Academic English in Bali

FELT programs are designed to ensure that students acquire a solid foundation in basic English structures and functions of speech, before then going on to join the next level of study. The key objectives of FELT are to:

• ensure participants acquire a solid foundation in grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills at Elementary level so that they can then participate fully and effectively in BELT-level courses
• develop self-directed study techniques in order to maximize progress
• train participants to use technology to access information and learning resources for their studies at IALF

The focus for students still at Elementary levels is the development of basic communicative competence in English. In the FELT course, students work through a series of graded units that apply the following features:

• language skills are taught communicatively, with a focus on using language as well as learning about language
• the language taught is contextualized so that meaningful correlations are drawn with real-life language usage
• listening and speaking skills are fore-grounded so that students quickly develop their ability to interact in English
• there is a focus on vocabulary development and use
• units of study are topic-based, providing an opportunity to develop all four skills in one topic area
• a variety of text types (both written and spoken) are covered

BELT programs are designed to bridge the gap between Elementary levels of English language proficiency and the more rigorous demands of EAP-level study. The entry level requirement for BELT 1 is IELTS 4.0 equivalent, and for BELT 2 it is IELTS 4.5 equivalent. BELT 1 and BELT 2 each run for 3 months.

The key objectives of BELT are to:

• upgrade English language skills to enable participants to participate fully and effectively in EAP-level courses
• develop some basic academic, study and critical literacy skills in English
• develop self-directed study techniques in order to maximize progress during full-time studies at IALF
• train participants to use technology to access information and learning resources for studies at IALF
• assist participants to achieve the required IELTS score to facilitate scholarship applications
• develop awareness of intercultural issues in language learning and of the skills required for effective cross-cultural communications

Core BELT classes at the 2 levels are structured around a topic-based syllabus which enables students to come to terms with relevant concepts, ideas, vocabulary etc. within a particular topic area so that language work is more meaningful and purposeful. Topics for BELT 1, for example, include technology, education, and environment. Students are also engaged in projects during the course that consolidate the language learned to date.

The syllabus develops basic language skills in listening, reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar. At the same time, as students are in the academic stream, there is a gradual introduction of basic skills in Academic English.

EAP courses can span a period of 9 months, through 3 levels (EAP 1, 2 and 3) each of 3 months in duration. The minimum entry requirement for EAP 1 is IELTS 5.0.

The EAP courses aim to prepare participants for the academic and social demands of living and studying overseas, with more specific objectives as follows:

• upgrade English language skills to enable participants to participate fully and effectively in their target study programs overseas
• develop academic, study, and critical literacy skills appropriate to the target study environment
• assist participants to achieve the required IELTS score to facilitate placement at the target institution
• develop awareness of intercultural issues and the skills required for effective cross-cultural communications
• develop self-directed study techniques in preparation for the more independent mode of study they will face overseas
• train participants to use technology to access information and learning resources for study and research purposes

Core EAP classes at the 3 levels are structured around a graded series of tasks and activities, where students learn relevant language and other skills in the context of academic work that resembles real academic life. This is done in the context of a wide range of topics relevant to higher education. There is also a focus on both descriptive and argumentative texts.

The following skills classes are integrated into the Academic Pathway Program:

Learning Strategies and Study Skills

Learning strategies and study skills play a key role learning at all levels, and all students can benefit from enhanced competence in these skills.

Information Literacy Skills Training

For all learning, it is essential that students are able locate and make effective use of resources available to them.

Computer Skills Training

This component is designed to meet the needs of participants as they prepare for academic study.

Cross-Cultural Training

There are many aspects of culture-specific communication that are essential components in any language program.

IELTS Test Preparation

IELTS preparation is integrated into the training program and includes:

• the introduction, practice and development of relevant language and test-taking skills and strategies in an integrated way
• the inclusion of discrete IELTS preparation units or blocks mid-course and at course end

Teaching Methodology

Classes are taught communicatively, which in an English Language Training context means they have high levels of student participation and the focus is on real-life tasks and activities.

Students learn language skills not just through learning about language rules, but by using language both in and out of the classroom in genuine activities that reflect those they will encounter in the outside world. There is also a focus on interaction between the participants through pair, small group and whole class activities, as well as with the instructors.

Selection and Placement

A key issue is participant selection. In addition to identifying candidates’ levels of language proficiency, sponsors will want to ensure that prospective course participants have the basic academic potential to both achieve language learning goals while at IALF and to succeed in future studies overseas.

Responsibilities

Candidates are expected to study full-time and therefore be free of any of their normal duties and responsibilities. They must attend the IALF Monday-Friday for a minimum of 8 hours per day and they will be expected to spend time in the Resource Centre in self-study outside classroom hours. The Resource Centre at IALF Bali is open 8.30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday. Class contact hours will usually be 24 hours per week: 20 hours English Language Training and 4 hours of additional skills components.

Accommodation

IALF Bali maintains a list of kost accommodation available in the immediate vicinity of the schools, and is able to assist with finding accommodation for course participants.

Administration

A Program Officer is available to deal with administrative matters relating to the course, and provide pastoral care for students.

Course Schedule

Programs are usually delivered in an intensive mode (i.e. 24 hours of class time per week), and are a minimum 3 months long. Once the placement testing is conducted, we will have a clearer idea of how long it will take students to reach the target levels specified.

Teaching Staff

FELT and BELT courses are typically taught in a combination mode, i.e. 50% local teacher of English and 50% native speaker teacher of English. EAP level courses are taught by native speaker teacher of English only.

All IALF teachers are university graduates with recognized postgraduate qualifications and relevant experience in the teaching of English.

Course Reports

Three-monthly reports are issued comprising provisional assessments of participants, attendance records etc.

A Final Report will be prepared upon course completion. It will include a review and evaluation of the course as a whole, together with detailed Individual Participant Profiles.

IALF Global

Our staff at the IALF Global office (near reception) can give you information on courses at overseas schools, colleges and universities, and can assist you in processing a student visa.