Preparing to Study Abroad Australia

Preparing to Study Abroad

Why Did You Choose Australia for Study Abroad?

Nicholas Martino Wake Forest University IFSA-Butler Program: University of Western Australia

I wanted to gauge the business environment in Australia. Perth, in particular, is a major business hub. I was able to get exposure to not only a new culture but also a potential career path.

Stephanie Kim SScripps College IFSA-Butler Program: University of New South Wales

I’m an English major, so my choices were between the U.K. and Australia. After considering both options, I realized Australia was a better fit because of its quality of living and the chance to travel.

Katherine Boas Franklin & Marshall College IFSA-Butler Program: University of New South Wales

Sara Saltzman S Susquehanna University IFSA-Butler Program: Macquarie University M

As a future educator, it is important rtant for me to be familiar with a variety y of cultures.

Australia had the perfect environment onment for me to expand my horizons and become an independent student.

When I found out that there was a vision institute on UNSW’s campus where I could volunteer and do community service, it was a done deal.

CONTENTS 2 Welcome from IFSA-Butler 3 Welcome from Our Australia Office 4 Overview of Australia 8 IFSA-Butler Support 13 Academics 22 Finances 22 Payments and Financial Aid 26 Managing Your Money Abroad 28 Student Expenses Abroad 31 Getting Ready to Leave 31 Official Travel Documents 33 Travel Services 34 Insurance and Health Care 38 Packing 41 Technology and Communications 44 Living Abroad 44 Housing 47 Legal Matters 48 Health and Safety 53 Emergencies Abroad 54 Culture Shock 55 IFSA-Butler Policies 57 Information 57 Information Resources 58 Common Terms and Slang 59 Australian Food and Drink 60 About Us

Preparing to Study Abroad AUSTRALIA

Welcome from IFSA-Butler Welcome to our programs in Australia! We’re thrilled that you’ve chosen to study abroad through IFSAButler, one of the oldest and largest nonprofit international education organizations in the United States.

At IFSA-Butler, we take our slogan “More Culture. Less Shock.” very seriously. One of our top goals as an organization is to make sure that students and their parents are as prepared for the study abroad experience as possible, and this comprehensive planning guide is one way of achieving this goal. It should answer many of your questions about living and studying in Australia, from academic and cultural differences to the cost of living abroad to packing suggestions, and everything in between. The topics covered in this booklet are some of the most important issues related to study abroad in Australia, and we’ve incorporated suggestions from past participants as well.

Most of our dedicated staff, both in the U.S. and in Australia, have lived and studied in a variety of countries. They have personally experienced the joys of living in another culture, as well as the occasional frustration! Their enthusiasm for international study and understanding of cultural issues helps us give each IFSA-Butler student a successful and enriching academic experience abroad.

We wish you an exciting and successful experience in Australia! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Institute for Study Abroad U.S. Office 800-858-0229

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Christi Hoover Director of Australian Programs

Welcome from Our Australia Office Welcome to the IFSA-Butler Australia study abroad program and what is certain to be a memorable chapter in your life. Packing up and traveling to a new country can be exciting and a little daunting as you look forward to new experiences full of promise and the unknown. IFSA-Butler is here to assist with the transition to Australia and to help you get the most out of your semester or year abroad. Studying at an established university is one of the best ways to integrate into Australian society and see the country from an insider’s perspective.

While aspects of Australian society may seem similar to what you’re used to at first, it is very much a different culture with its own history, practices and influences for you to discover. Australia continues to embrace its proximity to Asia, to work on indigenous relations, and to attract students, visitors and immigrants from all over the world. You will find a vibrant, unique and cosmopolitan mix of people in the cities and towns you visit.

Putting yourself in new situations, meeting new people and learning about a different country also causes you to find out new things about yourself you may never have discovered had you not stepped outside of your comfort zone. You may discover resourcefulness, interests and tastes you never knew you possessed!

We urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity. Take at least one “Australian” course (Aboriginal Studies or Australian Literature, for example) while you’re in Australia and see as much of the country as you can without neglecting your academic obligations. The information provided in this book and in other publications you’ll receive from IFSA-Butler will help you get the most out of your experiences. Thoroughly read the information and come prepared to give Australia a “fair go.”

See you there!

Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University Australia Office

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O V E RV I E W

Overview of Australia Geography Slightly smaller than the continental United States, Australia encompasses more than 7.6 million square kilometers between the Indian Ocean, the Tasman Sea and the Coral Sea. Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are Australia’s closest neighbors, but these countries and New Zealand are at least a three-hour flight from most Australian cities.

The climate in Australia is incredibly varied and ranges from desert to tropical. Although images of the Outback and the arid Northern Territory have given the world an image of a rural, rugged nation, the country’s Eastern Seaboard is humid, lush and fertile. The northeast corner of Australia experiences a more tropical climate, with the Great Barrier Reef attracting tourists from throughout Australia and around the world.

Much of Australia’s inland farming area has experienced significant droughts in recent years. These droughts have resulted in water restrictions and increased produce prices.

The desert Outback is a reality throughout much of central Australia, thus all of its major cities, even on the island of Tasmania, are located on the periphery. The majority of Australians live in urban areas, making the Australian population one of the most urbanized in the world.

The premier mountain range of mainland Australia, the Great Dividing Range, separates the Eastern Seaboard from the Outback. On the southern end of the Great Dividing Range is the Snowy Mountain Range, which is the only area in Australia suitable for skiing and is sometimes called the Australian Alps because the mountains receive more snow than Switzerland.

People Indigenous Populations Australia’s Aboriginal population is believed to have migrated to the continent from Africa around 50,000 years ago. These indigenous groups spread across Australia and created distinct communities with their own cultures. Together they spoke up to 600 different languages and dialects at the time of British settlement. Many Aboriginal communities

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Go out and talk to people. Australians are really friendly.

–David D id Kurey, K Bates B t College University of New South Wales

are believed to have been hunter-gatherers and semi-nomadic, often moving with the seasons and in search of available food. At its height in the 18th century, the indigenous population of Australia is estimated to have been as high as 750,000.

Torres Strait Islanders have a heritage and culture related to New Guinea. They are not generally considered Aboriginal Australians but are considered a separate indigenous group.

As with the United States, the early European settlers brought measles, smallpox and tuberculosis to Australia, with devastating consequences to the indigenous population. These diseases, which were largely unknown in Australia up to that point, killed a large portion of the Aboriginal population.

By 1900 the indigenous population of Australia had fallen to 90,000, and the numbers continued to fall until the1930s. The indigenous population gradually recovered and today is estimated around 600,000.

British Settlement In 1788, British settlers arrived in Botany Bay in a group of 11 ships called the First Fleet. The First Fleet had left Britain months earlier and sailed to Australia in order to establish a penal colony, with more than 1,000 convicts aboard that first voyage. Britain continued to use Australia as a penal colony until 1823,

though gradually officials began using these convicts as cheap labor to help build the infrastructure of Australia.

Eventually Australia became a popular destination for settlers from throughout Europe. Some were attracted to the agricultural opportunities along the east and south coasts of the country, while others were escaping the rigid class system and lack of economic opportunities of Britain. The Gold Rush of the 1850s caused Australia’s European population to triple in just 30 years.

Australia continued to encourage immigration from Britain throughout the 20th century, though waves of immigrants from Ireland, Scotland and other European countries diluted the British culture of Australia and helped the nation form a more independent cultural identity.

Multicultural Australia Modern Australia has welcomed migrants from throughout the Pacific and especially Asia, giving the country a distinct multicultural feel. Asians now make up more than 7 percent of the population of Australia.

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Politics Structure The Commonwealth of Australia is governed by a prime minister and has a federal parliament with a senate and house of representatives. Although the parliamentary system is based on British tradition, the Australian Parliament itself resembles the structure of the U.S. federal government, with senators and representatives elected from the country’s six states and two territories.

The judicial branch of the government is the High Court, similar to the Supreme Court in the United States. The country holds general elections at least once every three years, and voting is mandatory for all citizens ages 18 and older.

As with the United States, Australia’s six states have their own state legislatures. Each of the states is headed by a premier who is the leader of the party with a majority in the lower house of the state legislature. The country’s two territories, the Australian Capital Territory (where the capital Canberra is located) and the Northern Territory, are technically self governing but have political systems similar to those of the six states.

Political Parties There are two main political parties in Australia: The Liberal National Party (LNP), which is more conservative, and the Australian Labour Party (ALP), which is similar to the U. S. Democratic Party.

Once part of the British Empire, Australia has been an independent country since 1901 but remains a member of the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II is the official head of state in Australia and is represented by the governor general of Australia, but as with other Commonwealth countries, the queen’s role is primarily ceremonial.

Religion An estimated 70 percent of Australians are classified as belonging to various groups within Christianity, though Australia is largely a secular nation. The largest religious groups in Australia are Catholics (26 percent), Anglican (18.5 percent), the Uniting Church in Australia (6 percent), Presbyterian/Reformed (3 percent), Buddhist (2 percent) and Muslim (1.7 percent). Buddhism has become one of the fastest growing religions in Australia today.

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Australian Culture It is hard to define Australian culture in a global world, and most would agree that Australia is a distinctly multicultural nation made up of an eclectic mix of people. However, there are some traits and customs that are essential components of Australia’s cultural identity.

Sports Sports are huge in Australia. Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Australia, with numerous professional teams in large cities that command large followings.

Other popular sports are Australian Rules Football, cricket, basketball, baseball and netball, which is similar to basketball but has seven players per side.

Love of Outdoors Australians have been described as having a love affair with the great outdoors. The temperate climate of much of the country and its natural resources make hiking, water sports, rock climbing and other outdoor pursuits a popular pastime for all ages. Camping is also popular, particularly trips to the Outback.

Down to Earth Attitude Australians pride themselves on their down to earth, egalitarian society. Even its status as a former penal colony is a source of pride. Bragging and pretentiousness are frowned upon, and the Australian sense of humor is dry and self-deprecating.

Slang Aussies love slang! During your time in Australia, you’ll quickly learn the endearing slang terms that cover everything from cities (Brissy=Brisbane) to people (bloke=guy) to restaurants (Maccas=McDonald’s). See page 58 for more Australian terms and slang.

Aboriginal Issues The Aboriginal population of Australia encompasses a wide array of indigenous groups, cultures and languages, and is believed to be the longest continuous culture in the world. However, British settlers arriving on the continent in the 18th century appropriated most of the Aboriginal land with the justification that Australia was terra nullius, an uninhabited country that was open to anyone who wanted it.

By the 19th century, the spread of colonizers’ diseases and outright massacres greatly reduced Australia’s Aboriginal population. In the early 1900s, the government attempted to further assimilate Aboriginal children, particularly those with white fathers, into Australian

society by taking them from the Aboriginal community and placing them with Australian families.

The victims of this practice, which continued until the 1970s, became known as the Stolen Generation and have become an increasing focus of popular Australian books and movies.

Today, Australia is grappling with some of the same issues that the United States and other countries face with regard to their indigenous populations. Numerous initiatives and pieces of legislation have attempted to eradicate racism and mutual contempt between racial groups in Australia, and the Reconciliation Movement is a continuing effort to create a nationwide apology to Aboriginal groups on behalf of Australia’s non-Aboriginal population.

These and other issues related to Australia’s Aboriginal population will no doubt be a large focus of current events during your time in Australia. We highly recommend taking at least one Aboriginal studies course; all Australian universities offer a large selection of Aboriginal history, art, literature, music and social science courses.

Australians are very friendly, but I didn’t quite the difference it understand d t in the sense of humor until I was here for a few weeks. It is very selfdepreciative and dry, and I feel like many of us were overly sensitive to the jokes that were cracked during O-Week. It was definitely a lot of culture shock. Also, never be afraid of over-dressing if you’re going into the city. Take advantage of this!

–Stephanie Kim, Scripps College University of New South Wales

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IFSA-BUTLER SUPPORT

Institute for Study Abroad Services At IFSA-Butler, we pride ourselves on our outstanding student support and comprehensive services. We work hard to ensure that our students (and their parents!) are well prepared before departure, and that our students have an excellent experience once abroad. Below are some of the highlights of our predeparture, on-site and post-study abroad support.

Program Advisors Each IFSA-Butler Australia program has a U.S.-based advisor who is available to answer your academic, cultural and program questions about Australia or study abroad in general. Your program advisor processes your application, serves as the contact between you and your host university and helps prepare any necessary paperwork for your housing and courses abroad. Your program advisor is your main IFSA-Butler contact person in the U.S. and is here to help prepare you for your great adventure!

IFSA-Butler Finance Office While your program advisor is your main contact for most IFSA-Butler and study abroad questions, you or your parents may also work with the IFSA-Butler finance office on money matters.

The staff in the finance office send program bills, process payments, make payments for all of your Australia university housing and tuition, and prepare contractual agreements with U.S. universities to ensure a smooth transfer of financial aid to our programs. You can reach our finance office during regular business hours at 800-858-0229.

Australia Office IFSA-Butler maintains a fully staffed office in Australia dedicated to the assistance and support of our students. Support services include: • A thorough orientation for students upon their arrival • Activities and events during orientation • Organizing excursions and special events for students • Verifying the full-time course enrollment of each student • Personal and academic assistance to students • 24/7 availability for help with emergencies You can call our Australia office internationally at 011-6-2-9550-6337. The IFSA-Butler Australia office address is: IFSA-Butler Sydney Suite 107/1 Erskineville Rd. Newtown, New South Wales Australia 2042 Our staff are available to assist you throughout your study abroad program.

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Predeparture Preparation Materials IFSA-Butler prepares you for your study abroad experience by sending a series of publications, updates and emails. These materials include: •

• •

Advising emails from your IFSA-Butler program advisor. These emails cover some general Australia preparations such as visa application instructions and health insurance information, but they mostly center on details specific to your program and host city.

Money Matters, a leaflet focused on program fees, financial aid, scholarships and other topics related to finances.

This Preparing to Study Abroad booklet.

We send digital copies of the above materials to parents of our students. We also send bills to parents. If you don’t want your parents to receive these materials, you must notify us in writing and also provide an alternate billing address.

Travel Services IFSA-Butler partners with STA Travel to offer travel booking assistance for our students. There are several advantages to booking your flight reservations through STA: • • • •

Work with an experienced travel agent Lock in the price of your international ticket with a deposit and pay the rest later Reduce or eliminate change fees with the option of a Multiflex Pass for flexible travel dates Compare airfare prices between airlines so you book a ticket that works for your budget and travel time • International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is included Any program student who arrives on their program date within the published arrival window will be provided with ground transportation from the airport to IFSA-Butler orientation.

