A 100% English language environment at home

This unique property is one we found down in Melbourne. It’s the perfect sharehouse for people wanting to study English with an ‘English Only’ policy written into the tenant agreement. Use of one’s native tongue will result in residents having to complete tasks such as writing a report.

OziHouse operates sharehouses in three different locations in South Yarra, Richmond and Collingwood. Each house has a live-in manager to deal with any problems that may occur. With reasonable rates, quality houses and top service OziHouse boasts many long term residents and returning guests. Josh, one of the house managers, says that if you choose one of these houses as your Australian home you will become like family with housemates who were once strangers. Other sharehouses may just provide a roof over your head, but this sharehouse is popular due to hosting a variety of activities each week such as movie nights and its free English conversation club,

Let’s head on in and have a look inside the three Melbourne properties!

Great mix of nationalities to rival the most diverse language school campuses

OziHouse properties generally have a great mix of nationalities from all over the world, making home the best place for new encounters.

Reserve the type of room that meets your taste and budget

With single rooms and rooms sleeping from 2 to 6 people applicants can choose one that suits their budget. Many long-term residents who start off in a single room eventually change to a shared room during their stay. While in a single you a likely to hole yourself up in your room, the minute you move to a shared room the chatter never stops. It could also be fun to try out all of the different types of rooms! Above is a photo of a twin room with a bunk bed.

An English school connecting students with work through internships and work programs

Access Language Centre is a relatively cozy environment with around 280 students. It is also popular as a school where students can study English among a balanced mix of different nationalities. There are a diverse range of courses, including the conversation-based General English course where students can get plenty of study in without taking any work home in the 25-hour weekly intensive stream.

This school’s biggest selling point is its mini internship programs and its full-time Singapore work program. These programs help students to gain confidence in their English abilities in the workforce after they have mastered the language. Students will become fluent in English and become global individuals who can adapt in foreign environments.

Access has the support system needed for students to learn and master English and advance in their own endeavors.

This is a great school for people who want to use English professionally in the future, or who want to add something extra to their English learning adventure while they are in Australia by gaining work experience.

Programs with a little bit extra

Work and Study Program

This is an internship program for students who want to add something extra to their English learning by gaining work experience in local organizations, or for those who want to test themselves on how well they can adapt in a foreign culture.

• Students will gain 1~8 weeks experience as an intern after completing language training
• Elementary level students may apply, however a certain degree of knowledge of English is a required for different host organizations.
• Main host organizations: Child care center, cafe, pet salon, golf course, flower shop
• There are application date requirements and separate program fees.

Singapore Work Program

This is a program where students first study English in Australia before attaining an employment visa and working in Singapore as a full-time employee. Fulfill your dreams of working overseas in Singapore, one of the economic centers of Asia.

• Referrals for employment in your desired field
• Strengthen one’s interview skills in English
• This program is for upper intermediate English speakers. There are separate program fees.

＜Requirements for Singapore Business Visa＞

• Completion of a 4-year university degree
• A minimum of 2 years of work experience
• A TOEIC score of 700 or above

※Other popular courses include Professional English and exam preparation courses for Cambridge, IELTS and TOEIC.

Class Overview

Here we will look at the most popular courses at Access.

General English

The conversation-focused General English course boasts a diverse range of classes. Master the skills you need to speak freely by repeating role play exercises according to your level. One popular teacher always starts his classes by telling the students that he love mistakes, guiding his students to proficiency through their errors.

• 25 hours of class time per week
• 6 levels from Beginner to Advanced

BusinessEnglish

Karen is the teacher in charge of Business English and is a women with experience in business management. It’s a very popular course with students requesting Karen’s classes. Students will learn not only how to compose business letters and emails, but also about negotiation and management, expressing oneself during interviews, and the cultural differences that emerge in international business dealings.

• Intermediate level 5 is required.
• Courses length is 4 to 8 weeks.

※Other popular courses include Academic English and exam preparation courses for Cambridge, IELTS and TOEIC.

The Campus

The Access Language Centre campus is approximately 5-minutes from Central Station on foot. Stylish shops and cafes popular with the locals share the neighborhood. The campus is in a very convenient location with a supermarket and bank nearby.

The largest English school in Australia welcomes students from over 100 different countries each year

Navitas English is a big company with 7 campuses set up around Australia. The school offers top quality courses and support to its students with over 30 years of experience behind them. Today we will look at the large-scale Sydney city campus which is host to roughly 600 students.

