Anne is one step closer to a free year of study in Australia!

Anne from the USA has entered to win a free year of study in Australia… and you can too! Create your postcard here and enter now!

WIN A YEAR OF STUDY IN AUSTRALIA!

Dreaming of studying in Australia? Now may be your chance!  Enter our Win your Future Unlimited competition and you could win a year of study in Australia, including flights, tuition, accommodation, a stipend, and much more.

As if the grand prize isn’t enticing enough, the seven finalists will be flown to Australia for a two week study tour in December 2013, traveling to universities from coast to coast!

The competition, run by the Australian Government, is open from 1 October to 18 November 2013. The major prize winner will be announced on 17 December 2013 and will take up their prize in 2014.

Intrigued? It’s easy to enter!

Simply visit the competition website and create a digital postcard by:

1. Uploading a photo
2. Adding illustrations
3. Writing 50 words or less describing your future aspirations and how an Australian education would help you achieve them
4. Answering some basic questions and then reviewing and submitting the postcard

Prizes:

• Major prize winner: one year of tertiary tuition in Australia, one year of student accommodation, a stipend of $15,000, Overseas Student Health Cover, return economy flights to Australia, an internship, a package of telecommunications products and credit and more.
• Weekly finalists: Seven weekly finalists win a two week study tour to Australia in December 2013.

Who can enter? The competition is open to prospective international students aged between 18 and 30 who meet the terms and conditions of the campaign.

So what are you waiting for? Create your postcard today and make your dreams of studying Down Under a reality!

100 Metres Under the Sea

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!

Caroline’s Future Unlimited

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.

Countdown to the Olympics – Aussie style! (One week)

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.

Want to claim your share of Olympic gold? Consider studying in Australia under the University of Monash’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and take the opportunity to learn from leading engineers such as the ones who conducted this ground-breaking study!

Internship at the Embassy of Australia

Best place to intern? Yeah, probably.

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

Then click here to learn more and apply today. Applications close 7 May 2012.

Flinders University, Murdoch University… Steve Irwin University?

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.

Monash University – The civil engineered turned WW1 Commander. Sir John Monash at one time was commanding the largest group of corps on the Western Front. Monash was said to be more effective the higher he rose in the military ranks. He received his Master of Science as well as Doctorate at the University of Melbourne.

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.

The Do’s (and Don’ts) of Australia

The DO’s:

An Australian student commuting to class

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.

Be Youthful in the City of Brisbane

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.

University of Queensland's campus

Whoever does these world rankings seems to love Australia. Brisbane is the 16th Most Livable City in the World as well as the 22nd best student city in the world. The QS Top 50 University of Queensland campus is based in Brisbane. Griffith University has above world standards Physical and Earth Science programs here according to the ERA 2010 Report. Also the Queensland University of Technology has Australia’s highest ranked Informational/Computer Science and Language/Communications programs. The Australian Catholic University, Central Queensland University, James Cook University, University of Southern Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast all have local campuses as well.

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?

Perth: The Remotest City on Earth

If Australia is “Down Under” then Perth is “Way Over”. Perth comprises about 1.7 million people. That is the roughly the size of Canada’s capital Ottawa and the USA’s capital Washington combined. Perth is often referred to as the most isolated major city on earth. Don’t make this stop you from visiting. A metropolis that seemingly sprang out of the lonely west coast of Australia has to have a story behind..

That dot in the SW corner is Perth

Known as the “City of Light” for the uncanny ability to stick out in the vast expanse of Western Australia. When a space shuttle passed overhead in 1962, the residents of Perth turned their lights so the city could be seen from orbit. The name is fitting for it’s distinction as the sunniest city in Australia.

You made it Perth. What to do? King’s Park is the largest inner-city park in the world. Bigger than Central Park. Galleries, museums and zoos galore. Cable Beach is one of the most well known beaches in the world and not too far away. Camel riding over water on a mile wide beach at sunset? That’s one activity you need to add (and proceed to cross off) your bucket list. You’d be happy to know that Perth is far less touristy than Sydney and Melbourne.

So it’s got beaches. It’s got sun. It’s close to Asia. It’s one of the Most Livable Cities in the World (like every Australia city seems to be). What about the universities? With four public universities, Perth was rated the 25th best student city in the world. The 73rd world ranked University of Western Australia has a globally renowned Life Science program. Curtin University, with their ranked engineering/IT programs, is also there along with Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University.

"It's a snap!"

Some Hollywood stars have even called Edith Cowan University’s Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts their alma mater. This includes Hugh Jackman and Heath Ledger. Speaking of filmography, the Central Institute of Technology vocational school managed to create this snazzy recruitment video that has gone viral. I won’t scare you and embed it here but you can see for yourself how “creative” those Aussies can be.

A primary motivator of studying in Australia is the notion of sticking out. What sticks out more than studying in the city that sticks out?