Articles in Students

A major part of any university course is discussion. This may be a standalone course focused heavily on discussion of a given topic or a lecture with a tutorial supplementing the core materials. These tutorials are incredibly important and you will be assessed based on your participation. To put it simply, if you don’t speak up on a regular basis it can affect how you are assessed.

For many international students, these tutorial sessions can be stressful because they are so different than how similar topics are discussed back home. Australian students are vocal and very active, often talking over the top of each other and openly debating ideas and concepts in the middle of the session. Whether this is familiar to you or not, it can be hard to jump into the middle of it as a newcomer to the country.

Here are some tips to help not only feel more relaxed and prepared for these discussions, but to stand out and ensure you perform well in the course:

  • Observe How Australian Students Interact – While it might be jarring at first to hear a student so openly disagree with a tutor or instructor, there are still boundaries and general rules that all students follow. You’ll find yourself getting more comfortable quickly if you observe these interactions carefully.
  • Prepare Comments in Advance – While eventually you will want to feel comfortable enough to speak in response to what others are discussing, the best way to prepare for these discussions is to have notes outlined in advance. It can be an interesting thing you remember from the lecture, a question you have about the topic, or a response to something said in a prior session. The goal is to show you understand the material and are engaged.
  • Practice and Prepare for Presentations – Giving a presentation in front of a group of peers is stressful for most people, regardless of whether they are local or international. Take some extra time to prepare, rehearsing your presentation, partnering with another student to share ideas, and going go the student services office for advice.

The goal of these sessions is to engage and involve every student in an active discussion. Education is about more than just lectures and being given a list of answers. It’s about learning how to ask questions, guiding the discussion with a group of your peers, and thinking critical about topics that are new to you. Using the tips above, you can be as actively engaged as any local student in these discussions.

If you are an international student and are interested in learning more about how you can engage with your fellow students, build relationships, and perform well in university courses, make sure to follow Global Experience on Facebook and Twitter where we post new content daily, including our newest blog posts each week.

As an International student studying in Australia there are a lot of things you need to prepare for. From studying in a new country to building relationships and learning the culture, you’ll be very busy.

One part of this process that will help you to better acclimate to the new environment and excel in your courses is to find out what services are offered to students, especially international students like yourself.

Who to Talk with

There are many people at University who may be able to help you when there is an issue. It’s best to approach them and build these lines of communication well in advance of there actually being a problem, however. To start, you should speak with your course coordinator and the department advisors.

The university website might be of use as well, but if it is not, or if the information is out of date or limited, you can speak with the faculty office directly, and for many large universities in Sydney and Melbourne, you’ll find a dedicated international student coordinator who can assist.

What Questions to Ask

When you approach the advisors or faculty in your new university, be ready with questions that will help you prepare for the term. These might include:

  • What tasks are related to assessment in the course?
  • What is the penalty for late work in the department or in the specific instructor’s course?
  • What action is taken if you fail an exam or fail to complete a large assignment?
  • How do you apply for special consideration if you are sick or need to return home due to a family emergency?
  • What is considered compulsory as part of your course?

By knowing the answers to these questions, you can better understand the course, the expectations of you as a student, and what to do if you cannot meet these expectations at any time.

Finding Support and Services for These Situations

If such a situation occurs, who do you turn to? This is a very important question. For those staying with a host family, you have at least one person you can turn to in times of trouble, but for others staying alone or living with a roommate, you should take the time to research what is available for you.

For international students, there are often orientation programs specifically to introduce you to the school and the country as a whole. Additionally, you should research the Student Services available from your university. There may be a website or you can speak with an advisor or coordinator about assistance. There may be ESL assistance as well as time management, studying, and note taking skill development courses that can help you.

By tapping into the resources your school offers, ensuring you fully understand what your course coordinators and instructors expect of you, and being ready in case a problem does develop, you’ll be prepared for almost anything that might happen during your time studying in Australia. From here you get to have fun and enjoy this amazing experience in a new country!

