Australia

Student
Handbook

2014

YOUR GUIDE TO STUDYING AND LIVING WITH EMBASSY
CONTENTS
COURSES

3 Your Course
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
5 General English Intensive 28
5 General English Intensive 24
5 General English Standard 20
5 Exam Preparation – IELTS
6 Course Progress
7 Completion of Course
18 Self Study
20 Student Services
21 Social Progam

ACCOMMODATION
11 Your Homestay

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
16
16
17
17
18
19
20
21
22

Insurance – OSHC
Grievance Procedure
Terms and Conditions
Fire Procedure
Medical Care
Visas and Attendance
Safety and the Law
Postal Information
Other Information

LOCATIONS

24 Brisbane
25 Surfers Paradise
26 Melbourne
27 Sydney

1

COURSES

CONTENTS
COURSES

3 Your Course
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
5 General English Intensive 28
5 General English Intensive 24
5 General English Standard 20
5 Exam Preparation – IELTS
6 Course Progress
7 Completion of Course
18 Self Study
20 Student Services
21 Social Progam

COURSES

Your Course
What to expect
Although each centre varies slightly in the way it organises Day One, a sample timetable for your first day is set out below.
Sample Day One
09.00 – 10.40 Placement test
10.40 – 11.05 Break
11.05 – 12.45 Orientation

Times may vary slightly by centre.

Placement tests
Starting your course

This tests your level of English, so that we can put you in the right class for your level.
The test includes grammar, vocabulary, speaking and writing. You will have a short interview with the academic staff.

Testing and orientation will usually take up your entire first day, so you will probably start your class on Tuesday morning. You may find that you are joining a class which already exists. This is perfectly normal and is because students arrive on different dates and stay for different lengths of time. The important thing is that each week is a separate teaching unit and you will be placed in the class which is most appropriate for you and your level of
English. Your teacher will help you integrate into the group.

You will be placed in class according to the test result, the Program Managers’ opinion of your level, and your own opinion.

Orientation
This is an introduction to teaching methods, resources and facilities. You will be given information about your course and advice about studying and learning. You may also be taken on a tour of the school and its facilities.

In addition, academic advice and counseling are available to you at the campus on request.

There will be an introduction to key members of staff and information about the school, the city, accommodation and the social program.

Your teachers
All of our teachers are professionally trained with specialist qualifications in English language teaching, in addition to educational qualifications from universities and colleges.
Many specialise in particular areas of teaching, or are engaged in research,teacher training, materials development or the use of IT in
English language teaching.

You will meet accommodation staff and/or student services staff, who will give you practical information and advice about your stay.
You will receive your Student Card during the first week of your course. Make sure you carry it at all times when you are on campus.
You may be able to use it to get a discount at a number of outlets.

Course planning
Your course is planned with clear aims and objectives to meet each week.

3

COURSES
Materials

Homework

You will use a course book based on your level and chosen course. Most classrooms have interactive whiteboards which teachers use to enhance your learning experience.
In addition, your teacher will use a wide variety of supplementary and authentic materials, such as BBC radio and TV news.

Your teacher will set you homework.
The amount of homework will depend on your course.
Homework may be of different types:
• Study based homework.
e.g. grammar and vocabulary practice exercises
• Communicative homework.
e.g. asking your host family questions for a