Student Information FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
It is very natural that you will have many, many questions about coming to live and study in Australia. We hope to cover as many of your queries as possible and ease your worries. If we have not answered your questions previously in this website – perhaps you may find them here below;
Classes
Will I learn English in the same way I did in my home country?
English may be taught differently in your country but you have come to Australia to learn English from native speakers. Our teachers are native speakers from such countries as Australia, New Zealand and England, Canada and the USA. They will probably teach you differently.
Why do I have a different teacher in the afternoon?
Listening to different teachers ensures you practise listening to different accents and voices, and also gives you a wider range of models for learning pronunciation.
Do we just learn from the one textbook?
No. We teach from the Headway textbook but also from other textbooks, magazines, newspapers, videos, and TV.
Do we have all our lessons in the classroom?
No. You may also go to a park or other outside location for a lesson. You will also go on excursions to help you learn English and practise a wider vocabulary in a real setting while gaining an understanding of Australian culture and the Australian way of life. You will benefit from taking part in all the activities that your teachers provide. Of course, you can ask your teacher to explain what you should practise during an excursion.
Can I get a friend to translate for me from English into my language?
No. You must speak English in the classroom even when talking to other students from your home country. We do not translate for you and discourage other students from translating what the teacher is saying. If we did this, you would not listen to the teacher. You will learn English much quicker if you try to listen carefully to the teacher. Be patient. You may not fully understand everything that the teacher says but if you keep listening to the teacher, you will soon get better.
Why do we play games?
Games are a very important way of learning a language. Games such as Bingo and Scrabble as well as other games help you to get confidence using your English and so help improve. They are also a fun way to learn. You should enjoy learning English.
Why do we have tests every week?
The tests show the teacher – and you – that you have understood and learnt the work that you have done during the week. The teacher will use your results to see where you may be helped most effectively and whether you are ready to go up to the next level.
Why does my teacher sit down sometimes?
Your teacher may sometimes sit when teaching. We do this in Australia when we want the students to feel at ease. The teacher is on the same level as the students and this encourages them to take part more freely.
.
How long do I have to stay in my class before going up to the next level?
It generally takes 12 weeks to complete each level. However, students can be in between levels when they begin, so they may take less time to make their first move up. When your teacher thinks you are ready to move up, they will promote you.
How many students will there be in my class?
Our maximum class size is 15. Class sizes will always vary as the classes change every week as some new students arrive on Monday morning and other students leave on Friday afternoon. Our average class size is 13 -14 students.
How many students will there be in the class from my country?
The Director of Studies aims to have a spread of students from a range of countries in each class so that everyone has to speak the common language, English. However, sometimes students from a particular country leave and more students from another country may arrive. It may take a little time to attain an ideal mixture of nationalities in your class. Be patient.
What if the teacher speaks too quickly for me?
If you want the teacher to speak more slowly, please ask the teacher. Often this is only a problem for the first week or two, until your ear adjusts to hearing English all the time.
What if I don’t like the way my teacher teaches me?
Discuss this with your teacher. Remember, you will probably not be taught in the same way that you were in your home country. The teacher can explain why the things they do will help you to learn. If you are still unhappy you can review this with the Director of Studies. However, you cannot and should not change to another class for this reason alone.
Can I stay in the same class at the same level for a long time?
Your level depends on your English language skills. When your skills improve, you can go up to the next level. The time you stay on one level depends on how long it takes you to develop. Generally, the more English you use, the quicker you will learn. School is five hours a day – which leaves another 10 hours for practising. The more practise you do, the faster you will improve.
What will happen if I miss the tests on Mondays?
If you are on a student visa, you must make satisfactory academic progress. If you do not do the tests, your teacher doesn’t know if you have understood the work that he/she has taught. You need to do the tests to show that you are making progress.
When can I go up to the next level?