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Australia Orientation—Semester and Year Programs The IFSA-Butler orientation will prepare you for the academic and cultural changes you can expect in Australia. It’s also a great opportunity for you to learn more about our on-site services abroad.

You must plan your travel so that you arrive in time for the first day of orientation at the time designated in your predeparture materials.

Orientation is held in Sydney. During orientation, our Australia staff will address the following topics, all geared toward helping you better understand your new environment and easing your adjustment into your new culture: • • • • • • • • • •

Differences between U.S. and Australian academics An overview of Australia’s culture Safety abroad Course registration and other academic practices Individual university sessions Housing Health care Immigration documents and requirements Study abroad survival skills Distribution of wallet-sized emergency cards, which include emergency numbers for police, fire and ambulance, as well as our Australia office after-hours emergency number

To help you adjust to local time and overcome jet lag, the orientation schedule takes advantage of Sydney’s cultural attractions while also giving students a chance to experience beach life in Australia. Orientation is organized around enjoyable activities such as: • • • • • •

Bushwalking in the Blue Mountains Visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park (meet koalas, kangaroos and other Australian wildlife) Visit Waradah Aboriginal Centre for a dance performance and indigenous presentation Walking tour of Sydney Sydney Harbour dinner cruise Sightseeing excursions to Sydney’s famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House

Housing and Meals During Orientation During orientation, we house students in a youth hostel. IFSA-Butler provides most meals during the orientation, but don’t forget to budget funds for the meals that aren’t included, as well as your free time entertainment. See your budget planner or the “Student Expenses Abroad” section of this book.

Australia Orientation—Summer Programs Our summer program orientation is abbreviated due to the shorter academic schedules of summer programs, but it includes all of the key cultural, academic and safety issues listed above.

Students will be taken on a Sydney walking tour, visit Taronga Zoo and enjoy a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise. Most meals are included.

Important: For All Students All of our orientation meetings and activities are mandatory. IFSA-Butler reserves the right to withdraw you from the program, with no refund, if you miss all or part of the orientation.

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Postorientation Activities—Semester and Year Programs IFSA-Butler offers numerous excursions and events as part of our semester and year programs in Australia.

All of these activities are included in our program fee unless otherwise noted. The following excursions allow our students to experience Australia’s beautiful landscape, history and culture: • For students outside of Sydney and Wollongong: Aussie Experience Weekend or day trips which could include a visit to local wineries, whale watching boat trips, visiting an Aussie ranch, snorkeling adventures, and an adventure-style weekend with hiking, ropes courses and more.

• For students in Sydney and Wollongong, a Country Life weekend: Includes a farm tour, bushwalking, star gazing, BBQs, involvement in farm activities, animal spotting, hanging out with a local family and great home cooked food.

These weekends are popular, so it is important that you respond to the invitation before the deadline. If you are interested in the weekend, please pack hiking boots, rugged rain gear and some warm clothing for these activities. No refund is available if you choose not to participate.

Special Events In addition to the weekend excursions, our Australia office arranges special events throughout the year.

At the end of the semester, the office organizes a farewell event.

The IFSA-Butler orientation weekend weekend I had in was the best w Australia. The IFSA-Butler staff were so wonderful and friendly and right when I got off the plane in Sydney I felt comfortable because of them. The activities really got us acquainted to the city quickly and let us experience some of the coolest things around Sydney. I’m not sure I would have done all the activities, such as the trip to the Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Preserve, if it wasn’t for IFSA-Butler planning it during our orientation weekend.

–Katherine Boas, Franklin & Marshall College University of New South Wales

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Post-orientation Activities—Summer Programs IFSA-Butler offers a smaller number of excursions and activities for summer students. Events vary by location but usually include a lunch and at least one visit to a historic or cultural site in the region of the summer program.

In addition, most host universities offer cultural events and entertainment as part of their summer programs. We encourage our summer students to take advantage of these activities as much as possible.

Emergency Assistance Abroad One of IFSA-Butler’s most important services is our emergency assistance to students. Our staff in Australia are trained in crisis management and have extensive experience handling student incidents and emergencies.

Our staff in Australia share emergency phone coverage and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help with any emergency. See “Emergencies Abroad” on page 53 for more information.

Transcripts You will receive a Butler University transcript recording the grades and credits from your host university. For information about our registration and transcript policies, see these topics under “Academics” in the next section of this booklet.

Program Duration Please note that IFSA-Butler program services abroad are in effect between the program start date and program end date on the program calendar.

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ACADEMICS

Academic Differences Specialization in Australia The primary difference between the U.S. and Australian educational systems is the level of specialization. In the United States, you are probably accustomed to a liberal arts education in which you selectt courses from a wide variety of subjects ranging from introductory to advanced levels. Most students in the United Statess are not required to narrow their academic ic focus until their second or third year of university study. Australian students, however, ver, can complete an undergraduate degree in three years and are thus more focused and nd specialized. There are limited options for Australian students to take courses outside their area of specialization.

Until the age of 16, all students in Australia study as many as eight subjects per year. Those planning to apply to a university then narrow their focus to five or six subjects for the final two years of secondary school. In this system, students enter a university already possessing an extensive background in the subject(s) they plan to study.

Degrees in Australia Most undergraduate degrees in Australia are threeyear programs (notable exceptions being engineering, law and medicine) with a fourth year, or Honours, being an option available to those who have demonstrated academic prowess during their undergraduate program.

As a U.S. student entering the Australian system, you willll need to adjust to an academic environment that offers fewer class instruction hours per week and emphasizes individual study outside the classroom.

The Australian University System Most Australian universities are public institutions, thus Australia student fees are heavily subsidized by the government, while international students pay full tuition fees. Generally, Australian universities are more akin to the British university system; greater emphasis is put on self-directed learning, with fewer class hours and more independent study. As a U.S. student entering the Australian system, you will need to adjust to this new academic environment.

Course Structure Generally, the structure of an Australian course combines both seminars/tutorials and lectures. Each course usually consists of two to three main lectures per week and one or two seminars/tutorials. Tutorials and seminars are structured so that lecture material and class readings can be discussed in a smaller setting with the facilitation of a tutor (not necessarily the course lecturer). Tutorials may be optional, while in others attendance will be compulsory and you may be assessed on your level of participation.

Attendance is recorded and graded, and failure to attend the majority of lectures and tutorials can result in a much lower grade.

Reading Lists Preparation for tutorials and seminars often involves reading selected materials from a course reader or textbook in addition to items from a recommended M O R E C U LT U R E . L E S S S H O C K .

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reading list, distributed by many course lecturers at the beginning of the semester. Selecting and reading some of the books from this list will further your depth of knowledge and enjoyment of the course and will likely result in a higher grade.

If you start to feel that you lack assignments or have “nothing to do,” you may have misunderstood the system. Contact your lecturers or the IFSA-Butler Australia office for advice on organizing the workload early in the semester or term.

Grades and Credits Grade inflation is uncommon in Australia, and 50 percent is a passing grade. If you expect to achieve A and B work, you’ll have to work hard.

It is your responsibility to check with your home college to find out the policy on transfer credit. Some U.S. colleges and universities will not transfer credit for courses with a grade of lower than a C. Exams Australian universities tend to have fewer assignments than what may be typical in U.S. colleges.

Furthermore, when assignments are given, rather than being spread evenly throughout the duration of the course, they are often loaded toward the end of the semester. It is not unusual for a final grade to be based on one or two papers or exams.

As a result, while the first half of the semester may feel like a light workload, the second half may be a frantic rush of completing numerous essays for different courses in addition to studying for final exams. One way to overcome this “feast or famine” approach is to plan your schedule for the entire semester and begin to work on assignments well before their due dates.

Final exams in Australia are usually spread over a two- to three-week period and are comprehensive, meaning that knowledge of material from the whole semester is expected. It is not unusual to encounter final exams worth 50 percent of your final grade.

Exams in Australia are very formal. Students take their exams in a large hall or lecture hall, not in their regular classroom. Lecturers may be present at the start of the exam but will leave once the exam is underway.

Students are prohibited from bringing any course materials, notes or texts into the exam room. Exams are monitored, and students caught with course materials will face disciplinary action. Even a visit to the bathroom will be supervised!

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Stay on top of your readings and subjects. Make time to review each week because the system here is very independent and if you fall behind, midterms are going to hurt more than they need to. Also, make sure you go to all of your tutorials, and if you are confused don’t be scared to ask questions!

Lastly, missing a lecture is not the end of the world, but if you do, make sure you make it up on your own time and don’t brush it off.

–Kimberly Janitz, Butler University University of Sydney

Since most Australian university courses require at least one essay and very few multiple-choice exams, good writing skills are essential. If you require some refinement of this skill, you can get help from your individual tutors, academic advisors or on-campus study skills centers. Remember to change the settings on your computer from “U.S. English” to “Australian English” and to spell check any work before handing it in. During the academic briefing portion of the IFSAButler orientation, our Australia staff will offer further assistance and suggestions about how to write essays and the different referencing systems used within Australian universities.

Study Habits in Australia Part of the cultural difference between the U.S. and Australia shows up in the study habits of Australian students. Australian students may appear to work little, but they work hard behind the scenes and at university breaks. During university breaks, students generally take all their work home and complete drafts of essays that might not be due until the end of the semester.

Libraries close earlier than in the United States, so Australian students tend to do the majority of their studying in the library during the day or in their rooms/flats at night once the library is closed. U.S. students, used to late night hours in libraries, are often unaccustomed to working during the day but need to structure their time according to the Australian system. Australian students typically entertain at night, which can be distracting to U.S. students who are accustomed to studying then. Failure to adjust to Australian study methods can lead to disastrous academic results.

Classes in Australia—Summer Programs Most summer programs in Australia are geared toward U.S. and other international students and have a structure that is more similar to U.S. colleges and universities. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the general academic structure of universities in Australia, as the professors and instructors will have Australian-style expectations of students.

Academic Ethics and Culture Just as systems of higher education vary greatly by country, so do concepts of academic ethics. As a visiting student, it is important for you to be proactive by searching your host university’s website and/or student handbook for its policies regarding academic ethics and classroom behavior. IFSA-Butler staff and your host institution’s international office are also great resources for guidance on this topic. Remember

to ask what challenges previous U.S. students have faced at your host university.

If you are accused of academic dishonesty, inquire immediately about the appeals process available at both your host and home institutions, paying special attention to deadlines.

Status You are classified as a “full fee-paying, nondegree or visiting student” at your host university and are entitled to enroll in any undergraduate course for which you are qualified and in which space is available. You are subject to the standard regulations of the university and have the same rights, privileges and obligations as regular degree students. You must abide by all the rules and regulations of your host institution. Also note that your home college will be notified if you are accused of academic dishonesty.

Course Registration You will most likely register for your course choices after arrival at your Australian university. Please have additional approved course choices in case your first selections are not available.

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During the enrollment period it is your responsibility to ensure that: • You are enrolled in a full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. See page 17 for details.

• You meet any prerequisites required for any courses in which you enroll.

• You are aware of any issues that may affect grade or credit transfer to your home university.

Notifying IFSA-Butler of Your Enrollment • Once you finalize registration at your host university, complete the online IFSA-Butler class registration form (more information is given at orientation) indicating your individual course schedule.

• A staff member in Australia will verify your fulltime enrollment. We use this form to verify your host university grade report before completing your Butler University transcript. Submitting your course registration form is mandatory.

• If you make any changes after submitting your form, you must immediately inform the IFSAButler Australia office in writing. Any change in your registration could affect your credit.

• U.S. law requires students who are receiving federal or state financial aid funds to earn a certain amount of credit: at least 12 U.S. semester credit hours for a term or semester or 24 U.S. semester credit hours for the year. Failure to comply with these guidelines can affect your future financial aid awards and eligibility. Falling below the course load minimum may also revoke your student status in Australia and lead to deportation.

Registering for Required Courses If you are required to take certain courses abroad in order to graduate on time, follow this procedure: • Put the request in writing to our U.S. office before departure. Your program advisor will request the course on your behalf.

• Depending on your host university, you may or may not receive confirmation that the course is available.

• Before leaving the United States, check the IFSAButler website to verify current course offerings at your host university.

• When you get to registration at your host university, request the course again and explain why you need it.

• Remember that there are course cancellations in Australia at the last minute, just as in the United States, so be prepared to make a substitution if necessary.

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Tips for academic success in Australia • You’ll have fewer contact hours with your professors than at your home institution and will be expected to work more independently.

• Many of your classes will be held in large lecture halls seating more than 100 students. These lectures will be complemented by seminars/ tutorials, small discussion groups held at another time during the week. You are required to attend both and to actively participate.

• Most lecturers will distribute optional reading lists from which students are expected to select supplementary reading. You are unlikely to pass without reading extensively from these lists.

• Students and lecturers in Australia put less emphasis on presentation and more on the content of written and oral work. Always back up statements with documented sources. Create a logical argument and stick to it.

• Assessment occurs less frequently in Australian universities, so it’s important to stay on top of the workload.

• Australian universities are less flexible with regulations and deadlines. You should know the rules, and don’t assume you can break them without penalty.

• Grade inflation occurs less frequently in Australia than in the United States. Consult the Student Guide you will receive during orientation for U.S. grade conversions.

• Adapt to the work schedule of local students. Go to the library and study during the day. You can socialize at night.

• Introduce yourself to your instructors, let them know you are a U.S. study abroad student and find out their expectations for the class.

IFSA-Butler Full Course Load As an IFSA-Butler participant, you are required to undertake a full course load at your host university and to follow its regulations for degree-seeking students, including taking exams where applicable.

By law, you must maintain the recommended course load to ensure your continual registration as a fulltime student. Taking less than a full course load may violate the terms of your visiting student status in Australia and jeopardize your U.S. financial aid.

The Student Handbook that you receive during your orientation abroad outlines the number of U.S. credit hours you must take at your host institution to equal a full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. A full IFSA-Butler course load is the equivalent of: • 15 to 16 U.S. semester credit hours per semester.

• 30 to 32 U.S. semester credit hours for the year.

• Summer full-load standards vary according to program length and host university requirements.

See our website for individual summer program credits.

When you register for courses abroad, you will need to tally the credits, points or units (not number of courses) to achieve the required full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Our Australia office can help you verify that your enrollment constitutes a full course load.

Course Overload IFSA-Butler does not recommend registering for more than the full course load. If you sign up for more than the equivalent of 16 U.S. semester credit hours, please obtain written approval from your home university study abroad advisor and forward this approval to IFSA-Butler.