As an international student, you have a lot of things to prepare for before starting classes. Not only are you starting at a new university, you are moving hundreds or even thousands of miles to your new school overseas. You’ll be meeting new people, staying in a new apartment or home, and learning new customs and about a new culture. That’s a lot to try and juggle at once.

To help you get ready, we’ve gathered several tips to help with the first few weeks of university as an international student. Whether preparing for orientation or getting acclimated to the new environment, keep these tips in mind to feel more comfortable.

Remember that You’re Not Alone

Many international students in Australia feel alone at first. After all, you probably came to Australia alone and have left your friends and family behind in your home country. But remember that Australia is one of the largest destinations in the world for international students. Nearly 20% of students in Australian universities are from overseas and many of them are in the same situation as you.

Be active in international student groups, go out and spend time with people from local host families, and talk to colleagues, even if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. You’ll be surprised to find they are often in the same situation as you.

Go to as Many University Events as Possible

One of the most exciting parts about being at university is the events you can attend. Sporting events,  campus events, festivals, and other activities held by the university or organizations that operate with the university are plentiful. Almost any weekend you should be able to find something to keep you occupied on campuses in Sydney or Melbourne, and there are even more events to attend off campus.

Even if you don’t yet have friends, going to these types of events will give you something to discuss with people you meet, things to invite people to when you are trying to think of something to do, and a place to go when you aren’t studying.

Things Get Awkward – Be Comfortable with it

It’s normal to feel awkward in new social situations. Remember that most other people also feel awkward and will respond in turn in these situations. The key is to go outside of your comfort zone and be willing to engage even if you are afraid of it getting too awkward.

Talk as much as you can, be fun and don’t forget to smile. The boundaries of language and culture have a habit of melting away in a university setting because at the heart of it, you are experiencing the same thing as everyone else on that campus.

Be Willing to Explore New Things

University life is an amazing experience, and even more so when you get to see it through the eyes of a new culture in a new location like Australia. Make the most of the opportunity and you’ll not only make new friends, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.

There are so many exciting aspects of studying overseas. The new places you get to see, the cultures you get to explore, and the new people you’ll meet – it’s an incredible experience. But, coming into a new country alone, it can be overwhelming. Especially when you don’t know anyone, it’s hard to know where to start in a completely new city.

To help meet people faster and make the most of your time in Australia, here are five tips to meet more people while studying overseas.

1. Stay with a Host Family or Roommate

The fastest way to start meeting people is to arrive with a built-in group of people to connect with. A host family makes this easier than almost any other situation. Locals who know the area and are used to helping international students acclimate can be of great assistance to you. Even if you don’t stay with a host family, consider booking an apartment or student housing with a roommate – another international student or a local Australian who you can ideally connect with as you get to know the area.

2. Join Organizations or Clubs

Your University likely has dozens of clubs, organizations, and groups that cover a spectrum of different interests. Whether it’s a sport you enjoy, a hobby, or a game you like to play, there is probably a local group for it. You can also find organizations for international students, including some for specific countries with a high representation in Sydney or Melbourne. These are great places to meet people who are in the same situation as yourself.

3. Go Out and Do Things Around Town

This is an easy one, but so many people put it off, afraid to go out alone and explore before they meet friends. Between classes, on weekends, or at the end of the day, go out and enjoy the city. Set a goal for yourself each week and make sure you visit at least one thing that’s new in Sydney, Melbourne or a surrounding suburb or tourist site. This will help make your trip truly memorable, and you’ll probably meet people along the way.

4. Go Outside Your Comfort Zone

A lot of things are going to be a little tough to do, especially if you are naturally shy or introverted. Talking to strangers in class, going to events or parties where you don’t know anyone, or engaging in groups you’ve never been to before – these are all big steps out of your comfort zone. But you’ve already taken a major leap by coming to Australia; why not take a few more steps and meet people that you can form lasting relationships with as part of your trip.

