In surveys, students said they had chosen to learn English in Australia because:
The Australian system of English language training is known as English Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). It is a legal and accountable company with a registered Memorandum and Articles of Association. Its member centres offer high education standards and ensure that your stay in Australia is both academically rewarding and culturally fulfilling.
There are currently over 100 accredited and registered ELICOS centres throughout Australia.
Many of them offer programs for individuals and groups. Such courses are very convenient for someone who wants to learn how to speak and write an essay without errors but do not have much time to study. When I needed to write my essay for me fast, I took such courses and did not regret it. Some centres arrange specialized programs of English Language classes and sporting activities, such as scuba diving, golf, horse- riding and sailing.
Students can choose to combine morning study with afternoon activities; or split their course between colleges in different cities. So, taking these courses is a time management tip for students.
The ELICOS Association member centres across Australia cater for the educational, cultural and recreational needs of English Language students. Courses offered by EA member centres are many and varied and include such courses as General English, English for Academic purposes (as preparation for further studies), English for Specific Purposes (e.g. Computer Studies, Business Studies, Applied Science etc.), Secondary School Preparation , preparation for the international exams (please see the information below), and Study Tour Programs.
There are four main Cambridge exams . At a Lower Intermediate level is the Preliminary English Test (PET). The PET provides proof of a basic level of English, sufficient to "survive" in social and work situations.
The Upper Intermediate level First Certificate in English (FCE) is the most popular of the Cambridge tests. It is mainly taken by students from Europe seeking qualification for employment purposes.
The CAE (Certificate in Advanced English ) and the CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English ) are examinations at an advanced level and are suitable for people who require English for professional or study purposes. They are recognized by a number of Australian Universities as an acceptable English language entrance qualification.
In addition to these main suit tests, there is a series of tests designed to meet the international business needs of foreign students. They are Business English Certificates (BEC). There are three levels of competence, from BEC1 (Lower Intermediate) to BEC3 (Advanced).
IELTS is also can be regarded as evidence of an adequate standard of English for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses. Students can choose between two modules.
The Academic Module is designed for students intending to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. The General Training module is for non-university courses and is well suited to candidates seeking certification for any purpose, such as employment and even immigration. The cost of IELTS exam is AUD$ 150.00.
The best-known language test is of course - the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). It is not a surprise as this test is an acceptable qualification at education institutions throughout the English-speaking world. In Australia, it is now entirely computer-based, available year-round by appointment and it costs US$ 100.00.