Taking more than the equivalent of 16 U.S. semester credit hours in a semester can result in a tuition surcharge by your Australian university. When this occurs, we send a bill to your designated billing address. Your home institution may also charge a fee to process additional credit hours.

Home Institution Regulations Some U.S. institutions may impose on their study abroad students the same academic regulations applicable on their home campus. In some cases these regulations may conflict with IFSA-Butler policy. For example, if your home institution requires that all students abroad enroll in four classes, you

may be taking too many or too few credits according to IFSA-Butler standards. Consult your IFSA-Butler program advisor if this applies to you.

Types of Courses Not Allowed IFSA-Butler does not allow students to take the following types of courses in Australia: • • • •

Graduate courses Courses for audit Online courses Courses for pass/fail instead of a grade unless that is the only way the course is assessed

Only courses taken for a grade and credit will count toward your full-load requirement.

Course Credits Be aware that a course’s time commitment does not always correspond to the course’s credit allocation. Science and engineering students in particular should be prepared to spend considerably more time in class and labs than students who take only liberal arts courses. Our science alumni have reported that their workload was more than double that of arts students for the same amount of credit. Butler University cannot increase the credit of any course taken abroad without approval from the host university.

Academic Contract During orientation, we ask you to sign a contract in which you acknowledge your enrollment responsibilities to your host university and to IFSA-Butler.

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Course Withdraw Dates Withdrawing from courses in Australia can be complicated and subject to many rules. Please note the following: • Be sure to confirm the final withdraw date with your Australian university.

• If you wish to withdraw from a class, you must do so formally with the university by the published date, and then notify the IFSA-Butler Australia office in writing that you have withdrawn.

• If you drop a course after the published withdraw deadline, that course will register as an F on your transcript.

• Obtain written confirmation from the Australian university that you have withdrawn from the course. Otherwise the course may appear as an F on your Butler University transcript.

• Your host university may charge a late-drop fee.

This fee can be quite high. It is your responsibility to learn the deadline and adhere to it.

• Be sure that by dropping a course you do not fall below the IFSA-Butler full course load.

It’s very useful to know how grades transfer over back to the U.S. grading system – 80 percent and above is considered to be a very good grade, as opposed to back in the States, where 90 percent and above is very good. I would make sure to ask for a grade conversion chart straight away.

– Nicole Ciemniak, Illinois Wesleyan University University of Western Australia

Class Attendance Students studying on an IFSA-Butler program are required to attend all regularly scheduled classes.

Failure to attend classes can result in loss of credit and jeopardize your visiting student status.

Completion of Coursework You must complete all your academic obligations before the end of the program. If you turn an essay in late, it may get lost and you will lose credit. If you turn in an assignment to anyone other than your professor, be sure to get written confirmation.

Incomplete Grades If you have an incomplete, you must complete the class requirements by May 31 (for fall) or December 31 (for summer, spring and year students) or by the host university deadline, whichever comes first. Incompletes that are not rectified will result in a fail or an X, and we will issue you a new Butler University transcript.

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Enrolling for One Semester of a Full-Year Course IFSA-Butler discourages students from enrolling in one semester of a yearlong course. If you wish to do so anyway, ask permission from the lecturer and the international office of your host university before enrollment.

If you enroll for the first half of a course, you must ask the lecturer to assess you at the conclusion of the semester and to pass that mark on to the study abroad or international office of your host university.

If you don’t make this request, the lecturer could wait until the end of the year to assess your performance, leading to a six- or seven-month delay in your transcript.

Special Exam Arrangements You may not reschedule an exam, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If you do, IFSA-Butler will not conduct an academic record appeal or follow-up on the class in which you arranged an alternate exam or assessment.

You will be able to review an Australian program calendar before leaving the United States. Please be sure that you do not have scheduling conflicts with the examination periods before enrolling.

Transcripts Conversion of Host University Grades and Credits We translate your grades and credits according to the scales printed in the Student Handbook that is distributed during orientation. Translations do not augment or reduce the grades; they are equivalent to the host university grades and credits.

Once your course results are translated and processed, the Butler University registrar will send one official transcript to your home college or university and one to your home address. Butler University will not issue a transcript if you have an outstanding IFSA-Butler account balance or any fees, fines or damage costs owed to the host university.

Online Grades Some universities may make your grades available to you online. Grades provided online are not official, and the posting of grades online does not guarantee that your transcript has been prepared.

Transcript Schedule Due to differences between the Australian and U.S. academic systems, your transcript will probably not be available for as long as four months after the end of your study abroad program. Most U.S. universities are used to this delay and will accept a phone call or letter from our office as explanation.

Study Abroad Term Semester 1 (spring) or academic year Semester 2 (fall) or calendar year

Transcript Sent August–October January–March

IFSA-Butler Letters of Explanation You may find yourself in jeopardy of losing academic scholarships and/or financial aid because your grades are not released in a timely manner by your host institution. To help you avoid penalties resulting from delayed transcripts, we are happy to provide letters of explanation. Please contact the IFSA-Butler Academic Affairs department if you need assistance.

The transcript issued by your host institution is considered a legal document, and neither IFSAButler nor Butler University can alter any part of it.

We can make a change in class title, grade or credit only if we receive a revised official transcript from the host university.

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Avoiding Transcript Delays To help expedite your transcript you can do the following things: • • • •

Make sure you return an accurate course registration form to our Australia office.

Speak to your host university professors about any special deadlines you have for receiving grades.

Turn your work in on time. The professor can’t issue your grade without all your work.

Make sure all IFSA-Butler fees are paid, library books are returned and fines paid, no damages exist in your housing and no other debt exists in your name when you return to the United States.

Rush Transcripts If you need a rush transcript, notify the IFSA-Butler Australia office in writing before returning to the United States using the rush transcript form located on our Australia office website. We make every effort to expedite the transcript but cannot guarantee that your host university will rush grades to us.

Additional Transcripts IFSA-Butler alumni may order additional transcripts after receiving their initial two transcripts from Butler University.

You can make a request via the National Student Clearinghouse.

You may need your Butler University student identification number in order to request your transcript. This number can be found on your Butler University transcript and in the IFSA-Butler student portal (login and password required). If you are unable to access your Butler University ID via these options, please phone IFSA-Butler’s Academic Affairs department and you will be asked a series of security questions in order to share your identification number.

If you have any other questions about the transcript request process, please contact an academic records coordinator at 800-858-0229.

Additional transcript fees and processing times: • Each additional transcript costs $9.

• The National Student Clearinghouse processing fee is $2.25 per recipient.

• All transcript requests are processed within five working days of receipt.

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Academic Record Appeal Be sure to check your grades online before you depart Australia at the end of your time abroad. Most Australian universities have a very short period in which you can speak to your professor, tutor, department head or other university official about your grades. It is common practice for university grade appeal deadlines to be four weeks after the mailing/ posting of exam/final grades.

If you disagree with a grade or credits on your Butler University transcript, you can initiate an academic record appeal through IFSA-Butler. More details about the appeal process, appeal criteria and deadlines will be included in the Student Handbook and are also available on our website.

Note that we will not address an appeal for any class in which you have taken an alternate assessment, taken an early exam or arranged to submit an essay outside the required due dates.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records.

Students who have reached the age of 18 or have entered into a postsecondary learning institution have the right to: • Inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the institution receives a request for access; • Have some control over the disclosure of information from their education records; • Seek to amend education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA; • File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with requirements of FERPA. IFSA-Butler adheres to these fundamental rights of students who participate on IFSA-Butler programs.

Withdrawing from the Program

Ask the professors about their expectations, especially if there are major writing assignments. Don’t beat yourself up if your first grade isn’t what you wanted it to be. If you want a high distinction, go for it!

Also, take advantage of the learning center resources.

IFSA-Butler may allow a student to leave the program early only in cases of severe medical or personal problems, and only for circumstances approved by your Australian university. Otherwise, IFSA-Butler does not report grades as incomplete. An incomplete or “absent” grade will be reported on your Butler University transcript as a fail. Results from all courses will be reported to your home institution.

– Michelle Feng He, Wake Forest University University of Western Australia

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FINANCES

Payments and Financial Aid IFSA-Butler Finance Office Our finance office processes all payments and invoices and is available to answer questions about payments, scholarships, consortium agreements and more. You can reach our finance office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET daily by calling 800-858-0229.

Program Fees We publish our fees for each upcoming semester, summer or year three to six months before departure, and we set our program fees in U.S. dollars to protect our students and their parents from currency fluctuations. Our fees are set and do not change because of changes in the exchange rates. In order to balance out the exchange rate fluctuations and to stabilize our fees we use forward contracts, which can result in an average exchange rate that may vary significantly from the daily rates quoted by the banks.

What’s included in our program fee

Expenses not included in the program fee

Your IFSA-Butler program fee includes the following:

Expenses not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee include:

• Tuition • Housing • Meals for some programs (see our website for details) • Predeparture preparations • Visa assistance • Full-time resident staff in Australia • Orientation abroad (including accommodation and at least one substantial meal per day) • Activities and events • Excursions and day trips (semester/year programs) • Basic student union/university activity fees • Personal and academic support services • 24/7 emergency assistance abroad • Medical insurance and assistance plan • Two academic transcripts issued by Butler University

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Meals (unless noted on our website) Residential College housing fees Commuting expenses Vacation expenses International airfare U.S. domestic travel Passport or visa Flights to university cities outside of Sydney Return transportation to the airport at the end of the program Personal property and travel insurance Tuition differentials Course overload surcharges Personal items, textbooks and supplies University linen deposits Costs related to independent housing

IFSA-Butler sends invoices to each student’s designated billing address four to six weeks before the payment deadline. Students who apply and/or are accepted late may receive their invoices later.

Some housing assignments abroad incur supplemental charges that we pass on to our students. These charges are usually for mandatory meal plans but may also include fees for “full service” facilities, activity fees, gown rental or activities associated with life in the housing.

Invoices generally cover tuition and housing, but your invoice may vary if we have a direct billing arrangement with your home college or university (see Direct Billing Arrangements below). Payment deadlines are listed on page 25.

Most supplemental housing bills will be sent to your billing address near the end of your time abroad.

However, small out-of-pocket costs such as linen and key deposits may be payable directly to your host university or housing office.

Direct Billing Arrangements IFSA-Butler has direct billing arrangements with many U.S. colleges and universities. Direct billing institutions agree to pay all or part of the IFSA-Butler invoice on behalf of their students, and students in turn pay the direct billing institution instead of IFSA-Butler.

If the home college or university pays for tuition or housing only, IFSA-Butler will send the unpaid portion of the invoice to the student’s parents.

Housing supplementals vary from university to university; the fees on our website (www.ifsa-butler. org) list each university’s housing supplementals.

Tuition and Housing Invoices from IFSA-Butler

Our Money Matters booklet includes more details about direct billing arrangements. Our Student Portal will indicate whether or not your home college has a direct billing agreement with IFSA-Butler.

Other Invoices from IFSA-Butler IFSA-Butler sometimes sends additional invoices based on a student’s housing, enrollment or credit load. We mail these additional invoices to designated billing addresses toward the end of the semester.

Tuition Supplemental Fees All IFSA-Butler fees are based on an arts and humanities fee structure. Some universities in Australia set higher tuition for study in certain subjects (e.g., science, engineering, psychology, music, computer science and archaeology). Tuition supplementals vary from university to university; the fees on our website (www.ifsa-butler.org) outline which fees, if any, your host university will have and for which subjects.

These fees reflect the costs of equipment the university has to provide for certain majors, rather than the costs of studying a course in that department.

Therefore, if you are admitted to a department that imposes a higher tuition fee, the university may charge you a tuition supplemental even if you do not take any courses in that department.

Meal Plans Many residence halls abroad have mandatory meal plans. If you are assigned a room in a hall of residence nce with a meal plan, we will send a bill to your designatated billing address near the end of your time abroad. d.

No refund is available for unused portions of meal plans. The fees on our website (www.ifsa-butler.org) g) list meal plan costs where relevant.

Supplemental Housing Fees The housing portion of our program fee is based on n the cost of basic accommodation, usually a shared room in a dormitory, apartment or student house.

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We send supplemental tuition bills after enrollment abroad is confirmed. Be sure to investigate and discuss your program’s supplemental fees with your parents and home university’s study abroad office.

Overload Fee Some host universities charge a fee for overloads (taking more than 16 U.S. semester credit hours). Our Australia staff discuss overloads during orientation to help students fully understand their course load requirements and avoid unwanted bills.

Withdraw Fees Some universities in Australia have instituted very strict withdraw policies, particularly for summer programs. The policies vary between universities but generally require students to pay a large penalty for withdrawing from the program after a specified date.

Although IFSA-Butler students pay their fees to us instead of to the universities abroad, IFSA-Butler is contractually responsible for any fees incurred on behalf of our students. Therefore, we are obligated to follow these universities’ refund policies and to pass penalties along to our students.

These withdraw policies are clearly outlined on our website, on housing forms (in cases where penalties are tied to housing fees) and are also detailed in predeparture emails from our program advisors.

Monthly Payment Plan Tuition Payment Plan IFSA-Butler allows semester and year students to make monthly payments on the program fee through Tuition Payment Plan. This plan can be used to pay any portion of the IFSA-Butler program fee except for the $500 program deposit.

We automatically send a Tuition Payment Plan application to all parents, unless you have requested in writing that we not contact your parents. If you want to look over this information yourself, please call and request a copy from our finance office.

Tuition Payment Plan is not available for summer programs.

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Travel with other study abroad students to split l costs and save money by cooking together at hostels and packing lunches.

–Catherine Culp, Case Western Reserve University James Cook University

Using Tuition Payment Plan for Supplemental Costs You may also use Tuition Payment Plan to cover the cost of meal plans, supplemental housing fees and tuition supplementals. However, because these additional invoices are not sent until after your arrival and enrollment abroad, you will need to estimate the amount of the supplemental costs for your program and build that amount into your Tuition Payment Plan monthly payment. You will receive a refund if you overestimate the cost of supplementals.

More Information About Tuition Payment Plan The IFSA-Butler finance office is happy to answer questions about Tuition Payment Plan. Our finance staff can be reached at 800-858-0229.

Payment Instructions Payment Due Dates and Financial Deadlines Program deposit Semester 1 program fee Semester 2 program fee Summer program fee

15 days after acceptance December 15 May 15 May 15

Please note that IFSA-Butler charges a $45 fee for late payments.

