International House Sydney City

Negative experience: It has been three months since the IH closure (09/12/2024) and my son has no support. We paid the IH Melbourne residential language school fee of 32,260 AUD in September last year. (25/09/2024)，My son hadn't even had a single lesson or even stayed at school for a day before IH closed down. We got help from Avalon College and let my son go to school on 21/02/2025. But please help us handle the fee quickly and hand it over to Avalon College. So angry! Today (31/03/2025)IH collected overseas student fees for high school students' accommodation, but did not give the fees to the cooperative manufacturers. Now TPS refunds only the tuition part8000aud.The accommodation fee and activity fee total 24，260AUD. There is no refund at all, and it is absorbed by our innocent students. This is Australia's attitude towards international students.

Positive experience: I deferred the online course for the CELTA certiicate in the last semester that the campus operated. My tutors were fantastic and were comprehensive in explaining what was required to become an effective English language teacher. Unfortunately, their expertise has had to go elsewhere due to the closure of International House's operations in Australia last December. None of them had any idea about the impending closure, as they were still sending e-mails advertising the courses available in 2025 days before the closure. The website should be closed down as it gives the false impression that the business is still operating. I would also recommend anyone seeking a refund (if you deferred or paid for a 2025 course) to e-mail G. Franklin of PKF Melbourne as his company is dealing with liquidation.

Negative experience: Absolute scam, we paid for the course when they knew they're going to close down, why no one is answering the emails and phones. Did you guys really scammed people? This is an international reputation of IH you're playing with. We'll reach out to the headquarters to see how we get our money back

Positive experience: Si bien es un buen lugar para aprender gramática, para hablar de aprende practicando fuera, creo que es muy caro el curso para lo entregado. NO DAN LIBROS, solo fotocopias

Negative experience: Deeply disgusted by how this situation has been handled. Charging over 70 weeks' worth of homestay fees upfront (for two children), KNOWING that the school was on the brink of closure, is both irresponsible and unethical. What’s even more troubling is that instead of transferring these funds to Homestay Australia as expected, they appear to have been diverted to cover insurmountable debts, leaving the affected students in an even more precarious position. The lack of transparency and basic ethical responsibility in this matter is absolutely shocking!

Negative experience: 이곳 폐업했어요. 등록하지 마세요.

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience with IH. My English has evolved a lot with the school's methodology. Teachers are always leading us to challenge our limits and this makes us feel more confident every day. I would have liked to have known the school before because I am absolutely sure that I would have enjoyed my learning even more. I would advise the marketing team to publicise the school more among Brazilian agencies, so future exchange students could enjoy a serious and well-developed job since their first experience. I wish it had happened to me like this. Having been at IH since I arrived in Australia. Thank you IH for taking me to a place of comfort and confidence with myself and with the English language

Negative experience: Do not choose to study here if you are an international student waiting for visa. If your visa is refused they will not refund as per their own policies. We have waited over 7 weeks and they refuse to tell us when the thousands of dollars will be refunded. Do Not Use This Service.

Fantastic experience: I completed the CELTA course at IH Sydney from Oct to Dec 2023. It was an incredible course, it covers all the vital information with plenty of varied modes of learning. The instructors were wonderful role models and gave excellent feedback to improve your teaching practice. I highly recommend this International House Sydney to anyone interested in becoming an English teacher.

Fantastic experience: I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received from International House Business College (IHBC), especially the amazing team in Melbourne. The teachers and administrative staff have been exceptional, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Studying here has been a fantastic experience, and I am excited to continue my studies with IHBC. Thank you for creating such a supportive and inspiring environment for students.

Fantastic experience: I love this school I have good experiences and memories here. I improved my language skills and met new friends.