5. Look for Meetup Groups that Match Your Interests

In just about any country, meetup.com is a fantastic resource to connect with people and share common interests. Search for a hobby, interest, or other topic you’re interested in on meetup.com and there will almost certainly be a meetup group you can join. If there isn’t, consider starting one. Like people always flock together, and what better way to enjoy a hobby than to share it with people in a new country.

There are so many things to do in so many places in Sydney, Melbourne, or wherever you might be staying in Australia, that all it takes is a little bit of a push for yourself and you’ll meet more people than you can imagine. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience – be sure to share it with as many people as possible.

Traveling overseas is exciting. There’s so much to see and do, and yet when also studying overseas, time can slip away faster than you might expect. That’s why timing your arrival is so important.

If you plan on studying overseas in Australia or any other country a significant distant from home, it’s best to get there a little early. Give yourself a few extra days or even weeks during which you can get situated, learn the area, and be ready for classes. Here are five specific reasons to arrive early and what you’ll gain by doing so.

Settle in with Your Host Family and Adjust to the Area

Arriving a bit early gives you much needed time to get to know your host family, settle into your new room, learn the rules, and explore the immediate area. Where is the grocery store? The bank? The library? These are things you’ll be glad you already know when you’re deep into a busy class schedule.

Adjust to Local Time

If you’re staying in the same time zone, this is less of an issue, but if you are traveling from far away, especially across four or more hours, you’ll need a bit of time to adjust. The farther you are traveling from; the more time your body will need to adjust. A 12-hour difference, for example, can result in upwards of a week adjusting fully to the new schedule. The last thing you want is to fight jet lag and insomnia when you are starting classes in a new country.

Attend University Orientation or Group Events

Orientation events often occur a week or two before classes officially start. By attending, you will not only learn the basics of your new university, but you may meet some new friends. Especially at universities with large international student populations in Sydney and Melbourne, these events can be immensely helpful in settling in, learning more about your new university, and meeting a handful of people you can connect with as you get started.

Handle All Remaining Logistics

There are always business details to handle when traveling overseas. For students who will be in Australia for several months, this might include setting up a bank account, buying a new cell phone, getting a local or student ID card, finalizing your health insurance, or enrolling for classes – if any of these things need to be done, give yourself plenty of time on days before the term starts so you can be ready to just focus on studying.

Have Fun!

Here’s an easy one – have fun! The reason you’re excited to be in Australia is that it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and will be a lot of fun. But if you don’t give yourself enough time to have fun and spend your first few weeks running for errand to errand between classes, you can burn out fast. Make sure you build in enough time to explore your surroundings, enjoy the setting of a new country, and meet as many people as you can – these are the things that will stick with you forever as unforgettable memories of your time here.

It’s one of the most exciting things you can do in university – spend part of a year overseas learning about a new culture and exploring a new part of the world. If you are preparing to make such a move or would like to learn more about how studying overseas will impact your life, here are 10 perfect reasons to not only consider it, but consider it in Australia.

 

Good Experience for Your CV

 

At the top of the list is experience. The time you spend in Australia is great for your future job prospects, not only because it gives you new perspective on the world, but because of the unique experience it provides and the way it stretches your education. If you can excel in a new country, you become a more attractive hire.

 

Discover New and Exciting Things About Other Cultures

 

This applies to studying in any country. The time you spend there will allow you to learn more about the cultures of that country, engaging with new people, building relationships, and trying new things well outside of your comfort zone back home.

 

Practice English as a Second Language

 

If you are learning or want to learn English, what better way to practice and develop your skills than to spend 6 months living and studying in Australia? Through both time at school and pure immersion in the culture, your language skills will develop rapidly.

 

Become Independent and Self-Reliant

 

Time overseas drives people to become better at many things, chief of which is looking out for themselves and taking initiative. Getting a part time job, going grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning, and exploring a new city in a new country – these are life changing experiences that will help you become more self-reliant in the future.

