Study abroad in australia

Study Abroad in Australia

Australia.

Where the living is good and the learning is world-class.

Australia is a great place to develop, both academically and personally. In a country that’s also a continent, there’s plenty of room to grow.

Studying in Australia promotes innovative, creative and independent thinking. You’ll learn to communicate effectively with others and to develop practical skills and knowledge from living abroad in a country that welcomes you as “one of their own”.

Australia is home to some of the world’s leading educational institutions, academics and researchers who are conducting innovative research in areas such as global climate change, biotechnology and clean energy.

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Let Australia be your classroom. Many study abroad programs incorporate field trips, excursions and internships. Australia is a land of diverse ecosystems, with plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. What better place to study marine life than the Great Barrier Reef? Australia is a big continent, with so much to explore and discover.

It is also one of the best places to live. Australia is a young, vibrant, cosmopolitan country. When you arrive, you’ll immediately be struck by the friendliness of the locals. Here’s a place where every question ends with the word “mate” (meaning “friend”) and passengers sit in the front of taxis, just to keep the driver company.

Australia is so immense and diverse that it could never merely be the sum of its icons. The stunning architecture of the Sydney Opera House, the glow of Uluru at dusk, a wave curled above a colourful reef – these are only part of the experience that unfolds once your feet touch the soil of this awesome country.

If you want a world-class education and a fun experience, Australia’s the place to be. Find out more at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/northamerica.

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Studying in Australia has had a profound and unexpected effect on my future goals. Before studying abroad, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do after I graduated from college; I didn’t have a clear focus. Travelling and learning in Australia has helped set me on a certain course. I am going to go on to graduate school for a master’s in international relations, and I hope to eventually work internationally through the UN, Foreign Service, or an NGO. Erin Baldwin, College of St Benedict in Minnesota, studied abroad at University of Notre Dame Australia.

Studying in Australia has fuelled my desire to study and work internationally. I know that I am capable of working with people of many backgrounds. Most of all, it showed me that I am able to function in environments outside of my comfort zone.

Krystal Tomlin, University of Florida, studied abroad at Charles Darwin University.

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About Australia How far away is Australia?

The east coast of Australia is a 13-hour flight from Los Angeles or Vancouver, no further than travelling to Asia or South Africa. You’ll leave the west coast of the US or Canada at night, and arrive in Australia in the morning. Australia’s nearest neighbours to the north are Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Indonesia. Fly from Perth to Singapore in under five hours, while a three-hour flight from the east coast can take you to New Zealand or French-speaking New Caledonia. Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so winter occurs from June to August, and summer is from December to February.

Australia may seem like the other side of the world, but with its high-tech communications system you’re only a phone call or email away.

Experience the Asia-Pacific Geographically, Australia is situated in one of the fastest developing regions of the world. This prime geographical location provides Australia with political and economical ties to countries like China, Japan, South Korea and India.

Australia is a great base from which to visit the Asia Pacific region. Consider spending your spring break in Vietnam or Thailand.

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When booking my flight to Australia I was asked, “Would you like to fly via New Zealand or Fiji?” You can bet I said YES in a wholehearted fashion! So I flew over the big pond to Fiji for two weeks, basking in the sun and salt water, kayaking in beautiful turquoise water. The journey continued, and only six hours later I touched down in my home for the next six months—Geelong, Australia. The whole package was amazing - friends, school, the best sushi and laksa, living right next to some of the top surf in the world, and I went on trips that I never imagined possible. Since Australia is so close to Asia, I was able to visit Singapore and Thailand on only a four-hour flight from Darwin!

Staci Hagen, a political science and Spanish major at Iowa State University, studied abroad at Deakin University in Geelong.

It’s English-speaking, right?

Do crocodiles, the outback and kangaroos spring to mind when you think about Australia? Australia is different to North America in many ways so you’ll enjoy new cultural experiences every day, but it’s similar enough (yes, we do speak English) to feel like home.

Contemporary culture

Did you know?

Australia has a population of about 21.8 million people in a country that’s the size of the continental United States (pop. 307 million).

Most of the population lives along the coastline, as the centre of the continent is desert.

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Australia’s indigenous population goes back 60,000 years and today Australia is a blend of traditional and contemporary cultures of Asian, European and indigenous influences. You can visit sacred geological sites like Uluru or check out the latest Aussie rock bands. With an exciting arts and sports scene, there’s always something new to try.

Environmentally-conscious Because Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth, we have taken steps to preserve our unique environment. From reusable shopping bags to taking public transportation, you’ll learn to be more environmentally friendly.