Fantastic experience: Im so happy learning in this School im form colombia , so my school now is much better good teachers good staff.. welcome to my colegio …

Fantastic experience: For three months I had the good fortune and great pleasure to learn English at the International House language school in Sydney, Australia. It was a very nice time and everything was very well organized. I learned a lot and the teachers were really very competent and helpful. The atmosphere in the class was fantastic - we helped each other and it was so interesting to hear the viewpoints of classmates from different cultures. If someone wants to learn quickly and with joy: I 100% recommend the International Houses in Sydney! Inge from Germany

Fantastic experience: Fue una agradable experiencia, se aprende no sólo inglés, sino que también hay multiculturalidad.

Fantastic experience: The best school you can choose and the director (Natalie) is the best, she is always there to help you with her great team ✨️

Negative experience: My time at International House Sydney was unfortunately marred by consistently poor management and abysmal communication from the administration to the students. Despite the dedication and competence of the teachers, the overall experience was severely impacted by the school's inefficiencies. From the outset, communication channels were unclear and responses to inquiries were often delayed or non-existent. Important information regarding schedules, curriculum changes, and administrative procedures was frequently disseminated with little notice or explanation, causing confusion and frustration among students. Furthermore, administrative staff seemed disorganized and indifferent to the concerns of students. While the teaching staff exhibited professionalism and expertise in their respective fields, their efforts were overshadowed by the systemic shortcomings of the school's management. It's regrettable that such talented educators are hindered by an administration that fails to support them adequately. In conclusion, based on my experience, I cannot in good conscience recommend International House Sydney to anyone seeking a reliable and well-managed language learning institution. Despite the competence of the teachers, the school's chronic mismanagement and poor communication severely undermine the quality of the educational experience.

Fantastic experience: I studied at the Byron Bay campus, I was very well looked after by Almo and Cris. My experience was very good, I met two teachers (David/Lel) who were very prepared and willing to teach in a practical and efficient way. Thanks for the teachings.

Fantastic experience: I study in IH Sydney I am so happy to be here. Campus is so comfortable teachers are good

Fantastic experience: １ヶ月通いましたが、良い学校でした！‍♀️

Fantastic experience: This is a good place to study and develop English with good teachers and modern facilities

Fantastic experience: Excellent

Negative experience: I'm having a frustrating experience at IH, especially considering that I'm taking a preparatory course for the Cambridge exam but, in practice, I don't have classes and test preparation. The lack of preparation for the test and the ineffective teaching methods I've encountered are concerning. Additionally, it's disappointing to know that the school's administration seems to prioritize profit over educational quality and that my concerns have been ignored. Furthermore, inadequate physical facilities, such as overcrowded classrooms and poor ventilation, contribute to my overall dissatisfaction with the institution. It's understandable that I would recommend looking elsewhere for a more conducive and effective learning environment with a team that truly addresses students' problems. #Student your time is precious.

Negative experience: My experience at IH has been extremely frustrating and unproductive, especially considering I'm taking a preparatory course for the Cambridge exam. Unfortunately, I don't feel prepared for the test at all. Most of the teachers are not qualified to teach effectively, and many seem to neglect the practice of exercises and detailed explanations of correct answers. My experience at IH has been quite disappointing. While the school is promoted as a high-standard institution on social media, the reality is quite different. While they have some competent teachers, it's a matter of luck to end up in one of their classrooms, as many instructors are clearly unqualified. Furthermore, the school's administration seems more focused on profit than ensuring educational quality. When I tried to voice my concerns, I was completely ignored, reinforcing the impression that the school's financial interests outweigh the educational needs of the students. Adding another point, the physical structure of the school leaves much to be desired. They showcase the George Street building brilliantly, but the reality is that you'll likely be placed in the Clarence Street building, where you'll find overcrowded classrooms beyond their capacity, no windows, and a lack of adequate ventilation due to the absence of air conditioning in the rooms. If you're looking for a school where you can truly learn and develop, I recommend looking elsewhere. ILSC, for example, has received excellent reviews and seems to be a much more sensible choice for those who value quality education. In summary, my experience with IH has been a major disappointment, and I definitely wouldn't recommend it to others.

