Embassy CES Wins the 2010 English Australia/ETS TOEFL® Award for Innovation in ELICOS

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Sydney, Australia (October 3, 2010) —

Embassy CES was presented the 2010 English Australia/ETS TOEFL Award for Innovation in ELICOS at the recent English Australia Conference Gala Dinner. The prestigious award showcases organisations within the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) industry that demonstrate original and creative problem-solving initiatives in response to the challenges faced within the ELICOS sector. The award is designed to celebrate new ideas and innovative approaches to any aspect of ELICOS delivery.

The award, presented by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the world's largest nonprofit educational research and assessment organisation, recognises both individuals and groups that develop initiatives to address identified challenges in ELICOS and execute meaningful solutions.

Embassy CES was nominated for a project in which staff used learning technology to maximise student engagement. The technology allowed for a more spontaneous, flexible and personalised learning experience, whilst demonstrating an innovative approach to addressing the specific issue of student engagement. The project also showcased how Embassy CES has taken the lead in developing cutting-edge products and services to improve the student experience, keeping their organisation at the forefront of ELICOS delivery.

The most notable innovation, the Embassy Smart Express Course, is the ultimate technology-enhanced, face-to-face English course: a synergy of networked laptops, e-books, online class and homework activities, video diaries, and the use of contemporary social media to personalise communication and reflect the use of English in today's society. This course was piloted in August 2009 and is now available at their Brisbane and Melbourne learning centres.

"We are very pleased to play such an important role in this award, as we firmly believe in the importance of continued innovation and creativity in the delivery of international education," commented Eileen Tyson, Director of Client Relations at Educational Testing Service, the developer of the TOEFL® test. "Embassy CES clearly demonstrated outstanding originality, creative problem solving and collaboration at both the individual and organisational level. We are grateful for their contribution to the industry and are very pleased to present them with this award."

Educational Testing Service develops, administers and scores the TOEFL test, the most widely accepted English language proficiency assessment worldwide.

"The English Australia Awards Program seeks to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations to the professionalism and reputation of the ELICOS industry in Australia. English Australia would like to acknowledge the strong support of sponsoring organisations such as Educational Testing Service in enabling the industry to recognise and celebrate contributions in this way," said Sue Blundell, President, English Australia.

About Embassy CES

Embassy CES provides a range of comprehensive courses to over 30,000 students each year at superb locations throughout the English-speaking world. All courses are designed for practical results, whether measurably improved fluency, formal independent qualifications and certificates of English for entry into university.

With nearly 30 years experience, Embassy CES has taken the lead in using digitally enhanced technology, investing in interactive whiteboards in all classrooms and training for its teaching staff to ensure a rich, dynamic learning experience for its students.

About TOEFL

For more than 45 years, the TOEFL test has been the most widely accepted English language proficiency assessment worldwide. Currently, more than 7,500 colleges and universities in more than 130 countries accept the TOEFL test.

About ETS

At nonprofit ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating assessments based on rigorous research. ETS serves individuals, educational institutions and government agencies by providing customized solutions for teacher certification, English language learning, and elementary, secondary and post-secondary education, as well as conducting education research, analysis and policy studies. Founded in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually — including the TOEFL® and TOEIC® tests, the GRE® tests and The Praxis Series ™ assessments — in more than 180 countries. www.ets.org

About English Australia

English Australia (EA) is the national peak body and professional association for the ELICOS sector of international education - providers offering English Language Intensive Courses to Overseas Students.

The ELICOS sector has grown considerably over the last 20 years, to the stage where in 2009 over 260 accredited providers delivered English language courses to more than 155,000 international students. English Australia has put together some FAQs that provide more detailed information regarding the nature of the ELICOS sector in Australia.

English Australia was originally formed in the early 1980's (as the ELICOS Association) and was incorporated in 1990.