Language Teacher Assistant Australia

Transcription

1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION This program is designed for students coming from France, Germany, Italy, Spain or Japan, as their native languages are the main foreign languages taught in Australia. Australian students get the opportunity to learn the language and culture of another country from a native speaker interested in language instruction. It s a volunteer work in Australian primary or secondary schools as a Language Teacher s Assistant (LTA). The assistant participates fully in the Australian schools and in the extracurricular activities arranged by the school. He/she will assist in a school s language program and contribute in both language and cross-cultural education in the school and the wider community. The program is selective and it is an opportunity for the language Teacher Assistants to improve their English by the participant s own initiative to mix socially within the local community. Participants are adults and are expected to make their own opportunities. Nacel does not make social arrangements for the participant. Assisting the language teacher commences shortly after arrival or once school resumes if arrival is during a school holiday. The assistant participates fully in the Australian school and has opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities arranged by the school. Some Australian schools offer special programs and if the assistant wants to pursue a special talent or field of interest while in Australia, Nacel can try to find a school that might focus on this area. ELIGIBILITY From 21 to 30 years old (must be under 31 years of age at the time of the application). Applicants must be: - educated native French, Italian, Spanish*, German or Japanese language speakers; - university or tertiary College graduates; - self reliant, especially in respect of socialising, and sufficient initiative to make own opportunities to improve their English. They must also: - intend to pursue a career in education in their home country: this must be clear demonstrated by a course of study background that is at least related to the field of education, or a background of work experience that is able to be related professionally or para-professionally to education. - have a high intermediate command of English (minimum IELTS score: 5.5); - have a positive, open and flexible outlook, and benefit personally towards their career goals, from the experience and cultural interaction; - have positive personal and professional references; - have a valid police clearance from the participant s country, stating that he/she has no serious criminal record and that he/she is suitable for working with young students. An interview is organized with the applicant before final acceptance is given. Please note that a medical examination and/or chest x-ray, as directed by Australian Immigration at the time of the visa application may be required. Nacel reserves the right to refuse the acceptance of an LTA at any time for medical reason. * please note that Spanish speakers may be placed in public schools which may not be able to offer accommodation and board; these expenses would remain at the participant s own expenses. DATES An applicant may participate for a Term, Semester or School year. Australian academic year = two semesters; four terms. The Australian academic year consists of two semesters and four terms. The year starts in late January or very early February and goes until mid December.

2 January April Term 1 (Then two weeks school holidays) April July Term 2 (Then two weeks school holidays) July September Term 3 (Then two weeks school holidays October December Term 4 (School holidays begin mid to late December until late January. Summer school holidays (approx six weeks) It is not normal that a school must offer any support during the summer vacation in Australia (early December to late January). During this time it is expected that the LTA may return to their home country or have alternative arrangements, paid by themselves (accommodation and meals etc), for staying in Australia. An LTA must remember that their visa conditions specify they cannot work other than for the school; thus no casual work can be taken up in Australia during the summer vacation. Arrival dates are provided by the school; school dates vary from state to state and between government and nongovernment schools. Nacel is not able to direct a school to accept an LTA for specific dates. LTA academic year: starting from late January or mid July. LTA semester: starting from late January or mid July. LTA semester: starting from late January, mid/late April or mid July. Program Dates Exact dates are to be confirmed with the school when Nacel Australia receives an application. LTA applicants are expected to be aware that a school may invite the participant to arrive a week or more before the commencement of a Term or Semester and conclude the invitation before the end of a school Term or Semester. Whatever the case, an LTA will be expected to conform as much as possible to the dates specified by the school, rather than dictate to the school the date they might arrive and depart. It is to be remembered that the school is inviting the LTA and is not obligated to conform to the participant s demands. An LTA may arrive before the invitation date of the school, but will be required to make their own arrangements in all respects until the date specified or agreed by the school. LOCATION The program may take place in any Australian states. Participants must be willing to go to any location in Australia (preferences and requests considered, but not guaranteed). The main locations of the schools the participant is working at are regional cities (not principal ones). ARRIVAL Participants are to arrive in their host city on dates specified by the school. PLACEMENTS Australian schools participating in The Language Teaching Assistant Program are from both the government and private school sectors. All offer a high level of academic excellence, social support and sporting facilities, which are available to the assistant. Types of Australian High Schools Schools in Australia are accredited by the state government and are monitored by government bodies to ensure that highest standards are maintained. There are two categories of schools, government and non-government. The government schools are managed and staffed by the State Education Department. For the most part they are co-educational (both male and female students).

