OZ 101

Australia is one of the world’s most stable democracies with over 100 different ethnic groups. Australia is a wealthy developed nation with its own unique traditions and particular worldview, and is the only country in the world that is its own continent. Australia is also the world’s largest island and the planet’s smallest continent. The country is administered by a federal government, although there are six states and two territories. Australia is also relatively flat compared to other continents, and Australia’s highest peak (Mt Kosciuszko) stands at a modest 2228 metres. Australia is also an ancient land with the world’s oldest continuous culture still in existence. Australia has 10 000 beaches and 50 000 km of coastline. And 80% of Australia’s marine species are found nowhere else in the world. There are 22 million people that make Australia home and English is the official language. Although you will find speakers of most of the world’s largest languages making Australia home. In fact, there are 226 languages spoken in Australia and the four most common (after English) are Italian, Greek, Arabic, and Cantonese. Although prone to small problems surrounding assimilation and identity, Australia is a peaceful well-organised country that most people are content to be a part of.
As an international student in Australia you will find there are a lot of things to see and do. Australia has a large tourist industry that caters to all tastes. You will find that many aspects of Australian life are not that dissimilar to life in your own country, while many aspects of Australian life are fundamentally different. You will find, coming in from Europe that the seasons are different. Summer is winter and vice versa. You will also find that Australian culture is a lot more casual and people tend to have a laid-back view of the world and will seem not to take many things terribly seriously. You will find that Australia is 50% larger than Europe and Australia is the 6th largest country in the world (geographically).

Australia itself is a beautiful and dangerous country with eight of the ten deadliest species of snakes making up some of its dangerous creatures. Thankfully, most Australian’s are urban dwellers and the actual chance of running into a deadly Australian animal is pretty slim. But people do run into them and it would be wise to take some precautions. It would be wise to understand that Australia is hotter than Europe and it is sensible to make sure you are well hydrated throughout the day. In the northern and central areas of the country the temperature can rise to dangerous levels and being caught out in the heat with no water can be disastrous. People have died in a matter of hours in Australia.

Once again, Australia is an ancient and harsh land that is unforgiving and relishes in punishing the naïve. To help you to understand this, it is wise to note that Australia is so big there are only 2 people per square kilometre. This means that if you get lost out there, there is a good chance you will not be found. It is also interesting to note that Australia has 85.7 million sheep and 25.4 million head of cattle and is the world’s largest beef exporter. Supplies 99% of the world’s black opals and 85% of the world’s coloured opals. And is a leading supplier of uranium, gold, copper, and other minerals. Australia has had tremendous success in relation to its film industry and has produced cultural products that have found an audience around the world.

Australia has also given the world some important innovations.
Here is a partial list: notepads / surf lifesaving reel / aspirin / pacemakers / penicillin / hills hoist / disposable syringe / wine cask / bionic ear / dual flush toilet / long wearing contact lenses / anti-counterfeiting technology for bank notes.
Australia has also had tremendous success on the international sporting stage. Australia has held the Olympic Games twice (Melbourne 1956, Sydney 2000) and has produced world beating sporting teams and individual athletes in many different areas.

Australia is a wonderful country to visit and even better country to study in, because it has dedicated many of its places in tertiary education to international students, and Australia’s international student sector has roughly 150 000 international students studying in the country at any one time.

An AA Education Services can help you find your way in Australia with ease and professionalism, so consider Australia it is a great place to begin or further your academic career.