Navitas English is known as being a school centered on preparing students to get into university with ties universities and vocational schools around Australia. After completing the appropriate English course here students can gain direct entry into one of these schools. Navitas English shares a campus with a vocational school attended by Australian students, and one of the attractions of this English school is the opportunity to interact with locals. It is also possible to transfer to different campuses, meaning it’s entirely possible to continue one’s study at the Perth campus after first enrolling at the Sydney campus.

This is a great school for people who are serious about studying English.

Class Details

The following are a few popular courses at Navitas.

General English

What sets this General English course apart from the rest is that between first and third period, in which normal classes are taught using a set textbook, comes an elective called myStudy™. myStudy™ is a system where students choose what to study across different platforms based on their own learning styles, incorporating the use of movies, computers and conversation. A teacher is stationed in each myStudy™ classroom to answer any questions you may have while studying.

• 20 hour per week + 5 myStudy™ hours
• 6 different levels from elementary to advanced

Academic English1&2&3

This is a course suitable for students thinking about studying at an Australian university. Navitas English has ties with as many as 50 vocational schools and universities to which students gain direct entry. In this course students will gain skills such as note taking, essay and report writing, presentations and group discussions to prepare them for university lectures. There are 3 Academic English levels, each a 10 week course.

• Intermediate level course
• 10 weeks per Academic English level / 20 hours a week + 5 myStudy™ hours

Students can gain direct entry to the following schools.

※Other popular courses include Professional English and exam preparation courses for Cambridge, IELTS and TOEIC.

The Campus

The school is located in a building a 2-minute walk from Wynyard station in the center of Sydney. Reception is on the 4th floor. There is a cafe and rest area on the 1F that gives students the opportunity to interact with the students of other vocational schools.

Well-established English school popular with long term students and people who wish to study at an Australian university

ELS has 83 campuses throughout 11 different countries, and the Australian schools are located in Sydney and Melbourne. This article will explore the Sydney campus.

ELS Universal English College (ELS UEC) is known for its direct entry to 40 vocational schools, universities and TAFEs, and students aiming to enter these schools do not need to sit an IELTS and TOEFL examination. Students who have not chosen or who are unsure of which higher education institution they should go to can relax with access to career consultations at ELS UEC.
The popular General English course is broken down into 12 levels to suit language ability and students can improve their skills while learning the basics.

This is a school suitable for people who are serious about learning!

Classes

Let’s take a look at some of the popular courses at ESL UEC.

General English

What sets this course apart from the rest is that it is broken down into 12 different language levels. Considering that other schools usually offer around 5 to 7 levels, students can really study at the most suitable level for them at ESL UEC. Elementary and Intermediate levels aim to improve conversational ability focusing on speaking and listening.

• 12 levels of English Proficiency
• 4 week sessions / 20.8 class hours per week

Intensive English (EAP)

This course is suitable for students considering undertaking a university or vocational school degree through the pathway program. As the regular Academic English class is aimed at Intermediate and Upper Intermediate students, this course has classes starting at Beginner 101. Students can begin to learn Academic English skills from an Elementary level in this course. Students who successfully complete up to Level 108 students can proceed to the Academic English 3 program.

• 8 levels of proficiency (Level 101~108 ※see chart above)
• 4 week sessions / 25 class hours per week

Academic English 3&4

This course is suitable for students who are seeking direct entry into an Australian TAFE or university. There are two levels, AE3 and AE4. Classes are divided by student proficiency level and the school students wish to enter. Students will improve their academic reading abilities by learning about essay and report writing, lecture-note taking and strengthening their presentation skills.

• AE3：Prepares students for further study at TAFE or a vocational college
• AE4：Prepares students for further study at a university that requires an IELTS score of above 6.0.
• The classes in this course are fast-paced. Many different topics are discussed and individual review and revision will be necessary.
• 8 week course / 22.5 class hours per week

From this course students can gain direct entry to the following schools.

The Campus

The campus is minutes away from Circular Quay in the center of Sydney. It is located on a street lined with both traditional and modern buildings, and students can enjoy campus life smack bang in the middle of Sydney’s business district.

This school has the best environment in which to enjoy student life, hosting exchange students from 35 different countries throughout the year!