3 The non-government schools are privately owned and managed but must comply with all government regulations. The non-government schools may also be called private, independent, catholic or grammar schools. Often these schools have a strong focus on a particular religious denomination. These schools offer a great variety of choices: co-educational or single sex education, day attendance only or boarding facilities, excellent education and sporting facilities, subject counselling and support for international students, high standards of dress and discipline, wide range of out of school activities (for example sport, music, art). Australian High School Structure There are some variations between Australian states in respect to student ages when graduating to junior and secondary high schools. For the most part, junior and secondary high schools are on the same campus so the placement makes very little practical difference. In general, the following gives a guideline for how schools are structured: Junior Secondary High School (School Years 8-10) All students are between 12 and 15 years of age. All students study English, Mathematics, Science and Social Science. They have a different teacher for each subject. There are also subject choices for Sport, Music, Art, Foreign Languages, Computing, Home Economics and others. Senior Secondary High School (School Years 10-12) All students are between 15 and 17 years of age. At this school level, students choose to specialise in Humanities or Science. The students choose ALL of the subjects to be studied. Students need to choose five or six subjects from a long subject list that includes English, English Literature, Music, Geography, History, Economics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus, Computing, Accounting, Art, Human Biology and many different Foreign Languages. Examinations At the end of Year 12 in Senior Secondary High School, students take a tertiary entrance examination in the subjects they have studied. These results are combined with assessment scores from the school to produce a tertiary entrance score. It is this score that is used by universities and colleges when offering places to students. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation and meals are provided by the school. Accommodation s type: - Australian host families (in an apartment); - School s boarding house. Lunch may be at the participant s own expense. The host family situation is provided by the school and not selected by Nacel. Consequently, Nacel cannot guarantee the environment in which the student will live. Depending of the length of the stay, one or several families can host the participant. Australian host families are generally warm, open and outgoing. They enjoy the opportunity to share their country, culture and way of life with a young person from another country. Students may be placed with one family for the entire stay in Australia but are more likely to be placed with three or four families, depending on the length of their stay. Note: It is usual that a school will invite a LTA on the condition that they live in a school boarding house and assist with duties in the boarding house. Please note that Spanish speakers may be placed in public schools which may not be able to offer accommodation and board; these expenses would remain at the participant s own expenses.

4 PROGRAM RULES The applicant is permitted to travel outside of the local area alone or with peers, but MUST have permission of their supervising teacher, and the Nacel coordinator must be advised of their location, and an emergency contact phone number should be given. The LTA is NOT permitted to hitchhike (illegal in Australia), whether alone or with friends. Overnight travel with the host family, another family or other Language Teacher s Assistants is preferred to independent travel and once again the supervising teacher and Nacel coordinator MUST be given a phone contact to reach in the event of an emergency. It is a condition of the visa that the LTA will attend school as required by the school, whenever school is in session. An LTA is not to plan independent travel that will interrupt their duties during school terms and as otherwise defined by the school. If an LTA plans to travel outside of Australia during the program, agreement of their supervising teacher and Nacel Australia office is required Visits by natural parents, relatives or friends of the LTA are permitted, but are only to be arranged during school holidays, so as not to interfere with the applicant s duties as a language teacher s assistant nor disturb the host family life. Visits must be approved by Nacel Australia prior to arrangements being made. The host school and Nacel Australia, reserve the right to deny permission. Host families and school do not provide accommodation or board for such visits. Support and assistance during the program is the responsibility of the host school. The local Nacel coordinator will facilitate this process. It must be understood, that as an adult, the LTA must be sufficiently independent to not need the close supervision of the Nacel coordinator or the support that would be accorded to a student. An adult relationship is expected with the school, as would be the normal expectation of the school with any of the members of staff. Other Work LTAs are not allowed to work other than at the school approved. (They could baby-sit or do odd jobs [individual student tuition, mow the lawn, wash the car, etc ] for pocket money, provided always it could in no way be construed as employment.) eg A school might recommend the LTA to a parent as a language tutor to their child and, the LTA might come to an agreement with the parents about a cost. This is entirely up to the school to assist. The school might also offer an LTA an honorarium for duties such as supervision in a boarding house, co-curricular activities, etc. The LTA applicant is to understand that this is a volunteer program and the school does not pay a wage. Study LTAs are not allowed to study or do an ESL course. If a workshop/course is arranged internally by the school of the LTA, it is acceptable. End of Program If the applicant plans to stay in Australia after the end of the program, in which case Nacel Australia MUST be advised, it is his/her responsibility to ensure that s/he has the correct visa and to apply for a tourist visa if needed. Applicants must extend insurance coverage if necessary and cover any additional travel cost. If a participant ceases to remain with the school that has invited them to Australia, prior to the expiration of their visa, the school is required to advise Immigration and the participant is required by Immigration to leave Australia. Extension of Program The visa for the LTA program is granted for the duration for the duration of the invitation by the school. Should the school and the LTA wish to extend their program, DIMA may grant a further visa so that the stay can be for a maximum of 12 months. A participant may apply to DIMIA at the end of their program to extend their stay as a visitor not as an LTA; by making an application for a Visitor Visa. It is entirely dependent on DIMA to permit the granting of the Visitor Visa and Nacel is not permitted to influence this decision.) Nacel support An LTA has an employer / employee relationship with the host school. The school has responsibility under immigration policy to provide accommodation, meals and support assistance for the duration of the invited period of stay. This includes providing a supervising teacher and making arrangements for meeting the applicant upon arrival (on the date specified or agreed by the school)

