FAQ's

Q1: What are the main differences between EPSR and other English colleges?

A1: Look at the following table

Q2: What does EPSR mean by REGISTER?

A2: For EPSR, a REGISTER is simply a specific English used in a particular activity, job, occupation, industry etc.  For example, the English that doctors use is different from that of accountants or marketers.  Please look at the table below to see one example of the difference in the vocabulary used by each professional.  There are also differences in grammar and other aspects of English.

Q3: How long do I need to get fluent?

A3: Before I answer your question, let me ask you this:

• Are you speaking your native language with friends, colleagues or family members in Australia?
• Are you listening to songs or watching TV shows in your native language?
• Do you love English or you’re just learning because you have to?
• Are you able to practise for at least 2 or 3 hours a day?
• Are you a shy person who does not like to approach English native speakers?

Depending on how you answer the above questions, it’ll take you between 6 weeks and  60 years to achieve fluency in certain situations

Q4: What is more important to learn first? English grammar or pronunciation?

A4: Both are very important and cannot be taught separately unless the learner has already mastered the English grammar but is still struggling with his or her pronunciation.   Please look at both pictures below to understand the answer to this question.

Q5: Why doesn't EPSR allow more than 4 students per group per session?

A5: In order to obtain good results within a relatively a short period of time, EPSR believes that each learner needs to receive at least 1 hour of individual teaching and coaching .  Allowing more than 4 learners per group per session means that learners are not receiving enough coaching, attention and exposure to English and thus, they may not achieve the results they hope for.

Q6: Does EPSR teach the Australian pronunciation?

A6: No, EPSR teaches the standard American pronunciation

Q7: EPSR is based in Sydney, why does it teach the American pronunciation?

A7: EPSR believes that currently, due to the prevalence and almost global popularity of American media, TV, Cinema and music, learners of English can more benefit from that large exposure to English and greatly improve their listening and speaking skills if they tune their mouth organs and ears to the American pronunciation.  In addition, most learners in Sydney have plans to return to their countries where the American pronunciation is likely to be desirable and sometimes more easily understood.  It is also to be noted that most urban Australia is quite familiar with the American accent again due to the pervasiveness of American media and drama almost all around the globe.

Q8: If I enrol for an EPSR course, can I apply for or renew my student visa?

A8: No.  EPSR does not offer ELICOS courses.  Only nationally accredited ELICOS schools or institutions are authorized to issue a COE (Confirmation of Enrolment) for international students to apply for or renew their visas.

Q9: So does that mean that I cannot enrol at EPSR if I'm on a student visa?

A9: No.  It does not mean that you cannot enrol at EPSR if you're on a student visa.  It means that the Australian Immigration department WILL NOT grant you a student visa based on your enrolment with EPSR.

Q10: Do I receive a certificate authorized by the Australia government when I complete an EPSR course?

A10: You will only receive a certificate of attendance from EPSR.

Q11: Why can't EPSR offer a COE for international students to apply or renew their student Visas?

A11: EPSR is NOT an accredited ELICOS school, and does not have a CRICOS number.  EPSR offers a very specific and specialized service to students willing to improve their English pronunciation and IS NOT A PART of the ELICOS system.

Q12: Why should I need EPSR's services if I can't get a student visa? 

If you are only interested in obtaining a student visa and not in improving your English pronunciation, EPSR is not the right place for you.  EPSR is only interested in teaching genuine, ambitious and hardworking students who are studying English neither to get a student visa nor to collect certificates.  EPSR is for students who are endeavouring to make a real difference in their lives. 

Q13: I've seen EPSR teach at an ELICOS school, TAFE and University in NSW.  Why can EPSR teach at some of those ELICOS institutions if it's not ELICOS?

EPSR can only provide supplementary or complementary lessons at these institutions.  Those lessons are only to assist learners in gaining knowledge of English phonetics and phonology.

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