English Language Company maintains such a great balance of nationalities that it is often associated with having many European students. The campus has a constant international atmosphere with students in attendance from 35 different countries around the world. At this school there is no need to stress over being lumped together with people from your own country when you’ve made the effort to come all the way to Australia! There is no doubt that student life here will be a blast when you have the opportunity to meet people from other countries and easily make new friends every day!

ELC was established by the experienced English language educator owner not only in Australia but also in other countries such as the United Kingdom, Russia, Poland and China. The school understands the needs of its students by drawing on their experience in each country. The Sydney campus is located in the center of the city easily accessible by bus or train, and with many restaurants and cafes to be found near by students are sure to enjoy their Sydney lifestyles to the fullest. The school also provides original support services for job seekers, helping students to find employment amidst the difficult overseas job market.

ELC has received numerous awards and guarantees top quality classes. The school constantly maintains an international environment and is known for its high level of student satisfaction. In this article we will look more closely at why this school is so popular, and also have a sneak peak into the campus.

「English Language Company」School details page

Point ①：SWAP, the free job seeker support service for all students

Many students worry about finding a job after graduation. ELC provides their own work program called SWAP(Student Work Assistance Program) preparing students for work in Australia by helping students with opening a bank account, applying for a tax file number and informing students on topics such as the working environment and pay systems in Australia. Students also receive advice on their resumes, interview techniques, and act as an employment agency that helps students find work.

There is also a paid program available, called the Work and Travel program, that is open to applications only before arrival, which gives students access to a list of jobs all around the country for a 12 month period. A 24-hour support service and social activities program is also included in the package.

Point ②：Tailor your course to fit your personal objectives

The ELC system works with general English classes in the morning, followed by 1 hour of an elective class after lunch, known as Special Focus Modules, which students can choose every four weeks to fit their individual needs or interests.

・SLV (Speaking, Listening&Vocabulary)
・International Business English
・Writing
・Survival English
・English for Hospitality and Tourism
・Grammar
・IELTS Preparation

The last class of the day is English Extras, an optional class focusing special interests. There are many unique classes, such as Australian Wildlife, that will make you want to study even though the classes are entirely optional.

・Fluency Fastrack
・Pronunciation
・Work OZ
・TV and Media Studies
・Australian Studies
・Songs
・Film Club
・Social Soccer
・Excursions

Opal card

The Opal card arrived on the scene last year, and is similar to Tokyo’s Suica card. Until now Sydneysiders have been using paper tickets or receipts from conductors as tickets, but at long last the city has taken a step into the future. In the past train, bus, ferry and tram tickets had to be purchased separately, or combined unlimited passes called ‘MyMulti’ tickets, but with the arrival of the Opal card everything has become much easier. More on that later.
The Opal card system is as easy as ‘Tapping on’ when boarding and ‘Tapping off’ when alighting.

All-day travel capped at $15

Travel all day for no more than $15. Tourists can ride all day with an Opal card without worrying about a thing, and there is no need to buy a separate daily pass!

60 minute transfers

When transferring using the same mode of transport within a 60-minute timeframe you only pay one fare based on the distance you travel. This only works for bus to bus, or train to train transfers.Transferring from train to bus will incur another fare.

Weekly Travel Reward

Tapping on and off 8 times in one week will get you free travel for the rest of the week. Just be aware that transfers do not count. Also the most you will pay in one day is $15, and anything exceeding that amount will not be counted. If you are trying to lower your weekly transport costs, then the Opal card can be very beneficial if you use your head.

Sunday $2.50 Travel Cap

Ferry prices are usually expensive, but on Sunday’s a return ticket will only cost you $2.50. Even if you then hop on the train or a bus, or travel long distances, it’s still $2.50. This makes Sunday’s perfect for leaving the house and going out.

Weekly travel capped at $60

One week of traveling will never cost you more than $60! (excluding Sydney Airport Station access fee)

30% discount on off-peak fares

Receive a 30% discount automatically when travelling during off-peak hours!
※Peak hour：Sydney Trains network – Weekdays from 7.00am-9.00am and 4.00pm-6.30pm or NSW TrainLink network – Weekdays from 6.00am-8.00am and 4.00pm-6.30pm.

Where can I buy one?

Opal cards can be purchased online or at Opal card retailers. As ordering online requires a credit card and time for delivery, the best way to get your hands on one is at a Woolworths supermarket or a Seven Eleven. Search for participating retailers near you here.

How to Top up

An Opal card must be loaded with money before use. You can top up easily online or at convenience stores with the Opal card mark. Always be aware of the remaining balance on your Opal card.

