frequently asked questions and their responses

ELSIS is well known for the great nationality mix of the students. We normally have 20 or more nationalities represented at the school. Very approximately 30% of our students are from South America; 40% from Europe; 25% from North Asia and 5% from the rest of the world.

You can begin most courses on any Monday of the year. We have students starting every week. For some exam preparation courses we have fixed start dates. Please see link for dates for further details.

Most of our students study full time. Classes begin at 08.30 and finish at 14.15. This is an intensive program of study and is designed to speed you towards proficiency in English. We also offer an afternoon timetable (1600 to 2030) for those students who prefer to start later.

We have an average of 15 students per class. This number varies according to the students at a particular level.

Yes. All teachers are native speakers of English and come from either Australia, UK, Canada or other English speaking countries. All teachers are fully qualified and experienced. Many have University degrees, Masters degrees as well as a Bachelor’s degree and all have post-graduate degrees or diplomas or certificates in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language, Teaching English as a Second or Other Language or Teaching English as a Foreign Language). For some courses we bring in experts in a specific field so that the students can benefit from a specially-trained person.

We have six levels of English, from Beginners to Advanced. At some times of the year it may be necessary, for example, to combine an Upper-Intermediate class with an Advanced class.

Yes. All students receive a certificate detailing how long they studied with us. Many also choose to take one of the internationally recognized exams.

ELSIS is in the very centre of Sydney, a short walk from most things of interest - the Opera House, Darling Harbour, QVB, Centrepoint Tower, Hyde Park etc. link to map.

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. With the mix of nationalities at ELSIS it is also fun and when you feel happy then learning can take place much more easily.

That depends on your visa class. If you are on a student visa you should be granted a temporary work permit, allowing you to work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week. Students on a Working Holiday visa are permitted to work throughout the duration of their visa. Visitor or Tourist visa holders are not permitted to work. ELSIS staff can advise students about finding suitable work.

Yes, we have modern IT facilities, including high speed internet access for all students to use whenever they like.

Most students are older than 18. We have students who are post high school and others who are post university. We have students studying for fun; for travel; for work and for further studies here in Australia or back home. So, you could say we have all sorts of students.

The minimum is normally 2 weeks study. The average is between 12 and 20 weeks, but some students study for up to one year.