 

Learn About Yourself and What You Want in Life

 

For many university students, a big question is “what will I do next?”. How are you going to take your education and experiences and apply them to a career? Studying overseas can not only give you new perspective, but open you to new possibilities of what you can do after graduating.

 

Explore Exciting New Things in Australia

 

Australia is one of the most exciting countries to visit in the world. Not only are Sydney and Melbourne ranked among the top 5 cities in the world for international students – the surrounding areas offer countless attractions, historical sites, and cultural opportunities for those visiting, even for a short time.

 

See a New Culture through the Eyes of a Citizen

 

Living in a foreign country for even a few months is very different from visiting on holiday. The time you spend there, eating at restaurants, meeting people, and visiting cultural sites is as a resident. You’ll see the culture through their eyes.

 

Learn New Ways to Think About Your Studies

 

Studying at an Australian university is almost certainly different from studying at one in your home country. From the environment to the professors, you’ll be seeing your subject matter in a completely different way than you did back home. You never know what you will learn when perspective changes.

 

Make Incredible New Friends

 

One of the greatest parts of studying overseas is all the amazing people you meet during the process. From the host family you stay with to the colleagues and friends you connect with in classes or through a part time job – the opportunity to create new relationships is wide open.

 

Explore Job Opportunities Away from Home

 

Not only can you get a part time job while studying overseas in Australia; you can learn more about your job opportunities overseas in general post-graduation. Whether you want to explore staying in Australia for several years or another country, living in Australia for a term can really open your eyes to the options that are out there.

One of the biggest challenges faced by international students in Australia is time management. There is so much to do (and so much you want to do) that time can quickly get away from you when it comes to schoolwork or a part time job. To help you stay on top of your schedule and ensure nothing falls by the wayside, here are five tips for better time management.

 

Understand The MUST Dos

 

Before doing anything else, make a list of every task on your list that you MUST do. This includes anything that absolutely needs to be done on a daily basis. If you have a part time job include this. Include any University deadlines such as a paper or an upcoming exam. The time you set aside for studying and for attending classes should be on this list too. For now, just create a list of these items so you have it set aside.

 

Create a Schedule or Calendar for Life

 

With the items you know you NEED to do mapped out, create a schedule for life – this can be an app on your phone, a written calendar, a planner, or any other tool that works well for you and your needs.

 

For now, input all of the must do items into your calendar, block out classes, work hours, and anything else you know you’ll be doing each week. You should also set aside ample time for sleep (7-8 hours a night is vital to ensure optimal performance in your studies).

Block Out Realistic Study Time

 

Life happens. There will be times when you have the opportunity to attend something new and exciting – after all you’re visiting a new country for the first time and will only be here for so long. However, make sure you aren’t so flexible that you run out of time to actually study.

 

You should expect to spend between 30-40 hours a week on university studies to maintain good grades and perform as well as you would like. That means roughly 15 hours a week in lectures and another 15-20 studying on your own. Block out as much of this time in advance as you can to ensure it doesn’t get tossed aside for something more fun.

 

Managing Procrastination is an Art

 

Procrastination can kill all of the work you just did and put off the most important tasks on your to do list until the last second. Find the circumstances that lead to your best study sessions – for some people this may be time with friends at a coffee shop while others need complete silence at the library or in their room.

 

Find the place and time that works best for you and devote yourself to spending as much of that time as possible focusing on your studies. There are times you’ll fall behind – try to minimize them as much as possible.

 

Take Care of Yourself – It’s a Smart Investment

 

Finally, and this is probably the most important item on this list, take care of yourself. The average university student gains 15 pounds in the first two years, not only because of a less than stellar diet, but because things like sleep and exercise fall by the wayside as well.

 

Focus on yourself and treat your body well and you will be rewarded for it in your studies. It might not seem like it makes sense now, but if you study less now so you can exercise and eat a good meal, you’ll do better in your exams.