How to Make Payments IFSA-Butler accepts payment by check or credit card. When making a payment, please follow these guidelines: • Make checks payable to the Institute for Study Abroad. Checks should indicate on the memo section the student’s full name and the name of the program abroad (e.g., University of Sydney).

• Send checks to: Institute for Study Abroad 6201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46278 • You may pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or by e-check via the “My Account” tab in your Student Portal.

Processing fees for credit card payments are applicable.

Delinquent Payments If we do not receive financial aid documentation or your full payment by the payment deadline listed above, you will be withdrawn from our program. You will not be refunded your $500 program deposit or the cost of your airline ticket.

Late Applicants If you apply after the application deadline, your $500 program deposit is required at the time you apply and is refundable only if you cannot be offered a place in an program. The program fee is due upon acceptance if you are accepted into a program after the program fee deadline.

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Financial Aid Payments IFSA-Butler accepts transfers of financial aid for payment of our program fees. Make an appointment with your home campus financial aid officer as early as possible and request a contractual/consortium agreement.

A contractual/consortium agreement is your only guarantee that your financial aid will be transferred to your study abroad program. For more information, please consult Money Matters (included in your welcome packet).

If you plan to apply financial aid toward the payment of the IFSA-Butler program fee, send us a copy of your contractual/consortium agreement (from your financial aid officer) and a copy of your financial aid award letter and/or loan guarantees. These documents should indicate the amount of financial aid award and its disbursal date.

Butler University does not process financial aid for IFSA-Butler students unless they are pursuing an undergraduate degree from Butler University. Please do not send any correspondence to Butler University’s Office of Financial Aid.

Scholarships IFSA-Butler Scholarships IFSA-Butler believes that study abroad should be within the reach of every student, so we offer a wide range of scholarships for use on our programs.

Some of these scholarships are for study in Australia or for specific programs in Australia, while others may be used for study in any of our programs abroad.

Please visit our website for scholarship details and application deadlines.

Other Scholarships Many companies and organizations offer scholarships for international study. A list of these opportunities can be found on our website.

Managing Your Money Abroad We suggest relying on a combination of cash, credit cards and a U.S. debit card while you are abroad. We’ll give you additional advice on money management during the orientation; in the meantime, here are a few guidelines. The best way to save money while studying abroad is to copy the financial lifestyle of local students.

Currency and Exchange Rates Currency in Australia is the Australian dollar. As with U.S. currency, there are 100 cents to the Australia dollar. You can change money at the airport upon arrival or at any Australian bank during regular hours. The latest exchange rate is available at any bank, in most major newspapers and on the web at www.oanda. com.

Personal Checks Personal checks written in U.S. dollars can take months to clear. You should not bring, and your parents should not send, checks written in U.S. dollars.

Banking Semester Students We recommend that you open a bank account upon arrival in your Australian host city. To open the account, you will need to present your passport, student visa information, student identification and proof of your residence in Australia.

The largest banks in Australia are National Australia Bank (NAB), Commonwealth Bank, Australia New Zealand Bank (ANZ) and Westpac. You should consider one of these banks because you’ll find one of their branches while traveling almost anywhere in the country.

All Australian bank accounts have a PIN-activated debit card that you can use at merchants and ATMs all over the country. The card makes direct debits from your account, and you can use it to get cash from merchants. This electronic money system (called EFTPOS—Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) is available at all Australian retail outlets and tourist operations.

ATMs can be difficult to locate in more remote areas of Australia. Also, banks aren’t open on the weekends

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(except in large cities) or public holidays, so when you travel, plan ahead or use EFTPOS. Remember to avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you. Theft happens!

Summer Students Summer students will not be in Australia long enough to open a bank account and should instead plan to use ATMs to access their U.S. bank account.

U.S. Bank Account ATM/Debit Cards You will probably be able to use your U.S. debit card at ATMs throughout Australia. Cirrus and Plus systems are the most common networks, so be sure that your debit card lists one of these networks. Note that most ATMs abroad accept only 4-digit PINs. Contact your U.S. bank to be sure you can use your card in Australia and in other countries where you plan to travel. Some U.S. banks block usage of debit cards in certain countries because of concerns about fraud.

The main advantage of keeping a U.S. bank account is that it allows your parents to deposit money into your account at home, and you’ll be able to access this money this way easily and immediately.

Use cash when you go out, set a limit and stick to it. Pick things you want to do early and save money for them. Get a credit card with no international fee and a debit card that does not have ATM fees, because these can add up quickly and it becomes difficult to keep taking out money. Finally, hang on to your change—the really small, easy-to-lose coin is worth $2.

–Olga Eliseeva, Case Western Reserve University University of New South Wales

The main disadvantage to using a U.S. debit card is the fees. Your U.S. bank, as well as the Australia bank that owns the ATM you use, may charge a fee for each transaction. These fees can add up quickly.

Don’t rely entirely on a U.S. debit card. If your card is lost or stolen, you won’t have access to emergency funds. Keep an emergency reserve of money just in case. Be sure to record your bank’s customer service telephone number and your account number in case you need to report a lost or stolen card.

Credit Cards Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted in Australia. Any credit card you use abroad must have your name on it as given on your passport. If you plan to use a parent’s credit card, your parent should request an extra card in your name.

Keep a list of your credit card numbers and the cards’ customer service numbers in case your cards are lost or stolen.

Wire Transfers If you need money in a hurry, you can have it sent to you via American Express or Western Union. You don’t need an American Express card to wire money.

Even though wiring money involves a large fee, it is relatively safe, and usually you can receive the money within one day. You will need your passport to collect the money. Some banks may also accept wire transfers.

We recommend calling your credit card company before departure to explain that you’ll be studying abroad in Australia. This will decrease the likelihood of your international purchases being flagged as fraudulent.

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Student Expenses Abroad

GST

We’ve designed this section to give you and your parents an idea of the kinds of expenses you may have while in Australia. Actual cost estimates can be found in the budget planner included in your welcome packet. In addition, each program page on our website includes Personal Cost Estimates for that program and city.

Groceries

No matter where you study in Australia, the cost of living is higher than most places in the United States.

Theaters, clubs, cinemas, shops, restaurants, grocery stores and pubs can rapidly drain your bank account.

See our money saving tips on the next page.

Australia imposes a Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most purchases and services. The current GST in Australia is 10 percent.

Groceries can cost far more in Australia than at a supermarket in the United States, so make sure your food budget is adequate. Because you may be cooking for yourself, take some time to learn a few easy recipes before you leave, or bring a small cookbook from home. Make sure your cookbook has temperature and metric equivalents, or bring a set of measuring cups and spoons from home.

Gym Memberships Orientation Orientation is covered by your program fee and includes housing, breakfast and one other substantial meal a day. However, past students have recommended bringing money for souvenirs, snacks and evening entertainment.

Emergency Reserve You should always have some money set aside for emergencies, whether it is your credit card or a cash reserve.

Textbooks and Supplies Textbooks can be even more expensive than in the U.S., so many study abroad students rely on the library and make photocopies of required readings.

Be sure to budget enough money to purchase books and cover the cost of copying.

Gym memberships in Australia can cost as much as AU$600 for a semester. Most universities have student gyms and give discounts for memberships, but the cost is still high.

Personal Expenses Be sure to budget for the following miscellaneous expenses in Australia: • Small appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, etc.

• Phone cards and/or cell phone (see page 42 for more information) • Haircuts • Laundry • Course supplies • Photocopying • Emergency cash reserve

Dining Out The cost of dining out can range enormously; the best approach is to follow the habits of Australian students. An evening meal in Sydney, for example, can easily cost $25. On the other hand, you can dine on take-out food for $5–$10 or have a large, reasonably priced Asian or Middle Eastern meal for as little as $12. Overspending is easy and buying lots of drinks can quickly destroy your budget.

Campus Clubs and Activities You may be required to pay a fee to join some clubs or participate in student activities on campus.

Cook as much as you can. It’s much cheaper than going out. Make leftovers so you can have lunch the next day.

Also, if you like biking, buy a bike and sell it when you leave. You will save time and money on transportation costs.

–Matthew Lipman, Colby College University of Melbourne

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See your budget planner for more information about personal expenses.

Money-saving tips for Australia

Public Transportation

TIP #1: Consult Good Travel Resources Every savvy traveler should do extensive online research or purchase a good travel guidebook. We recommend Lonely Planet, Rick Steves and Rough Guides, all of which are geared for travelers on a budget and have all kinds of helpful tips about bargains, local sights, free events and attractions, and more. You can purchase these online or at any major bookstore in the travel section, or search information online.

Walking and taking the bus are great ways to get around your host city. The bus system is fairly extensive, both locally and regionally, and most Australian bus systems offer student discounts. At night, we recommend that you use a taxi or take a shuttle.

Residential College Expenses In addition to the supplemental housing fees for residential colleges, students who choose to live in a residential college may be required to pay additional fees for t-shirts, gowns, events and more.

Taxis Many students in Australia’s larger cities use taxis when going out with friends. Taxis are pricey for just one or two people but can end up being cheaper than public transportation for a group of friends.

Taxis in many areas charge on a meter-based system, but in some cities the price is fixed within certain areas. Our Australia staff will advise you during orientation about ways to save on commuting costs.

Bicycles Some Australian cities have excellent provisions for cyclists, so you may want to consider renting or buying a bicycle while abroad. Bike helmets are mandatory in Australia.

Phones Review the section on telephones and mail on pages 42–43 for specifics on telephones. This guide will help you budget for or cell phones in Australia.

TIP #2: Get a Job Don’t forget that in Australia you can legally work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. See page 47 for more details.

TIP #3: Always Ask for a Student Discount Always ask for a student discount. Don’t be shy — it can help save you a lot of money. Many stores have student discount cards, and your host university may have other discount passes you can pick up as well.

Visit the student union to look for flyers advertising “Student Night” at local clubs, bars and restaurants.

TIP #4: Talk to Australian Students The Australian students around you will undoubtedly be on a budget as well. Ask where they got their pots, pans, bedding, clothes, food, etc. and learn to shop like they do!

TIP #5: Take Advantage of Coupons There are always going to be coupons in the local newspaper or online, and there are often people giving out flyers on the streets of shopping districts. If you haven’t used coupons before, learn to love them (even if you might feel a bit like your grandma!).

TIP #6: Be a Savvy Grocery Shopper Many cities in Australia have local street markets where local farmers/venders come to sell their wares.

You can buy great fresh, locally grown produce and food at these markets. You also can meet interesting people while doing this—grocery shopping can become a fun cultural experience!

TIP #7: Watch Your Pub Visits!

Just like here in the U.S., alcohol is expensive in Australia—only more so! Keep an eye on your pub budget.

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Tipping Australia does not have the same tipping culture as U.S. and it is not customary to tip in restaurants, bars or pubs. In taxis, it is polite to round up the fare to the nearest dollar, or to give 10 percent if the driver has helped you with luggage or packages.

Entertainment The range of social activities in Australia is wide enough to offer something for everyone. Tickets range in price, but student discounts (called “concessions”) are sometimes available if you know the time to queue (line up) for tickets. Bulletin boards and international offices at the universities are useful sources of information. Cinema tickets tend to be more expensive for first-run films than they are in the United States, but always ask for student rates and have your host university student ID handy.

Vacations Budget extra money for more costly vacation activities, including meals. Consult the travel publications in our bibliography for budget ideas or talk to our staff in Australia. For travel accommodation, get a good guidebook and use it as a planner for vacation lodging.

Lodging Hostels are a popular accommodation choice in Australia and can be found all over the country, including out-of-the-way places. Use of spa pools and sports equipment, free meals and other benefits will often be included in the cost.

The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) also publishes its own vacation guide. You can join the YHA before you ou leave the United States or after you arrive in Australia. alia.

The YHA card offers discounts while traveling. For more information, visit www.yha.com.

Overall Budgeting Because of the different spending habits and resources of each of our students, we can’t estimate e any one person’s budget needs. For an individual and accurate estimate, please complete the budget planner included in your welcome packet.

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Instead of spending your money at bars, save up for: tthe Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Melbourne, skydiving, Bridge Climb. The possibilities are endless.

–Michelle Feng He, Wake Forest University University of New South Wales

G E T T I N G R E A D Y T O L E AV E

Official Travel Documents You will need the following documents for travel and immigration purposes: • Passport • Australian student visa (semester and year students only) • Electronic Travel Authority (summer students)

Passport You must have a passport that is valid for six months past the time you plan to be abroad. If you don’t have a passport, apply for one immediately. Normal processing takes six weeks and may take longer during peak travel times.

Passport fees and requirements change frequently.

For complete information about applying for a passport, go to the State Department’s website at www.travel.state.gov and click on “Passports.”

You must present the following documentation to obtain a U.S. passport: • Proof of U.S. citizenship—either a certified copy of a birth certificate, a previously issued passport, a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship or a consular report of birth for a U.S. citizen born abroad • Two recent, identical passport photos (2” x 2”) • The completed passport application and fee If you are not a U.S. citizen, make sure both your permanent resident card (if applicable) and passport are current and valid. You might need to check with the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office near your university or home (check online at www.uscis.gov).

Australian Student Visa Visas are documents supplied by governments (including the U.S.) to grant permission to study, visit or live abroad. You must obtain an Australian student visa from the Australian government before leaving the United States. The Australian visa application process is online for most students, although citizens of certain countries may need to complete a paper application.

IFSA-Butler provides detailed instructions, but obtaining the visa is your responsibility. Students are generally not allowed to apply for the visa more than three months before departure. Do not apply for your visa until instructed to do so by your program advisor.

It is important that you enter Australia with a student visa, not just a tourist visa. Not only is it illegal for you to go with a tourist visa, but once in Australia you may find it difficult and expensive to change your status from tourist to student. If you plan to travel to countries other than Australia, be sure to investigate whether you will need a tourist visa. Sometimes you have to apply for a tourist visa before arriving at the border, so check the requirements for travel before departure.

The exact fee for obtaining an Australian student visa varies according to the exchange rate, but you’ll need to factor approximately AU$550 into your study abroad budget for this fee.

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Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Summer students must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority, a visitor visa that is good for three months in Australia. You can obtain an ETA from your airline or travel agent when you purchase your ticket to Australia. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will send you additional details once you are accepted into a program.

Visas for Non-U.S. Citizens If you are not a U.S. citizen, contact your home country’s embassy or consulate to determine if you will need a visa for your time abroad. Most visa applications for Australia can be completed online, but students who are required to complete paper applications must do so through their own country’s embassy.

