Education and Training International WA

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Study English in Perth  Print   Email

What is ELICOS?

ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students.

It is very important to choose an ELICOS school which has high standards and a good reputation. TAFEWA has two excellent English language centres which deliver fully-accredited courses that are regulated by the government to ensure high quality is maintained. All English courses are studied full-time (22 hours per week) and are available for various periods of study from four to 40 weeks.
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English Courses

Our English course options include General English language training, English for Academic Purposes, Cambridge courses, IELTS preparation and International Business English. The details on all these courses are available in the English courses brochure.
 

Why Choose Us?

Fully Accredited English Language Centres

Our English Language Centres in Perth - at Swan TAFE's Bentley Campus and Central TAFE's Northbridge Campus - are officially accredited by the National English Language Teachingea_s Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) and are members of ENGLISH AUSTRALIA (EA) - the peak professional body for all accredited English language (ELICOS) centres in Australia.

Professional Teachers & Quality Programs

All of our Teaching staff are fully-qualified English Language instructors and are experienced working with students of all backgrounds. The programs and teaching methods are customized to suit the needs of our students. Our contemporary learning resources include text books, visual media and web-based materials.

There are no entry requirements for our English courses and we have programs for all levels from basic thru to advanced. If you are studying English to meet the required proficiency level to enter one of our TAFEWA courses, we use your IELTS or TOEFL results or our free English proficiency test to determine the most appropriate duration and timing of your English studies.

At the start of classes, all students are given a proficiency test so that they can be placed in the correct class. Regular assessments are given during the course to assess progress and a final test (at the end of the term or program) is given to determine successful completion.

Modern Facilities

Our facilities include:
  • Fully-equipped computer labs with internet access and computer-assisted language learning.
  • Extensive Learning Resource Centres on campus with videos, newspapers, text books and instructional media.
  • Bookshops, gymnasiums, sports facilities, cafeterias, prayer rooms and much more.

Experience the Australian Life

By studying on campuses with large numbers of Australian students, our international students readily mix and enjoy discovering the Australian lifestyle. ELICOS students also have numerous organised social and recreational activities that help them learn more about Australia and enjoy their time here.

Recognised Qualifications

All students receive a Certificate of Completion specifying their English language level attained according to the ISLPR scale. This is recognised by NEAS Australia and education institutions throughout Australia. Specialised courses also have their own individual Certificates upon completion.

Small Class Sizes

Our ELICOS class sizes have an average of only 15 students and there is always one main teacher and often additional support teachers in each class.

Further Study Opportunities

Our English courses are an excellent stepping stone to further studies in Australia - especially one of our TAFEWA programs. Many of our ELICOS students have "packaged" programs that allow them to begin English studies at the right time so that when they complete their English studies they can commence their TAFEWA course soon after.

See what our students say

You can read testimonials and profiles from dozens of our past and current students. View testimonials


Swan TAFE English Language Centre

Location - Bentley

Bentley Campus is just 7 kilometres from Perth's city centre and is directly opposite Curtin University (View map). Set among beautiful pine trees and magnificent gardens, it is the perfect location for students to study and improve their English skills. If students plan to continue their studies at Curtin University, studying at Bentley is the perfect choice.

Facilities

  • Computer assisted language laboratory that ensures fast, effective learning.
  • Fax and email facilities so students can stay in contact with friends and family.
  • Free internet use and several translation packages are offered to students.
  • Learning resource centre located on campus which gives students access to reference books, international newspapers, computers, language videos and cassettes.
  • A café-restaurant which offers a wide range of Asian and Western food.
  • Reliable public transport facilities.
  • Access to a mosque, prayer room, gymnasium, volleyball and badminton courts.

Services

Bentley Campus offers complete support to international students. It is known for its excellent pastoral care and study programs. Services include:
  • homestay placement, visa information, assistance with accommodation and information about further career options either at TAFE or University.
  • assistance with study requirements and extra tutoring.
  • opportunities for students to experience TAFE classes on their free day while studying their English program.
  • opportunities for students to meet people from different countries.
  • international student coordinators can be contacted after hours.

Teaching Methodology & Materials

Communication and integrating skills is the main emphasis. Awareness of the Australian culture, and study skills for further education are important parts of the English program. The program also includes:

English for Special Purposes eg: IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC exam preparation, CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning).
  • Afternoon options which reflect students’ needs and abilities eg. Australian Culture, Current Affairs, Australian English, Grammar Workshops.
Materials used for courses include those carefully selected by teachers who develop the program for each class, relevant textbooks, authentic materials and learner-centred activities.