 

Learn more about how you can perform strongly in your classes and enjoy your time without falling behind as an international student in Australia by following us on Facebook or Twitter where we post new content every day.

 

The New Year is almost upon us – in just a few short days, 2016 will be here and for many students, that means a new term and a new opportunity to explore Australia during an overseas study trip. If you are currently in Australia as an international student or if you are planning to visit the country soon, here are five things you should start thinking about now as you plan your year.

 

Prepare for the Prices

 

Australia’s prices are routinely higher than many of the nations from which international students come. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have fun while visiting, but be ready for a lot of the things on your to do list to be somewhat pricey.

 

Do your research, plan your budget, and maybe even consider getting a part-time job while visiting to help pay for your activities.

It’s a Big Country

 

This is a big country – so big in fact that it’s unlikely you’ll be able to do everything on your to do list if you’re only here for a few months. So make sure to plan your activities accordingly. Make a decision between Sydney and Melbourne as to where you will stay and look for activities nearby.

 

With the geography to cover, the time you’ll be spending on your studies, and the cost, it won’t necessarily be possible to do everything on your list.

Learn More than the Movies Teach

 

There are plenty of images of Australians and the life they lead floating around in popular culture. Some are exaggerations and some are just stories. To avoid confusion or feeling out of place, spend some time studying up on what Australian life is actually like day to day.

 

Learn the states, the communities near where you are staying, some of the common slang and phrases used, and upcoming holidays – a bit of light study will go a long way toward making you feel more comfortable.

Know Your School

 

For many international students, the moment you receive that acceptance letter is the last moment you really think about the University you’ll be attending until you arrive. But spend some time getting to know it before you arrive.

 

Familiarize yourself with the grading system used, the layout of the campus, and the reputation of the university. See if there are any international student groups as well (most major Universities in Sydney and Melbourne have several) and decide what you will do when you arrive and start your semester.

Get to Know Your Host Family

 

Even before you leave for Australia, spend some time getting to know the host family you will be staying with. Letters or email are a great way to start the communication with them as soon as you receive confirmation on who you’ll be staying with.

 

Send photos, share your hobbies and goals for the trip, and ask lots of questions about them and their family so you know how best to fit in with this new family. You’ll feel much closer when you arrive if you have done so.

 

Your trip to Australia will be a once in a lifetime experience. Take the time to get to know the country, the school you’ll be attending, and the family with which you will be staying and you’ll be able to appreciate it that much more.

Happy Holidays from Global Experience

From the entire team at Global Experience, we want to wish each every host family, student, and member of the community Happy Holidays. This year has been a spectacular one for everyone on the team with new opportunities, recognition beyond what we could have ever expected or hoped for, and the opportunity to work with so many more families and members of our community.

 

For everyone out there who has worked with us or is interested in learning more about our work with the international student community, here’s to a fantastic 2016. Be sure to take a look at our blog posts each week and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn where we frequently post new and interesting information for everyone in the community – whether you are a student or host family.

 

Join us in our discussions of what it means to be in Australia, whether you are originally from here or just visiting for a few months. More importantly, join us in showing the world why this is one of the places so many students from around the world choose to come for their time overseas.

 

To everyone out there, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays – here’s to a spectacular 2016.

The glitz and glamour of an overseas study trip can blind you to the fact that you are still at university and still have classes that require the bulk of your time so you can maintain the best possible grades. If you fall behind in your classes, it can have serious repercussions long term. So it’s important to stay ahead, but not at the expense of the opportunity to explore a new country. To help you do both, here are some study trips for your time overseas.

Put Classes First and Foremost

As you would back home, put emphasis on your classes before anything else. Set aside that time every day, even if you don’t have classes, for study. Be sure you are in class and on time for every session and get to know the professor early so that if there is a problem you can communicate with him or her what those problems are. Absences can count against your grade in some situations, but more than that, you’re missing the opportunity to get the most out of your education.

