Study Overseas

English Language Teaching (ELT) in Australia

Australia, a young country, has considerable experience in teaching quality English language programs. More than 50 years ago the Australian government set up programs for new migrants and refugees to help them live and work successfully in Australia. Today the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is world's best practice, and all state and territory governments have strong ESL (English as a Second Language) programs in primary and secondary schools for children of migrants and refugees.

In Australia, courses for international students are known as ELICOS, which stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. In other parts of the world these courses are called English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Institutions providing ELICOS courses are known as colleges, not schools, and most ELICOS students are young adults.

ELICOS colleges can be privately owned or part of a government organisation such as TAFE (Technical and Further Education) colleges. There are very 16 ELICOS colleges, part of a national or international group, as well as small independent colleges.

Why study English in Australia?

Australia is a young, relaxed yet exciting country with plenty to offer visitors. It is also an excellent place to study English! Here are five reasons:

Types of English Courses

Whatever reason you have to learn English, there is a course for you in Australia.

Many ELICOS colleges also offer special courses such as English for Surfing, English for Golf, English for the Environment etc for people with specific interests. These courses generally combine study with some kind of activity outside the classroom.

English for Study

Around 30% of ELICOS students want to study at a high school, vocational college or university when they finish their English study. Each provider sets its own standard of English language entry and IELTS is the main standard used throughout Australia. Providers generally want an IELTS score between 5.5 and 7.0 plus evidence you satisfy other entry requirements - you will need to check the needs of individual providers. Providers may also accept TOEFL or TOEIC scores.

English Language & Entry to Further Study

Many English colleges teach English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or other courses that prepare students for further study. Students learn to understand classes, lectures, workshops, seminars, reference books etc, write essays and research reports and communicate with their teachers/lecturers and fellow students. Students also learn the 'culture' of learning - how to be successful with their studies. Students who study these courses may be able to take some kind of test set by the college in order to 'graduate', or they can take IELTS/TOEFL/TOEIC exams. There are IELTS testing centres in all major Australian cities.

English Australia

English Australia is the professional association representing ELICOS colleges in Australia. Members are committed to following the highest standards of professional and ethical practice in the delivery of English language programs to overseas students. Go to www.englishaustralia.com.au for a full list of colleges and courses they offer.