Copies of Your Travel Documents Keep track of all your travel documents. Make two copies of your passport and Australian student visa; leave one copy with your parents and pack the other in your luggage separately from your passport. If you lose your passport, having a copy to take to the U.S. Embassy speeds the replacement process.

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While exploring Australia, I visited Ayers Rock in Northern Territory.

On my first night in the open desert, I watched the sun set and dined under the stars with friends.

It was a beautiful way of taking in the unique landforms of the state and to enjoy the effortless silence of such a remote area. My time spent in the desert was full of adventures and a quick escape from the bright lights of Sydney.

–Sara Saltzman, Susquehanna University Macquarie University

Travel Services Do not purchase a ticket until you have been accepted to a host university! When scheduling a return flight, be sure to choose a flight that arrives in time for the IFSA-Butler orientation and leaves no sooner than the program end date, after you have completed all your academic responsibilities, including exams. Visit the IFSA-Butler website for program dates.

IFSA-Butler partners with STA Travel to offer travel booking assistance for our students. There are several advantages to booking your flight reservations through STA: • •

Work with an experienced travel agent Lock in the price of your international ticket with a deposit and pay the rest later • Reduce or eliminate change fees with the option of a Multiflex Pass for flexible travel dates • Compare airfare prices between airlines so you book a ticket that works for your budget and travel time • International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is included Any program student who arrives on their program date within the published arrival window will be provided with ground transportation from the airport to IFSA-Butler orientation.

If you arrive outside of the published timeframe, you are responsible for your own transportation from the airport to the orientation location. The address and directions to the orientation location are included in the Travel Newsletter, which is email to students prior to their U.S. departure.

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Insurance and Health Care IFSA-Butler Insurance OSHC The Australian government requires all international students to have proof of health insurance before enrolling in courses. The IFSA-Butler program fee includes the expense of Australian Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is issued by the Australian university. Students are covered for any medical treatment once they enter Australian air space. OSHC should be considered your primary health insurance within Australia. The IFSA-Butler group medical insurance covers payments not paid by OSHC and any treatment you receive in other countries abroad.

CISI The IFSA-Butler program fee includes a medical insurance, emergency assistance and evacuation plan through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). CISI specializes in providing insurance for U.S. students who will receive treatment when outside the United States. All IFSA-Butler students are enrolled in the CISI insurance plan as a part of their study abroad program.

IFSA-Butler was always there to support me in any way that I needed.

If there was ever any problem with housing, classes, or just general things I was able to find someone to support and provide me with advice. They hi prepared us well beforehand and while in our host country and made everything very easy and relaxed. –Samantha Munoz, Vanderbilt University University of New South Wales

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The CISI program covers the following: • • • • • • •

Eligible medical expenses covered at 100 percent to $350,000 with no deductible Emergency medical evacuation to $250,000 Emergency medical reunion to $10,000 Pre-existing condition coverage up to $10,000 Mental health condition coverage to $10,000 (outpatient) and $50,000 (inpatient) Partial coverage for alcohol and drug abuse assistance Emergency medical and travel assistance services include: • Worldwide hospital, physician and mental health provider referral • Prescription replacement/shipment • 24 hour emergency travel arrangements and emergency services • Translation service • Lost document and credit card assistance

There are exclusions to coverage that are outlined on the website at www.culturalinsurance.com/ifsa. All students should review the CISI coverage to determine if additional insurance will be needed while studying abroad, in particular students with preexisting conditions. Costs of any additional insurance purchased is the responsibility of the student.

Additional Insurance Please remember that IFSA-Butler does not provide travel or personal property insurance. If you want to insure your trip or belongings while you are abroad, contact a reputable travel insurance provider.

Extended Coverage You can choose to extend your CISI coverage up to 30 days before or after your travel to Australia. Contact CISI before departure for more information about purchasing this coverage.

Additional Insurance Sources To obtain travel, property or additional medical coverage for a pre-existing condition, we recommend contacting an insurance company that specializes in coverage for U.S. students abroad. Cultural Insurance Services International, which provides the insurance plan for IFSA-Butler students, can provide a range of insurance services.

Cultural Insurance Services International 800-303-8120 www.culturalinsurance.com

Dates of Coverage Coverage begins one day before the program start date and ends on the program end date. It can be extended 30 days before or after the program by contacting CISI directly. Coverage is applicable anywhere outside the U.S., not just the location in which the student is studying.

Insurance Card You can print an individual insurance card and plan details before departure via the CISI website (www. mycisi.com) utilizing your personal account. Students will receive an email from CISI notifying you of enrollment in the insurance plan.

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Health Care

Prescription Drugs

Below are some predeparture health care recommendations, as well as some hints for communicating your medical needs to IFSA-Butler before the start of the program:

Bringing Prescription Medication into Australia You may bring a maximum of three months’ worth of your medication into Australia. Ask your doctor to write a 90-day prescription for any regular medication before your departure.

• Have your family physician prepare a summary of ongoing treatment.

• Bring an adequate supply of your medications (up to three months is allowed) and leave them in their labeled containers.

• See “Prescription Drugs” on this page for more details on bringing medications to Australia.

• We recommend that you undergo complete physical, vision and dental exams prior to departure.

• Update any vaccination(s) your physician recommends.

• Please note any medical conditions on the medical form included in your acceptance packet.

Remember that we keep all medical information strictly confidential.

• If you have been treated for depression, anxiety, eating disorders or anything that can be classified as a mental health condition, discuss your study abroad plans with your support team.

• Discuss the possibility of obtaining additional insurance coverage for treatment abroad with your parents or study abroad advisor.

Your medication must be accompanied by a written prescription from the doctor that includes the generic name, if possible, and all the ingredients of the medication. Each prescription should be accompanied by a letter from your doctor stating what the medication is for and your intended dosage.

Declaring Medication You must declare your medications when you enter Australia. Bring all medications in the original packaging and present all of the documentation described above. If Australia Customs agents find that you are bringing more than three months’ worth of medication, they will throw away the extra.

Renewing Prescriptions in Australia U.S. prescriptions cannot be filled in Australia. Once you have used up your 90-day supply of any medicine, you will need to take the documentation from your U.S. doctor to an Australian doctor to get an Australian prescription. Contact your student health clinic on campus to see a doctor, or your IFSA-Butler student services coordinator in Australia can help you locate a doctor off-campus if you prefer.

Controlled Substances Some popular U.S. medications such as Adderall are considered controlled substances in Australia. If you are taking a medication considered to be a controlled substance, you must contact the Australian government to investigate the availability of your medication in Australia and Customs regulations on bringing such medication into the country. Email info@tga.gov. au to find out how to bring your requred medication into the country.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration is Australia’s government agency that advises on the importation of medications. You can find information about controlled substances and other medication regulations on its website, http://www.tga.gov.au/consumers/ travellers-entering.htm.

Common medications such as birth control and allergy medicines are generally not controlled substances, so they are typically easy to get in Australia.

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Allergies

Students with Disabilities

If you have an allergy that is life-threatening, we recommend bringing an EpiPen to Australia. Any student wanting to fly with an EpiPen is required to notify the airline in advance. If you need to purchase one while in Australia, you should expect to pay between $100 and $150.

We encourage students with physical and learning disabilities to explore studying abroad through our programs. We can work with you and our affiliated universities to find a program that most closely meets your needs in a community that is as accessible as possible.

Many popular over-the-counter allergy medications are available in Australia. If you take prescription allergy medication, see page 36 for more details about prescriptions in Australia.

We can investigate the availability of modified facilities, adaptive equipment, learning disability policies, local medical facilities or other required services.

Equipment or services may result in an additional cost to you.

If you take allergy shots, you’ll need to obtain in writing the exact name and formula from your U.S. doctor and take this information with you to an Australian allergist. The exact formula for your allergy shots may be difficult to match in Australia.

Immunizations There are no required immunizations for U.S. citizens traveling to Australia, but we recommend that you have all standard immunizations up to date. For more information on health matters, consult the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov for recommendations and health alerts.

If you have a learning disability, be aware that universities in Australia do not allow unlimited test times in private rooms with computers. Some universities may allow for the allotted additional time you normally receive, but you should expect to receive no more than an extra 30 minutes for every hour of the standard testing time, with no private room.

You can inform IFSA-Butler of any medical condition by filling out the medical form in your acceptance packet. Medical conditions have no bearing on your admission, but your study abroad experience may be negatively affected if all parties involved are not adequately informed of your needs.

Please note that requests for special arrangements or accommodations require documentation from your home college or university, as well as from a physician or therapist.

My fondest memory is my visit with an Aboriginal elder in one of Perth’s suburbs. She was part of the “Lost Generation,” and her story was iincredible to listen to. She was also a very accomplished artist, and t I was able to watch her paint and draw. It was a cultural experience that was unique and very different than anything I had experienced thus far in my abroad experience. I will always remember that day.

–Nicholas Martino, Wake Forest University University of Western Australia

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Packing

Packing Tips

Please do not overpack! Storage space is usually minimal and closets in student residences are very small.

Luggage Size and Weight • Australian airlines have stringent baggage and weight limits. Visit your airline’s website to view checked baggage policies and any fees for checked bags.

• Do not attempt to exceed your airline’s baggage limit. If you do, the airline staff can make you repack and/or pay an extra weight fee, or the airline may refuse to accept your luggage at all.

• You will have to carry your luggage everywhere, so make sure that you can manage all your luggage by yourself.

• Carry-on luggage must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. We recommend that you keep your carry-on weight to about 10 pounds since you’ll be navigating very large airports.

Pack wisely and use suitable luggage. Trunks are too heavy and impossible to handle alone, and suitcases are bulky and tiring to carry. Past students suggest a sturdy, internal-frame backpack as the ideal piece of luggage. A backpack, small suitcase and small carry-on are all the luggage you should need.

Climate The seasons in Australia are opposite of the Northern Hemisphere, with summer December through February and winter June through August.

Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne are humid and temperate, with warm summers and cool but not cold winters. Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Gold Coast and Perth have a subtropical climate similar to Florida.

Canberra has a mostly dry climate with hot summers and cool winters.

Australia’s winter is often cooler and more damp than U.S. students expect. Be sure to pack the cool weather clothing recommended on p. 39.

Protecting Your Luggage From Theft and Loss • Make luggage tags to identify all of your luggage, including your carry-on.

• Put labels inside your luggage in case the outside labels fall off.

• If you put a lock on your bag, make sure it is approved by the Transportation Security Administration (see www.tsa.gov); otherwise, airline security may cut it off.

Protecting Your Documents and Valuables • Do not pack your tickets, passport, travel documents, medication or valuables in your checked luggage. Keep them on your person at all times.

• Do not put valuables in a backpack; backpacks are prone to theft.

General Packing Advice • Pack what you’ll need first on top in one bag.

• Pack shampoos, toothpaste and any other liquids or gels in plastic bags.

• A plastic bag can also be used to separate clean and dirty laundry and to hold wet clothes (resealable bags are the best).

• Pack your carry-on so that you can live out of it for a few days if your checked luggage gets lost.

• If you can’t decide whether to take something expensive or sentimental, ask yourself how you would feel if it was lost or stolen.

• Leave room in your luggage to bring home the things you acquire while abroad.

• Keep FAA regulations in mind when packing your carry-on. Do not bring anything that could be considered a weapon onto the plane.

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Suggested Packing List Clothes • Hooded waterproof, windproof jacket • Wool or fleece sweaters • Jeans and casual pants • Heavy sweatshirt • Shorts • Turtlenecks and button-down shirts • T-shirts • Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes • At least one dressy outfit—note that many bars and nightclubs have strict dress codes • Appropriate shoes to match dressy outfit—bars and nightclubs require closed-toe or high-heeled shoes and often ban sandals • Warm hat, scarf and gloves • Undergarments, socks, pajamas and long underwear (polypropylene is best; don’t bring cotton) • Workout clothes • Swimsuit • Sandals and sneakers Laundry methods may be hard on your clothes, so pack clothes that can take some abuse. You might have to dry your clothes on a line.

Health, Hygiene and Safety • Prescription medications in their original labeled containers • Written prescriptions for refills (use the generic name)

Do Not Bring • Expensive jewelry or items with sentimental value • Too much cash • Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia of any kind • Electrical appliances (Australia uses different plugs and voltage.)

• Too much luggage • Fruits, nuts, honey, meats or any food or plant materials that could contain pests of any kind • Medicines for which you don’t have identifying labels or proof of prescription • Dirty hiking, camping or other outdoor equipment • Mace or pepper spray, both of which are illegal in Australia

• Letters from doctors for all medications, including contact information for the doctor and an explanation of what the medication is for (see page 36 for more information) • Spare contact lenses and glasses • At least one month’s supply of contact solution • Sunscreen of at least SPF 30 • Sunglasses • Small first-aid kit (band-aids, antibiotic cream, aspirin, cold and flu medication, cough drops, etc.)

• Insect repellent • Travel-size toiletries • Sun hat Miscellaneous • Address book • Portable alarm clock (battery-operated) • Simple recipes • Journal and pen • Sewing kit • iPod, CDs, etc.

• Photos of family and friends • Camera and memory card • Umbrella Items to Consider Renting or Purchasing in Australia • Musical instruments • Sports/hobby equipment (e.g., skis, snowboard, bicycle, ski boots)

Try your hardest to remain outside your comfort zone. Don’t hang out with the fellow U.S. people. I know it’s easy to fall back into that lifestyle, but try to hang out with people from outside of the U.S. –Matthew Lipman, Colby College University of Melbourne M O R E C U LT U R E . L E S S S H O C K .

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Your Ideal Carry-On Bag • Passport: check to ensure that it is valid sixx months past the time you are scheduled to be abroad • Student validation document, which we will mail to you in your final Australia Essentials predeparture update • Your plane tickets and/or boarding passes • Travel-size toiletries • Credit cards, debit card and limited cash • Something to read • Something to listen to • Journal and a pen • A change of clothes in case your checked luggage is lost • Medications and written prescriptions • Sweater and/or waterproof jacket • Spare glasses and/or contact lenses and solution (the plane can be very dry, so you might want to wear glasses instead of your contact lenses) • Water (purchased after clearing security) and a small snack • Camera • Laptop, tablet and/or e-reader You should also pack in your carry-on all your important paperwork: • Contact details for your home college advisor • Name and email of your IFSA-Butler program advisor and resident director • Contact details for your physician(s) • CISI insurance card email • Updated home university transcript (a student copy is fine; you might need it during registration) • Your final Australia Essentials predeparture update, which will be mailed to your home address two to three weeks before departure. The Australia Essentials update will include numbers for our Australia office and directions for where to go upon arrival in Sydney.

