In this series, we bring you up-to-date with the latest happenings in the IELTS universe. It has been a busy month.
Read on to discover how the IELTS test changed in January. Also learn how the coronavirus and Brexit continue to have a significant impact on your international goals.
The Latest IELTS News
The Listening component of the IELTS test has changed. The changes are relatively minor – but it is essential that you are aware of them, so you don’t get caught out on test day.
The first change to note is that instead of having four sections, the test now has four parts.
The most significant change is that the Part 1 example has now been removed. Don’t sit there waiting for it to come – or you may miss the answer to the first question and find yourself scrambling to catch up!
This change reduces the amount of time you have to prepare before the test begins – it also allows the Part 1 conversation to be slightly longer.
Finally, the the test paper no longer contains page number references.
These changes are primarily cosmetic, and the level of difficulty remains the same.
International Employment Opportunities
The British government is making significant changes to immigration requirements to make it easier for medical professionals to live and work in the UK…
The UK Migration Advisory Committee has recommended that the UK should drop the salary threshold for immigrants by more than £4,000. This will make it a lot easier for medical professional, including doctors and nurses, to enter the UK. #IELTS #OET https://t.co/NJZ03yXhkC pic.twitter.com/QPCBhwDjr0
— Andy T (@withanexpert) January 29, 2020
I know some of you live in relatively remote areas. Here’s a job where that experience is a significant advantage!
GPs “with remote and rural experience” are invited to apply for a job tending to the needs of patients on a remote Scottish island. There must be a few #IELTS & #OET test candidates out there who could fit this position perfectly! https://t.co/VbFbTgLe9n
— Andy T (@withanexpert) February 9, 2020
Studying Abroad
The coronavirus is making its presence felt in the academic world.
All IELTS tests in China have been cancelled for February – and there is no guarantee they will be back in March.
This is having a significant impact on students, many of whom are now unable to get the scores they need before their academic deadlines.
In addition, there are more than 100,000 students in China who are now unable to travel to Australia for the start of their academic year.
Chinese students make up 28% of the international student population in China. Their absence will have impacts on class sizes and the teaching workforce. Some classes will likely be financially unviable.
For some students, a solution could be shifting their study plans to the UK or Canada.
Further Reading
Current events are moving quickly – for more up-to-the-minute news follow our blog, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.
See you in March!