After a lot of research and consideration with the family, you’ve finally decided that you’re really going to study abroad, right? But have you ever considered what the experience of living in another country will be like, with a different culture than what you are used to?
In this article, you will discover what it is like to live in Australia, details of the island’s culture and even learn how to communicate well in English with Australians, known around the world for their friendliness and sociability. And not there: you will fall in love with the quality of life in the country and learn why having an open mind is a passport to being happy there. In the end, you will be on top of everything to make the best decision. Come on?
- Be organized so you don’t get stuck on your trip
The first tip is: be organized! When you want to study abroad, many problems appear before and during the trip. The best way to get around them, or even avoid them, is to do some good planning before packing your bags and catching the plane. But know that, even so, obstacles can appear in your daily life and, to overcome them, you need to have some information.
While still in your home country, start defining what you want to do abroad: do you want to study English, improve your area of knowledge at a prestigious university or work and earn money? Yes, in Australia it is possible to study and work at the same time!. If this is your option, find out about the student visa application process, with which you can enroll in a course lasting a minimum of 14 weeks and still be able to work 40 hours a fortnight. See the requirements and rules of this and other visa options for the country.
Choosing an English School
Most international students who go to Australia have in mind to improve their English. And how to talk about learning a language without mentioning the amazing English language schools on the island? To help you decide which institution to enroll in, be aware of your priority, as there are several types of courses, from General English (General English, in free translation) to the Doctoral Degree, for those who want to have a doctoral degree.
But rest assured that Australia has something to offer you! Currently, there are 1,200 educational institutions to study in one of the 22,000 courses available. Have you thought? But which option best represents what you want for your life? Based on your academic and professional experience, choose now what you want to do in Australia and refine your planning even further:
- English language courses;
- Technical courses in various areas;
- Bachelor’s and graduate degrees in an area of knowledge;
- MBA to learn about business;
- Master’s or Doctorate to become a specialist.
Ah, now that you know your study possibilities, how about researching more about the schools and universities available? In one of these institutions you can find the one that best suits your profile. But one thing is for sure: to live abroad, you have to free yourself from prejudice.
- Be open-minded about living in Australia
You already have plans of what to do in Australia, don’t you? So this is the time to release your prejudices, my dear. We explain: if you used to live alone or with your family in Brazil, one of the first situations you may encounter in a foreign country is having to stay with a family or even share a room with a colleague.
Being in the same space with an “unknown”person is not always easy, but it will make you grow personally. For this, be sure that it is possible to overcome the challenges and turn this experience into something incredible. Likewise, you need to be open-minded when looking for a job in kangaroo land.
Many people manage to earn good money, working as supermarket cashiers, waiters and even as painters. This, in addition to improving your English, puts you in touch with real day-to-day situations and, for sure, will bring you gain during the exchange, not just professionally (the best minimum wage in the world is in Australia: it’s AU$18.29 per hour), but also for your personal life.
- Control yourself not to spend or save too much
You already know that you will earn well working in Australia, as jobs pay a fixed hourly rate. But be careful not to spend it all at once or, on the other hand, miss out on the country’s attractions to save too much.
Be careful, too, when using prepaid cards, as they are handy when you need them, but they can become villains at the end of the month. The explanation is simple: the card depends on the currency exchange rate at the time of expiration and not at the time of purchase. Find the middle ground between spending and be happy!
- Pay attention to the accent when speaking English
You are in a foreign country and all you need at first is to be understood, right? But before that, be prepared to stumble when communicating with Australians, as sometimes, especially in informal situations, it is common for their accent to stand out.
- Understand the exotic (or not) Australian customs
Everywhere, there is something that is common to the local people, but which seems “exotic” to a foreigner. In Australia it would be no different, so pay attention to the customs that are practiced there. Starting with the traditional outing with the work gang to drink in a pub. Australians, whose favorite drink is beer, like to enjoy every free moment and do so regularly in small bars with friends.
Oh, and don’t be surprised if you see a sign in the places with the acronym BYO, it’s an abbreviation for “Bring Your Own” and means you can take your drink from home to that pub. But remember, it is forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages on the streets, beaches and public places in Australia. Also, if you get thirsty, know that there is a law that regulates that all establishments must offer water (which comes from the tap and is drinkable) for free to customers.