25 October 2011

The University of Queensland’s Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education (ICTE-UQ) has been recognised as the state’s leading education and training exporter at the 2011 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards.

“These awards are about innovation, seeking out new market opportunities, implementing new strategies and, ultimately, thinking local and going global,” Premier Anna Bligh said.

ICTE-UQ Director Christine Bundesen said the award provided timely recognition of the significant contributions made by the institute to international education in Queensland.

“We are very pleased to contribute to the national and global standing of UQ through receipt of this award,” Ms Bundesen said.

ICTE-UQ was established in 1981 as Queensland’s first ELICOS* centre and commenced its operations by delivering English language training to just three students. In 2011, the institute is celebrating its 30th anniversary and has grown to become a multifaceted teaching and learning institute with more than 100 institutional, government and community partners located in more than 15 countries.

ICTE-UQ delivers a diverse range of on and offshore TESOL and continuing education training programs and related services to more than 6,500 students and program participants from more than 60 countries each year. The institute now has a global community of 115,000+ alumni in 108 countries.

The institute also has established two regional English language institutes with partner universities in Danang, Vietnam, and Antofagasta, Chile.

The export awards were presented by Acting Premier Andrew Fraser MP at a gala dinner on October 20.

ICTE-UQ will now progress as a finalist in the national Australian Export Awards to be held in December this year.

Media: Frances Wickerson (07 3346 6709, f.wickerson@icte.uq.edu.au)

*ELICOS – English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students