Assessment

Students are assessed on their writing, reading and listening skills upon arrival and placed in the correct class for their level. They are also assessed mid-term and at the end of term and are informed of their progress in the four macro skills, speaking, writing, reading and listening.

Qualifications & Accreditation Obtained

Completion and Attendance Certificate for all courses (minimum: 5-week course).
  • Student Reports indicating English levels (ASLPR levels), progress, participation and punctuality for the General, Academic English and Cambridge courses.
  • Cambridge UCLES Certificate in PET, FCE and CAE.
  • Swan TAFE has been registered as a TOEIC Test Centre. Please contact the College direct for test dates.
All courses, class levels and timetables are explained in detail.

Social & Recreational Program

Students have the option of attending numerous activities which change monthly. These include tours of wineries, the coca cola factory, the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and many more.

Sample Timetable

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Central TAFE English Language Centre

Location - Northbridge

Northbridge Campus is located in the heart of the city in a prime cultural, restaurant and entertainment district (View map). The seven storey building has views of the campus and city surroundings. If students like the city life, they will enjoy studying at our Northbridge Campus.

Facilities

  • Fully-equipped computer labs with internet access.
  • Well-equipped Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and Independent Learning Centre (ILC) with access to computers, videos, reference books, language learning materials and international newspapers.
  • Bookshop, gymnasium, banking facilities, prayer room, international student kitchen, café-restaurant, outdoor alfresco areas and garden courtyard.
  • Air conditioned classrooms in the summer and heated in the winter.

Services

The International Centre provides three full-time student advisors, a counsellor, and a homestay coordinator to assist students. The staff can help with course information, career advice, personal issues, visa enquiries, homestay accommodation, information on social and recreational activities and how to settle in a new country.

Teaching Methodology & Materials

Central TAFE uses practical teaching methods and learner-centred approaches to deliver their English courses. Programs are designed and customised for students’ needs. Teachers are friendly, professional and highly qualified in English Language teaching. The program also includes:
  • monitoring of student satisfaction.
  • a variety of teacher-created, published and authentic teaching materials, media and activities.
  • web based materials and appropriate text books.
The teaching team has been nominated for TAFE awards for commitment to customer service.

Assessment

  • Students’ writing, reading and listening skills are assessed upon arrival and students are placed into the correct class for their level.
  • Continuous assessment takes place throughout the term.
  • Formal assessment takes place at the end of each term.
  • Assessments that take place in Term 2, Term 4, Winter and Summer school are used to assess whether students are eligible to enter an award course at TAFE.
  • Assessment scale used is the International Second Language Proficiency Rating Scale (ISLPR).

Qualifications & Accreditation Obtained

  • Certificate of Completion that specifies students’ English language level according to the ISLPR scale - recognised by Education & Training International, NEAS Australia and the Government of Western Australia.
  • Students of International Business English who successfully complete the LCCI exam in Business English will receive a Business English Certificate from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations Board (LCCIEB).

Social & Recreational Program

Students can:
  • join special sightseeing activities in and around Perth (professional tour companies will organise these especially for international students).
  • join social programs organised by the Council for International Students WA (CISWA) at a minimal cost.
  • join class excursions.
At the end of term there is a party for all students. This could be a beach party, scenic cruise on the Swan River, tennis party or barbeque.

Sample Timetable

perth_timetable


About Perth and W.A.

Over 25,000 international students choose to study in Perth and Western Australia each year, thanks to its friendly and relaxed lifestyle, wonderful climate, scenic & spacious environments and natural & cultural diversity. Its a very popular study destination, but also attracts many visitors and migrants too. Particularly because of its booming economy, high salaries, low unemployment rate and shortage of skilled labour.

To find out all about its environment, attractions, lifestyle and much more please see our section:  About Perth & Western Australia


Applications and Costs

Fees & Charges

There is no application fee. Our Intensive English Courses cost A$300 per week. Overseas student health cover is A$348 per year.  To buy English language textbooks at our Central TAFE English Centre you can expect to pay $38-60 per term however many students rent these books for approximately $15-30 for the whole period of study.  The Swan TAFE English Centre at Bentley is not charging any textbook fee.

How to Apply & Enrol

We provide a streamlined, centralized application and enrolment process for all of our TAFE WA programs - including Intensive English studies.

You will find all the information and support you need for each step of this process and be able to submit your application online.

Go to >> How to Apply (TAFE)

Forms and Publications

All forms, documents & publications relating to studying at our TAFE WA Colleges, including applications and enrolments can be found in our Forms & Files downloads area.

Note: You can also apply online >> How to Apply (TAFE)
 
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