During my time abroad, I found that Australians are very conscious about their impact on the environment. Cloth reusable bags are the norm, and you rarely see a store give out plastic bags. Most people hang their clothes on clothing lines outside of their apartments/houses, or use drying racks to save energy. Every toilet I encountered was a dual-flush, which saves on the amount of water being used for each flush. Also, at my university few students had cars on campus.

This meant more walking, taking public transportation, or carpooling to places such as the mall or grocery store.

I realised, even more so after I returned home, just how environmentally friendly Australia really is.

Did you know?

Almost one in four Australians was born overseas, and you’ll meet people from all corners of the globe who have settled in Australia – from Europe to Asia, Africa to the Middle East.

Katie Nicholson, a business and economics major at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, studied abroad at Southern Cross University.

International flair As one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, you’ll find Australia to be an extremely safe and friendly society that is accepting of all religions and beliefs. Australia has taken the best that other cultures have to offer to build a vibrant multicultural society, reflected in everything from food and film to fashion and festivals.

The culture of Australia allowed me to see that there are different types of diversity around the world, which we should all experience to help us grow and understand the world we live in today. As a Latino, I enjoyed seeing that Australia is unique in its representation of many cultures present in the country as a whole.

Juan Mojica, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, studied abroad at Griffith University.

An education in Australia is a truly international experience. Australia has a long tradition of providing quality education to students from around the world. Over 600,000 international students from more than 200 countries are studying in Australia. Australia is not only diverse in its people but in its geography, languages, cities and towns. From cosmopolitan Sydney to 5

outback Australia, tropical rainforests to windswept deserts, Australia is a land united by differences.

I made incredible life-long friends and developed special relationships with a number of Australians, as well as international students. I’d sincerely like to convey just how friendly and genuine Aussies really are. I was blown away by the ever-present, welcoming and non-judgemental attitude that almost every Australian I encountered had. It truly is another world over there, and I say that in a most positive and exciting way.

Victoria Mita, an education major at Loyola University Maryland studied abroad at Monash University.

Studying in Australia What is studying in Australia like?

Australian universities place a premium on independence. You may find that you spend less time in class listening to lectures than you would in the US or Canada. In Australia, students are expected to complete a substantial amount of private study, and generally students spend a lot more time in the library.

Australian students may downplay this, but it’s important to know that they work hard to maintain their grades.

The teaching style within Australian universities is a combination of traditional lecture-style learning and interactive, innovative group work. The core material of the subject is nearly always given in lectures, followed by small-group tutorials.

Australia was one of the few places that allowed me to take courses that counted towards my degree. Classes in Australia are much more based on writing and independent research rather than a series of smaller assignments due throughout the semester. Courses also involve a lot more discussion on readings in smaller tutorial groups. Though it was a bit of a shock at first, I actually much preferred this style of instruction and evaluation and thought that I learned a great deal more on average in my Australian courses than in the courses I have taken in the US. Drew Sample, a religious studies major at the University of Indiana, studied abroad at the University of Adelaide.

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Want to hear first-hand what Australia is really like? Contact a student ambassador who studied in Australia at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/northamerica.

What can I study?

As a study abroad student in Australia, you can study just about anything from Aboriginal Studies to Zoology – and everything in between. Australia excels in many academic disciplines, including: • Astronomy • Environmental sciences • Marine biology • Engineering • Asia-Pacific studies • Indigenous affairs and history • Geology

• Communications and media studies • Business • Food science and agriculture • Health and medical science • History

As a medical microbiology major and in the science field, it is very tough to find compatible courses that will transfer back to your home university within your degree curriculum.

Australia provided compatible courses and much more. I participated in a lot of group work that focussed on recent research and innovation in the field of science. A real-life application was put towards my classes that I really enjoyed.

Sandy Smylie, a medical microbiology major at the University of Wyoming, studied abroad at University of the Sunshine Coast.

Comparison of North American and Australian education systems US

Canada

Australia

Four-year degree

Three-year degree Four-year honours degree

Three-year degree (for most subjects) Honours year (fourth year) by invitation for top students

Study major with general education requirements

Study major with electives and some general education requirements

Study major from year 1

Continuous assessment; tests, quizzes; grades for participation

Mid-term, final exams

Major end-of-semester assessment (exam, essay or research project)

Academic year:

Academic year:

August/September through May/June

September to May

Major essays/projects each semester

Smaller assessments during the semester Academic year: February to November Semester 1: Feb/March to June Semester 2: July/Aug to Nov/Dec

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Learning through experience Use Australia as your classroom, and take advantage of Australia’s unique environment. Many study abroad programs incorporate field experience and hands-on learning so you’ll be able to explore Australia first-hand and apply what you learn in your lectures.

