Karaoke: A Fun and Easy Way to Learn English for ELICOS Learners

The key to learning English well is to make it enjoyable through the right tools and habits. And one of the best tools is Karaoke. It is indeed a fun and easy way to learn English for ELICOS learners.

Karaoke means ‘empty (kara) orchestra (oke)’. In other words, Karaoke removes the singer’s voice, letting you sing along to the songs with the music video. It can improve your English in a fun and easy way.

Why Karaoke?

Practising Karaoke is a fascinating way to improve your English in these areas:

1. Listening

You can improve your English listening skills by listening to songs you like and writing down as many words as you can. After that, check what you heard with the lyrics. Indeed, it is difficult to hear the lyrics, even for native English speakers. But once you figure out what the singer is saying, it will get stuck in your head and you can remember it for a long time.

2. Reading Comprehension

Karaoke is related to reading the song lyrics in a rather challenging pace. Singing Karaoke songs means overcoming that challenge. The eventual result is your huge improvement in the reading speed. Most song tells a story. Listen to the song and try to understand the meaning. Then read the lyrics to see if they match.

3. Pronunciation

Like learning English through movies, practising Karaoke is an amazing way to improve your accent and how you sound in English. Simply listen to the song and mimic the singer’s pronunciation.

4. Grammar

Songs are an entertaining, effective way to learn grammar and how they are used in real life. For example, if you want to practise the 2ndconditional, ‘If I were a boy’ by Beyonce is a good song.

5. Vocabulary

Songs always contain lots of useful vocabulary, phrases and expressions. Intended for native speaking audiences, they include up-to-date words and colloquialisms. Also, since the lyrics are used in a catchy tune, you will find it easy to remember the vocabulary.

6. Culture

Songs, from their topics to the words used, say a lot about English-speaking culture and how native speakers think and feel. Also, if you are familiar with popular songs and artists, you will have more to talk with your English-speaking friends.

Where to practice Karaoke

These are nice options for you to practise Karaoke.

1. Karaoke booths

If you want to get the realistic feel for Karaoke and relax to the max with your friends, this is a good option.

2. YouTube Karaoke

Search for the title of your favorite song with lyrics in YouTube, and practice Karaoke for free. You can practice by yourself or sing with your friends.

3. Karaoke sites

There are sites available free of charge and easy to use. Some sites also allow students to record themselves singing.

SMS Tunes

Sing Snap

Kara Songs

Red Karaoke

The Karaoke Channel

Karaoke Songs

Red Karaoke

Cr: http://scotsenglish.edu.au/learn-english-through-karaoke

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Love, Rosie: Melting Quotes About Choosing the Person You Want to Share Your Life with, and Even More

Have you watched ‘Love, Rosie’ film? If not, enjoy it in this Valentine season. ‘Love, Rosie’ is like a dairy of youth, love, failures, opportunities and hopes that anyone can see themselves in this story. Based on the novel ‘Where Rainbows End’, the film is about 2 best friends, after many attempts, get out of the friend zone, becoming in love and very happy together. Let’s enjoy the romantic film quotes that will melt your heart!

Image Cr: Original authors

Quotes collected by Scots English College

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What Are the Keys to Learning English as a Second Language?

You can go a long way with learning English with these keys.

English is one of the most important languages in the world. This beautiful language is everywhere as it is estimated that over 1 billion people are learning English worldwide at any one time. To study English well, there are key things you should consider.

1. Know why you want to learn English

Before you start or go back to studying English, ask yourself why you want to learn English. Is it because you want to? For the best outcomes, studying English should be something you want to do.

2. Set goals and create an agenda

If you know why you want to study, it is easy to set goals. For example, perhaps you want to travel and work in an English speaking country. Then your goal might be to choose an ELICOS course like General English (GE). General English focuses on developing the English language and communicative skills needed in a range of everyday contexts. Whatever your goals, write them down and make an agenda to achieve them.

3. Make a commitment

Learning English needs a lot of motivation. Once you are ready to begin studying, stick by it until the end.

4. Realize that you can be good at English

Anyone can be good at English, and you can, too. Race does not matter. Gender does not matter. Age does not matter. As long as you maintain motivation and take English easily, English is easy indeed.

5. Don’t mind what other people think

Some people are shy to speak English because others think of them as being a show off or because others say their English is not good. Don’t let what others think stop you achieving your potential. Take every chance you have. Speak up and be proud to speak English. At Scots English College, we encourage ‘English Only On Campus’ to reinforce English learning in a safe and proactive manner. That way our students can learn to speak English and think in English.

