Ever wonder what lives 100 metres below sea level? Off of the coast of Western Victoria, Deakin University is trying to find out. Scientists from Deakin, along with help from Parks Victoria, placed cameras on the sea floor in order to better understand which fish live where, how they interact with one another, how many there are, and what the nature of their habitat is. Check out the short video they put together here:
Australia is home to some of the most unique marine life in the entire world – up to 90 per cent of species found in Australian waters cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Furthermore, the Australian Government is working on a proposal that will protect these species by creating marine life reserves. However, amid rumours that the Great Barrier Reef will all but disappear in our lifetime, there has been no better time to study in Australia and check out this amazing marine life for yourself.
If you choose to study at the University of Queensland, you will be able to take advantage of the Heron Island Research Station, located right on the Great Barrier Reef. Classes take fieldtrips to this location so students can better learn about the many creatures living on the reef from the marine biologists who know them best. Ever dreamed of learning to scuba dive? There’s plenty of that too!
This week’s blog post comes to you from student ambassador Caroline, who has kindly agreed to share how studying in Australia has unleashed her Future Unlimited.
Two memories of my time in Australia take me back: 1. A bull shark and her young swim less than a foot away from me. 2. Riding the first wave all the way to shore at surf camp. Scuba diving with sharks and learning to surf are two of my favorite memories from my time studying abroad in Australia. They also happen to be two of the things I talked about in my graduate school interviews. I found that studying in Australia helped me discover more about myself and in turn, I was able to share my new discoveries with admissions committees.
Caroline braves her fears and swims with SHARKS!
Scuba diving with sharks was something I had always wanted to do, but it was also something that scared me quite a bit. Sharks are big and they’ve been known to bite. However, jumping in the shark infested water (under the supervision of trained professionals!) helped me conquer my fear and satisfy my curiosity. Graduate school in a health profession will be similar since I am a little nervous but I do crave the knowledge and understanding that it will present.
For me, graduate school is uncharted territory – something completely new. Learning to surf was a completely new experience as well. I had never managed to excel at any water sports and yet the thrill of standing up on a surf board on the first wave was exhilarating. I needed to prove that I could conquer
Aaaaalmost hanging ten. Almost.
new territory. In Australia, the new territory was a surf board but the experience translates into confidence. Confidence – in my ability to try and succeed at new things. New, uncharted territory – like graduate school.
While small talk in interviews may certainly have its place – understanding how to turn my Australian adventures into learning life lessons helped me obtain my goal of going to graduate school. It helped my future become unlimited.
Read more about what students who have studied in Australia have to say on our website here.
In honour of the upcoming Olympic Games, your favourite folks from the Embassy of Australia Education Team want to share some interesting tid-bits about some of minds and bodies driving one of our favourite Olympic teams – New Zealand! .. Just kidding, we wouldn’t do that to our friends down under.
So who are the contenders for the gold? First up is Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, where researchers collaborated with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Cycling Australia to study the aerodynamics of interactions among four Olympic cyclists. Since the university is home to the largest wind tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere, usually used to test aircrafts and automobiles, Monash proved to be the ideal partner for such an endeavour.
Using 65 kilometre per hour wind forces and blowing smoke over cyclists, researchers were able to identify equipment and body positions that would most likely help the team reach Olympic glory. Cycling star Jack Bobridge attested to how important research such as this is as races often come down to as little as a tenth of a second difference.
The SKA is a telescope like this one… except WAY bigger.
On 25 May 2012, the SKA (Square Kilometre Array) Organisation announced that Australia, along with New Zealand and South Africa, will host components of what will be the largest and most powerful radio telescope ever made. According to the organisation, it would take 2 million years to listen to the data collected by the telescope in a single day on an iPod, and with the combination of 3,000 dishes and a collecting area of a million square metres, scientists claim the telescope will actually be able to “see” back in time! The project will provide insight into mysteries such as the evolution of galaxies, the results of Big Bang, the nature of “dark energy,” and perhaps even the existence of other intelligent life. The best part is that the telescope will probably be completed in 2024 and have a working life of 50 years – meaning a large portion of the project will depend on the help of young and aspiring scientists. Study in Australia and you too could be a part of this amazing project!
Australian National University (ANU) is a fantastic choice for students looking to learn more about space. The Canberra-based University has been ranked 10th in the world for Space Science, and the Astronomy & Astrophysics department’s quality of research was given the highest rating possible by Australia’s Excellence in Research (ERA) National Report. Not to mention that if you choose to attend, you may have the opportunity to learn from Brian Schmidt — the 2011 co-recipient of the Nobel Prize — or one of the staff members listed on Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Research. On top of their impressive credentials, ANU operates Australia’s largest optical observatory — a perfect place to take advantage of Australia’s especially clear view of outer space.
