Introduction
Australia is often referred to as the "Lucky Country", with its spacious surroundings, high standard of living, excellent health and education system, temperate climate, wide and varied landscape, political and economic stability, and a general quality of life envied by many around the world.
Over 100,000 people will migrate to Australia every year for the next four years, further enhancing the existing multicultural population. Students from all over the world come to Australia to take advantage of the world-class education and enjoy the friendly hospitality and cultural diversity.
Australia is the sixth largest continent in the world, yet it has the lowest population density, with only two people per square kilometre.
Australia is home to the world's oldest continuing cultural traditions. Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in 1901. It was able to take advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef. A referendum to change Australia's status, from a commonwealth headed by the British monarch to an independent republic, was defeated in 1999. On 26 January 1788, European settlers reached Port Jackson and established a settlement in what is now Sydney. Although Australia was not officially settled by European explorers until 1788, evidence suggests the land had already been inhabited by Aboriginal people for more than 60,000 years.
Geography
Australia is a land of contrasts - from harsh deserts to huge grazing lands; sweeping golden beaches, and exotic coral reefs to mountain ranges; and tropical rainforests to modern cities
One of the oldest continents, Australia is as wide as the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei and as long as the distance from Singapore to Manila. It is the only country to occupy an entire continent.
Surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia has many animals and plants, which are unique on the planet. The surface geology is typically old and flat.
Population
Australia's population is now more than 19 million. Asia figures prominently in Australia's top 10 source countries for family migrants.
Just as the land is diverse, so are the people. Nearly 25% of the population was born outside of Australia and have ethnic ties with over 140 countries. This melting pot of cultures range from the indigenous groups, to early European settlement, particularly the UK and Ireland, to immigration from countries across the globe, including Italy, Greece, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, India and Sri Lanka.
More than 100 ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making Australia 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 parts of the world.
Economic Growth
Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP at the level of the four dominant West European economies. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels
The Australian economy is open and competitive, aided by a dynamic private sector and a skilled, flexible workforce. Australia has one of the most impressive economies in the world, with high growth, low-inflation, and low interest rates. There is an efficient government sector, a flexible labour market, and a very competitive business sector.
Australia uses a dollars and cents system of decimal currency with 100 cents in a dollar. The bank notes in use are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins used are the silver coloured 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent and the gold coloured $1 and $2 coins.
Culture
Australians value the wealth of cultural diversity and social sophistication. International students also gain great benefits from their education in Australia and make lifelong friendships.
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 own spiritual groups on campus.
Although English is the official language of Australia, more than 2.4 million of the country's population speak another language at home. Although English is the official language, a host of other languages are spoken in Australia. As one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world many Australians are naturally fluent in other languages. 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 provide tuition in many other languages as well.
English as it is spoken in Australia is very easily understood by nearly all people 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
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 a large range of fruit and vegetables available at Australian produce markets. One doesn't have any difficulty in finding the foods that they used to have at home.
Visitors coming there can sample almost every type of cuisine available throughout the world in Australian's 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.
Education
Australia's education system is managed by a national body to ensure a consistent standard of quality education.
The Australian education system is divided broadly into six areas like Pre-schools, Primary School, Secondary / High School, Secondary Colleges, Vocational Training University or other tertiary institutions. Schooling is compulsory for students in most states and territories up to the age of 15 years. Although students are able to leave at that time, almost all students continue until they have completed at least their 10 year qualifications and most of them complete their 12 years studies.
Living
There are many other attractions to studying in Australia, apart from the quality of their education and training. Campuses offer spacious surroundings suitable for social, sport and other outdoor activities. They are also centrally located for students to experience the sophistication of the cities and excitement of entertainment facilities. During semester breaks one can travel further a field to experience more of Australia's spectacular natural environment and great physical beauty.
One has to work out a budget covering accommodation, food, transport, clothing and entertainment. Childcare, if applicable, should also be taken into account.
The average international student in Australia spends about $320 per week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs. School students in Australia typically spend a little less - about $265 a week - on accommodation and food, entertainment, transport and associated items. While this is a realistic guide, it is important to remember that individual circumstances will vary by location, course and lifestyle.
Opportunities/Benefits
Australia has one of the world's most open and innovative economies and the Australian Government is committed to maintain this direction. Strong growth over the past decade has been accompanied by low inflation and interest rates, and a solid productivity performance. Presently, Australia has one of the most impressive economies in the world, with high growth, low-inflation, and low interest rates. There is an efficient government sector, a flexible labour market, and a very competitive business sector.
Australia's social setup has cultural diversity, one of its most important strengths amidst the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This diversity is nourished by innate cultures, early European settlement and successive waves of immigration from all parts of the world. It is a source of competitive advantage, cultural enrichment and social stability.
As far as the Business opportunity is concerned, the Department of Immigration and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA), Australia has introduced specific initiatives designed to assist Australian business to obtain overseas staff with a minimum of formalities and to help overseas people conduct or establish business in Australia.
Business Skills Migration Program encourages successful business people to settle in Australia and develop business thereby meeting the criteria of having a genuine and realistic commitment to establish or participate in a business in Australia. It also intends to maintain a substantial ownership interest in that business and maintain direct and continuous involvement in the management of that business.
Health Care Services
Australia has a very good health care 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 health care services. People who pay extra into a private health insurance fund receive certain privileges when they use private health care services. As well as the usual services available in just about any Australian suburb or town, most Australian institutions also provide special health care services and advice for students.
International students studying in Australia are required to have Overseas Students health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student visa.
The Australian Government gives all its citizens access to a high standard of universal health care. The major part of the national health care system is called Medicare. It is financed largely by general taxation revenue, much of which is raised by an income-related levy. Around one-third of all health care costs are paid through the private sector. The Australian government provides help with medical expenses through a scheme called Medicare. Free public hospital care, help with the cost of out-of-hospital care and subsidized medicines are the services available under Medicare.
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 depends 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 news agencies.
Tourist students may drive in Australia on a valid overseas drivers license but if the document is not in the English language 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. One can find taxi ranks at transport terminals, main hotels or shopping centers or can hail taxis in the street. A light and sign on the roof indicates if a cab is vacant. There is a minimum charge on hiring and then a charge per kilometer traveled. Taxi drivers do not have to be tipped.
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