Negative experience: I regret to say that my experience with IHBC has been extremely disappointing, particularly in terms of their support for students. Despite reaching out multiple times via email with a simple question about the classes, I have received zero assistance. The level of confusion surrounding basic inquiries is staggering, and the complete lack of support provided to students is unacceptable. IHBC's inability to provide timely and effective assistance reflects poorly on their commitment to student success. I strongly advise prospective students to reconsider enrolling at IHBC until they improve their support system and prioritize student needs.

Fantastic experience: ❤️❤️

Negative experience: IH is an english school that is one of the most expensive in Sydney and that's why I had higher expectations from it ! The teachers are nice but the learning system is not good, the lessons are not focused enough on improving speaking, they are more focused on grammar. In addition the school cheated me with the material fees, I paid over 200 dollars for the material fees and they didn't give us any materials and books, the school is trying to squeeze as much money as possible from the students…Also, if you are in the same class for a long time, the school doesn't care if you repeat the same subject even more times. Overall, I'm disappointed and the second time I would choose a cheaper school where they also provide me with a book and materials.

Negative experience: Do not choose this school. Even though they take your money, they don't even give you books. It is not possible to learn anything without books. It's complete nonsense. The houses arranged by the school are very far from the city.

Negative experience: I studied at IH on the Sydney Clarence St campus, and it was the hardest time of my life, without exaggeration. If I hadn't been able to change schools I would have given up on my exchange, the horror starts with the reception desk which is always very incompetent, they don't answer the phone or respond to requests, the administration doesn't answer their emails, I have more than 16 emails unanswered, when you are about to close the package they are very helpful but after payment and the signed contract the student becomes a burden, I have never seen a school where the receptionist shouts at the students without any problem and even with video images nothing is done, when a complaint is brought to the board she responded that it was not her “department”, and so who could resolve it? nobody. From simple problems like, class starts at 7 am, but you were 3 minutes late, these minutes will be deducted from your presence (attendance), even if you delay in the bathroom one day because you need to do number 2’ or if you are less active that day , the teacher makes it clear that the minimum seconds will be deducted, we don’t have 5 or 10 minutes acceptable, if she wants she WILL MISS YOU EVEN WHEN YOU ARE IN THE CLASSROOM, this is used as an argument to threaten the students, in 7 months studying at this school I had around 5 tests where in all these months only 3 students passed, the test is not about what is taught in class, precisely to keep you in school longer, so that you can renew your English for years and years and keep your mouth shut if they don't they will miss you and you will lose your visa, it was terrifying and I had to gather all the evidence I had and send it to immigration about the situation I went through at this school, it took another 3 months to cancel my contract and I could change, if If you go to this school, it's better not to leave your country.

Fantastic experience: Such a comprehensive CELTA course with fantastic tutors!! I loved how practical & hands on the teaching course was, highly recommend to anyone looking to train as an English teacher!!

Negative experience: "I am currently a student here, and I'd like to share both positive and negative aspects. The teachers at school are very good and attentive; classes are quite productive. Learning is supported through extracurricular activities. However, the air conditioning system is terrible. You either feel too cold or too hot. Due to extremely cold classrooms, most students have a runny nose throughout the school especially when it's over 30 degrees outside and inside it's around 20 degrees. Even though it's over 30 degrees outside, you have to bring a jacket when coming to school, or you might get too cold.❄️ Despite discussing this issue with teachers and the reception, I haven't received any feedback. They mentioned they can't do anything about it."

Negative experience: Estoy pasando una experiencia espantosa. No recomiendo esta academia en absoluto ya que no velan por el alumnado. Exceptuando un grupo de profesionales como algún maestro y el personal de recepción. Me ha tocado como profesora NAVEEN además de su malas contestaciones, su menos precio al alumnado en general y sus actos, no imparte adecuadamente las clases. Ha decidido echarme la última hora de clase porque me encontraba muy mal pero aún así fui para no perder asistencia, y me ha puesto la falta. He intentado resolverlo con el jefe de estudios y no me ha dado ninguna solución, es muy penoso, una falta de profesionalidad enorme. Yo soy docente y futura médico en España y me da vergüenza que personas así compartan mi profesión de docente.