The University of Melbourne also has a highly regarded Astrophysics program that is currently ranked 14th in the world by US News — just ahead of Columbia, Cornell, and Yale. In addition, not only does the university receive the highest number of research grants of any Australian university, but its graduates are ranked sixth in the world for employability. If you choose to enrol in their new Masters of Science – Physics degree program, you will have the unique opportunity to complete an astro research project supervised by a member of the University of Melbourne staff.
Artistic representation of aliens in search of Tim Tams, created by the overwhelmingly talented Embassy of Australia Education Team
Success in Australian programs such as these could be just what you need to jump-start your career as an SKA scientist. Just make sure to have Tim Tams ready when you make contact with the aliens!
The end of the academic year is almost upon us and summer break is just around the corner. Do you have any exciting summer plans? How about this: apply for the summer marketing internship at the Embassy of Australia in Washington, DC and gain valuable work experience all while promoting studying in Australia. Sound like a dream? Well you could make this dream a reality!
The marketing intern will assist with market research, student enquiries, website development, online social media, marketing, and administrative tasks. The intern will work primarily with the education team while supporting the investment and trade teams as needed.
To make all of your wildest marketing internship dreams come true, make sure you:
• have completed at least three years of college (with a minimum GPA of 3.2)
• have strong research skills and the ability to synthesize and analyze data
• possess strong written and verbal communication skills
• are proficient with Microsoft Office
• have the ability to work independently and in a team
• have the ability to show initiative
• have experience using online social media in an academic or professional capacity (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, WordPress)
• have a personal interest in the fields of international marketing, education marketing, international education, and /or marketing
• have previous work or study experience in Australia
Australia has 39 public and 2 private universities. Most are very modern universities with a surprisingly short history. This means many universities are named after important historical figures. Let’s go through and see what gives them their namesakes.
The less darker Australian version.
University of Melbourne – I’m really dissapointed that this never became the University of Batmania. The city of Melbourne was founded by John Batman. Batmania was one such nickname that Melbourne had before it was officially named Melbourne.
Flinders University – Where would Australia be without Matthew Flinders? Well, it probably wouldn’t be called Australia. The Captain was the first to circumnavigate Australia and to popularize the term “Australia”. He was imprisoned for over six years by the French upon his return to England.
Bond University – James Bond? Not quite. This university was named after the businessman Alan Bond. He is known for his involvement with the Australian yacht team that won the 1983 America’s Cup. The 131-year streak buster is a sports record.
Charles Darwin University – With the capital of a territory and this university, it’s easy to think Charles Darwin was Australian. The famous Brit just had a lovely band of admirers. He is best known for originating the theory of evolution in his book On the Origin of Species. Interestingly enough, it was the presence of the Australian marsupial kangaroo and platypus that almost convinced him of two separate Creators.
Macquarie University – Named after Lachlan Macquarie, a former Governor of New South Wales. The Scotsman was dubbed “The Father of Australia” for his role in transforming New South Wales from a penal colony into a free settlement.
Charles Sturt University – Charles Sturt was an early English explorer of Australia. Along with being part of the original explorers of Sydney, he searched the Red Centre for an inland sea. I’m sure he was dissapointed.
Not Captain Cook.
James Cook University – Named after perhaps the most interesting man on this list. He is the first European to reach contact with the eastern coast of Australia (as well as Hawaii). Australians have dubbed the term taking a look to be to “take a Captain Cook”. He met his end at the hands (or should I say spears?) of angry natives in Hawaii. He is portrayed in The Pirates of the Caribbean. I just made that last part up.
Curtin University – Named after John Curtin. Mr. Curtin is best known as being the Prime Minister during World War II. General MacArthur once stated that Curtin was “one of the greatest of the wartime statesmen”.
Deakin University – Named after the nation’s second Prime Minister. Alfred Deakin played a major role in the irrigation of this dry continent. He is actually a University of Melbourne alumnus. That would be cool if he were a Deakin alumnus.
I wouldn't print this picture.
Edith Cowan University – Australia’s answer to Susan B. Anthony. She was the nation’s first woman elected to parliament. Edith was actively involved with women and children’s welfare groups. That woman you saw on the Australian 50 dollar note was none other than Mrs. Cowan.