For example: • Australia’s film industry is booming, and recent movies filmed in Australia include Animal Kingdom, Australia, Where the Wild Things Are, Wolverine, and Happy Feet. Study abroad students have had the opportunity to intern at Warner Bros Studios on the Gold Coast, and other students have participated in the Sydney Film Festival and other international film events throughout Australia.

• Australia has a rising strategic role as the Asia-Pacific’s global financial hub. Australia’s close connections with its Asian neighbours allow you to gain a unique insight into how Australia engages with Asia – from both business and cultural perspectives. Take advantage of the opportunity to intern at an Australian company and learn how to do business in Asia.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have inhabited Australia continuously for around 60,000 years. Many Australian universities have indigenous studies departments, where you can interact with indigenous Australians and professors to learn more about land management, sustainable and community development from an indigenous perspective.

Did you know?

Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens, ages 18 and up; more than 90 percent of voters cast a ballot.

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• Australia is experiencing the effects of climate change, from widespread drought to bush fires to major floods. Learn about water resource management, environmental studies or marine biology in Australia’s diverse ecosystems with researchers at the forefront of tackling these issues.

The education I received abroad was unlike the typical classroom setting in the United States, and I thoroughly enjoyed the hands on research and opportunities Australian professors gave me.

Meredith Weir, a marine biology major at Gwynedd Mercy College studied abroad at James Cook University.

Student life in Australia When you arrive at “uni” – your Australian university – you may find yourself struck by the friendliness and hospitality of the people. Imagine: you’ve left your country behind, yet somehow, you’ve arrived at home.

Australian university campuses are similar to those in North America, buzzing with students and activities.

Australia offers you everything; skydiving, bungee jumping, feeding kangaroos, touching koalas, as well as being able to travel easily to exotic places like Fiji and New Zealand.

Australia is a country unlike any other in the world. The relaxed culture, the gorgeous beaches, the perfect weather, the friendly people and the delicious food make it an unforgettable and perfect place to study abroad. It will be an experience of a lifetime and one you will never regret!

Rijon Charne, a psychology and philosophy double major at University of Texas at Austin studied abroad at University of New South Wales.

For pre-departure information – including advice about travel, health and safety, accommodation, money and banking, cultural adjustment and a guide to Australian slang – download “Beyond the Outback: A Pre-departure Guide for Study in Australia” at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/northamerica.

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Housing “Where will I live?” is probably a question on your mind. You can choose from a variety of high-standard student accommodation options to suit your budget and needs. Your university can help you find housing. Temporary accommodation, such as youth hostels, can be arranged before you leave home, allowing you time on arrival to consider where and how you would like to live in the longer term. Many US and Canadian study abroad students share apartments or houses with Australian and international students. Some universities offer accommodation on or near campus – such as university apartments, residential colleges or halls of residence. Check with your Australian university or program provider about your housing options.

If your program does not allow you to choose your housing or you opt for a housing option that is predominantly study abroad students, you should still definitely try to become as integrated into Australian culture as possible. I would suggest branching out of your “comfort zone” and finding places that are not so touristy. Hostels tend to have pubs and such that are infested with non-Australians, so when travelling, avoid these places and ask the front desk where you can get a more “authentic experience”. Australians are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, so if you make the effort, you are guaranteed to meet some amazing people.

Kerry Leuschel, an education major at Indiana University, studied abroad at the University of Adelaide.

International student orientation The international student orientation at your Australian university, held before classes begin, is the perfect opportunity to meet other international students and acclimatise to campus culture. Participating will help you find your way around and settle in.

International office

Did you know?

Australian scientists invented refrigeration, the black box flight recorder and spray-on skin for burn victims.

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The international office at your Australian university is your first point of contact and your support system. Staff can assist you with visas, cultural adjustment, financial aid, academic adjustment, credit transfer, housing and more.

Student clubs, teams and organisations From major cities to regional outposts, you will find enthusiasm for art and food blended with a love of sport and the outdoors. During orientation week, you can sign up to clubs and societies: whether you’re into football or films, theatre or book clubs, politics or ping pong, the great outdoors or cosy cafes, you’ll find many ways to join in and have fun.

One of my favourite experiences while abroad was having the opportunity to stay in one of Sydney Uni’s residential colleges where I got to live with almost 200 Australians from all different parts of the country. The strong sense of community and tradition present in the college made me feel like I had become immersed in the wonderfully rich and exciting culture of Australia during my short time abroad.

Lindsay Deutschmann, an anthropology major at Wake Forest University studied abroad at University of Sydney.