• A printout of your visa confirmation email (semester and year students only)

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Linens and Towels If possible, you will be advised about what linens are provided when you receive your housing assignment. If you don’t have your housing assignment prior to departure, you should plan to buy inexpensive linens when you arrive at your host university.

In some housing options, students must rent or purchase duvets and pillows.

All students must provide their own towels. Most students purchase towels in Australia in order save room in their luggage, but we recommend bringing at least one washcloth with you, as these are not commonly used in Australia.

Contact Lenses Pack a spare set of lenses and your eyeglasses in case of emergency. Bring your lens or glasses prescription.

Your favorite contact care brands will probably be available in Australia, but the cost of solution is very expensive compared to in the United States. You may want to take enough to last your entire time abroad.

Appliances Don’t bring electrical appliances from home. You’ll need a voltage converter and plug adapter to make anything with a motor work in Australia’s threepronged, 240V outlets. Converters are unreliable and can even be fire hazards. Small appliances such as hair dryers and curling irons are easy to acquire in Australia and are relatively inexpensive.

Medication See page 36 for more details on taking medication to Australia.

Musical Instruments If you bring a musical instrument, pack it in a hard case and insure it. Instruments count as extra luggage on the flight and may incur an additional fee. If you bring a stringed instrument, loosen or remove the strings to reduce the tension on the neck during the flight.

Technology and Communications Laptops The only type of computer you should consider taking abroad is a laptop. Below are the pros and cons of bringing your own computer.

Pros of Bringing a Laptop • The convenience of working on your assignments anywhere and anytime you want.

• Immediate access for working on papers, uploading photos, etc.

• No need to familiarize yourself with a different computer and software in Australia.

• University computer labs in Australia usually close by 9 p.m.

Cons of Bringing a Laptop • High risk of theft.

• Internet may be slow or not available at all in your housing, which will limit the usefulness of your laptop.

• Your laptop will work only if it has an internal voltage switch to work with Australia’s higher voltage electrical currents.

• You will need to purchase a plug adapter so that your laptop can charge in an outlet in Australia.

• You will need to find a safe place to store your laptop when you travel, or bring it along with you.

If you do decide to bring your laptop, we recommend bringing an ethernet cable, as some housing options still use ethernet for Internet access. You can also purchase an inexpensive cable in your host city.

Internet Internet in Australia is based on a pay-as-you-view quota system. Viewing web pages, downloading music and checking Internet-based email accounts all count toward a quota limit.

You will be given a free Internet quota amount from your Australian university to be used at an oncampus computer lab. Once you set up your email account at your Australian university, you may want to have your family and friends start emailing you there, as you’ll be able to access that account on campus for free.

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If you want a personal Internet connection in your accommodation, you will have to get it through the local service provider at your own expense. The Internet rate you could be charged will be determined by your Internet usage. For reference, a website is usually under 1MB, but music and picture downloads are going to be several megabytes per song/photo.

You will be responsible for communicating with your roommates to select a plan that suits your needs.

Computer Labs Computer labs are available at all the Australian universities with which IFSA-Butler works, although labs are rarely open 24 hours a day. You will be assigned a university email account.

Internet Cafes Internet cafes are available throughout Australia.

For a small fee, you can have access to email and the Internet.

Tablets and E-Readers You may find iPads, Kindles or other tablets and e-readers useful while abroad. However, keep in mind that an outlet charger will not work abroad due to Australia’s different voltages and plugs. You can use a USB charger with your laptop, or if you’re not bringing a laptop, you can purchase a travel adapter kit to charge your devices.

Please be sure that any tablets or e-readers are insured against theft and damage.

Voltage Converters The U.S. operates on a 110V electrical system, while Australia has a 240V system. Most laptops and some small items such as shavers and camera battery chargers may be designed to handle both types of voltages; check the product information carefully.

Otherwise you’ll need a voltage converter to operate any appliance from the U.S. Voltage converters are often unreliable and can result in electrical shock, damage to the device or even fire. This is why we recommend purchasing small appliances abroad.

Plug Adaptors The shape of outlet plugs are also different in Australia.

You’ll need a plug adaptor for any appliance or electronic device from the U.S., even those designed to handle a higher voltage electrical system.

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Cell Phones IFSA-Butler requires all students to have a cell phone while abroad. Phones must be able to send and receive texts from our Australia office, and we will collect cell numbers from students during orientation.

Your IFSA-Butler program advisor is happy to answer questions about the cost and process of bringing or purchasing a cell phone abroad.

If you wish to bring your cell phone from home, we recommend that you ask your provider to unlock your phone before departure. We also recommended purchasing a SIM card with a prepaid plan rather than use an international phone plan.

In Australia it costs nothing to receive calls and texts messages, including those from the United States.

Calling Cards You can sign up for U.S.-based calling cards from AT&T, Sprint or other major phone providers. The bills for these calls can be included in your parents’ home phone bill, or in a separate bill if you choose. You can use these cards from any type of phone while in Australia. Be sure to compare costs when choosing a card.

Many of these companies also offer prepaid phone cards that can be used internationally, but you may find that prepaid cards bought in Australia (see Pay Phones below) offer better deals and are easier to use.

Calling Plans Many U.S.-based cell phone and land line companies offer special calling plans for frequent international calls. Your family and friends should shop around to find the best deals.

Pay Phones As in the U.S., pay phones are gradually disappearing in Australia. Telephones are available in some individual rooms at the host universities but not in all rooms. Pay phones are available throughout each campus and in most halls of residence.

Calls to Australia When your friends and family call Australia, they’ll need to use international codes. To call Australia from the United States, dial: • 011 to get your call routed out of the United States • 61 to route your call to Australia • the one-digit area code • the eight-digit local phone number Note that calls within Australia usually begin with a 0, but callers from the U.S. should drop the 0 when dialing your number.

Online Calling Options Skype is a great way to make free or low-cost calls internationally. The only drawbacks to using Skype is that the site may not work well with low bandwith Internet connections, which can be an issue with many university housing options in Australia, and streaming video will increase usage of download quota. Though a webcam is nice for seeing your family and friends on the other end of the call, foregoing the webcam will give you more bandwith and take less data from your account.

Google Talk offers Voice Over IP services online. It has fewer options than Skype but typically requires less bandwith.

Phone Home Schedule Regardless of how you choose to contact your family, we advise you to set up a schedule for calling home.

A schedule allows you to call when costs are lowest, and it also helps minimize your family’s worry about having you abroad because they know when to expect your calls.

Shipping Packages Shipping Companies When your parents or friends send packages, they should mark them honestly and appropriately, for example: “Used clothing—property of addressee” or “Confectionery—gift only.” Items may be sent by air or surface mail. Surface mail can take as long as eight weeks to reach Australia and air mail may take from eight days to two weeks.

The U.S. Postal Service and international shipping companies such as UPS and FedEx all have their own rules regarding shipping fees, customs charges and invoices for packages. Your family or friends should ask detailed questions and understand the postal or shipping company’s guidelines before sending parcels to you in Australia.

Please do not have your mail or packages sent to the IFSA-Butler Australia office. Your friends and family can send mail or packages directly to your housing in Australia once you move in.

Items to Avoid Shipping Abroad • Clothes: Whether they are previously worn or new, you’ll pay high customs charges and handling fees that often add up to more than the actual value of the clothing. Plan a little extra money in your budget to purchase anything you can’t bring in your luggage.

• Laptops or other electronics: These are likely to get damaged or stolen in transit and will incur huge customs charges and handling fees.

• Valuables • Medications

Mail Letters to and from the United States take five to seven days to arrive. If anything needs to reach you in a hurry or is very important to you, use express mail or a fax. The Australian mail service also offers an international express service. The U.S. Post Office provides the most cost-effective shipment of small packages to Australia, which takes about a week.

Be sure to tell your family and friends not to send mail to your Australia address prior to arrival.

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LIVING ABROAD

Housing The IFSA-Butler program fee includes housing between the program start and end dates. IFSAButler students in Australia live in the following types of housing, depending on their program: • University-operated dormitories • University-operated residential colleges • Student apartments • Host families

University-Operated Dormitories University-operated dorms are somewhat like American residence halls, but they involve a much greater level of community life. They often have amenities such as kitchens, laundry rooms and study lounges, as well as student organizations. Many halls even have their own sports teams.

Most offer single bedrooms, but some have doubles or even triples.

University-Operated Residential Colleges Many Australian universities have residential colleges. These colleges are similar to residence halls but foster an even stronger sense of identity and loyalty among their residents, somewhat akin to U.S. fraternities and sororities. Some colleges are religiously affiliated, some are single sex and nearly all have a mandatory meal plan. If you wish to apply for a space in a residential college, you will need to complete a separate housing application.

Residential colleges admissions are highly competitive, and those who are offered a place can expect to pay additional housing costs of several thousand dollars per semester.

Student Apartments Student apartments are usually located off campus and may be owned by the host university or by a private company. Apartment living requires a commute via public transportation, bicycle or walking.

Apartments are usually co-ed and house up to six students. Bedrooms are either singles or doubles, and residents share common areas, laundry facilities and well-equipped kitchens.

Host Families A very small number of IFSA-Butler programs in Australia offer housing with host families. Contact our office if you are interested in this type of living arrangement.

Independent Housing Although IFSA-Butler guarantees and arranges housing for students on our programs, you may choose to arrange your own housing abroad.

Most students who choose independent housing do so because of health or religious reasons, or because they wish to stay with family.

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You must make all housing arrangements on your own, including deposits, damage costs and payment of utilities. In addition, your home college study abroad office will need to give permission in writing for you to arrange your own housing. IFSA-Butler does not assist in resolving independent housing issues.

Meal Plans Many dorms and most residential colleges provide a mandatory board plan and/or a variety of residential charges.

Meal plans vary from institution to institution, offering from 10 to 21 meals per week. Most Australian meal plans don’t offer the range or variety of cuisine available to U.S. students at home. If you have dietary restrictions, contact your IFSA-Butler program advisor and discuss your housing options.

The program fees for some IFSA-Butler Australia programs include the cost of meal plans. For all other programs, IFSA-Butler will send an invoice for the meal plan to your billing address toward the end of the semester. In either case, there is no refund for meals not taken.

General Housing Information The Australia Student Housing Experience IFSA-Butler does not provide special housing for students on our Australia programs. We want your experience to be reflective of the student life in Australia, so you’ll be living in the same housing as degree students. Although student housing in Australia is not luxurious, it is clean and suitable for student living.

Housing Assignments In many instances IFSA-Butler does not make the placements in university housing; instead, we forward your housing preferences and housing application (if applicable) to the accommodation office at your Australian university. University accommodation offices make the housing assignments, which means that while you might ask for a single room or for self-catered housing, those choices are offered only if they are available.

take care to ensure that all accommodations meet our quality standards, but even students attending the same university and paying the same housing fees may not have—and should not expect—identical housing.

Housing Offer Notification When we receive your housing offer from your university in Australia, we will forward it to you.

However, sometimes we don’t receive university housing assignments prior to the start of the program. If you do not receive notice of your address before departure, you can expect to have it in writing at orientation.

Housing Changes and Withdraws Housing Changes Once made, housing arrangements are difficult to change. Should you choose to leave your assigned housing, the university accommodation office may impose a severe financial penalty or you may have to pay the remainder of the rent due on the original housing assignment.

Housing Refund Policy Students who withdraw from their housing after the specified date for the payment of fees (December 15 for the semester 1/calendar year programs and May 15 for summer, semester 2 and academic year programs) will not receive a refund for the portion of the program fee covering housing unless the space can be filled. There are no refunds if you leave your housing after the term or semester has begun.

Host University Withdraw Policies Some universities in Australia have instituted very strict withdraw policies, particularly for summer programs. The policies vary between universities but generally require students to pay a large penalty for withdrawing from the program after a specified date.

These withdraw policies are clearly outlined on our website, on housing forms (in cases where penalties are tied to housing fees) and are also detailed in predeparture emails from our program advisors.

Housing Variations We provide a comparable standard of accommodation for all program participants. Exact conditions, equipment and amenities vary from university to university and apartment to apartment, depending on the age, size and location of the residence. We M O R E C U LT U R E . L E S S S H O C K .

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Special Housing Requests

Housing Amenities and Utilities

Roommate Requests Students are welcome to make roommate requests, but these requests must be mutual and in writing.

We can’t guarantee that requests will be granted.

Linens In some cases, linens are not provided and will need to be purchased after arrival in Australia. Most students must provide their own towels.

Single-Sex Housing All accommodations, including student apartments, are coed unless otherwise stated. You may make a request for single-sex housing, but single-sex housing is limited at many universities and may be unavailable altogether.

Kitchen Supplies In some university-operated housing, students must provide their own pots, pans, crockery and other food preparation items. We recommend that you wait and see what supplies are in your housing, as past residents often leave things behind. You might also be able to share the cost with roommates.

Housing Policies Housing Vacation Policy Because you will be living far from home, IFSA-Butler covers the cost of housing during the midsemester vacations. At most Australian universities, these vacations are one or two weeks. Refunds are not available for students who choose to travel during vacation periods. Housing is not provided to academic year students who live in Australia during the summer months (November to February).

Housing Contract All students sign a housing contract at the IFSAButler orientation. Some Australian universities require students to sign a separate housing contract.

Visitors Your parents or other family members may want to visit you while you are studying abroad. This is a great opportunity to share your experience with your family, but they should not schedule their visit during the IFSA-Butler orientation or during your university exams.

Your housing in Australia may have strict rules regarding overnight visitors. Any breach of visitor rules is a violation of your IFSA-Butler student acceptance agreement and could lead to eviction. Please be courteous to roommates and neighbors, and check the rules before staying overnight with friends or inviting overnight guests of your own.

Heating Not all Australian university accommodations have central heat. Auxiliary heating is made available as necessary, but plan to dress more warmly than usual during the winter. The cost of heat is included in the IFSA-Butler program fee, but remember that your roommates may be paying for their own heating bills.

Please be considerate of their budget and of the need to conserve energy.

Air Conditioning Note that older dorms and residential colleges in Australia are not usually air conditioned. Students studying abroad during the Australian summer (December to February) may need to purchase a small fan for additional comfort.

Be open to a very new lifestyle and don’t compare the Australian lifestyle to the American lifestyle.

Just try to go with the flow and stay calm and relaxed throughout the blending/transition process. –Katherine Boas, Franklin & Marshall College University of New South Wales

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Legal Matters Student Visa Semester and year students will need to obtain a student visa before arriving in Australia. The Australia visa application is an online process for citizens of the U.S. and Canada. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will send you information and instructions on how to apply for the visa.