Every week there are tests. This is the way that the teacher knows you have understood the lessons for the week. If you continually get good marks in all (writing, speaking and listening) tests, the teacher will recommend to the Director of Studies that you go up to the next level. Promotions to the next level are every 4 weeks. Your teacher will advise you to stay if you are not ready for the next level.
Will I learn more at the higher level?
You will if you are ready for the higher level and have learnt and understood the work at the current level. If you go up too soon, it will be very hard for you and you will learn less effectively because you cannot understand the teacher. It is better to make steady progress and not change too quickly. Listen to your teacher’s advice.
How can you change your course? (for example, General English course to IELTS course)
You can change from General English to IELTS if you pass our English for Special Purposes (ESP) test and if you are doing the 25 hour General English course. If you are doing the 20 hour General English course you will need to pay more.
Can students take a free trial lesson?
Yes they can. Just book for a trial lesson with one of the marketing staff. We take trial lessons on Tuesdays,Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9.00 am and 11 am.
I would like to change my course, is pricing any different?
All our 25 hour courses are the same price; FCE, IELTS, EAP and 25 hour General English, so when you are ready you can change between the courses if you have the correct English ability. If you wish to change from the 20 hour General English course to one of our academic courses you will need to pay more.
Are there any evening courses at Ability?
Yes we have evening courses in General English offering two levels; Intermediate and Upper - intermediate. Please go to Courses/General English.
What is nationality mix in classes?
Our nationality mix fluctuates throughout the year, but the average is currently Brazilians 10%, other South Americans 10%, Europeans 15%, Korean 35%, Japanese 10%, Thais 10%, Turks 5%, and others 5%.
Holidays
Can I have a holiday in the middle of my course?
If you are on a student visa you are allowed a certain number of weeks for holidays. To apply for holidays you need to fill in a form and ask Ruby, the assistant Director of Studies. If your attendance is good she will give you permission to take holiday
If you are on a holiday work visa you can apply for holidays after 12 weeks
If you are on a tourist visa you may not take holidays during your course
How do I ask for holidays?
If you are on a student visa or holiday work visa, get a form from the notice board in the common room and give it to Gemma our student counsellor. Students on tourist visas may not take holidays during their course.
Attendance
What should I do if I need to be absent from school?
If you are on a Student Visa you need a minimum 80% attendance to continue studying in Australia. If you are sick you should get a medical certificate. If you want to go on holidays, please apply with to our Assistant Director of Studies. If you have an emergency at home, please contact our marketing staff so that we can assess the problem.
If you are on another type of visa please see the marketing staff and we will see what we can do to best help you.
What will happen if my attendance is below 80%?
If you are on a Student Visa, you will receive a warning letter from the Director of Studies. The letter will tell you that you must keep your attendance above 80%.
You will have to talk to the Director about this problem. Australian Governmental regulations state that students will not be allowed to be absent until their attendance is 80% or more.
Why do I need a medical certificate if I am sick?
If you are on a Student Visa, you need to bring a medical certificate if you are sick for three or more days. You will still be marked “absent” but we will place the medical certificate on a file in case you fall below 80%. We can then show these certificates to the Department of Immigration if there is a problem.
Excursions
Why do we go on excursions?
Our excursions have two main purposes. Excursions help students enjoy memorable experiences during what is often their first trip overseas. We take them to places they would not easily get to on their own and help them understand the culture of which they are now part. Equally important, students can learn and practise English in a relaxed and social environment, the best classroom of all.
Applying for work permission and tax file numbers
How long does it take to get a tax file number and a permission to work visa?
Online applications generally take between 2-4 weeks. Regrettably we cannot make it quicker
Can I apply for work before I have work permission/tax file number?
You can look for work and go to interviews, but take your confirmation printout and tell them you are waiting for work permission.
Can I check the progress of my application?
Yes, Gemma can help you, or you can check online yourself.
How will I know my work permission/tax file number has been approved?
Immigration will send you a letter, which you can get from Reception.