Join Campus Organisations

Most universities have numerous organisations and clubs designed to help students socialize and explore outside interests. Take advantage of this fact and join as many groups as you feel comfortable maintaining while in class. This will help you socialize and meet other local students as well as learning more about the area.

Connect with Study Partners

For each of your classes if possible find at least one other person with whom you can connect after classes. This person will help you stay caught up on your notes if you do have to miss class for some reason and will also help you to connect with classmates early and make friends. Home sickness is inevitable when studying overseas – the sooner you make friends, the less likely this will become a problem.

Utilize International Student Support and Organisations

Most campuses have advisors as well as support groups for international students in general and those from specific regions or countries. Seek out these groups early and communicate with their organisers. It may be you never feel the need for their help, but if you start to have a hard time or are feeling homesick, it can be immensely helpful to have a group of likeminded international students and advisors nearby with whom you can talk.

Lean On Your Host Family

If you are staying with a host family, don’t be afraid to lean on them for support when you need it. Study time may become harder to find as the lure of a new city looms large. There are so many exciting things to do when staying in Sydney or Melbourne – a host family can help you to stay focused by providing guidance on what to see and when, and offering a caring, quiet environment in which to study.

If you are preparing to study overseas or if you are already in Australia and looking for the best way to get the most out of your situation, connect with Global Experience. We work with students from around the globe and can help you to stay ahead in classes and enjoy your time in Australia.

It’s one of the most exciting moments of your life – that last step before you get on the plane for your overseas study trip in Australia. It’s coming up soon and probably the only thing you can think of is what you’ll do when you get there.

Before you get to the airport, though, and well before you start planning your weekends in Sydney or Melbourne, there are a few things you should do back home. Here are five things to make sure you have checked off your to do list before your trip.

Figure Out a Low Cost Calling Option

Calling home will get expensive if you bring your mobile phone without preparation. There are several options to avoid this problem, though. You can buy a local disposable cell phone, use Skype and other online calling options, or buy a calling card with low international calling rates. Research this now, rather than when it’s potentially costly.

Map Out All Possible Travel Plans

Before you land on the other side, make sure you have a clear path laid out for transportation in your new city. If you are staying with a host family, communicate with them early and often for airport pickup. If not or if they will not be picking you up, figure out which busses or trains you’ll be using.

Get Copies of the Most Important Documents

There are several documents you should have copies of before you embark on your trip. Your birth certificate, proof of health insurance, the calling card you’re bringing (if you have one), and the informational pages of your passport should all be with you. In fact, it’s good to have several copies of each, some left at home and some with you when overseas.

Look Up Electronics in Your New Home

Will your adapters and electronics work in your new home? Every country has different standards for power adapters and other materials. There is some overlap, but it’s good to know in advance rather than risking that your power runs out or you cause damage to your devices.

Review All Course Credits in Advance

Getting accepted into an overseas university is immensely exciting, but don’t let the thrill of the acceptance affect your academic plans. Make sure the courses available to you will count for credit back home and that you will be accelerating your degree. If you plan on finishing your degree in Australia, this is less of an issue, but may still affect your ability to get a job back home depending on the nature of the education you are getting and career you are pursuing. Simply put, make sure you speak with an advisor.

Have Fun!

Preparations will be over before you know it and you’ll be ready to step on that airplane and embark on the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy that moment and be ready for everything it has to offer.

If you are still in the planning phase and are interested in learning more about homestay or student support services in Sydney or Melbourne, contact Global Experience and learn how we can help.

Are you planning to visit Australia as a student for part or all of the academic year? If so, you’re in for a treat. Australia is regularly named one of the best places in the world for international students, and for good reason – the relaxed atmosphere, beautiful outdoors, and plentiful activities offer students of all types something to do in addition to their high quality education.

But Australia is a big country and there are several cities home to universities that might be a good fit for your education and travel goals. We regularly get this question and wanted to share some of the factors that go into deciding where in Australia you should visit during your homestay.