6. Have fun learning English

“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.” (Pearl S. Buck). If you are not having fun studying English, you are not learning the right way. You can be a serious student while having fun at the same time.

7. Take your holidays abroad

Save money, create your abroad travel itinerary and go to your favorite country. Enjoy the trip and utilize this chance to speak and perfect your English. One of the most preferred options is to travel to Australia and attend a premium quality ELICOS course. ELICOS courses are open to all international students, or those on working holiday or visitor visas.

Cr: http://scotsenglish.edu.au/the-key-to-learning-english

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Finding Part-time Jobs in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Working part time is a very beneficial way to get some extra money to fend for yourself and practise your English skills while studying in Australia. It is daunting for you to go job-hunting in a foreign country. Don’t worry. Below Scots English College will give a comprehensive guide to finding part-time jobs in Australia. 

1. Make sure you are eligible or not to work in Australia

Before you start to think about applying for a job, make sure that your visa permits you to work in Australia. International students in Australia on student visas can work up to 40 hours per fornight during their study period, and there is no limit on the number of hours an overseas students can work during holiday periods from their study. That means you can earn enough money to cover your living expenses or perhaps save some money to do some travelling around Australia.

2. Learn your rights 

Before starting any work, make sure that you understand your rights and employment conditions, including the minimum wage, pay arrangements, rest periods and breaks and how to judge if you are working in a safe and health working environment. You can visit Fair Work Ombudsman for information about pay rates, working conditions, employment contracts, recruitment and dismissal, and Australian Human Rights Commission that helps with discrimination and breaches of human right at the workplace.

3. Get a tax file number

While a student visa allows you to work in Australia, you need to pay tax on your earnings like an Australian citizen. That is why you will need to get a tax file number before beginning your work. You can apply online for the number through the Australian Taxation Office website.

4. Prepare a CV and write a cover letter

A CV (also, a resume) highlights your skills, attributes and experience to show to a potential employer. Along with your CV, send a cover letter to express why you would love to have that particular job that you are applying for. If your previous experience is likely to be unfamiliar to an Australian employer, make sure you explain this experience. That way, the prospective employers can recognise your level of experience overseas and translate this to your qualification level in the Australian workforce. Also, make sure your resume is concise and gets straight to the point.

5. Start your job search

The first thing to do when starting your job search is to consider the job type that you are looking for. Consider a job that is in line with your personal strengths and interests, and convenient for you (eg. located on or near your campus or in your local area). Some popular part-time jobs for students include Retail, Hospitality and other Services, Industries. 

Some useful ways to find a job include: 

· Online (eg. Seek – the biggest job search site in Australia, Gumtree – one of best job search sites in Australia, AustralianJobsearch, CareerOne, NowHiring)

· Newspaper adverts

· Shop windows

· Physically applying (eg. hand your resume in at different shops)

· Canvassing (i.e. cold-call prospective employers and say that you would like to work there even if their are no open positions)

· Networking (i.e. start making friends in Australia as soon as you can. Who you know may recommend you to a good job).

6. Just keep applying. Don’t give up

Don’t be disappointed if you send resumes and don’t get replies. Just keep applying and don’t give up. If you are doubting whether you should apply for the job or not, we suggest just applying. No harm done! You may never know, perhaps you are the person they are looking for!

7. Prepare well for the interview

You got yourself an interview. Congratulations! Now be well-prepared for the interview: Go get something smart to wear, do homework about the company, walk in confidently, be formal in your speech, keep eye contact, and be yourself. 

8. Consider unpaid work/internships

One of benefits of part-time work is to gain extra money for your living expenses. In addition, the experience that you can gain from working in a foreign country can be as valuable. Aside from enriching experiences, volunteer work and internships look great on your CV for future job opportunities. Internships may give you insights into the career path that you wish to chase when you graduate.

9. Use our Student Services

Scots' Student Services are all about you. Student Services helps you with all the other things outside your classroom: information about living in Sydney and Australia, accommodation, finding a part-time job and all the other things you need in a new country. For any details of our student support, please email us at Contact Us. 