When I first arrived at my dorm, I was immediately greeted

by Australian students who were willing to help me bring my luggage to my room and help me settle in. The willingness to help a stranger definitely made me fall in love with Australia.

Cheryl Moskowitz, a psychology major at Wheaton College, studied abroad at the University of Wollongong in New South Wales.

Volunteer, internship and service-learning Why not give back to your Australian community by volunteering or working?

Enhance the community you live in and engage with the locals by teaching English skills to new migrants and refugees, coaching students at a local school, or protecting and conserving Australia’s diverse flora and fauna. This is a great way to meet the locals and enhance your resume.

You’ve heard of kangaroos, but did you know there are 55 different species?

Australia also has 140 species of marsupials— including koalas, wombats and the Tasmanian devil.

The platypus, unique to Australia, has a duck’s bill, a furry body and webbed feet.

The careers centre or international office will be able to offer advice on the opportunities available in your Australian community. Or, to learn about many more volunteer opportunities, visit Volunteering Australia’s website, www.govolunteer.com.au.

Travel opportunities Australia’s stunning natural beauty is a drawcard for many students. During your breaks from classes you can explore all kinds of landscapes, from sunsoaked beaches to alpine ski fields, lush rainforests to ancient rock formations in the outback. The choice is yours.

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Or consider exploring another continent. Australia is a gateway to Asia, and countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam will be within your reach.

Choose your own adventure – in a backpacker nation, inexpensive travel options are always right around the corner. Consider adding a few weeks on to the end of your study abroad program to explore Australia.

Choosing a study abroad program What are my study abroad options?

There are a wide range of study abroad options to suit your personal goals as well as your budget. Before selecting your option, check first with your study abroad office to learn more about their “approved” study abroad programs.

Studying on an approved program will help ensure that your financial aid and credits will transfer.

Semester- or year-long study abroad Spend a semester or a year down under, and immerse yourself in the Australian culture. By spending a few months in Australia, you’ll be able to meet local students, explore your host city or town, and really get a feel for the place and the people. Before you know it, Australia will feel like home.

Students who enrol in a semester-long or year-long study abroad program are able to work part-time during the academic year (and full-time during breaks) on their student visa, so you can earn some extra money to help offset costs.

Or, take advantage of semester breaks to travel around Australia or visit nearby countries in Southeast Asia.

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Did you know?

Most study abroad programs are organised through a partnership between There are about a your home institution and an Australian university (direct enrolment or million different exchange), or they are facilitated through a third-party program provider. natural species in Direct enrolment Australia. More Enrol directly at an Australian institution for a semester or full academic year. than 80 per cent This is often a good option for independent students who would like to design of the country’s their own program and fully immerse themselves in an Australian institution. If you choose to directly enrol at an Australian institution, be sure to get approval flowering plants, from your study abroad office, registrar, and financial aid office before you go. mammals, reptiles and frogs Exchange are unique to Swap places with an Australian student for a semester or a year. Exchange Australia, along is often the most cost-effective option, as you’ll continue to pay tuition fees to your home institution. Ask your study abroad office whether they have any with most of the exchange relationships with Australian institutions. fish and almost Using a program provider half the birds.

Modes of Enrolment

Program providers offer extra services, support and amenities, such as: • A toll-free assistance number; • Assistance in booking travel and accommodation before your departure; • Help with visa processing; • Credit transfer and financial aid; and • Excursions or trips in Australia.

Most providers will charge a fee for these services. However, for students who need greater guidance, program providers will look after all the logistics for you.

How do I find a program?

To find a study abroad program, visit the Study in Australia website, www.studyinaustralia.gov.au. You’ll find heaps of information about studying and living in Australia. This Australian Government website is an official and unbiased source of information. Search for study abroad programs by clicking “Course Search”. Study abroad programs are listed under the “non-award” category. For the most comprehensive results, search for programs by putting “study abroad” in the course search.

Always discuss your options with your study abroad advisor. They will advise you on finding a program that suits you, both personally and academically.

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Short-term study abroad Can’t commit to an entire semester abroad? Consider spending a week, a month or a summer in Australia. A number of Australian universities offer study abroad students the chance to have an intensive study abroad experience.

Short-term programs are offered in the summer (June-July), January-term or May-term. Because they are shorter in duration, these types of programs tend to be less expensive than studying abroad for an entire semester or year. For more information, visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/northamerica and click on ‘Study Programs’ and ‘Study Abroad.’

Internships An internship lets you gain a real-world understanding of the culture, while adding valuable work experience to your resume. Some Australian universities will offer internship courses that you can do while you complete your studies.

