StudyLink Student Adventures November 07 Interview

http://studylink.blogs.com/student_adventures/2007/11/learning-and-li.html

Learning and Lifestyle: Study in Australia
“When the plane landed, I was surprised by how sandy and desert-like the area near the airport was,” says Aik Hui Ho (John) from Malaysia about his arrival in Perth this year. “The first thing I thought was that Australia conserves its environment well – which is good!”

John started his Bachelor of Science studies at Murdoch University in West Australia this spring, after applying online through StudyLink. “It’s a very nice place to study… neither too boring or busy, even though it’s a big city. I like spending my free time relaxing at the famous port of Fremantle.”

Students are often surprised by the diversity of landscape in Australia. Your studies could take you to the busy, cosmopolitan cities of Sydney or Melbourne, the laid back tropical port of Darwin, or the rolling green hills and vineyards of Adelaide. You could find yourself learning to surf on Bondi Beach, skiing in the Snowy Mountains, or bushwalking through the Kimberleys in remote Western Australia.

High-tech sophistication
There are many other unique features of an Australian education. “When Taiwanese think of Australia, they think about wildlife – koalas and kangaroos – instead of its highly advanced technology. People don’t even know that Australia has already won seven Nobel prizes, and many world-firsts in technology and inventions,” says Mark Tsai, who graduated with a Masters in journalism and is now studying for a PhD in Communication.

Australia adopts new technologies at a faster rate than most other countries – it has one of the highest rates of internet access in the world. For international students, that also means access to state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, and world-class facilities for teaching and research.

Affordable, Quality Education
Australia’s reputation for a high standard of education at a reasonable cost is attracting more international students than almost any other English-speaking country – only the US and UK are ahead. The Australian learning style focuses on innovative, creative and independent thinking – skills which will also help you succeed in your career after graduation.

Living costs and tuition fees are well below most American and British institutions, with the average international student spending A$360 per week on accommodation, food, clothing, travel, entertainment and telephone costs.

There are strong government safeguards in place to ensure all Australian education providers are of a high standard – even when the courses are offered offshore or online.

Learn English in an English speaking country
With flexible courses to suit all levels on language skills, you can sit for an internationally recognised test (such as IELTS or TOEFL) after you complete your English studies. John says, “my English communication skills have improved a lot - as well as my studies I share a flat with students from English-speaking background so that has helped. I’ve also learned to survive by my own effort.”

Flexible study options
There are 39 universities and over 60 TAFE (vocational colleges) in Australia, each offering a variety of options for study. Whether you are looking for a post-graduate degree from a top ranking research university, hands-on vocational training, or a recognised English language qualification, you will find a course and a timetable to suit your needs.

Melinda Rippe, Manager of StudyLink’s student counselling services, says: “In Australia, students have access to a very international learning environment where they learn not only from professors but also from their classmates, and there are a lot of opportunities for students to get involved in other activities to meet people and learn more about the Australian culture.”