Students can start courses every Tuesday although it is
encouraged that students begin at the start of each level if possible. It is especially
recommended that students begin at the start of the Academic English course
(IELTS prep).
What
size class will I be placed in?
The
average class consists of 10-15 students. However the IELTS Exam preparation
course has a maximum cut off at 12 students. The maximum number of students
in a general English class is 15 students.
Where
will I stay whilst studying at TIES?
There
are several options available to TIES students for accommodation. To find
out more specific information please click
here.
What
sort of transport options will be available?
Students have several options dependant on their chosen accommodation.
Home stay students will arrange
with their host families and in most situations can arrange a lift to
school. Public transport is another viable option as is hiring a pushbike
from TIES.
Where
will my fellow class mates come from?
Students travel from around the globe to study at TIES. Students
come from countries such as:
What is
included with the home stay accommodation option?
Your
host family is required to provide you with breakfast and dinner during
school days (Monday - Friday) and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday
and Sunday. You will need to purchase your own lunch during the
week with many options available within close walking distance to TIES or
bring your own packed food from home which you can store in a courtesy
fridge.
Will I
need to apply for a visa?
Yes, You will need to apply for a visa when you come to study at TIES. This can be done by consulting your closest Australian Embassy. You will require a valid working holiday (12 months) or a three or six month tourist visa. These are available from any Australian Embassy. TIES will not accept student visas. If you are studying 12 weeks or less, ask the Australian Embassy about a Tourist Visa.
If you are under 30 years old and your
country has an agreement with
What
study options are available once I finish my course?
There
are many future pathways options once you finish your study at TIES. Some
students with strong academic performance choose to apply for entry into
Australian Universities. In most cases
students choose to complete the IELTS course first which guarantees English
language needs.
How much
extra money will I need to bring for living expenses?
On
top of your course fees you will need to bring extra money for living
expenses. The cost of living in
Queensland
is obviously relative to the country you are coming from and therefore you
could compare the following figures to your current living expenses. As a
guide most students should allow between $1000 - $1200 per month depending
on accommodation and lifestyle choices for extra money.
What
activities can I do in my spare time?
There
are many different activities that are organised by TIES for our students.
Whether you are into extreme activities such as sky-diving, white water
rafting and scuba diving or more relaxing pastimes such as movies, food and
music Townsville has what you want. Once you begin your course you will also
make great friends from many different cultures and Townsville has many
things on offer to have fun and enjoy your time. Click
here
for more information.
How can
I communicate with my family and friends back home?
You
can purchase cheap phone cards to call family and friends back home from the
TIES reception or use the computers in the lab to email and talk online.