Cr: http://scotsenglish.edu.au/australia-part-time-jobs-for-international-students

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The Best Things to Do in Sydney Today

As the largest city in Australia, Sydney is often referred as the educational and multicultural hub. According to a Mercer’s 2016 Quality of Living Survey, Sydney has been ranked as one of safest places in the world. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2016 global livability survey, Sydney is the world’s second friendliest destination. Sydney is home to 37 beaches spreading over a large area, historic landmarks, award-winning recreational centers and various cultures. Let's discover best things to do in Sydney these days!

As a government registered ELICOS provider, Scots English College offers various premiumquality ELICOS courses right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Our courses, from General English, IELTS Examination Preparation, English for Academic Purposes, Cambridge Examination Preparation, to PTE Academic Preparation, are quality designed, and in line with learner needs and requirements of training packages. 

For any information, please do not hesitate to contact us:

SCOTS ENGLISH COLLEGE PTY LTD T/A SCOTS ENGLISH COLLEGE

ABN: 91 605 117 575 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03497A

Campus: Level 11, 99 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Website: scotsenglish.edu.au

Phone: +61 2 9119 6086   

Email: admissions@scotsenglish.edu.au

  

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The A-Z of Money Saving Tips for International Students in Australia

It can be difficult to maintain a budget while studying abroad. Aside from covering tuition and accommodation costs, you also have to fend for such costs as food, communication, having sightseeing trips, etc. If you are worried about how to maintain your bank balance during your studies, refer to these money saving tips.

1. Create your budget plan

Plan out your budget each week, fortnight or month. You can split your expenses into ‘essential’ (e.g. accommodation fees) and ‘non-essential’ items (e.g. seeing a movies with friends). Don’t forget to set aside a little bit of money in case of emergency.

2. Keep an eye out for items on sale

If you notice non-perishable food items or household supplies are on sales, why not stock up on them? Still, be careful not to buy things that you don’t need or buy too much and let it all go to waste.

3. Look for weekly specials

Consider hanging out during the week. Restaurants and bars often have inexpensive food and drink specials on weeknights.

4. Look for part-time work

One of wonderful things about studying in Australia is that international students in Australia on student visas can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during their study period, and there is no limit on the number of hours an overseas student can work during holiday periods from their study. Working while your study not only helps you to pay for your living expenses but also gives you the opportunity to practise your English skills.

5. Utilize your student card

Utilize student concessions wherever possible – whether it is at the retail stores, the bank, events, sports games, or movies. Though these discounts may only save you a few dollars, it all adds up!

6. Be flexible

If you find yourself spending too much money on petrol or public transport, then consider walking or riding a bike to ‘not-too-far’ destinations. This way will be good  not only for your wallet but also your health and the environment. In addition,  you can enjoy the air, the sunlight and everything around you while walking or riding.

7. Look for cheaper options

One of the easies ways to save money is to look for cheaper options. For example, instead of eating out in a restaurant, you can cook your own feast at your friend’s house. Instead of going to the cinema, why not grab some popcorn and watch movie at home with your friends.

8. Pre-pack your lunch

Making yourself lunch in the morning instead of buying it every day will save you big bucks each week. You can bring the leftovers from the previous night’s dinner or make something simple like sandwiches.

9. Utilize second-hand options

Another budgeting tip is to look for second-hand options, from textbooks, electronics, clothes to furniture. You can do shopping at markets and second-hand stories, online on websites (eBay, Gumtree, Student Bees, etc.) or social media forums.

10. Help your landlord

If you are living with your landlord, do not be afraid to ask them for discounts if you are willing to do some housework for them.

11. Sell some stuff you never use and/ or no long need

Have you ever had things that you buy but never wear or use? If yes, sell them. Don’t wait until they get old. Also, sell your old books and anything else you no longer need.

12. Share accommodation

The advantage of this way is better quality accommodation in a better location, for less living costs. You may find share-accommodation through the student portals, notice boards or websites specific to finding room mates.

13. Speak to our advisers

Our staff at Scots English College are friendly and willing to give personal support – for example, finding homestay and other forms of accommodation, finding a part-time job, welfare counselling, a 24-hour emergency contact, etc.

For further information about our student support, please access here.

Cr: http://scotsenglish.edu.au/budgeting-tips-for-international-students-in-australia

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IELTS Examination - What You Should Know About

If you wish to take IELTS examination, then you should know below basic information for the best preparation for this most popular English test for higher education and global migration.