Airport Station access fee

I have now told you about the benefits of using an Opal card, including daily and weekly caps and free travel periods, however one thing all passengers but be wary of is the Airport station access fee. Using the domestic and international terminals will incur a separate fee ($13 as of April, 2015). Keep in mind that this fee must be paid when going to the airport regardless of card benefits.

Sydney’s public transportation fares

These fares are from theOpal cardwebsite.

Bus Fares

Bus 1 (0 – 3 km)-Section１-2:$2.1
Bus 2 (3 – 8 km)‐Section3-5：$3.5
Bus 3 (8+ km)-Section6+：$4.5

Train Fares

(Up to 10km)From City Circle, Bondi Junction to the CBD, from Chatswood to Wynyard, From Mascot to Central：$3.38
(10-20km) From Chatswood to Townhall, Central：$4.2
(20-35km)From Hornsby/Epping to Central：$4.82
(35-65 km)From Cronulla to Central：$6.46
(Over 65 km)From Newcastle to Central：$8.30

Ferry Fares

(Up to 9km)From Neautral Bay, Balmain and Taronga Zoo to Circular Quay：$5.74
(More than 9km)From Manly and Parramatta to Circular Quay：$7.18

What is a person’s average monthly transportation costs?

Fares will differ depending on what mode of transportation is used, however a person commuting to work or school 5 times a week will pay roughly $67.20 a month using the cheapest transportation available.
Houses are on average 3-5 sections from the city, and will cost $112 a month. （※These prices have been calculated using the Opal card Weekly Travel Reward）

Other tickets

The old paper tickets can still be used in addition to the Opal card. Train and ferry tickets can be purchased easily from a ticket machine, however you need to be careful when buying bus tickets. There are 3 section-based tickets, MyBus 1, 2 and 3. MyMulti is a multipass that can be used on buses, trains and ferries.

Bus Sections

As you may have realised looking at the list of bus fares above, fares are calculated by distance travelled. Short distances are within 1 or 2 sections, but travel more than 3 sections and fares start to change. When do sections change? To be honest with you, I’m not even 100% sure, and this information isn’t even written at the bus stops. When you’re unsure you should ask the driver, or check the online map beforehand to avoid trouble. Check the maphere.

As seen above, riding the bus from C10 to E8 takes you through 3 sections (10, 9 and 8), meaning you will pay the $3.50 fare for 3 Sections. If you have an Opal card this is all calculated automatically, however if you’re using a paper ticket you need to figure out the cost beforehand or ask the driver in order to avoid fines.

Be careful of fines!

During the paper ticket era many people were riding with a MyBus1 ticket ($2.10) even though they were travelling 3 Sections ($3.50). This happened so often that ticket inspectors always rode the trains and buses to perform surprise inspections. Also, concession tickets are available at a discount to students in Australia, but not for English school students. Students not eligible for concession tickets frequently used them anyway, and this was also a target of the inspections. Fines can be around $200, and even if you mistakenly buy the wrong ticket you won’t be let off with a warning, so always make sure you pay the appropriate fare for your journey.

The Chambers Institute is reasonably-priced while maintaining a high student satisfaction rate. It’s cheap, it’s fun and is home to people of many different nationalities. It’s also in an awesome location!

The Chambers Institute is in the center of Melbourne city. It provides high quality classes in English and business aimed at students serious about their future and careers. The institute maintains that in order for an individual to succeed on a global stage not only is English and academic knowledge important, knowledge of cultural differences and social skills are also essential.

There is an at-home feel to the small-scale campus and the staff and students seem to be quite close. A friendly environment like this one would definitely relieve the nerves of students worried about their study abroad experience and allow them to relax. Many of you out there may be suspicious of the low cost of Chambers compared to other language schools.

Let us show you around the campus and the reasons why you should choose the Chambers Institute.

Point ①：The multi-cultural school is small-scale with less than 200 students coming from over 30 different countries

Exchange students from many different backgrounds including Asian, European and South American assemble in the same class, and everyone communicates in English. The top nationalities are Colombian and Japanese at around 20%, Italian at 15% and South Korean at 10%.

Point ②：Great location in the middle of Melbourne city!!

The campus is located in the best location on Melbourne’s main Swanston street. It’s right between two main stations, being a 7-minute walk to Flinders station and 10 minutes to Melbourne Central station. It’s close to shops and is in an area popular with tourists, so you can enjoy all the city has to offer on your way home from class!

