Your new country

Australia has beautiful national parks, unique flora and fauna, coastal beaches, coral reefs, rain forests, and a relaxed and sophisticated lifestyle. Australia is a safe environment for you to live in with high quality educational standards, cultural diversity and an excellent climate. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales (NSW), is the largest city in Australia.

Your English centre

Your English centre is fully owned by the New South Wales Government and is accredited by the National English Language Teaching Accreditation Scheme (NEAS).

• Small personalised classes
• 5 - 50 week programs
• New classes starting every 5 weeks
• 20 hours per week of class time
• 5 hours per week of teacher-assisted
  self-study time
• Progress reports every 5 weeks
• Certificates upon successful completion
• A variety of different English courses linked to further study options

Your first day

You will sit for a placement test on your first day. You will be assessed on your reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will then be placed in the class best suited to your English level and study plans.

Study hours are 25 hours per week, including 5 hours of supervised self-study. The morning shift runs from 8.30am to 1.00pm, the afternoon shift runs from 1.30pm to 6.00pm

Your job

TAFE International Education Centre (TIEC) offers free workshops and information to provide you with a step-by-step guide to looking for part-time work. Students on a student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during their course, and full time during holidays.

Your computer room

You have free internet and email access.

Your train and bus station

Your English centre is located 100 metres from Liverpool Train and Bus Station.

Your learning

You want to learn as much English as possible while you are with us, so we provide homework and assignments outside of class as well as regular assessments and feedback on your progress. We also teach you ways to improve your English after you leave us.

Your teachers

TIEC's teachers are experienced and dedicated professionals with specialist qualifications in teaching English.

Your library

Modern library where you can borrow books and audio visual material (in addition to the college library, you may use any TAFE NSW library.)

Your student recreation room

You have a fully equipped student recreation/lunch room where you can meet, relax and have your meals with other students.

Your Student Association

Free Student Association membership (like all other TAFE NSW students, you will receive a TAFE card with photo identification). This card will give you access to all the TAFE services and facilities

Your home

Through our partner Homestay and accommodation provider we offer a range of accommodation options to suit all needs. Options include:

• Homestay (minimum stay 4 weeks) - live with an Australian family who will provide you with a furnished room, breakfast and dinner Monday to Friday and three meals on weekends. Homestay is a great way to practise English and learn about the Australian way of life
• Homestay with Guardian - for students in the English Preparation for High School Program
• Small furnished apartment with private kitchen and bathroom
• Larger apartment or house with share facilities
• Private boarding house or hostel

Although this depends on your individual lifestyle, it is estimated that living expenses for a single international student are approximately AUD12, 000 per year for essentials: accommodation, food, clothing, transport, textbooks and excursions.

Your shopping centre

The major shopping centre Westfield Liverpool boasts some 220 specialty stores, food retail and food court outlets. Close to your school there are hundreds of specialty shops, discount shops, cafes, restaurants and banks.

Your community

The Liverpool area has all the benefits of city living but maintains the character of Australia's relaxed and friendly lifestyle. TIEC is close to many of the interesting and enjoyable places you will wish to visit. The beautiful Blue Mountains, the South Coast beaches and the Australian snowfields are just a bus or train ride away.

Your future

When you have successfully completed an English course, you can choose from a range of courses in many different areas for international students such as:

• Accounting
• Applied Science
• Business and Marketing
• Engineering
• Fine Arts and Design
• Information Technology
• Hospitality
• Travel and Tourism
• Multimedia
• Telecommunications

International Student Coordinators

International Student Coordinators are available in all colleges where international students are enrolled. The coordinators will look after your day-today needs and provide you with assistance to successfully settle into college life and to make the most out of your stay in Australia.

Your pathway to university

TAFE NSW students who successfully complete their Diploma program are eligible to enrol in a relevant Bachelor Degree program at a number of Australian universities.

See also : TIEC Study Pathways »

DEGREELink

DEGREELink is a packaged course arrangement between TAFE NSW and the University of Western Sydney (UWS). DEGREELink enables graduates with a TAFE NSW Diploma to gain credit towards their degree at UWS and a guaranteed place at University.

Advantages:

• A guaranteed place in a degree course at UWS on completion of the TAFE Diploma
• Maximum credit available on meeting UWS criteria
• Apply for one visa only for your studies at TAFE NSW and University
• Ideal option for students who do not immediately qualify for direct entry into University
• You will get a double qualification - a Diploma and a Degree - and in a number of courses, this can be gained in just three years

For more information about South Western Sydney Institute courses, please contact the International Student Coordinator on (612) 9796 5496 or email to swsi.isuenquiry@tafensw.edu.au

Your visa

A visitor/working holiday visa allows you to study for up to 12 weeks. A Working Holiday visa allows you to study up to 16 weeks. If you wish to study longer you should apply for a Student visa.

Students who intend to proceed to a TAFE NSW course after the successful completion of their English course may be able to obtain a student visa that includes their English course and a TAFE NSW Certificate or Diploma. Further information about how to apply for a student visa can be found at www.immi.gov.au

What about my family?

Any school-aged dependants accompanying you will be required to pay full fees if they are enrolled in a school in Australia.