Australia
is a real land of opportunity for the language teaching industry. It offers
students the possibility of learning English in a truly cosmopolitan,
friendly, professional and beautiful environment, where outdoor activities
are bountiful. Australia attracts language students because of the high
quality of instruction, the climate, the clean environment and the friendliness
of the people.
There is no better way to learn English than in a country where the language is spoken, and in Australia students can live with Australian families and mix with English-speaking people every day. At the same time, there is a multi-cultural body of overseas students learning English in Australia, and students usually find it very interesting to learn about different cultures from their colleagues.
Students enjoy coming to Australia, as they get the chance to experience many things that they can't do in their home country. Depending on where and when the students choose to study, they can participate in cycling, bushwalking, skiing, swimming, scuba diving, golf, football, surfing, tennis, basketball, and many other sporting activities - and learn English at the same time! Most Language institutions run thriving social programmes to include cultural events such as jazz, concerts, theatre, and exhibitions, as well as sports.
Students choose to come to Australia for many reasons:
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The high quality English courses
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A relatively low cost of living
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The low cost of ELT fees
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For personal safety
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Because friends and family have recommended Australia as a study destination
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A favourable climate
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The opportunity to travel
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The opportunity to work while studying
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To experience the Australian life-style
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To improve their English for work purposes
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To improve their English to go onto further study
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To combine study and tourism.
Melbourne, the Cultural Heart of Australia
With the many galleries, theatres, sporting events, arts festivals, nightlife and a thriving café culture, it's no wonder that Melbourne has held the title of the world's most liveable city.
Melbourne has over three million residents, representing diverse cultural, religious and racial backgrounds. Melburnians are proud of their multicultural heritage and the variety of foods, arts, and entertainment that are available to them.
Situated on the Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne boasts some of the most outstanding architecture and parks in the world. Wide tree-lined boulevards stretch from one end of the city to the other, and Melbourne's trams make travel in the city simple.
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students
There are more than 100 ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) centres in Australia. All centres must be accredited and government-registered, and are monitored on an on-going basis to ensure maintenance of standards. Some centres are part of tertiary institutions or schools, and others are private colleges, but all must fulfil the standards set for accreditation.
The accreditation of English language centres is comprehensive. Centres must prove to the National ELICOS Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) that they have an appropriate management, administration and welfare infrastructure, qualified teaching staff, suitable premises, facilities and resources, and appropriate curricula and syllabi.
With thanks to
English Australia & ELICOS Association
STUDENT PROFILE
Takeshi Kawakami from Japan believes that studying English in Melbourne was one of the best decisions of his life. After completing a study tour with Japan's Mouroren University of Technology, Takeshi enrolled in the General English course at the Centre for English Language Learning (CELL) at RMIT University. When he first arrived at the Centre, Takeshi's English was pre-intermediate. After sixteen weeks of studying English at CELL, Takeshi's English is now at an upper-intermediate level.
"When I arrived in Australia, my English wasn't very good at all. I believe my English has improved incredibly since studying at CELL. I can now say that I speak English very well to all my friends back home".
Takeshi chose to study in Melbourne because he was in awe of the city's beauty, the friendliness of the people, and because the Centre for English Language Learning had an excellent reputation for academic and teaching excellence.
"I chose to study at CELL because I heard many good things about the English course from friends who had studied there before. I liked the teachers. They were always very helpful when I needed them. I also wanted to meet people from different countries. Everybody was really nice and the environment was relaxed and friendly."
Living in Melbourne was also very affordable, because of the currency exchange rate at the time. A keen traveller, Takeshi enjoyed the splendors of Melbourne by taking trips to Healesville Sanctuary, which is home to native animals in natural surroundings, the magnificent Great Ocean Rd, renowned for its breathtaking views of the ocean, and Phillip Island (home to the famous Penguin Parade). He also chose to live with an Australian family (the Homestay option), which meant that he was regularly able to practice his English.
Takeshi is now studying an Engineering program at RMIT University, and believes that his improved English skills will help him in his Civil Engineering career and improve his prospects for getting a job overseas.
Author
Takeshi Kawakami
RMIT University, the Centre For English Language Learning