Point ③：Surprisingly cheap but high quality classes!

The Chambers Institute offers quite reasonably priced courses compared to other schools in Melbourne. If the going rate is an average of $350 a week, then here it is almost $100 cheaper at $229, and even cheaper during special promotions such as $150 per week on a working holiday visa when you sign up for more than 4 weeks!! → See the promotion page

People are often wary of extremely cheap programs, however this school also provides excellent service as well as offering reasonable rates. The school is able to keep its fees low because most of their students are long-term rather than short-term students.

We spoke to Japanese staff member Akiko about the pros of the school.

—Tell us what you think the good points of this school are?

Akiko：We are very small scale with less than 200 students of 31 nationalities, and we have been maintaining this ratio. Even if you are only here short term it’s a very fulfilling school experience where you can meet people from all over the world and feel at ease with the closeness between staff and students. It’s also great for long-term students wanting to study something alongside English with different courses including English to get you ready for university, IELTS and business courses.

—The students tell me it’s great being among so many different nationalities. Tell us more.

Akiko： Chambers Institute is a small school in Melbourne’s CBD with a total of less than 200 students. We maintain a balance of students from 31 different countries, and students from South America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa are slowly increasing. The amount of Japanese students we accept is kept at less than 20%, meaning 80% of our students do not understand Japanese.

—Any message for students thinking about studying in Melbourne?

Akiko：This is an environment where English must be spoken and where you can make friends from around the world. The possibilities are endless if you make an effort. Even in a school with a low number of Japanese students, people who want to speak in Japanese will stick together, just as people in a school with many Japanese students can make an effort to hang out with people from other countries or even try speaking in English to their Japanese friends. There is also the impression that Japanese subscribe to a culture where one listens to others and thus does not speak much oneself when compared to people of other cultures. I want the Japanese students who come to this school to learn to communicate on the same level as other nationalities. I’m Japanese myself and am always on campus so should it be necessary I am there to help in my native language. We have groups of Japanese in upper classes who only hang around each other, and then students in beginner classes who enjoy themselves with people from other countries. I love to discuss things like which of these groups can grasp a more international way of thinking, or about new students wanting to learn English, so please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Finding a place to live in a foreign country is easier said than done. Not having having any idea of the local geography means that you won’t know the best areas to live in or which neighbourhoods are safe. Let’s look at convenience of public transport, something that the Japanese tend to go for when searching for houses. The reality is that no matter how beautiful the scenery in front of a property, commuting to school or work for over an hour each way gets tiring. I’ve been in Australia for almost 8 years now, living at various addresses all over Sydney from the north to the inner west, and the eastern suburbs. With this experience behind me I now bring to you some of the most popular places to live in Sydney.

※Locations in the red circle are roughly within an hour from the city.

1. Around the City

The city region is an area from which one can walk to the city or catch a 10-minute train or tram. Many of the sharehouses in the city are secured apartments with gym and pool facilities, shared by a large number of housemates. Relatively speaking these housemates are mostly Asian exchange students and Europeans on working holidays. There are a various suburbs in the city, and I will now go through those with a lot of sharehouses.

■Town hall/Central area

If you are working or studying in the city you won’t have any travelling expenses here. Perfect for people who love the city life. Mostly secured apartment-type sharehouses.

■Surry Hills/Ultimo

Great for people who want to avoid the center of the city yet still want to be nearby. Surry Hills is a popular neighborhood even among local Australians with many stylish cafe and restaurants. Townhouses and apartment buildings are commonplace. Ultimo is right by Sydney Central and is home to many university students. It’s close to the fish market and Darling Harbor, with mainly secured apartment-type sharehouses.

■Paddington

Home to the stylistas of Sydney. It’s main street, Oxford Street, is lined with many boutiques and stylish stops. This area comes alive with shoppers on the weekend. You can find mostly townhouse and apartment-type sharehouses here.

■Pyrmont

Pyrmont is said to be home to many Japanese nationals. The area has a stylish atmosphere and is located behind Darling Harbor. Mostly secured apartment-type sharehouses.

■Other

Elizabeth Bay, Potts point, Darlinghurst, Broadway, Woolloomooloo are also in the city

※Depending on the time and place, it is generally not advisable to walk around alone after dark in Redfern, Kings Cross, Chippendale or Darlinghurst. Eveleigh street in Redfern is avoided even by locals and is a place one should steer clear of outside of daylight hours. Public safety has improved considerably in the area since its troubled past, however care should still be taken walking the streets after dark.

