By: Elena Mart

Tammy Kassiou, founder and Chair of the GEM Foundation, is excited to announce a new partnership with the British Council to offer its International English Language Testing System (IELTS) program in Timor-Leste. The IELTS program will be provided through the newly established GEM Institute in Dili, offering more convenient access to testing when needed.

Before the arrival of the British Council’s IELTS program, IELTS services were available to Timor-Leste only via Indonesia a few times a year, which limited opportunities for individuals to take the exam. With the GEM Institute now offering the IELTS program locally, people in Timor-Leste will have greater access to testing, providing them with more opportunities to pursue enhanced education, training, and career prospects.

Launched in early 2024, the GEM Institute is a Timor-Leste registered and locally based organization that has seen strong interest, with over 500 students enrolling in foundation and certificate courses in the past six months.

“We are thrilled by the growth and the increasing interest in the GEM Institute,” Kassiou said.

“The Institute is the first of its kind in Timor-Leste, offering essential English language courses, along with education and vocational training in a variety of sectors, including public sector administration, tourism, hospitality, legal, health and aged care, and business.

“The educational services are designed to equip people with employment-ready skills for jobs both within Timor-Leste and overseas in countries such as Australia.

“With the addition of the British Council’s IELTS program, students will now be able to easily access the necessary English testing to support their study and career journeys. Participants can choose between the academic or general training IELTS tests, both of which can be completed on flexible dates. Bookings are straightforward and can be made online.

“We are proud that the GEM Institute is now an official test center for the British Council. People in Timor-Leste no longer have to wait months to take the IELTS exam; they can do it at their convenience. The GEM Institute also offers test preparation through courses and additional support services.”

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities and one of the world’s most respected and established providers of IELTS programs globally.

“This is an exciting step forward for the British Council and the people of Timor-Leste as we expand access to global opportunities through English language learning and professional skills development,” said Summer Xia, British Council Director of Southeast Asia.

“With this new test center, Timorese citizens will be able to access computer-delivered IELTS, enjoy more flexible test dates, receive faster results, and access training programs that build important communication skills for a connected world. More than just testing and training, this initiative is about building bridges to opportunity and supporting the aspirations of Timor-Leste’s communities.

“Through our partnership with the GEM Institute, we are pleased to support education, capacity-building, and collaboration, contributing to the prosperity of the nation. It is an honor to see this vision come to life.”

The GEM Institute plays a key role in addressing global workforce shortages in critical sectors. Its courses are designed to help highly motivated and skilled English-speaking professionals from Timor-Leste pursue international opportunities.

The institute is also helping people in Timor-Leste access training to develop capabilities that can lead to local business and other opportunities.

“We have worked closely with industry leaders to develop sector-specific training programs that are up to international standards,” Kassiou said.

“Our goal is to empower the people of Timor-Leste with the skills and confidence to succeed both locally and in high-demand sectors worldwide.”

The GEM Foundation is focused on building capacity from early learning to university level in Timor-Leste to help people access high-quality, globally recognized education and training.

About the GEM Institute

The GEM Institute offers a range of courses, including:

• English for healthcare professionals: Tailored for nurses, paramedics, and doctors seeking to work or study in English-speaking environments.
• English for the legal sector: Designed for students and professionals aiming to enhance their legal English skills for studies or practice abroad.
• English for business: Focused on improving workplace English for various industries.
• English for tourism and hospitality: Including Certificate III courses in travel, events, baking, cooking, and hospitality.
• Aged care courses: Recently introduced, with plans for expansion in 2025 and beyond.

In addition to these specialized programs, the institute offers foundation skills courses, short courses, and professional development training, with plans to integrate real-world worksite training in the near future.

The GEM Institute boasts state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a team of highly trained instructors. Interactive and immersive learning techniques ensure students receive high-quality education and preparation for global careers.

About the GEM Foundation

Founded by Australian entrepreneur Themalina Kassiou, affectionately known as Tammy Kassiou, the GEM Foundation is a Timor-Leste registered organization overseeing education and training initiatives in Timor-Leste, including the GEM Institute. Kassiou also founded ISAT, a leader in job capability training across industries, and Branditall, an import/wholesale business in Dili offering uniforms, international standard personal protective equipment, and branded merchandise.

https://isat.tl
https://thegeminstitute.com

ENDS

Contact: Please contact Tess Sanders Lazarus for further information and interview opportunities.

Tess Sanders Lazarus
Chief Publicist
Invigorate PR
P: 0432 978 174
E: tess@invigorate.com.au
W: invigorate.com.au

Invigorate PR is a full-service boutique public relations company that works with idea champions and businesses of all sizes throughout Australia and across the world. We are what PR should be!

Published by Tom W.