Frequently asked questions

1. ELICOS
2. Teachers and classes
3. Program
4. Curriculum
5. Levels
6. Progress
7. End of course

1. ELICOS

What is ELICOS?

ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. Students from all over the world attend courses for periods ranging from 5 to 40 weeks. The courses are conducted in the Australian environment so that students benefit from being exposed to English in and outside of class. ELICOS courses encourage students to use their English in a natural manner by performing authentic tasks or practising simulation of authentic situations. Courses aim to build the student’s confidence in actively using the language.

How long are the courses?

The course of study varies from student to student. We offer year-round study and the modules run in blocks of 10 weeks with mid-course entry after 5 weeks. Students may choose any number of courses. An elementary level student would normally progress to an upper intermediate over 4 or 5 courses if there was language learning aptitude.

Why is Monash considered such a good English Language Centre?

Monash is a large, internationally respected university with many international students. Monash University English Centre (MUELC) is part of Monash College Pty. Ltd, a Company wholly-owned by Monash University. The Monash University Language Centre is an ideal way to bridge the gap between home countries and the demands of a new culture with a different educational system. The Centre has been officially accredited by the NEAS (National English Accreditation Scheme) and is an active member of the ENGLISH AUSTRALIA (EA) the peak professional body for all accredited English language (ELICOS) centres.

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2. Teachers and classes

What qualifications do the teachers have?

All teachers in the ELICOS program at Monash English Language Centre are fully qualified and experienced. They all have university degrees, many have Masters degrees as well as the B.A. degree and all have post-graduate degrees or diplomas or certificates in ESL. For some courses we bring in experts in a specific field so that the students can benefit from a specially-trained person.

How many classes are there?

During peak times there are up to 30 classes at Clayton and Peninsula. Many of the study tour programs are located at the Peninsula campus, as well as at special farm-stay locations in regional Victoria. This depends on special arrangements groups make in advance.

How many students are there in each class?

We run on the basis of an average of 15 students per class. This number varies according to the students at a particular level. We never have more than 18 in an ELICOS class.

How many teachers are there in each class?

There is always one teacher who is the main class teacher and one or two others who are support co-teachers. In addition there is a teacher in the Independent Learning Centre and one in the Computer Lab. During your study period you will study with a variety of teachers so that you have experience with different accents, approaches and personalities.

How do I know what class I will be in?

You will be assessed according to the diagnostic placement test which is comprised of listening, reading, grammar and writing sections and then an interview. In the interview you can indicate the level you think you are at, your needs, wishes and plans for the future. You will then be placed into the correct class level. Lower level students all begin in General English. We cannot place students according to nationality nor can we assure that your class will not have a majority whose first language is the same. Classes are determined by level of student. If there is more than one class at the same level we will do our best to try and mix the students from various countries. Whatever the case, English is the language of the classroom.

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3. Program

What sort of Orientation program is there?

On the Thursday before you begin studying, you will come to register with the Admissions Officer. You will need your passport. You will then be welcomed by the Director of Studies. This will be followed by testing in listening, grammar and writing and an interview with one of the teachers who will talk to you about yourself and your plans for the future. You will then have an orientation tour of the Centre’s facilities and a campus tour to get your Monash ID card and see the various facilities of Monash University. You will receive a package with an informative student handbook, a map of the campus and various interesting brochures to introduce you to Melbourne and the local area.

What will I do on the first day of the course?

On your first day of classes you will meet your teacher and the other students in the class and begin your term’s program of work. There will be ‘get to know you’ introductory activities to help create a positive learning atmosphere. The teacher will give an overview of the course and the students will be required to specify their interests and needs. The teacher will build a program that is determined by the needs and level of the class. The syllabus of the course will be negotiated to take the specific needs and wishes of the students into consideration.

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4. Curriculum

Will I receive an outline of what we will study?

By Week 2 of the course you will receive a Course Information document outlining the general goals for the class and the specific objectives relating to the language skills, texts to be used, grammar and structure expectations, topics and homework requirements, excursions proposed, computer and self-study expectations and an indication of how you will be assessed

What books will we use?

In class, students follow the specially designed curriculum at each level which includes using the Monash University English Language Centre’s reading and listening books, Steps in English. The teacher will also select additional material from other skills books and a variety of other non-book materials. The texts are determined by the level, needs and interests of the class. Current and authentic materials such as newspapers, magazines, information brochures, Web-based material or advertisements are often an important part of class activities as are English novels, short stories or poetry

What sort of work will we do?

In the General English classes emphasis is placed on communicative skills. At the upper levels, students learn how to do presentations and various types of writing. This involves enhancing the grammar and vocabulary of students which in turn can only be improved by practising reading, listening, speaking and writing. Grammar and vocabulary are taught within the context of a topic. There is generally a fairly even balance of the four skills within the class work. EAP (English for Academic Purposes) is comprised of tertiary preparation and test preparation classes as well as English language bridging classes. These classes focus on academic skills and preparation for the reading, writing, speaking and listening, notetaking and research that students will be undertaking at university. All students are expected to complete the homework tasks given. These may vary, sometimes the tasks may be written, sometimes they may be finding out information, watching a TV program or reading a text.

Will I use computers?

Every level has special computer classes where the basics of how to use a PC and Windows programs, including e-mail, CD-Roms, the World Wide Web and English Language activities are taught and practised. Teachers expect formal written work to be word-processed. Using the computer, classes often prepare booklets of their written work with photos and illustrations which are a wonderful souvenir of their time at the MUELC. Students can prepare their own Web home-pages as well as research topics using the Internet.

Will my class have excursions?