Top Universities

Australia’s education system is exceptional and has frequently been ranked among the best in the world, most recently 9th according to Study in Australia. With 8 of the top 100 Universities in the world and 5 out of the 30 best student cities in the world, there are a lot of options here for those that want to study in the country.

To start, you’ll find Melbourne and Sydney among the top 5 student cities in the world according to TopUniversities. Other Australian cities that make the top 30 include Canberra, Aukland, and Brisbane, giving you numerous options across the eastern side of the country to choose from.

Sydney and Melbourne’s Main Attractions

In Sydney and Melbourne specifically, though, there are several things to consider. Melbourne is known for its plethora of historical and cultural sites, as well as its big market scene – something you’ll find throughout the city during the fall months. We regularly write about Melbourne’s events and how they attract people from around the country and the globe each year.

Sydney offers a similarly urban experience, surrounded by the beauty of the country. With the Northern Beaches offering plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the outdoors, the Blue Mountains to the west offering getaways in the great outdoors over the weekends, and extensive cultural opportunities in Sydney’s Opera House, museums, gardens, and parks, there is enough to do here to keep you busy for several years, let alone months during your study program.

Where Should You Stay for an Australian Homestay?

There are many options, and even if you haven’t yet selected a University to apply to for your overseas study, you’ll find that each of the cities listed above offers substantial opportunities for you to explore a new culture and enjoy what Australia has to offer.

If you are considering Sydney or Melbourne, contact Global Experience. We work with students and host families throughout both cities to help them find the perfect homestay matches.

One of the hardest things to do in University in general, let alone as an international student in Australia, is to get real world job experience. The rigors of full time university studies as well as the opportunity to explore amazing cities like Sydney and Melbourne are alluring, and there are a number of restrictions and requirements for students from overseas seeking employment in Australia.

Restrictions and Rules for Student Employment

As a student in Australia, your student visa permits you to work up to 20 hours while school is in session and full time during school breaks. Keep in mind that work cannot begin until after classes have begun though, even if you arrive a couple of months beforehand. Additionally, volunteer and unpaid work counts towards your 20 hour limit so it’s important to track these things carefully.

Permission to work can be acquired at the time of a student’s visa grant for both the student and any family members who will be traveling with the student. Again, this requires acceptance and enrolment at an Australia university before you can do anything. Once you have a job in Australia, you must also acquire a Tax File Number (TFN) and file a tax return each year.

Professional Year Program

The above option allows for any form of traditional employment while you are a student in Australia, but there are other more specific programs that allow you to gain additional experience while in the country.

One of those programs is the Professional Year Program. This program lasts for 44 weeks and allows you to earn credit toward your degree as you build on your overall soft skills in the workplace. The program also includes a three-month internship in your area of study which will further help you toward application of what you are learning in an active workplace in Australia. Eligibility for the program requires you to have Temporary Resident status with 10 months or more of validity, an IELTS certificate, and a Skill Assessment Certificate.

Your University’s guidance department can help you to prepare for and take the next step in joining this program if you are interested.

Keeping a Job After Graduation

If you are interested in staying in Australia after you acquire your degree, there is a Visa program for this. Through the Graduate Visa 485, you can stay on and work full time in Australia for 2-4 years (depending on the type of degree you received). You’ll need to have completed a health assessment, police certificates and have current OSCH health insurance coverage at the time you submit your application. The coverage you need for this visa is different than when you were a student so you’ll need to change your coverage before applying.

Getting a Job in Australia as a Student

If you are interested in working in Australia while you study or staying on after you graduate to continue working in the country, there are a number of options to do so. The key is to follow the procedures put in place and start networking early and often so you can find a position that best fits your interests and expertise.

If you plan on studying overseas, you have a number of options for how to do so. In fact, it may seem like there are too many options, making the decision much harder. But depending on the experience you want to have and the resources you have available, we can narrow down your choices to one or two good options. Let’s take a look at how to choose housing for your overseas study trip.

