Studying in Australia

Studying in Australia as an international student

Here are some support services and tips available to you for your new transition phase in studying in a new environment and adjusting to your new school:
Studying in Australia

Most international student find Australian teaching styles to be different then to what they are used to; in Australia there focus is on practical learning, that encourages thinking outside of the box, on creativity, on independent thoughts and debate.  Teachers aim to provide you with a thorough understanding of a topic rather than just teaching the basic.  You are expected to develop your own thoughts and share them with your fellow students during classes; it is encouraged to discuss new ideas and to have a voice in the classrooms.  Class participation is an assessable part of your grade.


Lectures and tutorials

Classes at university will be a mixture of lectures and tutorials.  A lecture might be attended by up to 200 students from different courses within your discipline.  A tutorial is a much smaller, with only about 30 students in attendance.  Can be different than what you are normally use too, up to 200 students, might be intimidating at first but it can be lots of fun to hear everybody’s ideas and thought on various topics.  You will discuss the information provided in your lecture with other student during the tutorial.  Is important that you contribute to the discussion on the topics if your courses and play an active role.  All your ideas are encouraged to share them in the group; the professor will get to know you better too through your participation.


Assessment

Your final grade for a unit will be based on how well you performed in your assignments, these includes class participation, exams, attendance and group exercises, projects, oral exams, oral presentations, you can be assets just once as for the final semester or various times throughout the semester.  


The scores are divided like this:  

A Outstanding achievement   High Distinction 100 to 80 per cent
B High achievement Distinction 79 to 70 per cent
B High achievement Distinction 79 to 70 per cent
C Satisfactory achievement Credit 69 to 60 per cent
C Satisfactory achievement Credit 69 to 60 per cent
D Unsatisfactory achievement Pass 59 to 50 per cent
E Fail Fail Below 550 percent0 per cent


Plagiarism

Plagiarism is when you take someone else work and present it as you’re own.  This includes copying clocks of text from reference books into your own assignment and neglecting to ‘reference’ or ‘credit’ the original source.

Plagiarism is a very serious offence in Australia and there are harsh penalties for the practice that may include an automatic fail of your unit, or may put your student visa in jeopardy.

If you wish to use someone else’s work, all you must simply do is reference the person from which you are borrowing the information, is always good anyway to use sources to present a stronger argument in your work.


Consumer protection

Australia is committed to providing quality education and training to international students, but you might still encounter some issues with your course and institutions, the government has enacted a number of laws to ensure you are protected at these times and is important that you understand your rights.  These laws like ESOS under the Education services for overseas students means the institution is there to help the student in the translation of the environment and with any other issues that might develop.
 

Some of the main requirements include the following:


Consumer Protection

The ESOS legislation provides consumer protection if a student or institution defaults on the course the student is enrolled in.  It protects against a refund of course money to the student or if is not possible a placement into an alternative course through a Tuition Assurance Scheme, for example, according to the Australian government guide for international students.


Course information

Institutions must ensure that the marketing materials, like brochures and handbooks are provided to the international students are accurate, not misleading and up to date.

Before a Confirmation of Enrolment, the institution must prove course related information such as:

• The course content and duration
• The qualification it leads to
• Teaching and assessment methods
• English language requirements
• Previous work experience or educational qualifications required for admittance
• Requirements for course completion
• Course related fees
• The facilities and learning resources related to the delivery of the course
• Student support services

Student support services

Institutions must support international students in adjusting to study and life in Australia, achieving their learning goals and achieving the learning outcome of their courses.


This includes:

Counseling, orientation, answering questions, academic progress, professional assistance, personal life support, accommodation, information for further studies.


Grievances

If you concerns about your courses or institution you should first try to discuss them with your education provider.  The international office at your institution can advise you on the best way to handle your concerns.


What your International Office can do for you

Your International Office is a great place to being looking for help, from setting up a bank account to sorting out your enrolment.  You should introduce yourself the first opportunity that you get, even right after you arrive in Australia and starting making good use of their services for students just like you.  The more you pass by the more they will get to you and remember you and it’s a good reference to have in the future.  Your institution will also have student counselors who you can talk to if you are having problems adjusting or just need to go to someone for advice on courses or institutional related.

As an international student you have a range of services just waiting to be used by you.  Students have special support offices to help find their transition a little easier and their experience is always at the end a little more rewarding.  


Orientation

International Student Advisors (ISAs) in your International Office will guide new international students through orientation programs designed to help them understand the Australian education system and become more familiar with the campus, support services and clubs.  They will explain the institution’s structure and governance, Australian culture and general issues associated with living in a new country.

 
Students with disabilities

Institutions offer services for student who require a little more assistance with their studies due to a disability or chronic medical condition.  These may include voice recognition software, hearing aids, or note taking services are more than settled into the environment with assistance from the school and institutions, to see if you qualify just contact your institution immediately.