You may also be interested in:
ELICOS Course: 9 Things Students Should Know Before Enrolling

IELTS stands for the international English Language Testing System Examination. This examination can be taken in over 100 different countries around the world. It usually used to assess the English language proficiency of students who wish to study or further or higher education courses held in English at college or university. Many education providers want to see evidence that a future student has completed an IELTS examination and has achieved minimum scores before the student will be offered a place in a course. This means that the student will not have learning difficulties because of his/ her English language ability.

The Australian Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP) has a minimum English language proficiency requirement to ensure that overseas workers are able to respond to occupational health and safety risks, raise any concerns about their welfare with appropriate authorities and benefit Australia by sharing their skills with other workers’. Different occupations have higher minimum English requirements. The most widely accepted form of English proficiency accepted by DIBP is the IELTS examination. People wishing to migrate to Australia and need to show evidence of English proficiency may choose to do an IELTS preparation course. Completion of this course can significantly improve a candidate’s chances of increasing their IETS score in the formal examination.

How many modules are there in the IELTS exam?

There are two kinds or ‘modules’ to the IELTS examination;

(a)    Academic Module – This module is suitable for students wishing to complete academic study at degree level in an English-speaking country.

(b)   General Training Module - This module is more suited to people wishing to migrate to an English-speaking country like Australia.  It is also suitable for students who wish to study at in courses taught through at diploma level only. 

What does the IELTS examination consist of?

Both the Academic & General Training Modules consist of a four main tasks: a Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening task. The IELTS exam takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete and consists of four Sub-tests in the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Students sitting the Academic & the General Training Modules take the same listening and speaking modules but different reading and writing modules. Listening, reading and writing must be completed in one day.  

The General Training Reading and Writing tests are less demanding than the Academic Module Sub-tests, but the listening and speaking subtests are the same for both modules of the IELTS exam.

The IELTS exam takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete and consists of four Sub-tests in the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

For more information about the IELTS examination, download and view the INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES  booklet.

Scots English College’s IELTS Preparation programs

Scots IELTS Preparation Course is designed to prepare international students, from a range of backgrounds and nationalities, for the Academic Training Module of the IELTS test.

If you enrol in this course, you will have as your specific study objective the need to reach a result in an internationally recognised certificate of English language proficiency which will either provide you with a pathway for migration purposes or completion of a tertiary-level course in a mainstream Australian tertiary institution.  This may include the full range of tertiary courses available in the Australian context, universities, both private and public, private colleges

The two levels of our IELTS Preparation course will each be a self contained 12-week course.   However, you may enrol for the full 24 weeks of the course if you need to increase your IELTS score by more than one band in order to enter your chosen course of further study, employment or migration application. (Some students may need to improve their final score by 2.0, for example, from 4.5 to 6.5 so they can take a degree course at university). Preparation for the IELTS Examination is achieved by introducing you to the same kinds of types of texts and tasks which the real IELTS examination uses. The course is not only designed to help you to practise examination techniques, but it will also help you to develop the necessary skills required to pass the IELTS Examination. You will be exposed to a wide variety of materials covering a number of different academic disciplines and will learn, through this exposure, how the task requirements of the IELTS Examination reflect the English Language requirements of tertiary study. 

In addition to the compulsory 20 hours of the programme, Scots’ offers and encourages you to avail of the valuable opportunity to attend a guided individual learning session at the end of each formal teaching day. You will have access to computers, resources, books and audio-visual materials to work on essays, research assignment material, etc. A teacher will be made available to you to assist you with any areas which require further development. As the IELTS Preparation Course is strongly focused on providing the necessary techniques and skills required to undertake the examination, independent learning further facilitates the need to develop strong learning habits and study management.

The IELTS test is an internationally recognised tertiary entry English language qualification. A score of 5.0 to 5.5 on the IELTS test (alongside a range of other qualifications) is a prerequisite for entry to Australian Vocational education & Training Courses. If you have been accepted into a vocational course but have not yet reached your required English score, Scots’ IELTS Preparation Course will be open to you. 

The course also welcomes you if you have received a place in a range of institutions or if you are making an application. Remember, however, that you must achieve the required level in the IELTS test as stated by your education provider in order to join your chosen course of study. 

Many VET and higher education providers allow students direct entry to their courses when they have successfully completed an IELTS Preparation course and without having to complete the formal IELTS examination. Scots English College is working hard to develop relationships with a range of different providers so that students can gain automatic entry to a range of further education courses. 

 Cr: http://scotsenglish.edu.au/courses-english-language/ielts-examination-preparation

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