5 Nacel will initially facilitate this program by seeking a school, assisting the school gain approval from immigration to join the program and gaining their agreement to invite an LTA during the period requested by the LTA. The school arranges accommodation, either host family or school house/boarding house, and is responsible to ensure the host family, or other accommodation, and provision for meals is suitable and appropriate for the duration of the LTA s stay. Nacel facilitates in this matter by providing advice to the school. A Nacel coordinator visits and contacts host families and school to make sure they have details of the arrangements for the arrival of the LTA, (who is meeting the LTA on arrival at the airport, bus or train station, time, flight, etc). If it was planned for the host family to meet and they can t, the Nacel coordinator will facilitate other arrangements through the school. The Nacel coordinator will contact the LTA about five days after arrival to make sure he/she has settled in. During the stay of the LTA, the Nacel coordinator will make arrangements to maintain regular contact with the LTA. The coordinator will complete a monthly report on the progress of the LTA and facilitate the relationship of the LTA with host family, school and supervising teacher. Nacel will be mindful that, although an LTA is an adult, it will often be the case because they are on the other side of the world in a different culture; the LTA may need some help in the process of adapting to the school and community environment, the host family and the culture. We expect the LTA to understand the Nacel coordinator s role is as a facilitator rather than as a supervisor of a student. This means making every effort, within reason, to facilitate a win win situation for the LTA, the host family and the school. However, it is important for the LTA to keep in mind that they are an adult who is expected to make responsible decisions and keep an open mind; being willing to make strong and sincere efforts to adapt and integrate with their host community. The school has responsibilities that, with the LTA, they together must make every effort to resolve. Further, the social life of the LTA is their own responsibility and they cannot expect a host school or the local Nacel coordinator to make these arrangements. POCKET MONEY The requirements of the program strictly specify the participant is to be engaged on a voluntary basis and no payment of salary or wages is to be made by the school to the participant. Please note that the LTA visa conditions specify they cannot work other than for the school (no casual work in Australia during the summer vacation). If an LTA leaves Australia owing money to anyone, for example for Internet, international phone calls, medical bills, the sending organisation is responsible for claiming money from the LTA on behalf of Nacel Australia or, if the LTA fails to pay the amount due, the sending organisation is responsible for payment of funds to Nacel Australia. VISA Participants apply to the Special Program Processing Centre for a Temporary Resident Visa for SLAP (The School Language Assistants Program) participants (visa subclass 416 (subregulation (c)). The applicant can apply as soon as s/he has received the formal letter of invitation from the school. Prior to invitation, some schools need to apply to Immigration for approval to join the SLAP program, which can take up to 6 weeks. The participant must satisfy the relevant visa criteria (see applicant requirements above), including those relating to health and character; a covering letter and CV that addresses the applicant requirements 1 5 is required to be submitted with the application. The invitation from the school does not guarantee the visa application will be approved. Immigration advises participants not to make any travel arrangements until their visa is approved. All information regarding Visa conditions and the Application Procedure is available from the Australian Embassy or Consulate in home country. Also refer to the paragraph Arrival and Departure Bookings; about flight dates. The visa is conditional about working in Australia the LTA is not able to seek other work during the stay. This program is conducted according to the policy of Australian Immigration. Relevant details of the policy may be obtained by inquiry about the School Language Assistant Program to an Australian Diplomatic Mission Overseas. INSURANCE Nacel Australia recommends you visit the website:

6 Although given as a guide to Australian travellers, the information is equally relevant to those visiting Australia. As advised by DIMA, Medical treatment in Australia can be very expensive. An LTA must understand that the invitation of a school is made on the understanding that an LTA will have adequate insurance for their own protection, and should the LTA arrive without such insurance; a school may view this as a lack of responsibility on the part of the LTA. APPLICATION PROCEDURE There is a minimum application period of four months from the application being received in Australia to the intended arrival date. This is necessary to ensure that a suitable school is found and that this school can go through the necessary internal application procedures. PATHWAY FOR LANGUAGE TEACHER S ASSISTANT STEP ONE STEP TWO STEP THREE STEP FOUR Nacel Australia will review the profile of the student (based on a CV/resume in English) and approach possible schools to invite the LTA. There is no cost for this step. When Nacel Australia is confident of being able to place the LTA, a Language Teaching Assistant Application is required. Also required are the applicant s most recent academic transcripts, details of English language achievement levels and a police clearance certificate. Once the dossier is assessed by Nacel Australia, a suitable school is approached to invite the LTA. Nacel Australia provides a preliminary acceptance and cancellation fees apply from this time. Deposit is paid at this time. A letter of invitation and other documents are provided by the host school and these are sent to you for the applicant to apply for the visa. Remaining fees are paid by the participant. Details of flight arrival times are communicated and arrangements for airport meetings are finalised. Arrival and departure dates are to be the dates specified by the school and Nacel Australia. The visa conditions are strict and if flight bookings do not conform within a day or so, to the dates specified in the school invitation letter, a visa will not be granted. Pre Arrival A minimum of one month before the program start date, the following documents are required: Confirmed return airline bookings and travel itinerary. Confirmation that there is no change to the LTA s medical certificate that was provided with the application. A copy of the LTA s passport. A copy of the LTA s travel insurance policy. Please Note Well: Sending organisations are to carefully control the flight bookings in order that the specified dates are maintained. Arrivals or departures on any other date than agreed by Nacel Australia will incur an additional charge of AUD $200, if the LTA requires reception at the airport upon arrival. Otherwise the LTA may choose to make their own arrangements at their own expense for accommodation and transportation.

7 APPLYING FOR AN LTA POSITION / INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS BACKGROUND You should approach applying for an LTA position in much the same way as looking for a job. A strong emphasis will be placed on your communication skills and ability to easily relate others and adapt to a new environment. These attributes are the essence of success in a teaching environment. Schools will be impressed by people who have clearly planned ahead of the rest and clearly identified an LTA position will capitalises on their qualifications/training and would enhance their future career direction. Schools will not be impressed by those who obviously have little direction in what they are doing that is, their application is not targeted. It is true that many schools need the help of a language assistant and will be interested in fresh young people who are keen to learn and who are highly committed, and who can demonstrate that they possess other qualities that perhaps more experienced people do not. Remember, you are selling yourself. When it comes to completing your application dossier, explain why you'd like to work as a Language Assistant (if you wish you can attach a separate letter to your dossier, addressed to a prospective school- a good idea). Emphasise what you can do for the school and your passion for such an experience, rather than being seen only to seek what they can do for you. Explain what you think you can bring to the job by way of your particular interest, ideas and enthusiasm. Convey the impression that you are investing in your future. Good schools will typically be impressed by people who love their field so much that they are prepared to make personal sacrifices as an investment towards learning and experience. Ensure your dossier is presented professionally. Typed, or at least very neat writing. Applicants are often deselected by a school simply because they find the dossier difficult to read. Enthusiasm and passion and commitment go a very long way. The decision-makers in a school usually love their work and their chosen field. They've become successful because of their passion and determination. Schools want to engage language assistants who demonstrate this same level of commitment. Above all the presentation of your dossier needs to be high quality and clear and professional. Scruffy unprofessional documents will be interpreted as a sign that the sender is scruffy and unprofessional. On the other hand, pristine professional-looking documents will signify that you are professional, and also that you can be trusted to communicate appropriately and professionally when and if you end up working for the school concerned. How to Sell Yourself Letter. The key with the letter is to get across the most important points and let a positive, enthusiastic personality shine through. An effective letter can impress the school, but a poorly written letter usually spells continued rejection. The difference can be a matter of how you handle a few key points. The following are some tips to help you develop effective application letters. Individualizing Your Letter Give your readers some insight into you as an individual. In the example below the writer chose to describe particular experiences and skills that could not be generalized to most other recent graduates. Draft your letter to show how your individual qualities can contribute to the school. This is your letter, so avoid simply copying the form and style of other letters you've seen. Instead, strive to make your letter represent your individuality and your capabilities. Catching Your Reader's Attention Your introduction should get your reader's attention, stimulate interest, and be appropriate to the LTA position. For example, you may want to begin by making it clear that you have clearly identified that an LTA experience capitalises on your qualifications/training and would enhance your future career direction. First Paragraph Tips Make your goal clear. Additionally, in your first paragraph you should provide a preview of the rest of your letter. This tells your reader what to look for.