2. Northern Sydney region

It is said that the north is the safest area in Sydney. There is a high tendency for Japanese nationals to prefer the north, and many representatives from Japanese companies live in this area. There are also many Asian supermarkets, as well as a number of Japanese restaurants. One of the reasons this area is so popular is its convenience of public transport – although some areas are only connected by bus route, trains are available in most areas.

■Neutral Bay/Mosman

This is a comfortable area to live in with safe streets, great access to the city and cafe/restaurant-lined Military Road. Sharehouses here are mainly houses and secured apartment-types.

■Crows Nest/North Sydney

North Sydney is a commercial district with large-scale shopping malls. Crows Nest is famous for its eating establishments, and is also home to many Japanese restaurants. Many people work casual jobs in this area. Sharehouses here are mainly houses and secured apartments.

■Chatswood/Artarmon/ St.Leonards

Chatswood is a major commercial and retail district in the north. Convenience at the train station has improved with the establishment of a supermarket and shops above. Artarmon and St. Leonards are also popular areas comfortable to live in. Sharehouses here are mainly secured apartment-types.

■Other

Wollstonecraft, Lane Cove, Manly, Hornsby are also a part of Northern Sydney

3. Eastern Suburb region

Sydney’s east is a popular area with locals as it faces the ocean. Expensive houses line the streets in upscale areas. Bondi Beach is popular among beach-lovers. Access to the city is limited to bus in areas outside of Bondi Junction, however the main reason people continue to choose this location is of course because of its proximity to the beach. It really is the perfect place for people who want to enjoy beach life to the fullest.

■Bondi Junction

Bondi Junction is the central commercial district in the Eastern Suburbs. Convenience of public transport is high with 24-hour access to the city via bus, as well as regular trains. The area is popular for having the luxuries of a large shopping mall, cinema, restaurants and a Japanese supermarket. Sharehouses here are mainly townhouse and apartment-types.

■Bondi Beach/Coogee/Bronte/Maroubra

Access this beach from the city without having to change buses. Living beachside is a popular choice because a 24-hour bus runs between the beach and the city. Sharehouses here are mainly houses and apartment-types. This area is great for people to want to live within walking distance to the beach.

■Randwick/Maroubra Junction/Kingsford

This area is home to a relatively high number of students with UNSW nearby. There are shopping malls in Randwick and Maroubra Junction, as well as everything you could possibly need in life (including post offices and banks). In Kingsford there are many Asian supermarkets and cheap restaurants aimed at university students.

■Other

Double bay, Woollahra, Centennial Park, Rose Bay, Bellevue Hill, Queens park, Kensington are also part of the Eastern Suburbs

※Bondi is a popular place, and with many pubs in Bondi Junction and near the beach, you will want to be careful not to get involved in any situations involving drunken revellers. I was once on my way home from work walking in Bondi Junction at around 17:30, and had my arms pinned behind my back by a drunk for 5 minutes. Another day I saw a man with a knife scuffling with 6 policemen. Where there are pubs there will be people under the influence of alcohol, so please be careful!

4. Inner West region

West of the University of Sydney is an interesting area comprised of very different suburbs. The Inner West is a melting pot of cultures with an ethnic attitude, with it’s own Little Italy and Chinatown. There is no mistake that being in Sydney means being able to enjoy a variety of different cultures. The main feature of the inner west is that there is no one area that is predominantly Western. Another is convenience of public transportation, with the area mostly connected to the city by train and bus.

■Newtown

The main street, King Street, is a bustling place lined with shops. It’s a popular destination filled with unique and interesting things, including individual fashion stores, cute shops and antique dealers. Close to the University of Sydney, the area is oriented towards the many students living in the area. Sharehouses here are mainly townhouse, house and apartment-types.

■Glebe

Glebe is not quite like Newtown but it does have its fair share of cafes, and the Broadway Shopping mall is a great convenience with its cinema among other things. Sharehouses here are mainly townhouse and apartment-types.

■Marrickville

Marrickville was once known for its Vietnamese immigrant population, however trendy cafes have multiplied and so has its popularity with the Australian locals. A convenient location with a shopping centre, sharehouses here are mostly house-types.

