By Erica Moore Australia Student Ambassador, 2011.

ARE YOU READY FOR LIFE

DOWN UNDER?!

AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE! OI OI OI!!!

By Erica MooreAustralia Student Ambassador, 2011

DID YOU KNOW…

Australia’s land mass is 7.7 million sq. kilometers – equivalent to the continental US and the population is just over 20 million –

roughly the same population as New York state.

The Union Jack on the Australian Flag indicates ties to Britain, the seven sided Federation Star represents 6 states and 2 territories, and the Southern Cross is the key navigational

element in the Southern Hemisphere sky.

WHY AUSTRALIA IS A GREAT PLACE TO STUDY

Heaps of diverse ecosystems, animals, surfing and agriculture!

“Easy going” lifestyle

English-speaking

Warmer climate

Central location to travel to other countries such as Indonesia, New Zealand

‘UNI’

15% are international students

Emphasis on independence and research

Fewer class hours than in Canada. Each class is once a week with a lecture/seminar and a tutorial.

Assessment through papers, mid- and end-of-semester exams. Less assessments than in Canada.

No grade inflation – your final mark is your mark!

VISAS 3 months before you go, apply for a student visa

Apply online at: www.immi.gov.au/students/index.htm - Australia Visas; service available Mon-Fri from 10am-5pm 1 905 280-1437

YOU MUST HAVE

• A Confirmation of Enrolment from your Australian University (CoE)

• Overseas Student Health Cover age (contact your destination university)

• Passport & Drivers license (Make copies to put in your suitcases, carry on and give one to your roommate if you have one!)

• Credit card

How much money will I need and can I work?

Exchange rate: CAN$1 buys AUD $0.96; •visit: www.xe.com

MONEY:- Go to your home bank and order $ 200.00 in Australian money; and $200.00 in US money for airport misc., expenses traveling down and back.- Use your Visa for most items. Purchases with Visa are insured/covered and you don't have to worry about loosing cash.- Go online and find a bank close to your university and open an account with a debit card when you arrive.

WORKING: - With a student visa you can work 20 hours/week and full time during breaks, once enrolled

Cost of living

AUD $6,000 per semester (average)- food, travel, activities, etc.

Home stay: AUD$110-$270 per week

Hostels and guesthouses: AUD$80-$135 per week

Shared rental accommodation: AUD$70-$250+ per week

(RECOMMENDED! You’ll meet heaps of people!)

Need a little financial help?

Canadian student loans

Scholarships database: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

APPLY!

Travel – How to’s Try to travel the country, it’s beautiful!

Australia has all the modern transportation methods of a developed country

You can buy rail passes that allow unlimited trips: http://www.railaustralia.com.au/

Cheap plane tickets can be purchased from discount airlines (Jet Star, Virgin Blue, V Australia, etc.)

Most major cities have local public transportation with buses or trams.

Cool Places to Visit!

Melbourne

Byron Bay

Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise)

Darwin

The Outback

Sydney

Brisbane

Cairns(Great Barrier Reef)

Some things to know before you go!

Immediately, have your parents look for cheap return flights; most companies will notify you if a 'price drops' so sign up for their newsletters.

Visit your family physician! Get caught up on travel shots; renew prescriptions for the length of time you will be away.

Healthcare Coverage - check with your parents to see if their health plan covers you while at school/away. Australia Universities requires that you purchase their health coverage

($220.00). Contact the university you are attending to do this before you go.

What do I bring?!! THINGS TO TAKE FROM HOME THAT ARE EXPENSIVE DOWN THERE!

- check your airline for luggage allowance and do not over pack or they will charge you $100.00 for each additional suit case! -

- toiletries -good walking sneakers -strong back pack -YOUR LAPTOP!- international plug adapter - flip flops!

- - Over the door hooks, gives you extra space to hang stuff (Dollar Store)

CELL PHONES – BUY ONE THERE!!Cheap to purchase and pay as you go ($30)

RESIDENCE/CAMPUS:- Ask about LINEN and COOKING PACKAGES - they supply sheets, pots and pans for a fee - Groceries: Wooly’s (Woolworth’s) and Coles are the cheapest – AND they deliver!- Buy a fan A.S.A.P. ! It can get pretty hot! (no air conditioners @ Uni)

SAFE TRAVELS!