|
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS INFORMATION |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Hope College provides high
quality courses in an encouraging learning environment suited to all types of
learning behaviours. Some course, are offered both on campus and by external
studies. Our lecturers have been trained to specifically identify individual
learning requirements for all students. Hope College lecturers and
representatives are experts in their field and are happy to answer any
questions students may have during their application process and throughout
the duration of a selected course. FLEXIBLE
STUDY OPTIONS. Hope College
have 4 intakes in a year, which creates a flexibility to start your course
when it suits you best. Most Hope College programs are put together to be
stand alone subjects. Part time study is also available to Australian
students. SMALL LECTURE AND TUTORIAL GROUPS. Hope
College endorses a personalised and supportive educational value that
encourages students to reach their maximum academic potential. We are a small
college and are able to offer personal friendly training and support. Hope
lectures contain an average of only 20-30 students and are complimented by
small groups tutorials (Thursday) and workshops. Lecturers and tutors are
also available for private consultation during the semester. All internal
courses offered are subject to minimum class sizes and may not be offered if
there are insufficient student numbers. When this occurs students are
encouraged to study externally (not available for international students).
Whether
you need assistance with accommodation, personal counselling or academic counselling,
our college staff are ready to assist you in any way. No matter the problem,
no matter the time or day there is always someone that you can turn to for
assistance. In particular, we are conscious of the special difficulties that
international students face and we have staff who can help you overcome any
difficulties.
Money. You should work out a budget covering accommodation, food,
transport, clothing and entertainment. Childcare, if applicable, should also
be taken into account. The average international student in Australia spends
about $335 per week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment,
transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs.
While this is a realistic guide, it is important to remember that individual
circumstances will vary by location, course and lifestyle. Money
and banks Australian currency is the only legal
tender in Australia. When you first arrive, money from other countries can be
changed at the exchange facilities located at international airports, banks
and major hotels. Traveller cheques are easier to use if already in
Australian dollars, however, banks will cash travellers cheques in virtually
any currency. Major hotels and shops, depending on individual store policy,
will cash travellers cheques. It is a good idea to set up an Australian bank account. You will need
to provide your visa and evidence of residency. Banking
services in Australia are extremely competitive. Over 20 local and
numerous international banking groups are represented in Australia. All major
banks have a branch in cities and regional centres. Most shopping centres
have Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) facilities. These machines can be used
for deposits and, in many instances, withdrawals 24 hours a day. Many
department stores, supermarkets and specialist shops have electronic transfer
terminals (EFTPOS) where cash withdrawals can also be made in addition to purchasing
goods.
Credit cards Credit
cards are widely accepted around Australia. The most commonly accepted credit
cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners International, MasterCard, Visa
and their affiliates. Currency
Australia uses a dollars and cents system
of decimal currency with 100 cents in a dollar. The bank notes in use are $5,
$10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins used are the silver coloured 5 cent, 10 cent,
20 cent and 50 cent and the gold coloured $1 and $2 coins. Australia's development of the polymer (plastic) banknote
heralds the introduction of advanced banknote technology for the new
millennium and rewrites world standards in design. Not only does this
leading-edge polymer technology offer immense security benefits but its
concepts of cleanliness, environmental responsibility and recyclability set
an example for the world to follow. The
four main Australian banks are the Commonwealth Bank, ANZ Bank, National
Australia Bank and Westpac. Branches of these banks, as well as several
regional banks and building societies, are located close to the College in
the shopping centres or town centres (e.g. at Mudgeeraba, Robina, Burleigh
Heads). Normal
trading hours of banks are 9.30 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, although this
may vary between some banks. Most banks also offer extended banking
facilities by way of automatic teller machines (ATMs). These machines can be
used for withdrawals and deposits 24 hours a day. Major
department stores, supermarkets and petrol stations also have electronic
transfer terminals (EFPTOS) where withdrawals can be made when purchasing
goods. Bank charges can vary considerably, and it is advisable to check what
fees are involved before opening an account, changing money or arranging any
transaction. Opening
