General English for Academic Purposes (GEAP)

A general English program for students wishing to develop language skills at one of the most prestigious universities in Australia with students from all around the world. The GEAP can be taken as a stand alone program or as an Academic English Pathway to university.

Overview
Who is it suitable for?
Course Content
Course Outcomes
Our Expectations
Entry Criteria
Dates and Fees
How to Apply

Overview

Delivered in the academic environment of the University of Adelaide, General English for Academic Purposes (GEAP) is designed to build effective and confident oral and written communication skills.

GEAP is offered in five levels of language proficiency, from elementary through to advanced. You can choose the length of your program anywhere from as little as 5 weeks to 45 weeks. All levels focus on the development of speaking, listening, reading and writing. As your English proficiency increases, academic tasks are added to the course content.

Who is the GEAP suitable for?

Anyone can study the GEAP even if you only have basic English skills. To ensure you are enrolled in the appropriate level, you will sit a short placement test on the first day. The test involves grammar, vocabulary and writing.

You may do the GEAP as a stand-alone program for personal or professional advancement or to gain credit towards a degree in your home University. GEAP can also be used as an Academic English Pathway to the University of Adelaide or other tertiary institutions (IELTS, Pearson, or TOEFL testing will apply for pathway programs). A preparation extension module is available as an optional GEAP class.

Course Content

GEAP is an intensive language and study skills course focusing on development and practice in an Australian and international context.

The teaching methodology is based on a communicative approach – pair work, group tasks, oral presentations, excursions and role-play activities. Within a supportive learning environment, you will be encouraged to ask and respond to questions and participate in discussions.

As you use spoken and written English to gather, understand and convey information, your language skills will improve, as will your leadership and teamwork skills and knowledge of Australian culture and the global environment.

Through the GEAP, students develop the skills to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to carry out research, develop a critical approach to information available in this medium, create blogs and wikis and use digital content and PowerPoint in their assignments.

In addition to the core program, extension classes are held on Friday. In these classes, the focus is on developing particular skills through activities of your choice (for example: Australian studies, IELTS and TOEFL test preparation, business studies, film studies and International Communication). These extension activities are based on your individual language needs and interests, with the aim of improving your English skills through listening, discussion, active participation, group work and community activities.

Course Outcomes

At each level, students will develop:

• The confidence and skills to actively speak out and participate in spoken communication
• The skills to work effectively in groups.
• New vocabulary and the ability to use different text types.
• The ability to use different language according to social context and engage in academic and professional discussions.
• The skills required to present ideas in a variety of written styles appropriate to the level of your language proficiency.
• Knowledge of Australian culture - information, ideas and issues.
• Knowledge of International culture - information, ideas and issues.
• The ability to be an independent learner, the foundation for ongoing language development.

Our Expectations

We want our students to get the most out of their learning experience. Students are expected to;

• Participate in all class activities (class and group work).
• Complete additional self-study projects in their own time. This study consists of working in project teams, carrying out individual research and accessing self-study resources.
• Become independent learners.
• Observe class protocols, particularly the 'English Speaking Guidelines'
• Follow task guidelines for assignments.
• Attend at least 90% of classes in order to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Please note: it is a minimum requirement of a Student Visa that students maintain an attendance level of at least 80%.

Entry Criteria

There are no specific entry requirements for the GEAP program. We offer five levels of English proficiency. To ensure you are enrolled in the appropriate level, you will sit a short placement test on the first day.

If you wish to study the GEAP as a packaged pathway into the University of Adelaide Award Program, you will need to meet a minimum English proficiency test score. For more information visit our Academic English Pathways webpage.

Dates and Fees

For upcoming start dates and fees click here.

How to Apply

For information on how to apply click here.