Summer students who are U.S. or Canadian citizens will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), a tourist visa, as part of their airline ticket to Australia.

If you are not a citizen of the U.S. or Canada, we advise you to be in touch with your own embassy or consulate to determine your visa requirements for Australia.

Legal Status While abroad, you are subject to local laws and customs that may vary considerably from U.S. practice. Ignorance of the law never serves as a defense for criminal activity. Wherever you are, be careful not to break the law.

IFSA-Butler does not provide legal advice or support to students arrested abroad. IFSA-Butler reserves the right to dismiss you from the program if you are charged with a crime.

Driving Under the Influence Australia has one of the toughest drunk driving laws in the world. Though regulations vary slightly by state and territory, in general the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is .05 percent. Police roadblocks are common on weekends and after sporting events, and police can require sobriety tests from a driver for any reason. Be sure to keep these laws in mind if you are renting a car in Australia or riding as a passenger in a friend’s car.

Possession and Sale of Narcotics Students who are caught using, possessing or dealing in drugs are subject to high fines, imprisonment and deportation. If you are accused of any illegal drug offense, you will be subject to Australia’s laws, and your U.S. citizenship will not provide any special protection.

Customs When reentering the United States, customs will require you to declare all items purchased abroad that you are bringing with you. U.S. Customs officials have a right to see costs of purchases, so keep an account of purchases with receipts. For more information about declaring personal items, visit www.customs. gov.

Working in Australia Your Australian Student Visa gives you permission to work up to 20 hours per week while class is in session and unlimited hours per week during term breaks.

The minimum wage in Australia is nearly AU$17 per hour, which can help offset the cost of Australia’s high cost of living. Most student jobs are in restaurants, bars and stores.

For more details on the permission to work that is included in your visa, visit http://www. immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/permission-towork-students.pdf.

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Health and Safety Alcohol

Personal Safety Precautions Students tend to let down their guard when studying abroad, but being vigilant and cautious is as important in Australia as it is at home. We recommend the following basic safety precautions while studying and traveling abroad: Register with the U.S. State Department Register online with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You can enroll for free at https://step.state.gov/step/. This will allow the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get in contact with you in the event of an emergency.

Read the State Department Travel Advisories These are available for all countries, so be sure to read them for any place you plan to visit.

Our Australia office routinely updates students on new State Department travel advisories, cautions and warnings, and updates are also available online at www.travel.state.gov.

Keep a Low Profile Try to blend in with the host country’s surroundings as much as possible. Avoid speaking loudly and wearing clothes that mark you as a U.S. student (e.g., university fraternity or sorority shirts). Don’t hang out at tourist gathering places and do not travel with large groups of Americans.

Be Cautious When Meeting New People Don’t give out your address, phone number or email and don’t feel like you have to “friend” new people on social media networks. Be aware of your surroundings and new people you meet.

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The legal drinking age is 18 in Australia, and alcohol is a pervasive presence both on and off campus. Pubs are a large part of the social scene. Although IFSAButler never pays for alcohol at events we sponsor, university-sponsored events might provide alcohol.

Think about how you’ll deal with the easy access to alcohol before you go.

Socializing with Australian students doesn’t mean you have to drink, and ordering a soft drink at a pub is perfectly acceptable. We recommend that you drink moderately if you choose to drink.

We cannot emphasize enough how many discipline and safety issues are caused by overindulgence with alcohol and how many study abroad experiences are soured because of it. Most complaints and police encounters that involve study abroad students stem from the abuse of alcohol.

Alcohol Abuse If you are currently in a program to control your alcohol abuse, please inform us on the medical form that is included in your acceptance packet. Any information you relay to us will be kept confidential and will not affect your ability to enroll in our program. We can help you find continuing counseling and support abroad.

IFSA-Butler reserves the right to remove from the program any student who behaves in a violent or self-destructive manner or who is charged with an alcohol-related crime.

Anti-Depressants and Anti-Anxiety Medication Students who are taking medication for a mental health condition should continue treatment unless advised by a physician to stop. Temporary changes in scene can make students feel overconfident that they are fine and no longer need their medication, but in reality, ceasing medication can have disastrous effects.

Please see page 36 for more information about taking prescription medication into Australia.

Counseling Students with mental health conditions (including eating disorders, substance abuse problems and depression) are particularly susceptible to increased stress while studying abroad. We ask that you fully disclose any mental health condition to us before departure so that we can help arrange counseling support for you abroad. Any information will be completely confidential.

Counseling practices in Australia are very similar to those in the United States. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor can give you the names of professionals in Australia before departure so that you can continue your counseling abroad. In addition, our Australia office can offer help, support and additional referrals if necessary. Additional medical insurance may be required to cover counseling sessions abroad.

Crime Petty theft is common throughout Australia. Don’t travel with valuable personal property and avoid traveling alone late at night. Make sure that the doors and windows of your housing are locked at all times. We encourage you to leave anything of monetary or sentimental value in the United States.

During orientation, we provide tips on how to carry credit cards and cash, and how to find help in case of an emergency. Our staff also focus on personal safety and common sense rules of living abroad.

There is no reason to be unduly concerned about crime in Australia. Incidences of violent crime are lower than in the United States, but it is still important to take reasonable precautions with your personal safety and belongings.

Personal Safety Precautions (continued) Travel in pairs It’s always safer to travel with a friend instead of traveling alone.

Do Not Hitchhike Local students may tell you hitchhiking is safe, but hitchhiking is no safer in Australia than in the United States.

When Traveling, Share Your Travel Plans When leaving your host city for personal travel, complete the online travel form to let our Australia office know where you’re going.

More details will be included in the Student Handbook at orientation. Also share your travel plans with family or friends, especially if you’ll be out of cell phone range or away from email for several days.

Have Enough Money Make sure you have enough money with you, especially when you’re traveling. Keep your cash, credit cards and debit card in separate places in case of theft.

Do Not Leave Your Bags Unattended Do not agree to carry or look after packages or suitcases for anyone, and never leave your bags unattended.

Keep in Touch with Current Events Know what’s going on politically in the world by keeping up with the news.

Keep in Touch with Our Australia Office Should an emergency occur in Australia, check in immediately by phone or email with our Australia office. Also contact your parents to let them know you are fine.

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Drink Spiking

Natural Disasters

While abroad, be aware of the dangers of drink spiking. When at a disco or pub, never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger.

Australia is prone to an unfortunate number of natural disasters, including earthquakes, bushfires, floods, droughts and cyclones. During the IFSA-Butler orientation in Sydney, our staff show students best safety practices in the event of disasters. Our staff also keep students informed of other weather issues and natural disasters as necessary.

Eating Disorders Eating disorders are common among U.S. university students and the stress of studying abroad sometimes causes these disorders to intensify. Both our U.S. and Australia offices can help you locate counseling at your host university, or with a community support group if you would rather seek help off campus.

Fire Safety Fire codes and safety standards in Australia are very strict. Make an effort to learn the fire safety regulations of your housing, and be sure to follow all rules regarding candles, cooking, appliances, etc. In addition, protect yourself by memorizing the location of exits and fire extinguishers.

LBGTQ Rights LBGTQ rights are far less controversial in Australia than in the U.S., and discrimination against LBGTQ people is illegal. However, if you feel you are the victim of prejudice or discrimination, contact the IFSA-Butler Australia office for advice.

Loneliness and Homesickness Adjusting to a new way of life can be very stressful, and homesickness is common in study abroad. If you get homesick, we encourage you to share your feelings with someone. Counseling services are available on your campus, and the IFSA-Butler Australia office is only a phone call away.

To combat homesickness, get involved in a sport or group. Keep a regular, healthy diet and exercise schedule, get enough sleep and continue your interests.

Political Demonstrations Australia is a very stable, peaceful society, but occasionally political events and controversial issues can spark public demonstrations. IFSA-Butler warns all students to steer clear of pickets, strikes and demonstrations.

Program Evacuation IFSA-Butler has a lengthy evacuation plan for students in all locations. In the unlikely event of a serious terrorist attack, devastating natural disaster or political unrest in Australia, we would follow our evacuation procedures in consultation with the U.S. embassy, our evacuation assistance provider and our on-site office in Australia. Our policy is to initiate emergency travel or evacuation only as a last resort and/or when recommended by the U.S. State Department.

During any kind of crisis abroad, IFSA-Butler stays in close contact with students, their parents and each student’s home college or university.

Sexual Heath STDs are as large a health threat in Australia as they are in the United States. Take the same precautions as you would at home.

Most student unions, pharmacies and grocery stores sell condoms. Some other forms of contraception can be bought off the shelf but require referral from a family planning association. Your student health center can provide you with information regarding emergency contraception.

Campus medical centers offer reproductive health services, including contraception, emergency contraception and referrals to general practitioners.

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Birth control pills are available in Australia in the same dosages as in the United States, but brand names may differ. Pharmacies are under no obligations to fill U.S. prescriptions, so you may need to have a local doctor write you a new prescription.

Once you have registered with the university doctor and undergone an exam, the doctor can write you a prescription.

Reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy by behaving responsibly and protecting yourself.

Smoking Australia laws vary by state, but most states have banned smoking in all enclosed public places, including bars, clubs and restaurants. If you are a smoker, note that cigarettes are even more heavily taxed in Australia than in the U.S.

IFSA-Butler made adjusting to Melbourne easy. They took care of finding an apartment for me (and it’s in a great location), and my Student Services Coordinator is a great resource in case I need anything. –Matthew Lipman, Colby College University of Melbourne

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Embassy and Consular Services U.S. Embassy and Consulates abroad provide the following services: • Replacement of passports • Assistance in locating medical service and notifying friends and family in case of emergency • Assistance with finances if money is lost or stolen • Attorney lists, transfer of money and notification of family for U.S. citizens in jail • Disaster or emergency evacuation assistance The U.S. Embassies and Consulates do not serve as travel agencies, banks, law offices, police or job placement services.

The U.S. Embassy in Australia is located in Canberra at: Moonah Place Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Telephone: (02) 6214-5600 http://canberra.usembassy.gov The U.S. Consulate in Sydney is located at: Level 10, MLC Centre 19-29 Martin Place Sydney, NSW 2000 Telephone: (02) 9373 9228 http://sydney.usconsulate.gov The U.S. Consulate in Melbourne is located at: 553 St. Kilda Road Melbourne, VIC 3004 Telephone: (03) 9526 5900 http://melbourne.usconsulate.gov The U.S. Consulate in Perth is located at: 4th Floor 16 St. George’s Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Telephone: (08) 6144-5100 http://perth.usconsulate.gov

Registering With the Embassy We strongly recommend that you register your semester, year or summer abroad with the U.S. Embassy in Australia. You can do so online with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

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Registering your address and dates abroad will allow embassy officials to reach you in the event of an natural disaster or other national emergency in Australia, and it would also help the embassy to assist you if you experience a serious medical or personal emergency abroad. You can enroll for free at https://step.state.gov/step/.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, we recommend registering with your home country’s embassy in Australia before departure.

Program Safety IFSA-Butler is committed to ensuring the safety of all students on our programs. We ask students to read the descriptions of and sign waivers for certain activities that we organize. All activities are completely optional. In addition, we use only licensed and bonded companies for transporting students during orientation and excursions.

We have extensive support systems in Australia to help you with any personal or academic problems.

Our Australia office staff can be contacted 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency. We will give you a laminated emergency card with contact information during your orientation. Keep it with you at all times.

Being an American Abroad While studying in Australia, you may encounter negative attitudes toward Americans and U.S. government, history or culture. Most anti-American opinions are just that: individual opinions about U.S. politics or culture. They may be based on history, current events, stereotypes, media or experiences with other Americans. Do not react defensively and try not to take these opinions personally.

Before going abroad, brush up on U.S. history and politics, as well as the reasoning behind U.S. foreign policy. This kind of knowledge will help you participate in conversations or debates without feeling helpless. You can expect to be asked your opinion on a regular basis.

Study abroad is full of academic and cultural challenges, including the reality that a wide range of opinions about the United States exists. Remember that our staff in Australia are happy to lend a sympathetic ear and offer further advice for dealing with these situations.

Emergencies Abroad Please take reasonable safety precautions while abroad. Avoid risky behavior and pay attention to local laws and warning signs. Carry a next-of-kin contact card in your wallet along with the emergency contact wallet card we give you during orientation.

Our Australia office emergency number is for use after business hours and on weekends. Our staff are happy to help in a true emergency, but please don’t contact staff after hours with a concern that can be handled during the regular business day.

Specific Emergencies Australia’s emergency number is 000.

To contact police, fire or an ambulance in Australia, call 000 on any phone.

In case of severe weather or natural disasters Follow local emergency directions. In addition, be sure to contact IFSA-Butler via email or phone according to the information provided on your IFSAButler laminated emergency contact card so that we know you’re safe.

If you are hospitalized abroad Contact our Australia office immediately. We can help you with insurance questions and make sure you are looked after once you have been discharged.

If you have been arrested abroad Call our Australia office emergency number. We can’t provide you with legal help, but we can contact family members for you.

Always contact your parents by phone or email as soon as you are able to let them know you are fine!

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Culture Shock Study abroad is not a vacation but a true experience in acculturation. While abroad you are expected to blend in with and live like others in Australia. Even if you’ve already visited Australia on vacation, living there is different. You may become frustrated by all the differences in culture, daily life and lack of conveniences, such as operating a phone, finding late shopping hours and getting around on the train or bus.

So much of what you see, hear and experience in Australia seems much like home. Language is not a problem, the student cultures are similar, and U.S. brand names, TV shows and even sports logos are everywhere. But Australia has an unmistakably different culture. When those differences become apparent, they can hit with considerable impact.

The culture shock curve has three basic phases and a more complicated phase as you return to the United States: Phase I: The Honeymoon You may experience an initial euphoria about being in a new place. During this period, you cannot envision anything better than being in Australia. The honeymoon can last for as little as a week or for as long as six weeks.

Phase II: End of the Honeymoon The end of the honeymoon is characterized by an acute dislike for anything having to do with the location, people, new words or customs of Australia.

You may feel a general sense of distress and frustration. Luckily, this period of disillusionment usually passes quickly.

If you seem to experience culture shock or loneliness for an extended time, ask for help. Our Australia staff have years of experience assisting students, and they will gladly take the time to speak with you about the challenges you are facing. We are as interested as you are in making sure that your period of study abroad is a success, both personally and academically.