a bank account. In
Australia there are two types of Banking organisations banks and credit
unions. Credit unions are co-operative banks. Each person who has an account
with a credit union also has shares in the credit union. When you open a bank
or credit union account in Australia you need to provide identification. You
will need to bring your passport and some other forms of identification (for
example your student identification card, birth certificate or driver’s
license or identity card from your home country). There
are two basic types of accounts: •
an every day account which provides you with a cash card for use with 24-hour
automatic cash dispensers (ATM Machines) and “EFTPOS” (Electronic Funds Transfer
at Point Of Sale) facilities at stores. Some everyday accounts also have
cheque book facilities. Accounts with cheque books are subject
to a special government tax. • investment accounts - these are designed for
people who have a large amount of money to deposit in the bank. Investment
accounts pay interest at higher rates than everyday accounts and do not
usually have cash card access. Investment accounts are a good place to put your
tuition fees. It is best to shop around for a bank that suits you. Find a
bank that has offices near your home for convenience. Almost all banks charge
fees on their accounts. You should make sure you know what the fees are and
when they will be charged. Major
Banks operating in Queensland: • ANZ Bank , Bendigo Bank, Westpac Bank , Bank of Queensland When
you open your bank account the bank will ask you for your Tax
File Number. Applying for a tax file number. Tax file numbers are used by
the Australian Tax Office to identify people when they pay tax. You do not
have to have a Tax File Number if you do not want one. However, if you do not
give your bank or employer your Tax File Number, any income you earn
(including interest on your bank account) will be taxed at a higher rate than
if you had given your Tax File Number to your bank or employer. You can apply
for a Tax File Number by going to the local post office and asking for an
application form. Follow the instructions on the form and you will be issued
with a Tax File Number. Remember to keep your Tax File Number in a safe place
and do not disclose it to anyone other than your employer or bank. Tipping
is not the general custom in Australia and
service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. Lifestyle Clean, safe, cosmopolitan. Students from all over the world come to Australia to
take advantage of our world-class education and experience life in an energetic, friendly and confident
community. Our people are innovative, hospitable and culturally diverse.
With people from over 140 countries making Australia their home, we are one
of the world’s most multicultural countries. Australians value the rich
contribution international students make to our communities. Hope College is
located in the same facility as Hope Church and many overseas students from
Bond University attend our church services. Visitors from many parts of the world are attracted by
Australia's spectacular natural environment. They also enjoy the
sophistication and excitement of the Gold Coast and the distinctive
personality and friendliness of the Australian people. Australia is rich in
the arts and is keen to preserve and display its diverse cultural heritage.
Australians are also environmentally conscious and keen to preserve the
country's natural beauty and scenery. Our Clean Up Australia campaign is
being adopted worldwide. Departure tax A departure tax of AUD$39 is included in the price
of your airline tickets. Exemptions apply to children under 12 years, 24-hour
transit passengers or transit passengers who stay longer than a day if
departure is delayed by circumstances beyond their control. Passport/visas
Visas are required by all visitors traveling to Australia
except for New Zealand passport holders. Students will require student visas. Climate The region enjoys a subtropical climate and an
average of 300 days sunshine a year. Spring: September to November 15-25oC / 59-77oF Clothing Casual,
lightweight clothes are generally worn on the Gold Coast and Northern New
South Wales. A jacket or other suitable outfit may be required in some
nightclubs and restaurants. Comfortable shoes are a must for hiking though
National Parks. Disabled Services Most public areas, shopping centres,
accommodation, attractions and restaurants have disabled facilities and
services. Advance advice about special needs will ensure the best possible
assistance from local operators. For more information telephone: Time The Gold Coast operates on Eastern Standard Time
(EST). Daylight saving is observed in New South Wales, however not in
Queensland. Parking Inexpensive parking is available in busy areas
such as Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Southport and Coolangatta. Metered and
free parking is generally available at other centres. Sun
Protection Enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of sun damage
by wearing a broad-brimmed hat, a shirt with collar and sleeves and sunscreen
on exposed skin. Try to avoid staying outdoors during the middle of the day. Health care Australia
has a very good health care system. All Australians pay a Medicare levy
(additional tax) to fund the public health system and ensure everyone gets
access to public system doctors, hospitals and other health care services.
