With the demand for Filipino talents abroad on an all-time high, more and more Bicolanos are taking up medical-related courses such as Nursing. Practical minded as they are, they are taking advantage of this huge opportunity to earn more income for their families.

Filipinos may have the necessary job skills. But high paying, English-speaking countries such as Australia , Canada , New Zealand , United Kingdom and the United States require that they also have the adequate English communication skills to effectively communicate with their clientele. Thus, English examinations are now a requirement for those who wish to work, study or even migrate there to these countries.

One such examination is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) which was developed and is administered through the partnership of the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations . The exam covers four communication skills namely, listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Because of the high fee involved in taking this examination (currently pegged at Php 8,960) and the difficulty of the exam itself, Ateneo de Naga University has opened an IELTS Review to assist prospective Bicolano takers pass the exam. Drawing from their pool of talented and dedicated trainers, the Ateneo IELTS team holds a monthly review designed to help professionals improve their chances of going abroad. The review is so timed as to finish before the scheduled IELTS examinations in the Bicol Region. Classes are held on weekday evenings and/or weekends, depending on the needs of the participants.

According to Ms. Cynthia Correo, the Ateneo IELTS Review Director and concurrently Chairperson of the English Department, “Most people who join reviews like this do so mainly for the speaking portion. They're unsure of their speaking skills so they seek professional help. What people out there don't realize is that all four exams are difficult. Most professionals don't seriously consider studying for the listening, reading, and writing tests because they figure that they can read newspapers as well as watch and understand foreign movies and TV shows. Unfortunately, the IELTS exam is trickier than your usual Sports and Entertainment pages. And because the exam fee is so expensive, it makes sense to pass it the first time around. That's why we have the Ateneo IELTS Review.”

The next batch of IELTS reviewers, Batch 5, will have its Orientation on Saturday, July 2, 2005 at 1pm at the Ateneo de Naga University English Department. The next scheduled review is slated to start on Monday, July 11, 2005. For more information, visit the Ateneo English Department from Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm. You may also call them at 473-8447 local 2511 or text them at mobile numbers 0920-2131657 or 0921-9983457. Ask for Jon or Johan.