Many program providers or private companies will also help you arrange an internship placement. Just make sure the company is reputable before signing up. For more information, visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/ northamerica and click on ‘Visas.’

What to expect… practically speaking What are the costs?

In Australia you’ll enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world.

Living costs and student fees are affordable and you can even offset your living costs with part-time work while you study.

That being said, the costs of studying abroad can vary greatly, depending upon your home institution and the type of study abroad program you select.

For the most accurate estimate, talk with a study abroad advisor at your home institution or contact your Australian host institution.

Below are typical study abroad costs as of February 2011 exchange rates (in US and Canadian dollars, except when noted): Tuition: $6,000-$11,000 per semester (except exchange programs)

Did you know?

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth.

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Housing: $4,000-$9,000 per semester Living expenses: $2,000-$4,000 per semester Airfare: $1,000-$2,700 Student visa: A$550 Average costs: $13,500-$27,500 per semester

Please note that costs will vary greatly depending on the location, duration and nature of your study abroad program. You might find lower accommodation and living costs on campuses located outside of the major cities.

How will I fund my study abroad?

US students If you receive financial aid from the US government, most of the time you can transfer it to your Australian institution when you study abroad. For more information about US government loans, contact a financial aid representative at your home institution or the Federal Student Aid Information Centre at 1-800-4-FED-AID.

Did you know?

Your student visa will allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during breaks.

US students on Pell Grants can apply for a Gilman Scholarship which provides up to USD$5,000 in study abroad funding. Visit www.iie.org/programs/ gilman/ for details.

Canadian students Many Canadian students are eligible for aid or grants through the Canada Student Loan Program (www.canlearn.ca). Check with your institution’s financial aid office to see what aid can be transferred abroad.

Scholarships For scholarships, visit the Australian Scholarships Database at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au. This provides an accurate and searchable list of education awards supplied by Australian-based organisations, institutions, and governing bodies. Many international and charitable organisations also offer scholarships for international study.

Health and safety Australia has a special system of health care cover for international students.

This is called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and you are required to have this for the duration of your student visa in Australia. This health coverage

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gives you access to out-of-hospital and in-hospital medical services to help you maintain your health.

Compared to almost anywhere in the world, Australia is a safe country with low crime rates and strict gun control laws that foster a peaceful environment. For more information on health and safety issues in Australia, have a look at the Australia Safety Abroad Handbook, www.studentsabroad.com/australia/.

University life is different from what you may be used to, and you’ll spend less time in class and more time in the library.

The professors expect a lot, but there’s a really good support system built-in. Also, stay a few weeks after the semester is over and go backpacking and see some of the country outside of the big cities. It’s a great way to end the experience and it gives you a chance to put the whole thing in context when it’s over. And take lots of pictures.

Brian Hackney, a political science major at the University of Maryland, studied abroad at the University of Sydney.

Will I need a student visa?

All visitors to Australia are required to have a valid visa for the entire duration of their stay. If you are enrolling in a course of less than three months, you can enter Australia on a tourist visa.

If you intend to study for more than three months, you must apply for a student visa.

If you are studying on a student visa you: • have access to Australia’s subsidised student health cover • are able to study for more than three months, and • are able to work 20 hours during term time and full-time during vacation, after you have enrolled in your classes.

You can only apply for your visa after you’ve been accepted to your Australian university and have paid your tuition fees. The visa application process is very straightforward. US and Canadian citizens can apply online for student visas up to four months (124 days) before your program starts. To learn more, visit www.immi.gov.au. For additional immigration and visa advice, call 1 905 280 1437, Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm EST.

Consumer protection Australians value the cultural diversity that international students bring to our universities, and we take great care in looking after international students.

In Australia, your rights as an international student are protected under law, including your right to get the education you paid for. This consumer protection will allow you to receive a refund or to be placed in another course 16

if your provider is unable to teach your course. You also have a right to receive current and accurate information about the courses, fees, modes of study and other information from your provider before enrolling in a university.

Work and Holiday Visa If you are considering an internship in Australia or would like to return to Australia after your studies to work, you can apply for a Work and Holiday Visa.

This allows US and Canadian citizens to live and work in Australia for up to 12Â months. Visit www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/ for details.

I chose Australia because it was some place I always wanted to go to and explore. When I found out there was an internship program there, it fit perfectly into what I wanted: an incredible internship to increase my skills and classes to further my education.

Joe Carp, a political science major at Arcadia University studied abroad at Australian National University.

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Australian Trade Commission Embassy of Australia 1601 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20036 T: +1 202 454 9762 northamerica@studyinaustralia.gov.au www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/northamerica

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