There are many choices of country when it comes to choosing an English language course. Why should you study English in Australia?
To get the most out of your English learning experience you need excellent teaching, high quality materials, and access to the latest technology and high speed internet. You want to study English in a country with a strong economy and stable political situation. You want to study in an industry that looks after international students. You also want to immerse yourself in the language, through unique, fun, and interesting experiences. Australia offers all of these things.
The curricula of English language courses in Australia are modern and cutting edge; the teachers are highly qualified (to maintain accreditation, ELICOS colleges must ensure teachers meet strict requirements); and the telecommunications system is second to none (Australians are some of the fastest uptakers of new technology in the world!).
The high-quality English language schools in Brisbane, for example, offer a wide range of courses, including IELTS exam preparation, Cambridge FCE, CAE and BEC exam preparation and courses like English + Surfing. The national organisation English Australia provides regular opportunities for teachers to develop professionally which ensures they are improving constantly and aware of latest research into language learning.
Australia has one of the best ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) and ESL education sectors in the world. It is carefully regulated by the Australian government with strict standards for colleges to follow. Last month, the Australian government published a report called ‘Studying in Australia’ which discussed the views of students, agents and parents in six different countries about studying in Australia. Compared to other popular destinations for international students, “Australia’s student visa costs, tuition costs, living expenses and demonstrated minimum level of funds needed to apply for a visa were the same or lower.”
Recently, the government has conducted a thorough review of the international student visa program and has announced a number of changes that will make it even easier for students to enter Australia to study at an English language school. Some of these will come into effect on November 5 2011. More changes will take effect in mid-2012 and together they will make Australia an even more attractive destination for students who want to study English.
Australia also has a wealth of opportunities for travel and experiences – there’s something for everyone! We’ve a range of different climates and landscapes: hot, dry desert; warm, humid rainforest; stunning coastal scenery. Try diving on the Great Barrier Reef, visiting Uluru and the red centre, climbing the iconic Harbour Bridge, driving along the Great Ocean Road or exploring World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park just for starters! Visit our world-renowned wine-growing regions – the Barossa Valley, Margaret River, the Coonawarra. Check out the theme parks on the Gold Coast – Dreamworld, Seaworld, or Movieworld. Meet some of our iconic Aussie animals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane or Currumbin Sanctuary on the Gold Coast.
Make sure you consider Australia when planning your overseas English learning experience.