Negative experience: Hola buenos días quiero contarles un poco sobre mi experiencia en la escuela, para comenzar lo único bueno que tiene la escuela son sus profesores (educados, amables, respetuosos y sobre todo preocupados por nuestro aprendizaje). Todo lo demás es un desastre para comenzar el material de trabajo es una estafa una cantidad ridícula de fotocopias mal impresas, desordenadas y hasta sucias, en mi caso a mi se me prometio desde mi país que se me darían un libro por nivel y cartillas algo que cómo les digo es una completa mentira, nos dan un libro al iniciar cada clase que de una manera ofensiva lleva en la parte de adelante un aviso que dice que no lo podemos rayar ni llevárnoslo como si fuéramos ladrones, al mencionarle esto al staff de una manera manera grosera y descarada nos dicen que si queremos libro propio tenemos que comprarlo con nuestro dinero y hasta nos dan la dirección. Lo peor son sus exámenes de nivel, por lo general aquí en Sídney las escuelas hacen los exámenes de nivel cada 20 o 30 días como maximo para lograr que los estudiante avancen con el plan académico, en esta escuela el examen es cada mes y medio, hay que aprobar el examen con un mínimo de 90% sino el otro mes y medio del nivel tenemos que ver todo nuevamente y eso incluye más fotocopias, y recordemos que las secciónes son de 3 meses eso significa que un solo nivel visto en 3 meses algo que para mí es que la estafa nos quieren mantener atados para que al final tengamos que darlas más dinero por nada . En conclusión si tienen la oportunidad de ir a otra escuela háganlo International House no vale la pena.

Fantastic experience: I did my Celta here and I loved it. IH’s Celta course is a structured and well-organized course that provides all the tools and techniques to be a good English teacher. Experienced trainers and awesome classmates!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been studying at International House for about 5 months. I started in Elementary and now I’m in intermediate. I’m learning this new level with the teacher Michael O’Donnell who is helpful, organised and fun. I’m improving my level quickly and I know that I can continue to learn.

Fantastic experience: International House is a good school when I am learning to improve my English, this school has excellent teachers and greatly organized places where I can learn and share new experiences with friends from many countries

Fantastic experience: I am happy to study at this college. I've finished Diploma of Leadership here. The teacher Irene is knowledgeable, dedicated and always willing to do extra work to help students. Looking forward to learn more...

Fantastic experience: I finished the Cert IV in TESOL course here, and it was an amazing experience. The trainers are very experienced, they guided me the way to teach properly. I have learned a lot about teaching. Very recommended

Fantastic experience: I finished my 6-month course at International House and I want to thank teacher Julie Truong who helped me a lot in my learning. I arrived in Sydney with 0 English and I learned a lot thanks to her patience and dedication, always attentive to each student and dedicating all her time, encouraging our progress at all times.

Fantastic experience: I've been studying at Internacional House since March 2023 and so far I'm really enjoying the school, I started to speak absolutely no English at the beginner level and today with 4 months I can already communicate with people, my teacher and Julie Truong she is very good at what do you do ☺️

Fantastic experience: I studied at the international school for 5 months, I am a student of teacher Julie Truong, I arrived with 0 English and today I feel a great evolution, my teacher is super patient, fun and understanding, she always has dynamic classes to improve our learning

Fantastic experience: I studied for 6 months at international house, I’m from Uruguay, I arrived in Sydney with 0 English, I was lucky to have my beginner teacher Julie Truong an excellent teacher, she helped me improve a lot. Always willing to her students to be able to provide the best education, a very understanding person.

Fantastic experience: Muy eficiente la atención

Fantastic experience: It has been a great experience studying at IH, with well-prepared teachers and adequate structure. Thus, I am managing to improve my level of English and at the same time I am able to make friends with people from other cultures.

Fantastic experience: It's being very good!!! I'm having a class with a super dedicated and super didactic teacher... I learn much more easily... Está sendo muito bom!!! Estou tendo aula com uma professora super dedicada e com uma super didática... eu aprendo com muito mais facilidade

Negative experience: They are constantly changing teachers.

