Australia's ELICOS providers have led the way in the global English language teaching industry
ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) has been integral to the success and phenomenal growth of the Australian international education industry. Emerging from a handful of predominantly public English language teaching institutions that catered to the needs of government-sponsored students, the ELICOS sector began to develop a distinct identity in the early 1980s as both public and private colleges focused on providing courses to full-fee paying English language learners. Since that time, Australia’s ELICOS providers have evolved to become leaders in the Global English Language Teaching industry, offering a wide range of state-of-the-art courses to students from a diversity of backgrounds who often progress to further studies in Australian schools, vocational colleges or universities.
The ELICOS Association created in the 1980s as the first peak body for English language teaching in Australia
In 1980-81 the Australian government established ELICOS accreditation guidelines, originally for the small number of private providers operating in the sector and thereafter applicable to public sector ELICOS providers. In 1982 nine accredited colleges met as an informal forum and resolved that they should become a professional association, to be known as the ELICOS Association, to promote standards of professionalism through a variety of activities including fledgling advocacy for the sector with the Federal Government. The Association developed a governance structure with a National Council and Secretariat, and was recognised as the peak body and professional association for ELICOS providers.
Mid-1980s and early 1990s see critical initiatives in self-regulation and tuition protection develop
The period of the mid-1980s through the early 1990s was a watershed period for the Association as the sector went through an initial boom-bust cycle. A number of the Association’s continuing activities and most successful initiatives had their roots in this period. Examples include: the implementation of a Student Placement Scheme in 1986 in the event of college closure – a precursor to the Tuition Assurance Scheme – protecting significant numbers of students and Australia’s reputation during what became known in the sector and within government as the ‘China Crisis’ over the period 1988-90; the first annual ELICOS sector Conference in 1988; the establishment of the National ELICOS Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) as an industry-based self-regulatory function in 1990; and the first annual national ELICOS sector market survey in 1992, a pioneering initiative providing statistical insight into the sectors student source markets. In addition the Association commenced its early forays into engaging with the government under the tutelage of a professional lobbyist.
ELICOS Association changes to English Australia in 2000 and continues to engage government
English Australia, as the ELICOS Association became known from 2000 onwards, has continued to build on its early successes and to play a leadership role in representing the English language teaching sector with government, industry stakeholders, the English language teaching profession and the international education markets. English Australia has sought to ensure that the sector’s unique characteristics are widely understood by adopting a “seat at the table” strategy. Examples include: membership of the Council for International Education; the Education Visa Consultative Committee, the Boards of the various State Government international education agencies.
English Australia plays critical role in shaping the current regulatory environment
Recently, through its advocacy, English Australia has played a leading role in supporting quality in the sector by helping to shape the regulatory framework that governs Australian international education, including: the Education Services for Overseas Students Act, The National Code and ELICOS National Standards reviews.
State branch structure plays an invaluable role in engaging English Australia members
Member engagement has been a hall mark of English Australia and is exemplified by an active state branch structure that has been responsible for initiating value adding activities for members such as the annual “Queensland PD Fest”. Another example, from New South Wales, was the “World’s Biggest English Lesson” – a Guinness World record event held at Bondi beach.
Continuing Professional Development for teachers critical to English Australia
Recognition of the importance of the work done by the teachers and staff of member centres has been a continued area of focus for English Australia. A signature initiative in this area has been the English Australia Awards recognise excellence in all areas of ELICOS teaching and operations. A very recent initiative has been the launch of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework enabling English teachers to participate in systematic and ongoing professional development.
Christine Bundesen and Sue Blundell played an integral role in developing English Australia
The dedication and commitment of those who work in and for the English language teaching sector has been recognised more widely through the national honours system. Christine Bundesen, the inaugural Chair of the Council of the ELICOS Association was awarded the member of the Order of Australia in 2010 and Sue Blundell, the former Executive Director of English Australia was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2016.
*To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the background of the ELICOS Association/English Australia and of the milestones of the ELICOS sector’s history, see ‘Making a Difference: Australian International Education’ published by the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) in 2011 at www.ieaa.org.au/research-projects/making-a-difference with particular reference to Chapter 5 ‘English Language Teaching and Testing: Leading The Way?’.