What Kind of Experience Do You Want to Have?

If you will be overseas for 3-6 months, start by asking yourself a few very important questions. These will help you determine what type of experience you want to have:

  • Do you know anyone on this trip? Are any friends going as well?
  • How intensive will your study be? Do you plan on getting a job?
  • What are your non-academic goals for this trip?

If you plan on a purely academic trip with intensive classes and little time for much else, a student apartment where you will have the space and time to think when studying may be a good fit for you. Or you may want the support and assistance of a host family who can reduce the stress of decisions like where to go grocery shopping.

On the other hand, if you are planning for a more social trip, you will want to be with people who know the area and who can help you get acclimated and enjoy your time. Staying with friends is certainly an option if you have friends also going on this trip, but if not a homestay will be a good fit.

A host family that knows the area, especially if you are considering Melbourne or Sydney, and who is friends with other host families and can introduce you to fellow international students will help you get acclimated and enjoy your time overseas more quickly.

How to Factor in Budget to Your Decision

Another major factor is budget. How much money do you have to spend on housing while overseas and how can you still enjoy your trip without running out of money?

Again, this is a situation in which homestay makes a lot of sense if you are on a tight budget. Because you will be able to share meals with your host family and because they know the area and can direct you to lower cost grocery stores and events and destinations that don’t cost as much, you can still enjoy your time in a new country without paying for it like a tourist.

Determining if Homestay is Right for You

If you plan on visiting Melbourne or Sydney as an international student, homestay is one of the best options. Because of how much there is to do and how costly living in these two cities can be if you don’t know the area, a host family will become an important point of support for your trip. They can help you make smart, budgeted decisions and guide you in enjoying your time in Australia for the several months you will be here.

Learn more about staying with a host family and other options for housing when staying overseas from our site here.

For an international student spending several months in a new country, there’s often a checklist of things to do – the places you want to see, the food you want to try, and the events you want to be part of. But, as many international students can tell you, there’s also a list of things you don’t realize you missed until you return home. If you are preparing for a trip to Melbourne or if you are currently in Melbourne as an international student, here are five cultural highlights you should make sure to see while there.

Royal Exhibition Building

Named a Unesco World Heritage site in 2004, the Royal Exhibition Building has been a cornerstone of Melbourne since 1880 when it was built for the International Exhibition. The first Australian Parliament was held here in 1901, it was the first building to fly the country’s flag, and now it is home to some of the biggest cultural events in the country each year, including the Melbourne Art Fair very two years.

Luna Park

You’ve probably seen pictures of Luna Park, one of the most famous amusement parks in Australia and home to the oldest continuously operating wooden rollercoaster in the world. Open for more than 100 years now, Luna Park is something you have to see if you are in Melbourne in the spring or summer.

Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum is home to unique specimens and exhibits from the surrounding Melbourne and Victoria region. It is home to all things that make the culture of this beautiful city so unique and one of the great museums of Australia – a must see for anyone who visits.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Capable of holding 100,000 people (and frequently filled to capacity), the ‘G’ is one of the most impressive and highest attended sporting venues in the world. Here you’ll find cricket matches in the summer, AFL in the winter, and events throughout the year, as well as tours available on non-game days. This is a once in a lifetime experience for a sporting fan.

Shrine of Remembrance

Originally built to remember the Australians whose lives were lost in World War I, the Shrine of Remembrance is now used to commemorate all Australian lives lost in wars. Major events are held here each year for Remembrance Day (11 November) and ANZAC Day (25 April. There are free tours here each day or you can visit and tour the memorial on your own.

This is only a list of the highlights in Melbourne. There are so many more things you should make the time to see while you are here – from the Royal Botanical Gardens, to the 600 traders hocking their wares in Queen Victoria Market. Make your trip to Melbourne an experience you will never forget.