Fri, Jan 24, 2003 page21

• The Australian advantage

  • AUSTRALIAN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OFFICE
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  Australia is a dynamic vibrant country. Its people are energetic, friendly and confident. We value knowledge and its application and are recognized for our achievements in many fields.

  Australia enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world. Living costs and student fees are very affordable and Australia is consistently less expensive than the UK or US. International students in Australia are also able to work part-time while they study.

  Personal safety and security are major issues for students and their families. With people from more than 100 ethnic groups making Australia their home, we are one of the world's most multicultural countries and an extremely safe, friendly society.

  Australians value the contribution international students make to our campuses, schools and our communities.

  Students can explore a number of options for accommodation in Australia. They can choose from rental accommodation, hostels, residential colleges or boarding schools.

  Alternatively, students can live with an Australian family and experience the Australian lifestyle. Institutions will help with advice on the cost and availability of accommodation in their area.

  International students can experience the sophistication and excitement of Australia's cities or delight in the wonders of Australia's spectacular natural environment. Australia has as environment unlike any other in the world and Australia is committed to preserving the natural beauty and scenery.

  Vast areas of Australia's land are registered and protected national parks and there are 13 World Heritage Areas listed by the United Nations.

  Students can visit such wonders as the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, Uluru and the Tasmanian Wilderness.

  Australia provides limitless study opportunities. Students can undertake marine biology courses on the Great Barrier Reef, research ancient indigenous culture in a place where it still exists or gain access to research into new, world leading innovations in computer hardware and software. Australia offers learning experiences found nowhere else in the world.

  New technologies

  Australia has a reputation for adopting new technologies more rapidly than most other countries with one of the highest rates of Internet access in the world. Australia has first class facilities for teaching, training and research including sophisticated laboratories, classrooms, computer centers and libraries.

  Australian advances in technology include the development of an internationally accepted aircraft landing system, the black box flight recorder, bionic ear implants, a heart pacemaker and computer hardware and software.

  Australia has pioneered research areas such as solar energy and other energy sources. Australia has also led the development and application of new technologies in areas such as wave-piercing ocean catamarans, solar-powered cars and the revolutionary orbital engine.

  Australian scientists and researchers have made many advances in medical science. They have had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary people around the world and won prestigious international awards. A relatively young nation, Australia has already achieved seven Nobel Prizes (medicine, chemistry, literature, physics).

  Quality assurance

  The safeguards Australia offers to international students are unmatched in the world. Rigorous assurance measures reflect our commitment to quality and excellence in education. Ongoing checks and controls by government, educational institutions and professional bodies ensure that standards are maintained.

  Australian educational institutions must be Government registered and meet high standards of quality and ethical practice to enroll international students.

  These standards apply equally to public and private institutions and cover issues such as curriculum, teaching staff qualifications, facilities and specialist equipment. Australia has also legislated to protect and safeguard the fees paid by international students.

  Australian Government legislation includes a code of conduct that is legally enforceable throughout Australia.

  Many institutions are also members of professional bodies or councils that have their own codes of conduct. These codes set standards for academic and support services for international students.

  These arrangements provide international students with quality assurance and high levels of ongoing support.

  The Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) is an independent, national quality assurance body that audits the key activities of teaching, learning, research and management in Australian universities.

  Where an Australian university offers courses at an offshore campus or through an agent, the institution must maintain standards equivalent to those provided in Australia.

  The National Quality Training Framework ensures Australia's national vocational education and training (VET) system provides high quality, industry relevant training and qualifications recognition.

  Australia is continually refining its education and training system while retaining the best existing values such as student welfare and excellence in scholarship. English language training and schools in Australia are covered by detailed quality assurance measures.

  Many specialist services are available for international students including language tuition, designated international student advisers, application and visa-processing assistance, on-arrival reception and orientation programs, health, counseling, accommodation, employment services, social support and pastoral care.

  Courses and institutions that have been approved for international students can be found on the official Australian Government web site for international students at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
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