Studying at SELC
We hope to answer all your questions below. However, it is also a good idea to read our Pre-arrival Information Pack and ‘Welcome to SELC‘ Student Handbook These contain lots of valuable information on studying at SELC and living in Sydney.
Q. When do terms start?
A. Start dates are every 4 weeks. Click here for 2012 SELC Fees & Term Dates.
Q. How many students are there in a class?
A. The average number is 12-14. Maximum number in a class is 15.
Q. What is the minimum age for study at SELC?
A. The minimum age is 16 years old.
Q. What is the average age of students?
A. The average age of students is early-twenties.
Q. How many students are there at SELC?
A. On average there are 350 students at any given time. The maximum capacity is 420.
Q. What is the nationality mix?
A. The mix of nationalities varies. Generally, the percentage is:
European: 30-35%
Japanese: 20-25%
South American: 10-15%
Korean: 20-25%
Other: 5-10%
Q. What are the class hours (timetable)?
A. Class Timetable (Full-time):
*21 hours per week plus 2 hours optional conversation class and 5 hours of self-study
Q. When is SELC open?
A. SELC is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, all year round except public holidays.
Q. I can’t start on the first day of term, what can I do?
A. Although it is advisable to begin on a term start date we understand that sometimes it is not possible. You can commence on any Monday (we strongly discourage beginning in week 4 of our term) and will then join an existing class after you have done your placement test.
Q. Can I study part-time?
A. Only non-student visa holders can study part-time. Part Time Study is only available for General English courses and 16.5 hours per week.
Q. I don’t know my level of English, how can I find out?
A. Your first day at SELC will include a placement test (reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar and vocabulary). This will determine your level and which class you will join. You can also test your level now by taking the the SELC Online English Test.
Q. What happens on my first day at SELC?
A. Every term start date we begin at 9:00am with a welcome speech for all new students. You will do a placement test to determine your English level. There will then be an orientation which includes homestay orientation, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) information and a tour of the school. You should bring a pen, paper and money for your lunch.
Q. What happens on term start dates?
A. Every 4 weeks, SELC has a term start date. Due to the large number of students that normally begin on term start dates, normal classes are not run. However, returning students wishing to do a class can choose from:
* Grammar Workshop (Intermediate to Advanced)
* Conversation Extra (Beginner to Pre-Intermediate)
Or they can do self-study:
* ILC (9:00 - 4:45)
* Multimedia Lab (9:00 – 4:45)
Normal classes, for new and returning students, resume on the second day of term.
Q. What happens when my English level improves and I need to go up a class or change my course?
A. We test returning students at the end of each term. If you achieve a better score, have demonstrated that your English has improved and performed well throughout the term in class you can move up a class or level (dependant on reaching the appropriate level of English required for that particular course/class).
Q. Can I do several different courses during my time at SELC?
A. Every term (every 4 weeks) you can choose a different course depending on your level (except Cambridge Test Preparation).
Q. Can I do more than one course at a time?
A. No.
Q. Do I get a SELC student ID? What can I use it for?
A. You are issued with a SELC student card when you begin. At SELC, it can be used for borrowing books or DVDs from the library. Outside SELC, for getting student discounts on entry to museums, art galleries, aquariums etc.
Q. Can I use computers/e-mail/Internet/DVDs at SELC?
A. Yes, at no extra cost to you.
Q. Can I use the internet with my own laptop at SELC?
A. Yes, Wi-Fi (wireless internet access) is available in the SELC building.
Q. When can I use the facilities? What do I have to do?
A. The computer and library facilities can be used before and after class (from 8:00 - 9:00, 10.30 – 11:00, 12:30 – 1:30 and 3:00 – 4:45, Monday to Friday).
Q. What is Self-Access?
A. Self-Access is supervised afternoon study, between 3:00 – 4:45pm, Monday to Friday. Students have access to the Independent Learning Centre (ILC) and can use computers, borrow books, watch DVDs and do their own study/homework. There is a teacher available to help students who have any questions.
Q. I want to take an English language test (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC) , what should I do?
A. We offer English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and IELTS Preparation full-time and TOEFL/TOEIC test preparation classes as electives.
Q. I want to take a Cambridge test, what should I do?
A. We offer full-time Cambridge Test Preparation courses 4 times a year which prepare students for the FCE/CAE/CPE exams.
Q. I want to do further study in Australia but my level of English isn’t high enough, what should I do?
A. SELC offers an English for Academic Purposes course (Intermediate to Advanced). This course prepares you for study at a further study institution in Australia.
Q. I am interested in further study in Australia but I don’t know where to study. Is there someone who can help me choose a course/university?
A. At SELC we have an on-campus academic counsellor who can help you with your further study options. Our counsellor can advise you on what is the best course for you, how to enrol at a university and can also write you a letter of recommendation once you have reached the required level of English.
Q. Do I get a certificate at the end of the course?
A. Yes. All students who satisfactorily complete their course will receive a SELC certificate. It states your name, course studied, dates and length of study, listening, speaking, reading and writing marks, overall performance and attendance.
Q. Can I have holidays?
A. Once your visa is granted for study you are not able to change the study period. If you know you will need to have a break from study (maximum 4 weeks) for a special reason, you must let us know at the time of enrolment. You should tell us the exact period and this can be included in your study plan.
Q. Can I get a refund if I choose to finish my course early?
A. Please refer to the SELC Conditions of Enrolment.
Q. Do you offer private lessons?
A. Yes. SELC’s one-to-one lessons provide individual tuition, tailor-made to suit people with limited time and specific needs.
The cost is:
Enrolment fee : $200 (if not already enrolled)
Lessons : $100 – $120 per hour
We recommend one-to-one lessons be combined with full-time study at SELC.
