Brisbane College celebrates diversity and multiculturalism. We have had a diverse range of International and Domestic Students from all different nationalities and backgrounds studying with us. Here are some past student testimonials and experiences to read about.
HARVEY HAYES - Certificate IV in TESOL
"Completing a TESOL Certificate IV has always been something I wanted to do. I looked into online courses while I lived in London, but with more research I discovered a lot of employers look for the classroom certification. I thought the Brisbane College of Australia offered a good program, the timetable suited my work schedule and Carmelina ended up being an excellent teacher of teaching!
I would like to now gain more teaching experience in Brisbane, before I head to South America to live and to teach English. I'm currently learning Spanish, so being immersed in the culture and lifestyle over there, while teaching my first language, will make for an exciting experience!"
MARNI AMANDA CAPANIG - Diploma of Business
"I chose Brisbane College to further my education it was because they were responsive to the things that all I need and gave their best service that they could offer. My experience at BC was one of the memorable moments in my life; I had the chance to meet new friends, experience new culture and discover new things. I know it was hard for me to understand the accents of my other classmates from different nationality but good thing I had a teacher who was too supportive and helpful for everything I must learn and I must know. She was not just my teacher but a teacher who could be your living diary. It was rare to have a lecturer that who will ask about what was going on in to your life but I was blessed to have Ms. Carmelina Lanza who was very patient and intelligent for assisting and tracking my progress until the end of my course.
In addition, I really enjoyed studying to this school because of the excellence of our faculty and the learning’s I gained which will help me broaden my mind about how business works.
It is not the period of being a short time or long time you have been there in my school l but the happiness that I felt. I had fun meeting those different students from other country and some of them become my good friends. BC is just one way for me to stretch from my comfort zone and enjoy the good life."
MANDEEP KAUR - Certificate III, Diploma & Advanced Diploma in Children's Services
"Hi everyone,
My name is Mandeep Kaur. All staff in Brisbane college of Australia used to call me Mandeep”86” as we had 3 Mandeep Kaur in my class. I did my Advanced Diploma in Children Services in June 2012. Now I am working as a Director in Long Day Care Centre.
I still remembered, when I came in Australia in June 2009 from India. I was so nervous about study, work and lifestyle. But I got so much help from Joseph, Marie and my teacher Katie to settle down. They provided social reference for my first resume and I got a job as a nanny which was related to childcare. As soon as I finished my Certificate III, I got a job in childcare centre as an assistant.
When I finished my Diploma then College staff gave us help to extend our Visa. I promoted as a group leader after completion of my Diploma. Then I started my Advanced Diploma, it was totally different from my job and Diploma. But our teacher Sai gave us extra classes and examples from her experiences so I confidently finished my Advanced Diploma in June2012. As soon as I finished my study, I got a job offer from WA as a Director with great package.
At last I would say that I am really thankful to Brisbane College of Australia to give me such a big support to settle in Australia. I love you my College and Miss those days.
Thanks a lot "
KERRY WHITE - Certificate IV in TESOL
"TAKING on an English teaching course was a daunting prospect for a semi-retired professional aged in his 60s.
It was a challenge I had been considering for a few years – in fact, I had done one subject, Nature of Language, for a post-graduate Certificate IV in TESOL at University of Southern Queensland (USQ) in Toowoomba, but because of circumstances that arose, had not proceeded further.
However, I still remained interested in gaining a qualification. When the chance arose through Brisbane College (which also offered me a 50% scholarship to cover half the cost), I decided to take it though it meant commuting from my Sunshine Coast home three days a week.
Not for one minute during the course did I regret the decision though grappling with tenses – present simple, past perfect, future continuous and the rest – was itself a challenge after so many years of using language without having to recall how or why it works.
Back in the early 2000s I decided to undertake full-time studies for an Arts degree at USQ in Toowoomba where I was living. I was proud to finish with a GPA of 6.05/7 including a HD for Romantic Literature – during the semester for that subject I spent several weeks overseas including an inspiring visit to Dove Cottage, home of the Wordsworths, who were at the core of the subject’s focus.
In my late 20s I had entered journalism without completing a degree through the then more common path of a cadetship; previously I had spent some years in banking and other roles including the Army and service as an infantry soldier in the Vietnam War. In journalism I rose through the ranks to become an editor before going over to the ‘dark side’ of government media and subsequent community relations and corporate communications roles.
After completing my degree I moved to Brisbane and spent a few years back in government media with Queensland Health – a period that was not without significant challenges; then I was in a contract role part-time with Ergon Energy with whom I had worked previously in a regional role.
Since that contract expired last year I have been doing some casual work such as writing, editing and proof-reading from home on the Sunshine Coast. Now I hope to pick up some work – maybe voluntary or paid – ‘teaching English to speakers of other languages’.
At the college I enjoyed the inter-action with younger people – teacher and students – from varying backgrounds and the challenge of two-hour practical teaching sessions. A ‘prac’ lesson I particularly enjoyed was one I volunteered to do ‘About Australia’. You can see the Power Point at this link
Thanks to all of students and staff I was involved with at the college: bondezirojn en la estonteco"
SANG HEE LEE - KOREA - 22 year old Female
I am really happy with my IELTS result, so thank you to my teacher and the school. My teacher is so nice and kind. I could not have got the result without my teacher. Thank you!
YOKO HANJI - JAPAN - 19 year old Female
I liked the General English class best because my homestay mother says my English has improved so much. BCE gave me a chance to improve my English. The class was fun and interesting because we did a lot of things that made a difference to me.
JUAN DOQUE - COLUMBIA - 25 years old Male
My English has become more confident and my writing skills have improved very much within a short period of time. This is because my teacher asked us to write a diary every day, which she then corrected for grammar and so on. Here, the teachers are friendly and really helpful.
NIXON ZHENG - HONG KONG - 23 year old Male
BCE is a good place to learn English as only English is spoken at the school. The school provides us with a lot of information and counseling for jobs and further studies.
PICARIELLO LUIGI - ITALY - 25 year old Male
It is a very comfortable place to study, the classrooms are comfortable, the staff are friendly, and it is right by the city centre.
XIAO YANG YU - CHINA - 20 year old Male
I really enjoyed my stay and study here. The teachers were excellent and very friendly, and I think the facilities were great! My IELTS result was good, and now I can go to study at university
PAIO XUE - CHINA - 19 year old Female
The college has excellent facilities and a very supportive staff, who made the learning fun and relevant to me. Studying at BCE has helped me to achieve the English level that I need to gain entrance to university. Thanks to the excellent services provided by BCE I will be able to achieve my goal, of studying at university in English!
PAULA SEVERO SANHUDO - BRAZIL - 24 year old Female
I was very happy with the college facilities at BC. It is a clean and tidy environment. The college staff were very nice and my teachers were fantastic.
MIKE CONWAY - CANADA - 45 year old Male
I did a TESOL course at BC. I really loved the small class size and my teacher was friendly and very knowledgeable.
TRAVERSO ANDREA - FRANCE - 23 year old Female
I made many friends at BC. The teachers were excellent and studying at the college helped me to get a good IELTS result. I am very happy to recommend BC.
INGA ZAPKA - GERMANY - 25 year old Female
I took the Business English course at BC, which I really enjoyed. The textbook was excellent and the teachers were friendly. My teacher helped me to develop a resume and find a great job. BC has good facilities and is very clean.
SWISS SUPPATANERAT - THAILAND - 25 year old Male
I was impressed with BC and my teachers. My classes were always fun and comfortable to learn in every day. I had a great time studying at BC.