Australia shares expertise in English language training with Thai teachers
5 March 2013
HE Mr James Wise, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, and UECA delegates welcomed Thai teachers of English language
to the “UECA Mission Thailand 2013: Australian Teaching Showcase,” recently held at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel.
From lef : Mr David Larbalestier, President of UECA; Ms Belinda Howell, General Manager Sales and Marketing, UTS:INSEARCH;
Mr Greg Wallis, Senior Trade Commissioner of Austrade; HE Mr James Wise.
Eleven Australian English language centres recently visited Bangkok to showcase English language teaching methods to Thai teachers at a special seminar titled UECA Mission Thailand 2013: Australian Teaching Showcase organised by the Australian Trade Commission of the Australian Embassy and University English Centres Australia (UECA). Over 80 Thai teachers of English language and heads of English departments from prominent Thai universities attended.
The 13 delegates from 11 English language centres are all members of the UECA, an organisation of English language teaching and teacher training centres attached to Australian universities.
“Thailand has a strong commitment to improving its English language proficiency, particularly in readiness for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. This mission is an invaluable opportunity for Australian centres to learn directly from local institutions about their needs, so we can offer appropriate programs and expertise,” said David Larbalestier, President of UECA and Director of English Studies at University of Technology Sydney: INSEARCH.
UECA centres are typically located at Australian university campuses. The teachers are highly qualified and generally hold Masters degrees or PhDs in English language teaching (TESOL), Applied Linguistics, Education or Adult Education.
Programs offered at UECA centres include: English language pathways to Foundation Studies (high school equivalent), diploma programs (first year undergraduate equivalent) or post-graduate (Masters and doctorate) programs; Academic and General English; English for Business and Work; Teacher Training; test preparation (Cambridge suite, IELTS and TOEFL); and tailored English language programs (Study Tours and Study Abroad).