■Balmain

Balmain is also a trendy, popular area. The atmosphere is great with its boutiques and cafes, and the bay as well. Access to the city is by bus or ferry. Sharehouses here are mainly house and townhouse-types.

■Annandale/Stanmore/Leichhardt

Suburbs around Parramatta Road near the city. These suburbs are relatively close to each other, and for shopping you can go to the shopping centre in Leichhardt. Leichhardt is known as Sydney’s “Little Italy” where you can enjoy a different atmosphere to that of the city. Sharehouses here are mainly townhouse and house-types.

■Ashfield/Burwood/Strathfield

These suburbs have predominant Chinese and Korean populations. There are also a number of Asian supermarkets in the area. Burwood is the biggest, having a shopping mall with a cinema. Ashfield is closest to the city, with many Japanese nationals living there and many house-type sharehouses. Sharehouses in Burwood and Strathfield are mainly secured apartment and house-types.

■Other

Petersham, Dulwich Hill, Hurlstone Park, Summer Hills, Lewisham, Rozelle, Concord are also part of the Inner West

※The west is known as an area home to an increasing amount of immigrants, and it is not advisable to walk outside alone after dark. Areas around the city are fine, but one should be careful riding trains especially at night.

5. Southern Sydney region

This area is close to the airport and progressing rapidly, with many newly-constructed properties. Public transport access is great with buses and trains in service. There are also facilities such as shopping centers and malls, and all-in-all the south is a convenient place to live. In the south is Botany Bay, so one can experience a relaxing life by the sea down here, too.

■Rockdale/Kogarah

Safe areas popular because of relatively cheap prices compared to the North and Eastern suburbs. Both suburbs have shopping centres and are connected by bus and train. Sharehouses here are mainly house and secured apartment-types.

■Other

Mascot, Hurtsville are also part of Southern Sydney

I personally have lived in Manly, Annandale, Stanmore, Randwick, Lane Cove, Chatswood, Frenchs Forest and Bondi Junction. One thing I can say for sure is that you can really enjoy a different vibe and atmosphere from each suburb. I’ve met some people who have lived in the north for 20 years, though. What’s important is that you find a place you like, as well as somewhere safe and comfortable. A home is a place where one can relax. Let’s find that place for you. I’m looking forward to your questions about Sydney and Australia.
→Sharehouse Australia

/Author:Kaori

With all of the English language schools in Sydney, you may be wondering how on earth you should go about gathering information on them all. That’s where we step in, showcasing 10 schools in Sydney in part one of this article series. If you like the sound of a particular school click the school page link for more information! Please feel free to contact us as we take reservations for free school inspections and trial lessons at our Sharehouse Australia portal site. （Click for more information ）

Schools in this article

La Lingua Language School

This is a school for people who want to talk. The school logo is even a mouth! The staff here are enthusiastic about creating a fun and enjoyable school, and the students walking around campus with big smiles on their faces is proof that whatever they are doing is working. It’s a safe and secure environment for exchange students beginning their English-speaking journey and people on working holidays. 　 →Visit the school’s page

Points

・Conversation centered classes focusing on English you can use in real life
・Close relationships between students and their teachers and counsellors
・Teachers must love their jobs here with many veteran members on staff

International House Sydney

This is a popular school offering programs perfect for people who want to be English teachers, with their J-Shine course and English Teaching training units. This school is recommended for people who want to use English in their future careers, or who are looking for experience overseas as well as to gain English proficiency as well as a certificate to go with it. Complete the course and obtain qualifications advantageous to your job-seeking activities back home. It’s a unique environment where native English speakers are also studying to become EFL/ESL teachers. →Visit the school’s page

Points

・As a school offering English teacher training courses, its own teachers are experienced and highly qualified
・Conversation-based classes focus on speaking ability
・Provides excellent training for students who want to be English teachers in the future

North Sydney English College

If you’re looking for a good quality school that won’t have you breaking the bank, this is the one for you. Reasonable rates mean that many students chose to study here long term. It’s also a great place to make friends with plenty of activities to participate in. Feel safe and secure with friendly Japanese staff to support you during your time here. →Visit the school’s page

Point

・Reasonable rates allow students to attend longer and study harder
・Great chance to improve your English skills in an environment with few Japanese students.
・The school has many friendly, experienced teachers, and students enjoy close relationships with them