Griffith University – Named after Sir Samuel Griffith. Griffith was the Premier of Queensland as well as principal author of the Constitution of Australia. The Queensland Criminal Code he drafted in 1899 remains largely unchanged to this day. He is a University of Sydney alumnus.
La Trobe University – Named after Charles La Trobe, who was the first Lieutenant-Governer of the colony of Victoria. Much of La Trobe’s legacy stems from the various inner city parks and gardens that La Trobe reserved throughout Victoria.
Swinburne University of Technology – Named after an Australian engineer and politicians. It’s no wonder that this university is named after George Swinburne. He founded the institution. His greatest accomplishment as politician was his role in the passage of a water bill that helped stave the severity of droughts.
She has her own time period named after.
Victoria University – Named after the state of Victoria which was named after Queen Victoria. She was so important that an entire era of time was named after. Her reign as Queen lasted 63 years. How many years of queening did you ever do?
Murdoch University – Named after Sir Walter Murdoch. Murdoch is honoured for his prominence in Australian academic circles. When he was told that the government of Western Australia would name it’s second university after him, he said “it better a good one!” He wouldn’t be dissapointed as Murdoch University is ranked worldwide in many fields.
Steve Irwin University – There hasn’t been a university named after the famous Crocodile Hunter. Yet. Unless Julia Gillard blows it, expect a university with her namesake in the future. I’m sure Australian of the Year Geoffrey Rush will have his own film school one day. Maybe even Perth-native (and Batman’s nemesis) Heath Ledger.
France has Paris. Japan has Tokyo. Britain has London. Australia has… The Bush Capital?Ask any foreigner what Australia’s capital is. It’s not Sydney. It’s not Melbourne. Many have never even heard of Canberra. The inland Capital Territory is located roughly between Sydney and Melbourne. Chosen as a compromise between the two major cities.
Parliament House
This planned government city centre is affluent and young. The unemployment rate is miniscule and the education level is high. But what gives Canberra it’s charm also has it’s detractions. Due to being inland, the weather is colder. As much disdain Australians have for “pollies” (politicians) they dislike the cold even more. Temperatures can hit below freezing overnight.
If you didn’t catch it, that isn’t a real tourism video. Albeit dry, the humour about the city exists. There’s even a recent debate over the appropriateness of Canberra bashing. So the city must be the worst place to live, right? Not quite. As far as quality of life, a survey of world city mayors rated the city as offering the 26th highest quality of living in the world. The city was also ranked in the 2011 Mercer’s Best Cities in Personal Safety.
"Come to Canberra. Now with ski slopes!" Circa 1973
What Canberra lacks in coastline, the city more than makes up for in cultural attractions. The Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Museum and the National Gallery are all here. If you absolutely have to get your outdoors on, a daytrip to the beach and a ski trip to Snowy Mountains are entirely possible. Canberra celebrates it’s Centenary in 2013. I promise there’s more to see than pollies!
Be adventurous – In some areas of study it is possible to take an exam, surf and ski all in the same day. Be spontaneous. Say “yes” to everything. The eastern coast is chock full of amazing sights. If the finances are there, an even more amazing time can be had venturing over to Perth, Adelaide or Darwin. You can’t truly say you saw Australia if you’ve only seen what was in your backyard.
These are no fun
Heed warning signs - You’re not being cute by swimming next to a crocodile sign. Wild animal signs are a recurring theme in Australia. If you see a ”stingers” sign then be wary. If you’re at the Top End of Australia, just go ahead and stay 100 metres from any body of water.
Intern/volunteer - Australia was rated the best destination in the world to volunteer in. Being generous and productive in a study abroad trip looks great. What looks even better is getting a well placed internship in your field of study. Nothing shows as much thick skin and determination as gaining professional experience in a far off land. Here are some good volunteer opportunities and internship openings.
Hang out with Australians - Everyone is naturally attracted to hanging out with others similar to them. But Australians speak English. You can understand (most) of them. You have no excuse not to befriend the locals. Take Matt McConaughey’s quote of success that he stems from “stepping out of his comfort zone”. I suggest ditching the people you came with. Go join some university clubs that don’t have the word “international” in them. Live with Australians. You might even pick up an Australian girlfriend/boyfriend along the way.
Wear sunscreen – Forgetting sunscreen is a big no no Down Under. Due to a hole in the Ozone, Australia is exposed to much more sun radiation. One may look at folks from the Jersey Shore for fashion advice but this style doesn’t age well here. Even famed rugged Australians like Paul Hogan have seen better years spent years due to the frequency of Australian sunbathing. Mom is right on this one. You don’t want to get skin cancer because you decided to skimp on the sunscreen.
