EAQUALS Core Inventory, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of skills in real-life scenarios. Rigorous security measures and human checks are central to test administration. Developed by specialists in applied linguistics and assessment, Envoy stays current through active engagement with customers, continuous market research, and feedback from test-takers. Operating under the IDP banner grants access to valuable student expectation data. The unique Envoy AI Rater evaluates extended, open-ended responses, aiming to construct a detailed profile of authentic English proficiency while maintaining content neutrality in scoring models.

May 2024

Congratulations to Hoa Sen University on its successful completion of a Quality Assurance Management Meeting, which confirms the centre’s continued Quality Endorsement. A structured Management Meeting was conducted as an additional engagement point for NEAS to understand the centre and its priorities better. Management Meetings are integral to the ongoing Quality Review cycle and complement other regular Quality Assurance activities. The Management Meeting covered key areas of the NEAS Quality Framework (Areas A to D) as well as areas of significance for the centre. For further information about the Quality Assurance Framework, please refer to this section of the NEAS website: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/.

Hoa Sen University continues to deliver high-quality English language programs across multiple campuses in Ho Chi Minh City. Following the 2023 Self-Assessment activity, Hoa Sen University has demonstrated significant progress in addressing the three Quality Principles focused on: A1 – Course design supporting quality learning outcomes; A2 – Ensuring teachers possess appropriate training and experience for course delivery and assessment; and A4 – Optimising course delivery, assessment, and teaching approaches to enhance student outcomes.

The university has implemented a six-month staffing plan, with Level Heads holding regular meetings to address teaching staff concerns and ensure consistent moderation of teacher delivery and assessment. An assessment review process has been established to ensure alignment with learning outcomes and validation standards, overseen by the Quality Assurance Department. This process has led to the introduction of a broader range of assessment methods, including projects and recorded presentations, introduced by Level Heads who continue to monitor alongside the Director of English Language Programs.

May 2024

Vietnam USA Society English Centres (VUS) is a leading institution for English Language Teaching in Vietnam, annually enrolling approximately 250,000 students across the country. Primarily situated in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Hanoi, VUS began its NEAS membership in 2017, starting with 15 centres, 14 in HCMC and 1 in Hanoi. Presently, the number of centres has expanded to 43. A recent Quality Assurance activity was conducted to confirm NEAS Quality Endorsement for nine new centres: Buon Ma Thuot Branch; Kon Tum Branch – Kon Tum Province; Pleiku Branch; Quy Nhon Branch; Nha Trang Branch; An Hung Branch; Linh Dam Branch; Pham Van Dong Branch; and Van Khe Branch – Ha Noi.

Congratulations to VUS for successfully completing the NEAS Quality Endorsement Meeting. This exercise included structured meetings and focus group discussions with management, students, teachers, and professional staff. Using anonymised Quality Principles Surveys helped pinpoint areas of focus for the Quality Review process. For more information on the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, please refer to this section of the NEAS website: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/.

Students expressed satisfaction with the course design and its quality outcomes, as evidenced by unanimous agreement in the online surveys regarding the well-designed nature of the courses at VUS. All teachers hold appropriate qualifications, typically a bachelor’s degree with ELT components or additional TESOL qualifications. The teaching staff draw on extensive experience. Course delivery, attendance, and assessment records are meticulously maintained online in V-Hub, providing stakeholders, including parents, easy access to progress information. Student feedback consistently highlights satisfaction with course delivery, assessment methods, and teaching approaches.

VUS prioritises the welfare of students under 18, implementing robust arrangements including the provision of Teacher Assistants and additional classroom support for younger students. A child protection Code of Conduct is integrated into the employment contracts of all VUS employees. Security is paramount at VUS campuses, with onsite security guards ensuring a safe environment at all times.

May 2024

Allianz Partners provides assistance and insurance solutions to customers in over 70 countries. Under its international health insurance brand, Allianz Care Australia, Allianz Partners provide access to high quality healthcare to international students studying in Australia through their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC provides medical insurance coverage aligned with the requirements set by the Australian government for obtaining a student visa. It includes coverage for hospital expenses, GP visits, prescription medications, and emergency medical services.

NEAS is pleased to assess and endorse Allianz Care Australia’s OSHC in the category of Quality Products and Services (Area K). The Quality Principles of Area K focus on these features of the target Product and Service: its underlying research; its fulfilment of purpose; its processes for maintaining quality; its uniqueness and innovation; and its contribution to the ELT community.
Detailed information on Area K of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-k.

Allianz Partners demonstrated its comprehensive stakeholder engagement process, which yielded feedback crucial for informing the research and development of their tailored insurance. This process ensured that the resulting product effectively addressed the needs of students, parents, and NEAS centres. The staggered communications plan implemented by Allianz Partners also earned commendation for its efficacy in preventing information overload among students. Allianz Partners conducted stakeholder focus groups, optimising channels for streamlined customer onboarding. With regular feedback mechanisms in place, Allianz Partners demonstrates commitment to continuously enhancing and innovating product effectiveness, thus adding significant value for both students and institutions.

May 2024