People who pay extra into a private health insurance fund receive certain
privileges when they use private health care services. As well as the usual
services available in just about any Australian suburb or town, most
Australian institutions also provide special health care services and advice
for students. International students studying in Australia are required to
have Overseas
Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student visa. Hope
College will arrange your mandatory health cover for you. Major public hospitals include: Food
Australia
has a fantastic variety of food. Our top quality meat, fish, fruits and
vegetables are exported to markets all around the globe. There is a large range
of fruit and vegetables available at Australian produce markets. You should
have no difficulty in finding the foods that you are used to at home. You can
sample almost every type of cuisine available throughout the world in our
many restaurants. There are elegant restaurants plus McDonalds and other fast
food outlets. Ethnic restaurants offer cuisines from all around the world.
Good food at reasonable prices can be found at bistros or cafes. And for
those who like takeaway, most of the major global fast food chains are well
represented. The adventurous can try some of our 'bush tucker'. Electricity The electrical
current in Australia is 240/250 volts AC, 50 cycles. The Australian three-pin
plug is extremely safe. Adaptors are usually required for most foreign
appliances. A transformer may be required if you bring an appliance from
overseas that operates on a different voltage. Universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only)
are standard in hotels, apartments and motels. Transport With
one of the highest standards of living in the world, Australia offers modern
transport systems. Australia has an extensive public transport system that
includes trains, buses, tramways, ferries, three major national airlines Qantas, JetStar and Virgin Blue Metropolitan areas are
divided into zones and your ticket type and cost depends on which zone you are
going to travel in and for how long. Tickets can be bought at train stations, on buses
and at newsagencies. Hope College students can arrive in Brisbane Airport & travel by train or coach to the Gold Coast, or you
may wish to arrive at Sydney
Airport and change flights and fly directly to the Gold Coast Airport. Coaches &
Taxis are available from the Gold
Coast Airport. Transport to Hope College is by Surfside Buslines which
run Routes 7 and 11 through Varsity Lakes. Metered taxicabs operate in all major cities and towns. You
will find taxi ranks at transport terminals, main hotels or shopping centres
or you can hail taxis in the street. A light and sign on the roof indicates
if a cab is vacant. There is a minimum charge on hiring and then a charge per
kilometre travelled. Taxi drivers do not have to be tipped. Speed
Limit Tourist students may drive in Australia on
a valid overseas drivers licence but if the document is not in the English
language the visitor must carry a translation with the permit. An
international driving licence is not sufficient by itself. A 50kmh limit in residential and commercial areas or where otherwise
indicated. A 100kmh limit on highways or where otherwise indicated. Shopping The Gold Coast has
several major shopping centres and many smaller shopping complexes. Shopping
centres located close to the College are: • Pacific Fair Shopping Centre • Burleigh
West Shopping Centre Shopping centres usually include a supermarket
for buying food and household items, clothing and shoe stores, travel agents,
banks, restaurants and coffee shops, pharmacies, book and photographic shops,
jewellers, a medical centre, and other such amenities. Credit cards and
charge cards are widely accepted when purchasing goods and services. The most
commonly accepted cards are Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
International and Bank Card. Australia's major centres and
capital cities have world-class shopping facilities. On the Gold Coast we
have several major shopping centres: pacific Fair, Australia Fair, Robina Shopping Centre, Burleigh
Shopping Town. Part-time positions are available at many of the centres for
students. Telephones Australia has a modern telephone system. Many private households now
also have internet access. Public telephones are available at all Post
Offices, shopping centres and are
often situated on street corners. Public pay phones accept a variety of coins
and Phone-cards. Phone-cards are pre-paid for use in public pay phones and
can be bought at a large number of retail outlets in denominations of $A5,
$A10, $A20 and $A50. Credit phones take most major credit cards such as
American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diners International and can be found
at international and domestic airports, central city locations and hotels.
