Welcome. Studying English in the UK obstacles and opportunities. Tom Poole Services for International Education Marketing Manager ELT

Transcription

1 Welcome Studying English in the UK obstacles and opportunities Tom Poole Services for International Education Marketing Manager ELT ICEF Latin America September 2015

2 Today s session Studying English in the UK British Council accreditation Care of under 18s Perceptions and opportunities interactive session Education agent training programmes

3 Study English in the UK The home of the English language 700,000 students to the UK each year Quality assurance since 1982 Over 550 quality centres to choose from

4 British Council Accreditation Inspectors are ELT specialists Rigorous inspections Inspect 5 main areas Short-term Study visa (up to 11 months) Look for this marque:

5 Wide range of study options small, medium, large independent part of a chain family-run vocational colleges home tuition international study centre universities boarding schools

6 Top 10 facts - British Council inspections 1. Over 100 criteria 2. investment - 2,000-5,000 per inspection 3. publicity checks 4. accommodation checks 5. specific criteria for juniors 6. special criteria for studying in the UK 7. independent complaints procedure 8. student emergency support fund 9. full inspection reports published 10. support for schools under review

7 Raising the standard for young learners Care of under 18s There will be appropriate provision for the safeguarding of students under the age of 18 within the organisation and in any leisure activities or accommodation provided.

8 Raising the standard for young learners What is required - Safeguarding policy Known to all adults in contact with under 18s Publicity will describe the level of care Recruitment materials will refer to safeguarding checks Suitability checks (DBS in UK or Police Certificate of good conduct) Suitable arrangements for supervision and safety outside lessons (leisure programme) Suitable accommodation and care Contact between centre and parents

9 Destination UK discuss in groups What makes the UK an attractive place to study compared to other destinations? Are students perceptions of the UK different to what you, as an agent, have experienced when you have visited the UK?

10 Destination UK discuss in groups What obstacles do students face when planning to study in the UK? Do these vary between countries? How can we work to overcome these obstacles?

11 British Council Agent Training The purpose of the course is to: Develop agents capacity to work effectively with UK institutions Improve knowledge and understanding of the UK as a study destination Increase knowledge of UK study programmes Enable agents/representatives to provide high quality information, resources and services to students seeking an international education Provide agents/representatives with the skills and resources needed to provide relevant, accurate and trustworthy information.

12 British Council Agent Training Foundation and new Advanced training programmes specifically for education agents Face-to-face workshops Foundation: 3 online modules (8 weeks, 2-3 hours per week), and 1 written exam 2 hours Advanced: CPD focus, portfolio-based, 35 hours of CPD Find out more at the British Council table or agent.enquiries@britishcouncil.org

13 British Council Trained Agents List

14 Sources of further information Accreditation UK website Full list of British Council accredited centres (with links to their websites) Inspection summaries for all accredited centres Full inspection reports for some accredited centres Find out more about British Council inspections criteria Courses searches Search for specific courses or facilities at British Council accredited centres (for those that are also English UK members)

15 Contact us! We welcome your comments, questions & suggestions Contact me