Negative experience: bad service, I'm missing a week of class because they don't give me access to do the orientation, I have the risk of canceling my COE and the person in charge is on vacation, nobody answers the phone and they don't call me to ask if I'm going to participate in the course, I definitely don't recommend

Fantastic experience: Very good school ✌️

Fantastic experience: This School has a great quality. Since I came to Australia for studying English language I’ve met many good friends and professional teachers at IH school.

Fantastic experience: My teacher is so good He always takes care of students

Fantastic experience: New virtual reality room

Negative experience: I studied at International House and it was so far the worse experience in all my academic life. For this institution the only thing that matters is our money. I really don’t recommend this school! Sydney has so many better options for you!

Fantastic experience: 십수년전 함께 웃으며 즐겁게 공부했던 클래스 메이트들.. 지금은 다들 어떻게 지내고 있는지 너무 궁금하지만 그때의 즐거운 기억들도 모두 다 추억속으로 묻어야겠지요.. 좋은 선생님들 좋은 언니 오빠들 다 너무 소중한 시간이었어요.. 너무 좋았던 곳이었습니다. Classmates who laughed and studied together for decades... I'm so curious how everyone is doing now, but I have to bury all the fun memories of that time into my memories. Good teachers, good sisters, and all of them were so precious. It was a great place.

Negative experience: Very baaaaaaaad

Fantastic experience: Excellent CELTA Course. Nina and Dave are great teachers. Highly recommend this place if you're looking to become an ESL teacher. The resources they give you are very helpful. I've been using them for the private lessons I teach and I can't imagine doing those without what I've learned there.

Fantastic experience: Very good

Fantastic experience: I love it

Fantastic experience: Having studying English at IH Institute for 10 weeks, what I appreciate the most is the passion and dedication with our teacher, Alex Neville encouraged us to improve regarding listening, speaking, reading and writing. By the way paraphrasing him, the most you read, the easier English is. Finally, I'd like to say thank you, Alex and all staff of IH Institute, for giving the opportunity to learn this wonderful language.

Fantastic experience: So far it has been quite good for me. You should try it.

Positive experience: This college is really good

Fantastic experience: 정말 좋은 추억으로 남은 장소입니다. I miss my friends, teachers and the memories about this school. Thank you very much

Fantastic experience: I am very happy I had a chance to study in this school, where I met amazing teachers and friends as well. IH, undoubtedly, helped me to improve my English in all the aspects. I am especially thankful for my IELTS' teacher with whom I spent most of my studies and experienced the best time in the process of learning. His classes are a gold mine of information.

Positive experience: I loved to study in IH but you definitely should be use less paper or to incentive teachers and students to recycle it in school( any bin in school is marked to recycle as well) and it because in all my period studying there I received so many papers and after used in class I realised you don’t have any rules for paper used in school. Its just a tip, but thank you guys for all attention to me

Fantastic experience: 勉強するのにとてもいい環境でした。レセプションの方や先生方はとても優しく、話しかけやすくて良かったです。英語がうまく話せなくても汲み取ってくれました。

Positive experience: 英語教師の資格を取れる学校として有名。 他のオーストラリアの語学学校は知らないが、十分いい学校だったように思う。 発音の授業を取ったが、発音記号から学ぶと行った形ではなく、教師が言った言葉をひたすらリピートするというArmy methodのようなものだった。 正直効果があったのかは分からない…

Fantastic experience: Very friendly and helpful school. They help me to pass the IELTS exam for my next visa! Thank you for all the teachers and classmates! See you soon

Fantastic experience: I was mentored by 4 dedicated teachers who are all keen on teaching English and designing every single class to be enjoyable. Interestingly their pedagogy is distinct to each other, but they are nothing but stretching and helpful, anyway. The more you would like to improve your English, the more you would get.