8 Highlighting Your Qualities Organize the middle paragraphs (2 or 3 what is necessary without writing a book about yourself) in terms of the qualities or qualifications that will suit you to being an LTA. If your previous experience is your strongest qualification, discuss it in detail and show how you can apply it to the needs of the school. One strong quality, described so that the reader can picture you actively involved on the job, can be enough. If you have two or three areas that you think are strong, you can develop additional paragraphs. Other Tips Conclude with a clear, courteous request for a language assistant placement. Be professional. Make sure your letter is professional in format, organization, style, grammar, and mechanics. Maintain a courteous tone throughout the letter and eliminate all errors. Remember that readers often "deselect" applicants because of the appearance of the letter. Seek advice. It is always a good idea to prepare at least one draft to show to a critical reader for comments and suggestions before revising and sending the letter. The School Language Assistant Program (SLAP) 1. This program allows approved schools to invite young people who are contemplating a career in education in their home country to come to Australia and assist qualified Australian teachers in language and cultural programs. Visas are generally granted for periods of up to 12 months. The program is intended to facilitate the entry to Australia of applicants who: intend to pursue a career in education in their home country; seek a placement in an Australian school to assist in that school s language program and to contribute towards better cultural awareness in the school and the wider community; are young and have a genuine desire to come to Australia to participate in the scheme; will benefit Australia by providing contemporary knowledge of a language other than English and contemporary experience of life and culture of their home country, qualities that would not ordinarily be available to the school community concerned; will benefit personally from the experience and cultural interaction; will act as a resource to school programs and not as a replacement or substitute for the school s normal teachers or assistant or assistant teachers; have the support of the particular school and, if appropriate, the relevant State or Territory Department of Education; and for whom appropriate accommodation, meals and maintenance arrangements have been made by the school. Requirements 2. Participants in the scheme are expected to be young graduates who will be billeted with school families, or accommodated by the school itself, during their stay in Australia. 3. Participants under this program cannot become a member of the salaried teaching staff of the school nor be expected to do more than be a resource person to assist resident professional teachers. 4. A school is normally only able to employ one SLAP participant per year; it must seek permission and outline reasons for inviting more than one per year to the appropriate Director at DIAC. 5. Approved schools are required to advise DIAC of details of any participant who ceases to be involved in the program prior to the expiry of their visa, and the arrangements that are in place for their departure from Australia. 6. The participant is granted a Special Program visa subclass 416 that has a visa condition 8107, which requires that for the duration of the participant s stay, the participant must continue to be employed by the approved school ( the employer ) who has invited them to Australia. The participant cannot change schools or undertake any other type of employment during the period of stay on the 416 visa. English Language Skills 7. Although it is anticipated that participants will enhance their knowledge of English during the period of their stay, they are expected, at the time of application overseas, to possess English language skills sufficient to allow them to participate in the life of the school. (Nacel advice: This would generally mean the English language skill of the applicant would be at about the high intermediate level; which may be described as Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language. )