Every class organises excursions to various places of interest in or around Melbourne to fit in to the specific program. Generally the students prepare for the excursion and do follow-up activities in speaking and writing after the excursion. Places often visited include the National Gallery, the Arts Centre, the Museum, Scienceworks, the Australian-Chinese Museum, the Zoo, the Wool Museum in Geelong, Healesville Sanctuary, Sovereign Hill, Mornington Peninsula and the Dandenongs.

What sort of methods do the teachers use in the classroom?

Our Centre bases the teaching on communicative methods using authentic materials where possible. We aim at student involvement through pairwork and group work as well as individual work so that students actively practise using the language. The mixture of student-centred and teacher-centred methods allows for students to work at their own pace and also be encouraged and helped by the group and the teacher. The teachers use written material, audio tapes, videos and computer-based language learning materials to support their teaching.

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5. Levels

What levels do you have?

We run classes in General English from Beginner and Elementary level to Advanced level. The EAP classes are for Upper Intermediate to Advanced learners who intend going on to further study at Monash College (Diploma), undergraduate or postgraduate level at Monash University or another tertiary institution. EAP comprises three streams: ETP (English for tertiary/test preparation; IAP (Introductory academic program) and ELBP (English language bridging program).

Students in the ETP stream (English for tertiary and test preparation) need to pass an IELTS test to fulfil their English requirements. Those wishing to enter the ELBP must have an offer to enter Monash College or Monash University and the required IELTS score. If they have already achieved the university requirement score, they will attend the IAP which is an Advanced level for academic and cultural bridging into Monash University.

What is the difference between General English and EAP?

General English aims to achieve a high standard of everyday English
communication skills. It covers the four main skills of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking and includes activities such as debates, discussions, spoken presentations, various styles of writing such as letters, summaries, formal and informal writing, individual and class projects.
The emphasis is on basic language structures, a wide range of language situations, study skills and independent learning.

EAP is designed for students planning to begin tertiary study. ETP stream focuses on preparing students for the IELTS test and on strategies for formal academic reading, research, writing, listening to lectures and tutorial presentations. All EAP classes focus on academic study skills and preparation for the reading, writing, speaking and listening, notetaking and research that students will be undertaking at university.

What is ELBP?

The English Language Bridging Program provides a cultural context for developing language skills, content knowledge and autonomous learning.

Monash Conditional Offers are made to students based on their academic suitability and their English proficiency. If postgraduate students have achieved overall 6.0 in IELTS (6.0 in writing) then they may be eligible for the 10 week ELBP. Undergraduates must have IELTS 5.5 with 6 in writing to qualify for the ten-week program. If students have the required overall score but only 5 in writing, they may qualify for the 15-week program.

ELBP for Monash College has entry scores which vary for Part 1 and Part 2 of the Diploma. Part 1 (Certificate) ELBP requires a 5 IELTS, Part 2 a 5.5.

ELBP enables students to enter the university or College without sitting another IELTS test, on condition they successfully complete all six assessment tasks. The course requirements focus students on the academic conventions, expectations and strategies of university study in a supportive and collaborative environment.

What is the difference between EAP and ELBP?

EAP is a general title for academic English. ELBP is one program within EAP and IELTS preparation is another, IAP the third. In ELBP, students do not focus at all on IELTS proficiency tests; instead, in order to fulfil their conditional offers to Monash College or Monash University, they must successfully complete six assessment tasks. These tasks aim to introduce students to the specific academic expectations of Diploma or university faculties, the support services at the university and the research facilities.

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6. Progress

How can I improve my English quickly?

Some people say that there is really no quick way to learn a language and that you need to work hard if you want to see an improvement. So the first piece of advice is to attend classes regularly and complete all the set work, try to use the language in and outside of class, listen to the radio, watch T.V., write a diary in English, try to mix with students of different nationalities so that you need to use English to communicate. In class students are encouraged to speak and discuss issues with other students. This is a way of gaining confidence in speaking and once there is confidence, progress in learning is more evident. You should borrow books and read lots of magazines and newspapers from the Independent Learning Centre so that your vocabulary increases. Try and use the new words you learn and make English your language while you are here. Homestay or share house with other language speakers is a good idea so that you can practise speaking as much as possible outside of class. Make good use of the ILC class time to focus on your individual weaknesses.

What sort of testing do you have to check on my level?

You will sit a diagnostic test of your ability in all four skills before you begin your course. Throughout the course your teacher will devise assessment tasks to check your level. In addition to these tests, the homework tasks and the class participation are used to assess how well you are doing in all skill areas. At the end of the 10 week block there are level tests which cover all 4 skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Teachers conduct revision activities to check individual students' progress. In the ETP classes there are IELTS preparation tests which help show students their level of achievement. In the Independent Learning Centre (for self study) students are encouraged to analyse and evaluate their needs so that they can practise the skills they feel need more work.

How will I be able to move up levels?

Our levels range from Elementary through Pre-Intermediate to Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced. Many students begin at the lowest level and as their skills develop, are moved up. Movement depends on the teachers' evaluation of how successfully you are performing the set tasks and the formal level tests. Your teachers have a lot of experience in levels and they may also recommend that a student moves up, down or remains at a particular level.

Normally changes occur both at the beginning of each course and at the beginning of Week 6. If you work hard, complete all the tasks successfully, do well at your level tests and prove to your teachers that you are ready for the next level, then there is every opportunity to move up a class.

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7. End of course

Is there a graduation or farewell ceremony?

Exiting students are presented with their Certificates either in class or in a special ceremony. There are usually activities organised by the teachers and student advisor to celebrate the end of a course study period, particularly at the end of February and the end of June prior to the beginning of the Monash semesters, and at the end of the year in December.

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