Questions and Answers

Q. What is the minimum enrolment period?
A. The minimum enrolment period is 1 week.

Q. How many students are there in a class?
A. The average number is 14 students.

Q. What is the minimum age for study at BROWNS?
A. The minimum age is 16 years old.

Q. What is the average age of students?
A. The average age is 24 years old.

Q. What is the most popular course at BROWNS?
A. Most students choose to study Intensive General English (full-time).

Q. When is BROWNS open?
A. BROWNS is open Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm , all year round except public holidays.

Q. Can I study part-time?
A. Tourist and Working Holiday visa holders can study part-time. Part-time lessons are Monday to Friday, 9am - 12.30pm (mornings only).

Q. I don't know my level of English, how can I find out?
A. You will take a placement test when you arrive at BROWNS. This test will evaluate your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities. The results will determine what level you will be placed in.

Q. What also happens on my first day at BROWNS?
A. On your first day at school we will introduce you to our friendly staff and students, provide you with all the information you need about your course and give you an orientation of the surrounding area.

Q. How many levels are there?
A. There are 6 levels of English at BROWNS, from Beginner to Advanced.

Q. How many weeks of English study do I need?
The number of weeks you need depends on your current level of English, the level you wish to reach and how quickly you progress. You may wish to learn English for further study, for an exam, for professional development, for work or for travel.

Q. How is my progress assessed?
We believe that students gain most from their English studies through a system of continuous assessment and monitoring. You will be expected to do homework each night, and you will sit a revision quiz each week to check your progress is on track. Your teacher will also check your BROWNS Passport weekly to monitor your progress in BROWNS Accelerate Further Learning Programme. Your teacher will then have a one-to-one consultation with you to discuss your progress and agree on strategies for further improvement.

Q. What happens when my English level improves and I need to go up a class or change my course?
A. We test students on an ongoing basis. If you have performed well and reached the appropriate level of English required, your teacher will inform you that you are ready to move up a class or level. Each level at BROWNS is based on 10 weeks' full-time study.

Q. Can I do several different courses during my time at BROWNS?
A. Yes.

Q. Do I get a certificate at the end of the course?
A. Yes. All students who satisfactorily complete their course will receive a BROWNS certificate. It states name, course studied, dates and length of study, listening, speaking, reading and writing marks, overall performance and attendance.

Q. What kind of qualifications will my teacher have?
A. All of our teachers are experienced and professional and hold specialist TESOL qualifications. They receive ongoing teacher development training to keep up to date with the latest teaching methodology and materials.

Q. What are the teaching methods?
A. BROWNS Active8 Programme has been carefully designed to be wide-ranging, comprehensive and very practical. We cover the core language learning skills in the morning and give you extra time in the afternoons to focus on specific areas such as grammar, speaking, vocabulary expansion, listening and pronunciation, as well as covering English for your daily life to help you manage in a variety of social situations. By enrolling in Active8, you benefit from a focused, integrated course covering the 8 skills and systems that lead to English fluency. For every hour in the classroom, you can achieve clear learning outcomes that help you fulfill your learning goals.

Q. What materials do you use?
A. We carefully select the best textbooks available to complement our high-quality curriculum. We also use other materials, including audio and video, to cater for the needs of learners. Classes include task-based activities, work in pair or small groups, use of video and internet resources, stories, songs, debates, discussions and writing activities. Our lessons are based on real-life tasks, which aim to increase interest and therefore maximize your potential!

Q. I want to take the IELTS exam, what should I do?
A. The BROWNS IELTS Preparation Course will help prepare you for the IELTS exam. You can sit the IELTS exam at TAFE (the only IELTS test centre on the Gold Coast).

Q. I want to take 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 exam.

Q. What universities is BROWNS affiliated with on the Gold Coast?
A. BROWNS offers a study pathway to several universities on the Gold Coast. Please contact BROWNS for articulation opportunities to universities and TAFE.