9 Age Limit 8. Under policy, an upper age limit of 30 years is regarded as appropriate for the purpose of SLAP. This age limit is consistent with other programs designed for young people wishing to fully experience life in Australia. Other Requirements 9. The participant must satisfy the relevant visa criteria, including those relating to health and character. The invitation from the school does not guarantee that the participant s visa application will be approved. DIAC advise participants they should not to make any travel arrangements until their visa application has been approved. The SLAP Assistant Mandatory Visa Conditions 10. It should be noted that all holders of the visa sub-class 416 who come under the SLAP program must meet the condition 8107(b). This means that the visa holder must not: (i) cease to undertake the activity in relation to which the visa was granted; or (ii) engage in an activity inconsistent with the activity in relation to which the visa was granted; or (iii) engage in work for another person or on the holder s own account inconsistent with the activity in relation to which the visa was granted. 11. This means that the nominated applicant cannot change employers (in this case the school) or seek any other type of employment during their stay. The purpose of this requirement is to control the negative impact of Special Program visa holders on employment opportunities for Australian citizens and permanent residents. (Nacel advice: LTAs are not allowed to work other than at the school approved. LTAs are not allowed to study or do an ESL course. If a workshop/course is arranged internally by the school of the LTA, it is acceptable.) The SLAP Employer 12. As an approved organisation under SLAP, the school is the employer and is responsible for the participant for the whole period the participant is in Australia on the Special Program (subclass 416) visa under the School Language Assistant Program. 13. Matters dealing with health insurance, travel, accommodation, meals and support assistance are between the school and the SLAP participant. It is expected, however, that the school will provide the participants with appropriate accommodation - billeted with school families or, accommodated by the school itself and provided with full board and maintenance arrangements for the whole period of their stay at the school. (Nacel advice: Should a participant travel independently of the school during school holiday periods, it would not be necessary for the school to provide board. Period of Stay 14. Under DIAC policy, the SLAP program allows approved schools to invite young persons (who may be interested in a career in education) as language assistants for up to 12 months. Visas will be granted to the participant in accordance wit the proposed period of stay as indicated in the school letter of invitation/support. 15. If for any reason the school may wish the applicant to remain beyond the agreed period, all requests outlining the reasons for the extension must be sent to DIAC. It would only be under exceptional circumstances that a further stay would be approved. 16. If the SLAP participant ceases to remain with the school prior to expiry of their 416 visa, the school must advise the nearest regional office of DIAC of details and of the arrangements that are in place for the departure form Australia of the participant. Medicals 17. As participants in the SLAP will be working in close proximity to Australian residents (ie in a classroom situation), DIAC may require the participant to undergo a medical examination and/or a chest x-ray at the time of the visa application. Health Insurance 18. Although it is not mandatory, participants under the SLAP are encouraged to take out health insurance. Medical treatment in Australia can be very expensive. Temporary residents are not covered by Australia s national health scheme unless they are covered by a reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and their country of citizenship. (Nacel advice: It is recommended that, before departure to Australia, participants seek professional insurance advice in their own country regarding travel insurance and their need to affect such a cover.)

10 Police Clearance (Working With Children Checks) 19. In some States and Territories the relevant education authorities require all employees of schools to have police clearances regardless of their period of proposed employment. The school should check with the relevant authority to see if this is a requirement in their State or Territory. (Nacel advice: It is now a legislative requirement in all states for any person who is working with children to undergo a Working With Children Check. As the employer it will be necessary for the school to apply for the check. The process is relatively straight-forward and Nacel can provide concise advice regarding the application process should the school require.) Visa Application 20. To ensure the SLAP participants apply for and receive the correct type of visa, the participant will receive a written invitation from the school that must be attached to the visa application. (Nacel note: Nacel facilitates the provision of the written invitation to the participant. The timeliness of providing the invitation is dependant upon the school.)

11 TESTIMONIALS Leyla lives in Australia for a year, she has lived in a boarding house and she assesses Nacel s organisation of her trip and her accommodation. Nacel organisation : Quality of Nacel s website : good Information about your program provided by Nacel's website: good Nacel's staff through your stay: good Documents provided after your application: good Accommodation: Distance between your accommodation and the school: very good Comfort of your accommodation: neutral Quality of the meals served in the family: neutral To conclude: I would rate this program at: good Leyla, France "Dear Nacel, just to let you know that I got to Melbourne alright and I really enjoy being here. I really like my host family, the school and the staff. They are all very very welcoming and helpful. Thanks for everything!!! Take care Marie-Christine "I assist the German teacher in the classroom and prepare exercises at home. It is good to see that I can support the students in learning German. We get along very well! I have met a lot of new people here since I arrived, especially at school, who are very friendly and helpful. I really feel comfortable here. I enjoy the time!" Tina