Geos Queensland College of English, Brisbane

The Queensland College of English was established in Brisbane in 1988 and is one of the oldest private English language colleges in Australia. Since 1988 it has built a reputation for its comprehensive range of carefully structured English courses, its supportive learning environment and its dedication to student care. QCE Brisbane's team of friendly and professional teachers and staff have years of experience helping overseas students. Students of all levels of English ability, from all around the world, come to QCE to learn English. We carefully place students into classes that offer the best opportunity to improve as quickly and effectively as possible. QCE Brisbane students also enjoy a range of support services offered by the college. We encourage all students to "live the language" by taking accommodation with Australian families and by participating in QCE Brisbane's weekend and social activities. QCE Brisbane provides a balanced blend of academic programs and experience of the local culture.

Brisbane city is just inland from the coast, located on the Brisbane River. It is the envy of people worldwide with its relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. Brisbane is a modern and diverse city, yet it is close to the bush and rainforests, beaches and sub-tropical islands. Brisbane has something for everyone to enjoy! Open parklands and public spaces, including bike paths and walkways to make exploring Brisbane’s attractions and history easy and fun, world-class sporting facilities including swimming pools, golf courses, cricket, football and rugby grounds – where you can watch sport or get involved, cosmopolitan eateries – choose from sipping coffee in alfresco cafes to tasting local produce at the markets, to feasting on seafood at one of the hundreds of restaurants in the city and suburbs, cultural life abounds at the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Musuem and Performing Arts Complex, with options for theatre, workshops, performances and exhibitions of local and international fame, nightlife includes live music clubs, bars and discos to suit all tastes. Popular spots are Caxton Street, the Riverside quarter and the Fortitude Valley, just over one hour’s drive away are the famous beaches and resorts of the Sunshine and Gold Coast

English courses for everyone! Whether you are interested in studying formal, academic English or are interested in just speaking English fluently, whether you want to pass an international English exam, or just want to make international friends, the Queensland College of English Brisbane has a course to suit you!

Homestay:Living with a friendly Australian family in their home is a unique way to learn about the Australian way of life and possibly form lifelong friendships. We aim to select host families that have a genuine interest in other cultures and people. All Homestay families are inspected and interviewed by our Homestay Officer and must complete a detailed security check. Each student will have a private room, which contains a proper bed, a wardrobe, a study desk with a chair and appropriate lighting. Host families provide three meals per day. Students of the same nationality are not placed in the same Homestay (unless this is requested). Backpacker: QCE Brisbane can arrange hostel accommodation. Located in the inner-city suburbs, these hostels are within walking distance of the college and experienced in hosting international students. The hostels provide single, twin-share and double rooms. Students have their own room, but they share the kitchen, bathroom and recreation facilities. Most have an on-site manager and can provide additional services such as laundry and phone connection at extra cost. Au Pair : Au Pair is a program that places students with local Brisbane host families that seek help with childcare or household tasks. In exchange for working 12 hours per week with the family, a student receives accommodation and meals. QCE Brisbane aims to match au pair students and host families according to the requirements of both parties. The student is expected to participate as a member of the family and assist with the tasks as required. The host family ensures that the student has a private room, with a proper bed, a wardrobe, a study desk with a chair and appropriate lighting. Host families also provide three meals per day and the opportunity for the student to participate in their family events and social activities. Rent a Flat or Share House If students want to live independently they can find share accommodation. The price for a room in a flat or house varies, depending on the location and quality of the place. The prices can range from AU$70 to $120 per week. Students must expect to pay four weeks’ bond and at least two weeks’ rent in advance before they move in. The bond is returned to you when you leave the place clean and undamaged. Students must also budget for electricity, food, gas, telephone and public transport costs. Sometimes finding a place to live can be difficult. Here are some hints about how to find a place to live.

English learning happens not only in the classroom but also outside too. We encourage all students to take part in weekend activities; to travel and learn. Brisbane is a young, vibrant city where you can enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Locals and visitors alike enjoy walking and cycling around the Brisbane river, shopping in the Queen Street Mall or grooving in the Valley. Brisbane has many fun activities for all tastes and budgets. Close to Brisbane, you can explore the spectacular Moreton Bay, relax on white sandy beaches or try out your surfboard on the waves. Popular holiday spots such as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts are a short drive away. Try sand tobogganing, 4WD beach driving, or rainforest hiking in the hinterland. Just off the Brisbane coast, sub-tropical islands offer white, sunny beaches, fishing spots, sailing, diving and the chance to spot dolphins and the seasonal migration of whales.