MANAGE EXPECTATIONS – THE GOOD AND BAD OF STUDYING AND LIVING IN AUSTRALIA

Australia is FANTASTIC. It is seriously a dream come true. However there are certain things you need to know before your arrive. These are some of the realities you will encounter when you arrive Down Under.

THE GRADING SYSTEM IN AUSTRALIA

You are finally studying and living in Australia.

Chances are you are currently being graded in letters D (Fail) to A (Highest mark) or numbers 1 (Fail) to 10 (Highest mark) or 1 (Fail) to 5 (Highest mark).

Most Australian institutions use the following grading system: F (Fail), P (Pass), C (Credit), D (Distinction) and HD (High Distinction)

LOOKING FOR A JOB (WORKING WHILE YOU STUDY IN AUSTRALIA)

Australia has generous working conditions while you study with only a few restrictions.  A part time job will help pay for your room in Australia.

Getting a job is the best way to save money, meet new people in your city, and make friends! Remember that finding a job depends 100% on you. It all depends on your levels of English, how hard you look for available jobs, how many job applications you submit, etc.

We suggest certain short courses (some take days some only hours) for you to be able to get certain jobs quicker and easier. Some examples are:

Get a certificate Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) if you would like to work in places where alcohol is served such as restaurants, bars, night clubs ($120)

You need a Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) certificate if you want to work at Casinos and operate gambling machines. ($120)

You require a white/green card to work on a building site ($100)

In order to work in a cafe and make coffee a Barista course is recommended (basic/master skills) ($120 – $200)

Finally you could get a full local Drivers Licence to perhaps drive a taxi or UBER (check local laws in your Aussie city)

IF you are able to work part time this will pay most of the rent (this applies to most cities). However, it is very unlikely that you will be able to save for your tuition fees.

IT GETS COLD IN WINTER!

You found a nice room to live in. You are ready to travel and live in Australia.

There is a problem: people rarely think about the weather and climate before leaving their country.

We think it is essential to think on the weather and climate in order to maximise a good experience (we don’t want you to get sick!).

Despite the images of Australian sunshine and Aussie beaches it WILL get cold (especially in Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart). Make sure you pack accordingly. Very few buildings have centralised heaters.  Winter is Sydney is not as harsh as southern cities but you need to be prepared as well.

In fact many people coming from Canada and Scandinavian countries mention that they feel colder in their room in Australia than back home because their buildings are designed for very cold weathers.

Most room options in Australia are not. If you come from tropical countries (like south east Asia, North Africa, Central and South America), you should pack warm clothes for the winter times.

AUSTRALIANS DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE- BE CAREFUL WHEN CROSSING THE STREETS IN AUSTRALIA

Once you arrive to study and live in Australia, you need to be very careful when crossing the street. We drive on the right side of the road (which can be the complete opposite from your country).

We strongly suggest you look both sides and make sure no cars are coming. People tend to look at maps and directions in their mobiles. Never do this when crossing the roads.

Thinking in driving a car in Australia? We strongly suggest you Learn the Official (and Unofficial) Australian road rules.

Australians do follow road rules (also because there are traffic cameras everywhere thus this could be a VERY expensive exercise).

• youtube.com/watch?v=TMSzln0T9ZI
• youtube.com/watch?v=_un5doSUfmA
• youtube.com/watch?v=sCXtcXD17qU
• youtube.com/watch?v=I2Rd8z_VHpE

We wrote another post in relation to managing expectations.
These other post focuses more in your living expectations. Have a read.