IT is all systems go for the British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Fair 2024 in Manila, Cebu and Davao.
For the first time, the fair will be conducted inside popular malls Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Central Bloc and Ayala Malls Abreeza in March.
British Council Southeast Asia Communications Manager Janelle Almosara-Capiral said the council hopes to support more dreamers and make the world's most popular English language test more accessible for Filipinos.
IELTS is the widely recognized English test taken by students and professionals wanting to study, work and live abroad. It is accepted by more than 11,000 organizations, including the government, academic institutions and employers, in over 140 countries.
"The IELTS Fair is an annual event by the British Council, bringing together review centers, education agencies, immigration consultancies and recruitment firms from our partner network and supporting our test takers by helping them find global opportunities," Almosara-Capiral said.
She said the IELTS Fair aims to democratize access to this essential English proficiency assessment, making it easily accessible to as many Filipinos as possible "and this year, the British Council breaks away from traditional venues like hotels, striving to create inclusive spaces convenient to reach."
Almosara-Capiral said the organization's goal for 2024 is "to establish fairs in locations that resonate with accessibility, allowing test takers to attend with their family and turn the day into an enjoyable experience."
Samantha Smith, British Council regional director for exams, said IELTS fairs are organized to allow everyone to converse face-to-face with them and their partners about unlocking their future potential abroad.
"Enhancing English proficiency through IELTS is a strategic step toward future-proofing of their career," she said, adding that having a globally recognized language certification opens doors to diverse career goals and creates pathways to seize opportunities worldwide.
"Together with our partners, we look forward to meeting and helping these hopefuls carve a better path for themselves," Smith said.
Almosara-Capiral also explained that the IELTS test reflects how test takers use English to study, work and live in an English-speaking environment.
The British Council invites everyone to join the sessions on March 9 in Manila (Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March 16 in Cebu (Ayala Malls Central Bloc) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and March 23 in Davao (Ayala Malls Abreeza) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Almosara-Capiral said they particularly invite those planning to study or work abroad in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
She said attendees will learn and get insights from information sessions covering topics such as IELTS: Myth Busters, Famous Study Abroad Destinations, and Skilled Jobs on the Rise "to help them prepare for their future."
"They will also get a chance to connect and get a free consultation from an array of IELTS partners, such as recruitment agencies, education agents, embassies and visa/immigration consultancies, training centers and review centers, assisting them in landing their dream country of destination," she said.
Immigration agencies, career experts and education agents who can share invaluable knowledge to better equip attendees as they make that first step toward reaching their goals are invited to the IELTS fairs.
"The fair also serves as a great networking event to meet industry leaders, professionals, and possible future colleagues and friends who can support attendees in this life-changing move," Almosara-Capiral added.
The fairs include exciting games, exclusive event promos and raffle prizes that await all attendees, with special price offers for those who will register for their IELTS test (IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer) onsite.
Registration is free for limited slots.
Visit www.ieltsasia.org/ph/events/british-council-ielts-fair-2024 for more information.