Have cash – This is not going to be a cheap semester. Don’t hole yourself up in an attempt to save that cash. Take out a loan or apply for financial aid if you have to. Apply for scholarships before you go. Get a job while there. Working while studying builds character and responsibility. You can work up to 40 hours every two weeks while a student. It will really define the work hard/play hard dynamic to living Down Under. You’ll really regret that time you missed out on the daytrip to Kangaroo Island because you didn’t have a few hundred dollars to spare.
Be active - It goes without saying that Australia has nice weather. So why are you inside your dorm? Walk around. Go for a run. Better yet, join a rugby or soccer team. The Australian universities usually have gyms. You should be busy at all hours of the day if your not in class or studying. Getting in shape is a great way to be ready for those hikes you planned on. It’s also a positive way to meet locals. As one (very) busy person once said, “I’ll sleep when I die.”
Authentic Australian food
Eat authentic Australian food – No matter how far you venture you’ll always have the craving for a 3 am “Mackas” (McDonalds in Australian) run. I’m a hypocrite on this one because if they had Chipotle that would be all I ate. Don’t make these cravings affect a taste for adventure. One of my favorite aspects of foreign travel is the various affordable ethnic food stops. Better yet, save money and cook food yourself. You can even buy kangaroo meat at the store and have a barbie out back. That may be an entirely stereotypical way to eat in Australia but they’ll appreciate the effort.
Consider a Work Holiday Visa – One of Australia’s biggest attractions is the Work Holiday program. Only a select few countries in the world offer Americans a Work Holiday program (Canadians have a much larger choice). Once your student visa runs it’s course, get a Work Holiday Visa and work for up to 6 months at a job of your choice. You can work for up to a year total. You might, just might see most of Australia if you spent a few years here.
The DON’Ts:
Do nothing. Say yes to everything. As long as you’re going to class this is the time to say yes to everything! There are no don’ts. Well maybe except for dropping out of school, getting deported, going broke, swimming with Great Whites, but you get the point.
We’re here in Melbourne, Australia. Ground zero for what might be the biggest medical breakthrough since the HPV vaccine: The cure for the Common Cold?! The Common Cold is a virus that always seems to pop up right before a vacation. It may not be a scourge but it produces over 40% of lost worktime in the USA. That’s 126 million workdays gone!
Biota, an Australian pharmaceutical company better known for Relenza, has found a breakthrough in treating the rhinovirus (Common Cold). With their drug in stage two of clinical studies, they found that the severity of cold symptoms dramatically decreased. An oral drug is estimated to be five years down the line.
In a perfect world, this means no more sniffling and aching. Fewer sick days. Since this treats asthma infections, that means you don’t have to be the sickly kid that can’t play kickball anymore. Between 75 and 100 million doctor visits every year could be saved annually. Entire nations could balance their healthcare budgets!
No longer cute and cuddly if Aussie researchers have their way
In an alternative world, this may not work. One thoughtful commenter argues that this drug may “turn us all into zombies.” Zombies are scary enough as it is. Zombie kangaroos? Even scarier.
You better start shorting those stocks in tissues and start investing in this Australian pharmaceutical firm. Better yet, get the chance to work for them by studying medicine there!
Right in the hustle and bustle of the east coast is Queensland’s capital and Australia’s third largest city, Brisbane. Pronounced “Briz-ben”, Australia’s new world city has been the nation’s fastest growing since the 80′s. Over two million people call Brisbane home. The bend of the Brisbane River creates miles of prime (and affordable) coastline. This winding river makes the skyline seem straight out of Sim City.
Just an average afternoon in Brisbane
Brisbane is said to consist of youthful, forward-thinkers. The world famous nightlife here has attracted Australians looking for a fun weekend out. The appropriately named Fortitude Valley features some of the nation’s best DJs and entertainers for what is sure to be a great night out. Day trips to Australia’s budding tourist town of Gold Coast can be reached for about $17.
The population of the Central Business District has doubled over the last five years. With such a growing influence in the world, this city has become the largest economy between Sydney and Singapore. Classified as a World Beta City, Brisbane ranks with Perth in global influence.
If you don’t decide to study in Brisbane, it is really worth a weekend trip. This is said to be the most vibrant and laid back Australian city. Since that seems to be the reason WHY so many of you want to study Down Under then shouldn’t you get the full effect?