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 BROWNS we have an Academic Counselor who can help you with your further study options. They can advise you on what is the best course for you, how to enroll 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 BROWNS student ID? What can I use it for?
A. You are issued with a BROWNS student card when you begin. It can be used for borrowing books from the library, as well as getting student discounts on meals at cafés/restaurants and movie tickets.

Q. Can I use computers/e-mail/Internet/DVDs at BROWNS?
A. Our high-speed Internet and email access is free! The Language Software installed on our computers allows students to receive and send emails in any text. Students are also able to surf websites in any language.

Q. Can I use my own laptop at BROWNS?
A. Students can connect their laptops to the BROWNS network during school hours.

Q. When can I use the facilities?
A. Computer facilities can be used before class, during breaks and after class.

Q. What can I do after class?
A. BROWNS is open until 5.00pm , Monday to Friday. After class you can use computers, borrow books, watch videos and do your own study/homework. There is a teacher available to help you if you have any questions.

Q. Can I get a refund if I choose to finish my course early?
A. Please refer to the BROWNS conditions of enrolment.

Q. Do you offer private lessons?
A. Yes. BROWNS’ one-to-one lessons provide individual tuition, tailor-made to suit people with limited time and specific needs. Please refer to the course fees.

Q. What's the weather like on the Gold Coast?
A. “Beautiful one day, perfect the next!” The Gold Coast region is sub-tropical and averages 300 days of sunshine a year. Daytime temperatures range from around 30°C in the Summer to around 20°C in the Winter. Even during mid-winter people go to the beach for a surf and a barbecue.

Q. What's the time difference?
A. Standard Time: GMT +10

Q. Is there public transport near the school?
A. Yes, BROWNS is a 1 minute walk from the bus stop in Southport .

Q. Is BROWNS near the beach/City?
A. BROWNS English Language School is conveniently situated within easy walking distance from surf beaches, parks, public transport, libraries, banks, post-offices, cafes, shops, supermarkets and movie-cinemas.

Q. Can I get a student discount on transport (buses)?
A. No. Only University students are eligible for student discounts on transport.

Q. Are all your prices in Australian dollars?
A. Yes, all prices stated are in Australian dollars. You can go to xe.com to perform interactive foreign exchange calculations.

Q. How much money will I need to have (per week) for entertainment, food etc.?
A. It is a good idea to have access to approximately $100 per week (after paying for accommodation).

Q. What is the average cost of common items?
A.

Q. If I want to open a bank account, become a member of a library/gym/video shop etc., What do I need to do?
A. BROWNS can help you do all these things. All you need from us is an Acceptance Letter. This states that you are enrolled at BROWNS and includes your name, address, date of birth and dates/length of study. You just need to take this with any other documents required.

Q. What should I do if I need to go to the doctor/dentist?
A. There are lots of good doctors and dentists close to BROWNS in Southport . If you want a doctor or dentist who speaks your own language, we can help refer you to the appropriate person.

Q. What kind of activities are there to do on the Gold Coast?
A. Participating in our activities program is an excellent way to practice your English while having fun with your new friends! Activities include: sports club activities, sightseeing trips, weekend trips, shopping excursions, BBQ’s, picnics, movie nights, student parties and more!

Q. Where are the homestay families located?
A. All homestay families are located on the Gold Coast, within 40 minutes from BROWNS by bus.

Q. Can I choose what kind of family I want to stay with?
A. At BROWNS we will place you with a friendly Australian homestay family that has been carefully selected to suit your requirements (e.g. a family with young children or a family with no pets, etc).

Q. What if I have a homestay problem?
A. Our Homestay Coordinator is available to help you if you have any homestay questions or problems.

Q. Is there an airport pick-up service?
A. Brisbane International airport is approximately a 50 minute drive to the Gold Coast. If you wish, a BROWNS representative can meet your flight at Brisbane airport and drive you directly to your accommodation on the Gold Coast. There is also a bus coach service and train line linking Brisbane International Airport to the Gold Coast. The BROWNS Pick-up Service is also available from Coolangatta (Gold Coast) Airport.

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