Studying in Australia

After a short period of time studying, you might find that some Australian educational institutions have a completely different teaching style to what you might be accustomed to in your home country. In Australia there is a primary focus on practical learning, and we also encourage a creative, independent and positive business approach to your tuition. Lecturers and teachers aim to provide you with the necessary skills for employment, not just what to know to pass an exam. Share your thoughts in class and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The people and friends that you meet now in class and at institutions may become valuable contacts in the future. Marks are graded on written assessments, oral presentations, class participation and attitude.


Lectures and tutorials

Classes at universities are a mixture of lectures and tutorials. Up to 200 students from different courses could attend a lecture of a certain discipline at one time. These lectures are held on campus in large lecture theatres. A tutorial is much smaller with approximately 30 students attending. Tutorials are held in smaller classrooms than the larger lecture theatres. It is important to attend these lectures to understand the subject s required to pass examinations and assessments. These tutorials are where you can talk amongst other students and the lecturer on your studies, and contribute to class discussions.

TAFE college institutions also operate in Australia and provide courses very similar to universities. Lectures and tutorials are combined. The presentation and discussion are presented in much smaller classes than a university.


Assessment

Your final grade or assessment will depend on your performance in written assignments, practical assignments, examinations, class participation, attendance and group participation.

Depending on what course in which you are enrolled, you may be assessed throughout the semester week by week instead of a final exam the advantage of this is you do not need depend on one single piece of assessment or project. If you don’t perform too well with the assessment, the final examination at the end of the semester can increase your final grades, and vice versa.


Plagiarism

Plagiarism is when someone else’s assessment or work is submitted for assessment for your grades. This can include copying blocks of text from books or websites, and neglecting to credit the original source of information. If you wish to use someone else’s work in an assignment, you must reference the person who originally wrote that piece of work.

Plagiarism is a very serious offence in Australia and harsh penalties apply to offenders, this could put you in jeopardy of instantly failing your unit, but you also could have your student visa revoked, and be sent back to your home country.
 

Consumer protection

Australia is committed to providing a friendly and carefree environment to our overseas visitors, but sometimes not everything goes according to plan and you may encounter some problems with your course or institution. There are a number of laws the Australian government have enacted to protect international students. In this regard, it is important that you know and understand your rights.

The laws protecting international students are grouped together under the Education Services for Overseas Students (or ESOS) legislative framework. All Australian institutions that accept international students with a student visa are legally required to meet the international standards for institutional facilities, consumer protection, course information and student support services.


Consumer protection

The ESOS legislation provides international students with consumer protection if a student or institution defaults on the course in which the student is enrolled in. this will either be a cash refund, or if not possible, placement into another course through a Tuition Assurance Scheme.


Course information

Institutions must provide accurate information to students. They can be marketing materials such as brochures, handbooks, websites, lectures etc.

Before the institution offers the student a Confirmation of Enrolment, they must provide course related information such as

• The course content and duration
• The qualification it leads to
• Teaching and assessment methods
• English language requirements
• All previous work experience or educational qualifications required for admittance
• The requirements for course completion
• Course-related fees
• The facilities and learning resources related to the delivery of the course
• Student support services

Student Support Services

Institutions must support international students during their study period in Australia. They can provide support and information with issues such as

• Achieving their learning goals
• Achieving the learning outcomes of the course
• Orientation
• Academic progress
• Further study
• Accommodation

Grievances

If you have any grievances or major problems, first try to discuss the problem with your education provider. The International Office can provide you with solutions to all types of concerns.

The ESOS framework also provides an independent resolution process which is inexpensive, fast and can resolve issues for both parties. These procedures must ensure that you may be represented by a nominee of your choice.


What your International Office can do for you

A great place for information is the International Office, where you can ask for any type of help on issues, such as setting up a bank account, sorting out your enrolment, information on your local public transport (timetables, bus routes etc), and all types of local information. As soon as you arrive in Australia, you should introduce yourself and be familiar with the institutions International Office and start making use of their services. Don’t be afraid to talk to your International Offices student counsellor any time. All discussions are considered strictly confidential.
   
Orientation

In your institutions local International Office are International Student Advisors (ISA’s) which can guide new international students through the institutions orientation program and help them become familiar with the institutions facilities, support services, and clubs. Upon request they can provide support with issues like

• The Australian education and training system
• Australian culture
• General issues with living in a new country
• Local information 

Don’t be afraid to talk to your International Offices student counsellor at any time. All discussions are considered strictly confidential.
 
Students with disabilities
Institutions offer services for students with chronic medical conditions or disabilities who require assistance with their studies. These services may include elevator passes, voice recognition software, hearing aids, or note taking services. Contact your institution several weeks before you arrive to make the appropriate arrangements for your specific needs.