Lloyds International College

This is a sister school to North Sydney English College, also popular with reasonable course fees. A flexible timetable means that even working students can arrange their schedules around their lifestyles, with classes in the morning and evening. This is a great school for people who prefer a cozy, friendly environment. →Visit the school’s page

Points

・Make friends easily in a friendly environment with plenty of activities to participate in
・Great chance to improve English skills with few Japanese students around
・Study for longer with reasonable course fees

Performance English (Eurocentres)

This is the Sydney campus of Eurocentres Group schools, who have set up language schools all over the world. They hire only the best teachers and staff even periodically observe classes to check the quality of the classes. The Sydney campus is a small scale school with a cozy environment. With an even ratio of student nationalities the amount of other Japanese students is quite low. Classes are conversation-based and guide students towards natural English pronunciation. →Visit the school’s page

Points

・Receive precise feedback on your performance through fortnightly one on one interviews
・While the atmosphere is cozy, it’s off-limits to speak your mother tongue on school grounds!
・Above all else the school prides itself on the quality of its teachers who don’t cut any corners with their teaching methods!

Access Language Centre Sydney

Access Language Centre has a balanced mixture of student nationalities, many from European countries. With many conversation-centred courses students can improve necessary English communication and conversation skills while living in Australia. Access is known for its English internship programs, making it the perfect school for people who are aiming to work in foreign-owned companies and want to gain some experience in a local Australian business. →Visit the school’s page/span>

Points

・Make friends from all over the world in a school with a balanced student nationality ratio.
・Experience working in a local business via internship and gain the edge you need to secure a job in your home country
・Improve your speaking ability with conversation-centred classes

ABILITY English Sydney

ABILITY’s popular Pronunciation and Fluency course employs speech experts to teach students the tools needed for achieving perfect pronunciation, including training muscles in the mouth unused in other languages. Survivor English is another unique course where students complete weekly tasks to help them speak native-like English with confidence. This is a great course for people who really want to develop confidence in English. →Visit the school’s page

Points

・Build confidence speaking English with unique programs like the Survivor English and Pronunciation and Fluency courses!
・The school has won numerous awards with its great courses, teachers and facilities
・Full of international character with plenty of activities to participate in

Greenwich English College

Greenwich English College is a popular school boasting the most Cambridge Examination courses in Sydney. Student satisfaction is high, one of the reasons being that with periodic counselling sessions students can maintain sound English goals. There are also a variety of afterschool classes that students can freely participate in. This is a great school for people who want to get official certification before returning to their home country. →Visit the school’s page

ポイント

・The school maintains a high student pass-rate with expert teacher direction in popular Cambridge Examination courses High rate of student pass-rates under expert teacher direction in popular Cambridge Examination courses
・Japanese staff are on site to help at any time, and give great advice in relation to English-related questions
・A variety of optional classes and activities after school give you more chances to improve your language skills

SELC Bondi

SELC Bondi has been in business for 28 years. Speaking one’s mother tongue on campus is strictly prohibited! One popular course here is the English + Professional Barista Training course. Learn not only how to make coffee but also the English essential for interacting with customers the SELC cafe, adding an advantageous boost to your future job hunting endeavors. This is a great school with experienced teachers and staff who support the students, perfect for first-timers studying abroad. →Visit the school’s page

Points

・Multicultural campus with many European students close to Bondi Beach
・Up your job prospects with the professional barista training course!
・First-time study abroad students will feel reassured with some workshops conducted in Japanese

SELC City

SELC City is another SELC campus located right in the middle of the city. The school enforces a strict no-native language policy. Like the Bondi campus, this school also has cafe facilities and offers the same barista course for students looking to gain an edge to their resumes. Take classes at a level appropriate for your skills with General English classes divided into 9 different levels. This school has a balanced ratio of students from all over the world and a high satisfaction rating. →Visit the school’s page

Points

・Using your native language on campus is prohibited! Take a shortcut to English proficiency in a strict English-only environment!
・Acquire customer service skills with the popular barista course
・Get an understanding of your own English level with classes divided into 9 distinct levels

Each school has different qualities and features. You should be able to find the right school for you after examining your own language learning goals and objectives. The best thing to do is research these schools and find out what they are about for yourself. Language schools are a big expense, and as such it is best to choose a school that satisfies your needs and wants. First, we want to help you find that one school that excites you enough to want to attend. Here at Sharehouse Australia we take reservations for free campus tours and trial lessons, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. （Contact us）

/Author:Maruyama