Australia is a multi-cultural and multi-lingual country, and a preferred destination for large numbers of international/overseas learners. Institute classes reflect Australia’s cosmopolitan society and comprise learners from many different countries making it a diverse environment. The Institute is in Sydney, which is among one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has many well knownvisitor attractions including the renowned Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach.
The Institute provides an ideal opportunity to improve English through specialist study in an English speaking environment. Further, English, as it is spoken in Australia, is very easily understood by nearly everyone from other English speaking countries. While there are some minor differences in accent between urban and rural areas these differences are far less apparent than those typically found in Britain and the United States for example.
All academic and teaching staff at the Institute are highly experienced, well qualified and up to date with current learning and teaching methods and practices. The Institute only selects academic, teaching and other staff who are familiar with, and sensitive to, multi-cultural and multi-lingual life and settings. Many of the Institute’s academic and teaching staff are fluent in another Asian or European language.
In addition to providing learners with quality learning, teaching and educational outcomes, the Institute addresses their wider educational and personal needs, and provides an inclusive, welcoming setting where learners and staff have ready opportunities to become more actively involved in Institute life. The Institute encourages and supports learners forming clubs and societies which bring extra dimensions to academic life on campus.
Additional details of other services and amenities provided by the Institute appear later, but learners may like to note that if they are going to study at the Institute for three months or more, they may be eligible for a transport concession (discount) which they can use on buses, trains and ferries. Learners can apply for this at Institute reception.
The Institute frequently organises varied social and recreation activities in which learners and staff can participate. Details of these are published on the Institute’s notice boards, and widely advertised around the premises as well. Regular activities include: river and harbour cruises, sporting events, nature walks, BBQ and Institute dinner, cultural events and festivals and end of term parties.
Sydney weather is very mild. Most learners should find it quite comfortable. During winter, (June - August) temperatures don’t usually drop below 13C, and in summer (December - February) temperature is usually in the mid-twenties. Sydney is not a particularly wet city, with rainfall usually limited to showers, though sometimes wet weather may persist for longer periods. Most rain falls between April and June.