Phase III: Adjustment After the period of disillusionment comes adjustment. Some students adjust by “going native” (adopting wholeheartedly the new culture) and end up with a new haircut, a new accent and/or a new style

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of dress! For most students, this adaptation gradually becomes more natural as they become more settled and are able to see both the positive and negative aspects of their host culture.

Phase IV: Reverse Culture Shock Returning home may expose you to these same feelings all over again. Your time abroad will probably make you more self-sufficient and independent, but the friends you left behind will not have grown quite so dramatically and might not want to hear about your experiences. You’ll undoubtedly be happy to be home and to see family and friends, but you’ll also be missing the friends and the lifestyle of your time abroad.

If you find that you’re having difficulty readjusting to the United States, the study abroad advisor on your home campus can help. Consider volunteering as a peer advisor on your home campus, or apply to be an IFSA-Butler Ambassador. Both are great resume builders and a way to share your positive experiences with others.

Summary We hope this booklet has addressed most of your questions and that it continues to be a resource for you and your family throughout the study abroad experience. Please consult page 60 for contact information for our offices. We’re always happy to answer questions!

IFSA-BUTLER POLICIES

Please note the following important policies for students in our Australia programs. Page numbers containing additional information are also noted.

Orientation – p. 10 The IFSA-Butler orientation in Australia is mandatory.

We reserve the right to remove a student from the program for missing any part of orientation.

Program Duration – p. 12 Your IFSA-Butler program services abroad are in effect between the program start date and program end date on the program calendar.

Course Registration – p. 17 As an IFSA-Butler participant, you are required to undertake a full course load at your host university and to follow its regulations for degree-seeking students, including taking exams where applicable.

Types of Courses Permitted – p. 17 IFSA-Butler does not allow students to take graduate courses, courses for audit, online courses or courses for pass/fail instead of a grade, unless that is the only way the course is assessed.

Special Exam Arrangements – p. 19 You may not reschedule an exam, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If you do, IFSA-Butler will not conduct an academic appeal or follow-up on the class in which you arranged an alternate exam or assessment.

Transcript Alterations – p. 19 The final Butler University transcript is a legal document. Butler University cannot alter any grade, course title or credit allocation.

Withdrawing from the Program – p. 21 IFSA-Butler may allow a student to leave the program early only in cases of severe medical or personal problems, and only for circumstances approved by your host university. Otherwise, IFSA-Butler does not report grades as incomplete. An incomplete or “absent” grade will be reported on your Butler University transcript as a fail.

Tuition Supplemental Fees – p. 24 Many universities in Australia impose supplemental fees for enrollment in some departments or for certain housing options. IFSA-Butler will pass along tuition supplemental fees to the student’s billing address after the student has arrived abroad—in some cases, the bill may arrive toward the end of the student’s time abroad or even after the student has returned home.

Supplemental costs for each program’s tuition are clearly outlined on our website, www.ifsa-butler. org. It is the student’s responsibility to investigate potential supplemental costs before going abroad, and for discussing these costs with parents, financial aid officers and home university study abroad advisors.

Host University Withdraw Fees – p. 24 Some universities in Australia have instituted very strict withdraw policies, particularly for summer programs. The policies vary between universities but generally require students to pay a large penalty for withdrawing from the program after a specified date.

These withdraw policies are clearly outlined on our website, on housing forms (in cases where penalties are tied to housing fees) and are also detailed in predeparture emails from our program advisors.

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Payment Due Dates and Financial Deadlines – p. 25 Please note the important payment due dates for Australia on page 25. IFSA- Butler charges a $45 fee for late payments.

Delinquent Payments – p. 25 If we do not receive financial aid documentation or your full payment by the payment deadline listed above, you will be withdrawn from our program. You will not be refunded your $500 program deposit or the cost of your airline ticket.

Financial Aid Payments – p. 26 If you plan to apply financial aid toward the payment of the IFSA-Butler program fee, you must send us a copy of your contractual/consortium agreement (from your financial aid officer) and a copy of your financial aid award letter and/or loan guarantees.

These documents should indicate the amount of financial aid award and its disbursal date.

Housing Supplemental Fees – pp. 44 and 45 Many residential halls and residential colleges in Australia have a mandatory meal plan. In addition, residential colleges incur supplemental fees of several thousand dollars. If you are housed in a hall or college that charges supplemental fees, IFSA-Butler will send an invoice for these fees to your billing address after your arrival in Australia; in some cases, the invoice may arrive toward the end of the semester.

Student Acceptance Agreement All students receive an IFSA-Butler student acceptance agreement in their acceptance packet. Program participants must sign the student acceptance agreement before departure.

Academic and Housing Contracts – p. 17, p. 46 Once abroad, all students must read and sign IFSAButler’s academic and housing contracts.

Going on an IFSA-Butler program was the best thing I could have done! The constant support worldwide, the pre-planned adventures, the orientation, and the extra hand when acclimating to Sydney d was exactly what I needed. I strongly recommend IFSA-Butler to anyone who wants to explore the world throughout their college years!

–Kimberly Janitz, Butler University University of Sydney

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INFO NI O N I NRFMOARTMI O AT

Information Resources Travel Resources Australian universities have student travel services available on campus, usually as part of their student union facilities, and the IFSA-Butler Sydney office has a great deal of information on travel within Australia and neighboring countries. All major cities have budget travel services that can provide information and special offers.

We also recommend you check online for regular travel specials. Visit reliable travel websites or buy a good guidebook. We highly recommend both the Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide. Be sure to consult books and websites that are geared to the budget traveler.

We also recommend Culture Shock! Australia, an entertaining guide to customs and etiquette.

See the following websites before departure: • IFSA-Butler: www.ifsa-butler.org • IFSA-Butler Australia Office: australia.ifsa-butler.org • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Page: www.cdc.gov/travel. Check out the current health recommendations for Australia and any other countries you are considering visiting.

• U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/step • U.S. State Department Australia Information: www.state.gov/p/eap/ci/as/ • The Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com • Australian Embassy in the United States: www.usa.embassy.gov.au The following websites provide great information about Australia: • Australian Tourist Commission: www.australia.com • Australian Tourism Net: www.atn.com.au • Discover Tasmania: www.discovertasmania. com.au • South Australia: www.southaustralia.com • Tourism New South Wales: www.visitnsw.com • Tourism Victoria: www.tourism.vic.gov.au • Welcome to Queensland: www.destinationqueensland.com • Western Australia: www.westernaustralia.net

News The following sites are great places to start the search for Australian news: • News.com www.news.com.au • Australian Broadcasting Corporation: www.abc.net.au/news • The Courier-Mail (Brisbane): www.thecouriermail.news.com.au • The Age (Melbourne): www.theage.com.au • The West Australian (Perth): www.thewest.com.au • The Sydney Morning Herald: www.smh.com.au • The Australian: www.theaustralian.news.com.au Books • In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson • Songlines by Bruce Chatwin • The Road from Coorain by Jill Ker Conway • The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes • Kangaroo’s Comments and Wallaby’s Words by Helen Jonsen • Mutant Message Down Under by Margo Morgan • Burning Bush: A Fire History of Australia by Stephen J. Pyne Films • Australia • The Castle • Gallipoli • Home Song Stories • Japanese Story • Look Both Ways • Lucky Miles • Mabo, The Island Man • My Brilliant Career • Picnic at Hanging Rock • Rabbit Proof Fence • Romulus, My Father • Sampson and Delilah • Shine • Somersault • Strictly Ballroom • Ten Canoes • A Town Like Alice • Walkabout • The Water Diviner Television • Kath and Kim • Offspring • Underbelly M O R E C U LT U R E . L E S S S H O C K .

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Common Terms and Slang ace ‘ang on arvo barbie bingle biscuits bludger bonnet/boot bonza brekkie buckleys budgy smugglers or togs cactus cashed up chemist chewy chuck a wobbly consultant cot case cracking current account deadhead deadly dinky-di do your lolly don’t get off your bike drongo dry as a drovers dog dunny fair crack of the whip fair dinkum first floor flat flake out fortnight fossick game as Ned Kelly g’donya

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excellent wait a moment afternoon barbecue or BBQ minor car accident cookies lazy person hood/trunk of a car excellent breakfast no chance swimming atire useless, broken plenty of money drugstore chewing gum go berserk medical specialist a drunk or exhausted person fit only for bed excellent checking account a stupid person excellent genuine to get very angry calm down stupid person extremely thirsty an outside toilet ease up honest, genuine second floor apartment to collapse, fall asleep two weeks to look for something very brave good for you (though sometimes used in sarcasm) criticize attempt something yes, alright wine sold inside a bag first floor to be conceited

hire hooroo jumper knocker lations lift like a hornet in a bottle like a possum up a gum tree like a rat up a drainpipe mac Maccas m’oath muck around mug mulga muso nosh up nick nicked nick off ocker pissed pull your head in queue rack off ring ring-in rubbish sangers servo she’ll be apples, she’s sweet shonky shout shrapnel skip skite smoko snags stinker ta take a slash, have a slash the ditch tucker wag whinge yakka yarn yonks ago

rent goodbye sweater a person who makes negative remarks relatives elevator furious moving fast moving even faster raincoat McDonald’s I agree fool around fool rough country musician a good meal to steal to be caught; go away! a rough Australian male drunk stop acting that way line to go away to call (telephone) a substitute trash sandwiches gas station it’ll be fine poor quality to buy drinks for everyone low-value coins Australian-born a braggart a break from work sausages an objectionable person thank you to urinate water between Australia and New Zealand food skip school to complain hard or heavy work to have a conversation a long time ago

Australian Food and Drink British settlers brought many traditional English dishes to Australia, but modern menus reflect native ingredients and the influence of immigrants. Below are some popular foods you might enjoy in Australia: Barbecue The Australian barbecue reflects all at once the country’s pleasant climate, love of outdoors and casual attitude. Ingredients range from meat chops and sausages to fish, chicken and small game. No matter where you live in Australia, your housing is likely to have communal barbecue facilities outside.

Coffee Australian coffee is of extremely high quality and reflects the influence of the country’s Italian and Greek immigrants. Coffee shops are abundant and a crucial part of the country’s restaurant scene.

Ethnic Foods The popularity of ethnic food has skyrocked in Australia in the past few decades. Greek, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, Turkish and Lebanese restaurants and foods are easy to find in most Australian cities.

Fruits Australian fruits are plentiful and unique. Riberry, quandong (peaches), rasperries, mangoes, kiwi, apples, passionfruit, papaya and melons are some of the most commonly grown and eaten fruits.

Kangaroo Kangaroo meat is sold in steaks, sausages and in ground form. It is high in protein but low in fat and has been a staple of the Australian diet for centuries. Kangaroo has fallen out of favor in recent years because of its status as a national emblem (similar to avoiding deer meat because of Bambi) and due to concerns about the safety of the meat. Seventy percent of kangaroo meat is now exported to other countries, which has increased the cost of the meat for Australian consumers.

Lamingtons Lamingtons are cubes of sponge cake with a chocolate coating, rolled in coconut and usually served with whipped cream. It was traditional served with afternoon tea but is now a common dessert.

Seafood Australia’s major cities are all located along coastlines, so seafood is plentiful. Traditional English fish and chips reflects the country’s heritage and is often eaten on the beach. Prawns (shrimp), barramundi, tuna, oysters, salmon and lobster are the most common types of fish available to Aussies.

Shepherd’s pie This traditional English food is filled with meat, baked in a flaky crust and is served with a dollop of ketchup.

Tim-Tams These chocolate cream-filled cookies are Australia’s most popular treat. If you want to preview the taste before leaving for Australia, you might be able to find them in large supermarkets or international stores.

Vegemite Vegemite is a paste made from yeast extract, vegetables and spices. It is most commonly used as a spread on toast or in sandwiches but may also be added to soups and stews. Vegemite has an earthy, salty taste and is meant to be spread very thinly on sandwiches.

Weet-Bix This high-fiber breakfast biscuit has been a staple in Australia since the 1930s.

Wine Australia’s is one of the world’s largest and most respected producers of wine. Shiraz, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most commonly produced and exported varieties.

M O R E C U LT LT U R E . L E S S S H O C K .

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About Us Institute for Study Abroad The Institute for Study Abroad is a nonprofit organization founded at Butler University to provide high-quality study abroad opportunities, plus academic and personal support services, for qualified U.S. undergraduates seeking to earn academic credit through study abroad. While the Institute for Study Abroad is affiliated with Butler University, it is not a department of the University.

IFSA-Butler is organized to assist our students from the time they apply until after they return. Staff at the IFSA-Butler U.S. office and around the world are committed to our students. We help them develop realistic expectations and adjust easily to the very different student lifestyles and academic expectations of their host institutions.

For a list of programs available in Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, England, India, Australia, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Scotland, Spain, Turkey and Wales, please visit our website at www.ifsa-butler.org.

Butler University Butler University is a nationally recognized, comprehensive university encompassing six colleges: Arts, Business, Communication, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Together, these colleges offer more than 60 undergraduate majors, eight pre-professional majors, one first professional and 18 master’s degrees.

Approximately 4,700 students are enrolled at Butler University, representing 45 states and 52 countries.

Approximately 77 percent of Butler University students will have participated in some form of internship, student teaching, clinical rotation, research or service learning by the time they graduate. In addition to this professional experience, Butler University students develop lifelong skills in critical thinking, effective communication, cooperative teamwork and ethical decision making.

Butler University endeavors to prepare students not simply to make a living, but to live lives of purpose in which personal flourishing is intertwined with the welfare of others.

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IFSA-Butler Directory Australia Office Christi Hoover, Director of Australian Programs Felix Khanis, Manager of Finance & Information Technology Fiona Pearson, Senior Student Services Coordinator Student services coordinators (SSCs) are located in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane/Gold Coast, Adelaide and Townsville.

Australia Office Phone (from U.S.): 011-61-2-9550-6337 Australia Office Fax (from U.S.): 011-61-2-9550-6339 Email: australia@ifsa-butler.org Website: http://australia.ifsa-butler.org Address: IFSA-Butler Sydney Suite 107/1 Erskineville Rd. Newtown, New South Wales Australia 2042 Mailing address: P.O. Box 154 Newtown, New South Wales Australia 2042 U.S. Office Local: 317-940-9336 Toll free: 800-858-0229 Fax: 317-940-9704 Email: studyabroad@ifsa-butler.org Website: www.ifsa-butler.org Address IFSA-Butler 6201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46278 Other Numbers Advantage Travel: 800-788-1980

Preparing to Study Abroad Australia Š Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University Printed on recycled paper.