Living In Australia
Australia is a land of contrasts: sweeping golden beaches, coral reefs rich with marine life, tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, vast grazing lands, and sparse deserts.
One of the oldest continents, Australia is the only country to occupy an entire continent.
Surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia has many unique animals and plants. The continent's surface geology is typically old and flat, with a major mountain range stretching down the eastern coast and another mountain range in the northwest.
Sydney
Sydney is the largest city in Australia, with a population of approximately four million. It is also the capital of New South Wales. Sydney is a multicultural city with people from different ethnic backgrounds. Australian Vocational Training Institute is located in the heart of the town, just a short walk from the train station or bus stop.
Up-to-date and more detailed information about overseas students studying and living in Australia is available at the following website: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/. The Australian government established and maintained this website.
A Good Choice for Study
More than 700,000 overseas students are studying in Australia. They have chosen Australia for several reasons. They have chosen Australia for several reasons:
      • Australia has a high-quality education system that is equal to any country in the world.
      • Australia offers traditional education in reputable schools, institutes, colleges, and universities.
      • Awards from Australian institutions of higher education are recognized internationally.
      • Australian schools, institutes, colleges, and universities have established networks of welfare and support to help overseas students.
      • The Australian education system includes informality and accessibility of academic staff, the availability of computers, small group tutorials, and close supervision.
      • Living and tuition costs compare well with those of other countries; most overseas students can work part-time.
      • Australia is a safe, stable country with a pleasant climate.
Climate
Sydney enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, winter, and autumn. Below is a guide to the average daily temperatures.
Spring               September - November 12-22 degrees
Summer            December to February 28-32 degrees 
Autumn             March to May 12 - 20 degrees
Winter               June to August 10 - 15 degrees
Sports and other outdoor activities are possible at all times of the year.
Art
Australian contemporary arts reflect the world's oldest continuous cultural traditions and a diverse, multicultural society. Our visual and performing arts communities receive international acclaim for their vibrancy, originality, and cutting-edge work in the arts, literature, stage and cinema, dance, classical music, and contemporary Australian rock music.
The National Museum of Australia opened in 2001 as part of Australia's Centenary of Federation celebrations. It is co-located with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies in Canberra, the nation's capital, and joins more than 1,000 museums throughout Australia.
Multiculturalism
More than 100 ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Australia's dynamic multiculturalism can be attributed to its unique combination of Indigenous cultures, early European settlement, and immigration from all over the world.
Australians value the wealth of cultural diversity and social sophistication that international students bring to our campuses and communities. We take great care in looking after international students and helping them to adjust to the Australian way of life. International students also benefit greatly from their education in Australia and make lifelong friendships.
Language
Although English is the official language, many other languages are spoken in Australia. As one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, many Australians are naturally fluent in different languages. More than 2.4 million Australians speak a language other than English at home. Within the education and training system, about 15 percent of working-age students with an educational qualification have English as a second language. More than 800,000 Australians speak a European Union language, apart from English, in the home. Another 800,000 Australians speak an Asian language in the home.
In Australia, not only is there the opportunity to improve your English through specialist study in an English-speaking environment, but all sectors of Australian education and training also provide tuition in many other languages.
English, as it is spoken in Australia, is easily understood by nearly everyone from other English-speaking nations. While there are some minor differences in accent between the cities and country areas, the difference is much less than you will find in America, Britain, and Canada, where French is also spoken. As you improve your English in Australia, you will learn some of our slang and have a lot of fun explaining its meanings to your friends and relatives at home.
Religion
Australia is predominantly a Christian country; however, all religions are represented in our multicultural society. Australians respect the freedom of people to practice their choice of religion. Churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues are located in most major cities. Some universities have their spiritual groups on campus.
Clean, Safe, Cosmopolitan
Students worldwide come to Australia to take advantage of our world-class education and enjoy our friendly hospitality and cultural diversity. Australia has low crime rates and strict gun control laws, providing a safe environment to learn and travel. With one of the highest standards of living in the world, Australia offers modern transport systems, convenient telecommunications, cosmopolitan shopping complexes, and excellent health services.
Visitors from many parts of the world are attracted by Australia's spectacular natural environment and the distinctive personality and friendliness of the Australian people. Australia is rich in the arts and is keen to preserve and display its diverse cultural heritage.
Australians are also environmentally conscious and keen to preserve the country's natural beauty and scenery. Our Clean Up Australia campaign is being adopted worldwide.
Health Care
Australia has a perfect healthcare system. All Australians pay a Medicare levy (additional tax) to fund the public health system and ensure everyone gets access to public system doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare services. People who pay extra into a private health insurance fund receive certain privileges when they use private healthcare services. International students studying in Australia must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student visa.
Food
Australia has a fantastic variety of food. Our top-quality meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables are exported to markets all around the globe. There is an extensive range of fruits and vegetables available at Australian produce markets. You should have no difficulty in finding the foods that you are used to at home.
You can sample almost every type of cuisine available throughout the world in our many restaurants. There are elegant restaurants or typical Aussie pubs. Ethnic restaurants offer cuisines from all around the world. Good food at reasonable prices can be found at bistros or cafes. And for those who like takeaway, most of the major global fast-food chains are well-represented. The adventurous can try some of our 'bush tucker.'
Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts AC, 50 cycles. The Australian three-pin plug is highly safe. Adaptors are usually required for most foreign appliances. A transformer may be required if you bring an appliance from overseas that operates on a different voltage.
Transport
With one of the highest standards of living in the world, Australia offers modern transport systems. Australia has an extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, tramways, ferries, two major national airlines, and a number of regional airlines. Metropolitan areas are divided into zones, and your ticket type and cost depend on which zone you are going to travel in and for how long. Tickets can be bought at train stations, on buses and trams, and at newsagencies.
Tourist students may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver's license, but if the document is not in English, the visitor must carry a translation with the permit. An international driving license is not sufficient by itself.
Metered taxicabs operate in all major cities and towns. You will find taxi ranks at transport terminals, leading hotels, or shopping centers, or you can hail taxis in the street. A light and a sign on the roof indicate if a cab is vacant. There is a minimum charge on hiring and then a charge per kilometre travelled. Taxi drivers do not have to be tipped.
Telephones
Australia has a modern telecommunications system with mobile and internet access that is generally available cheaply. Public telephones are available at all Post Offices and shopping centers and are often situated on street corners. Public pay phones accept a variety of coins and Phone cards. Phone cards are pre-paid for use in public pay phones and can be bought at a large number of retail outlets in denominations of $A5, $A10, $A20, and $A50. Credit phones take most major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Master card, and Diners International. They can be found at international and domestic airports, central city locations, and hotels.
Mobile phones are very popular and can be purchased from several retailers.
Sports And Recreation
Australians are very keen on sports and outdoor activities and have gained a worldwide reputation as individuals and as teams. Hosting the Year 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney highlights Australia as a leading destination for international events.
Australia has more than 120 national sporting organisations and thousands of states, regional and club bodies. It is estimated that 6.5 million people, about a third of the population, are registered sports participants. While there are over 120 sporting organisations, Australians also take part in bushwalking, fishing, boating and water sports.
Entertainment
Campuses offer spacious surroundings suitable for social, sporting, and outdoor activities. They are also centrally located so that students can experience the sophistication of our cities and the excitement of our entertainment facilities. There are plenty of opportunities for international students to have an enjoyable time with friends.
Travel
During semester breaks, you may like to venture beyond the capital cities to experience more of Australia's spectacular natural environment and great physical beauty—national parks, the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, Uluru, and the Tasmanian Wilderness.
Study Methods
In Australia, much emphasis is placed upon private (individual) study through assignments, research, and learning to analyze data, present arguments about the subject matter, and be willing to defend one's argument. All these involve heavy use of libraries, intensive notetaking in lectures, and active participation in the learning process (as opposed to passive listening and rote learning).
To be a successful student in Australia, you will need to adapt to these learning methods, but most education institutions in Australia are very willing to help as they offer counselling services and assistance to develop practical study skills. Many lecturers/trainers in Australia have vast experience teaching overseas students; they understand the difficulties in getting used to different study methods, and they will be patient in helping you to develop new skills.
Cost of Living and Money Matters
Up-to-date and more detailed information on money and banking in Australia is available at the following website: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/. The Australian government established and maintained this website.
Money And Banks
The Australian currency is the only legal tender in Australia. When you first arrive, money from other countries can be changed at the exchange facilities located at international airports, banks and major hotels. Traveller's cheques are easier to use if already in Australian dollars, however, banks will cash traveller's cheques in virtually any currency. Major hotels and some shops will cash traveller’s cheques, depending on individual store policies.
It is a good idea to set up an Australian bank account. You will need to provide your visa and evidence of residency. Banking services in Australia are extremely competitive. Over 20 local and numerous international banking groups are represented in Australia. All major banks have branches in cities and regional centers. Most shopping centers have Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) facilities. These machines can be used for deposits and, in many instances, withdrawals 24 hours a day. Many department stores, supermarkets, and specialist shops have electronic transfer terminals (EFTPOS) where cash withdrawals can also be made in addition to purchasing goods.
Normal bank trading hours
9.30 am – 4.00 pm Monday to Thursday
9.30 am – 5.00 pm Friday 
Some banks are open on Saturday mornings
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted around Australia. The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners International, Mastercard, Visa, and their affiliates.
Currency
Australia uses a dollars-and-cents decimal currency system, with 100 cents in a dollar. The banknotes are $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. The silver-coloured 5-cent, 10-cent, 20-cent, and 50-cent coins and the gold-coloured $1 and $2 coins are used.
Australia's development of the polymer (plastic) banknote heralds the introduction of advanced banknote technology for the new millennium and rewrites world standards in design. This leading-edge polymer technology offers immense security benefits, and its concepts of cleanliness, environmental responsibility, and recyclability set an example for the world to follow.
Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom in Australia, and service charges are not added to hotels' and restaurants' accounts. In better-class restaurants, it is usual to tip food and drink waiters up to 10 percent of the bill for good service.
Porters have set charges at railway terminals but not at hotels. However, tipping is a matter of individual choice at any time.
Budgeting
You should work out a budget covering accommodation, food, transport, clothing, and entertainment. Childcare, if applicable, should also be considered.
The average international student in Australia spends about $360 per week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone, and incidental costs. School students in Australia typically spend less - about $265 a week - on accommodation and food, entertainment, transport, and associated items. While this is a realistic guide, it is essential to remember that individual circumstances vary by location, course, and lifestyle.
Student Breaks
Outside the College, there are places to eat and relax.