Negative experience: Very unprofessional. The staff is not trained AT ALL to give the right information to clients. I called more than one time to have information and every time a different person gave me a different information about one thing.. just crazy. I was interested in a free english course that consist in lessons kept by teachers that are becoming teachers (that is why it is Free, and it would be great). After a speaking test they told me that the class would have started on a certain date , so I went there and the class was not starting. I have been told the same for 5 TIMES, I HAVE BEEN CALLED AND TOLD FOR 5 TIMES THAT THE CLASS WOULD HAVE STARTED AND IT WAS NOT, EVERY TIME. That is very unrespectful towards my time and my self. I have already done a course like this in another school and it was great, no problems at all, never. Ih instead has a very bad organisation and the staff at the reception DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THEY SHOULD KNOW TO DO THEIR JOB PROPERLY. Just a shame. I will reply here to your reply. I am not demanding to start the free lessons when I want. The problem WAS NOT THAT THE CLASS DID NOT START, THE PROBLEM WAS THAT I HAVE BEEN CALLED BY THE SCHOOL TO START AND IT WAS NO TRUE for 5 times along the year. This is the problem, you made me lose time for 5 times. Also I did not came after one year with the information of one year before, I WENT TO THE SCHOOL ONE YEAR AGO CAUSE I HAVE BEEN SAID I WOULD HAVE STARTED ONE YEAR AGO, then it was like this for many times by the time. And last time it was last month, I have been called the same day that I came. So ONE DAY someone from the staff told me that I could have started THAT DAY and I came the SAME DAY (not with the information of last year but with the information of few hours before) and it was not true again. So I lost my time for the fifth time and the money for the expensive public transport. In addition I DID NOT COME AT 7.00pm BUT I CAME AT 5.30pm TO START AT 6.00pm AS I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO COME AT THAT TIME to get and pay the materials. The reception of course was not closed at that time. So this is another lie. Shame.

Negative experience: We went there 5 times (yes 5 times !!!) to participate at the Free English course. It never started for more than 1 year. I took hours off from work and lost too much of my time to reach them. Also today, after a call in the morning where they said to come and start at 6pm, it was the 5th lie !!!

Negative experience: Racist school, (shame such incidents still happen in 21st century 'multi-cultural' Australian society!) Teachers and trainers racially discriminated students and certain group of international students. Not worth paying them for classes!! Just wasted thousands of dollars!!!! Their staff bad mouthed other schools and people like UTS, UNSW. Very unprofessional staff. 2 of the headstaff deliberately verbally threatened and abused some students and showed off their egocentric abusive side. They also tried to influence other schools' department and bad mouthed other people and other school's programs based on their influence!! Of course I won't use my real name because anonymous review will enable me to tell the truth behind your school's atrocious intentions and behaviours. I will not be saying the teachers are from training or English language classes etc as head staff who made racist bad mouthing know who they are! Have some conscience on your poor, lousy behaviour towards certain cultures. It's a real shame! You know who you are...

Positive experience: This place knows how to give an academic knowledege to their students with practice

Negative experience: Hold on to your money and run away. I did an intensive CELTA course here and the experience was horrible. One trainer had major ego problems, looked down on everyone because he had a masters degree! The way everything was planned was extremely messy. Every morning we received photocopies of a book, they didn't present the whole thing as a pack simply because they didn't want to -probably- pay the rights- what a shame! we all paid roughly around 3500 each so in total it was 70 grand for one month and still we had to pay for photocopies in the evening training session. I passed the whole thing at the end but I won't recommend it.

Fantastic experience: Nice and friendly teachers, interesting topics and a lot of laughs

Fantastic experience: Five stars..why? I don't know!!!!!

Positive experience: With courses to both learn and teach English, a reasonably priced and well-run school with good mix of nationalities and offerings available. Facilities are due for an update (which we are told is in the works), the teachers are of very high quality and students seem to be enjoying the experience. Student services are very friendly and helpful. Good option among the many available in the CBD. Free English classes are available all afternoons (2:45pm) and two evenings (Tue/Thu 6:00pm) per week.

Fantastic experience: nice place,friendly

Fantastic experience: Nice place to study english