Very cheap International pre-paid phone cards are also available for purchase
from local community stores. Mobile phones are very popular and can be
purchased from a number of retailers. The
first decision to consider is deciding what type of place you want to live in
and where you want to live. You can rent your own apartment, flat or house;
you can share a flat or house with other people (an arrangement called “share
accommodation”). You can look for rental vacancies and share accommodation in
the Local Newspaper, The Gold Coast Bulletin. Alternatively you can contact
various local real estates for rental properties or browse their website for
vacancies. The following list represents some of the popular local real
estates. Ray
White 55531100 www.raywhitebroadbeach.com.au;
Professionals
55305255 www.professionals.com.au; First
National 55205122 www.propertygoldcoast.com.au;
PRD
55354544 www.prd.com.au; Raine
& Horne 55762000 www.raineandhorneburleigh.com.au;
Renting your own apartment,
flat or house Renting
your own apartment, flat or house means you can choose who lives with you and
may be a good choice for students who prefer their independence. It also
means that you may need to buy (or rent) all your own furniture. The estate
agent will ask you to sign a contract (tenancy agreement or lease) with the
owner, agreeing that you will stay in the place for a minimum period of time
(usually 6 or 12 months). Make certain that the accommodation is suitable for
your needs and that you can afford it. Contact real estate agents close to
the area in which you want to live. The
average apartment, house or flat ranges from $160 - $220 per week (one bedroom)
or $200 - $350 per week (two – three bedrooms). A bond or security deposit
equal to one month’s rent is also required. A bond is money you pay to the
landlord or real estate agent in case you don’t fulfill your
responsibilities. It is refundable after you move out of the flat or house,
provided you leave the property in reasonable condition and fulfil your
obligations under the lease. Sharing an apartment, flat or
house This
type of rental accommodation can only be arranged after you arrive on the
Gold Coast. In a shared apartment, flat or house each person usually has his
or her own bedroom and shares the bathroom, kitchen and living areas with
other people. Costs depend on the
size of the residence and the number of people sharing. Your
budget should allow for food, electricity and other bills, plus transport and
other personal costs. Food costs can be shared, with everyone paying an
agreed amount per week, or each person buying his or her own food
(approximately $75 to $110 per week). In most households the cost of
electricity, telephone rental and other bills are shared equally
(approximately $50 per week). You will normally record and pay for your own
telephone calls. Long
distance and international calls are itemized on the telephone bill, that is
they are listed individually with the number called and the cost of the call.
The average price of a room ranges from $90 to $130 per week. You will also
be asked to pay a bond or security deposit. Hostel accommodation Hostels
usually have a bathroom and living and leisure areas that are shared with
other residents. Some hostels include meals in their fees, while at others
you cook for yourself. You can have you own room at most hostels but this is
more expensive than if you are sharing a room with another student. Prices
vary from $100 to $250 per week. There may be other charges, such as a bond
(security deposit) and appliance charges. Other accommodation issues If
you choose to rent or live in share accommodation or organise a share accommodation
house you should be aware of your legal rights and responsibilities. You can
get most of this information from a booklet called Renting: Your Rights and
Responsibilities or from http://www.rta.qld.gov.au; This
booklet will give you information about your rights as a tenant in rental
accommodation and your responsibilities, such as household maintenance and
paying your rent on time. You may also be responsible for paying for the cost
of the reconnection of the utilities, that is to have gas, electricity, water
and telephone turned on. When you leave a rental property it is your
responsibility to notify the electricity, telephone and gas companies that
you have left and are no longer responsible for the bills. When
you move into a place, you need to make sure that you understand all of the
papers that you sign. Do not sign anything unless you are fully aware of all
terms and conditions, and you are sure you understand them clearly. If you
would like clarification of any documents you have to sign, you can visit the
College for help. Climate
The
Gold Coast experiences a mild sub-tropical climate. There are around 290 days
of sunshine per year with an average temperature throughout the year of 25
degrees centigrade. In summer the temperature ranges between 28 and 31
degrees centigrade. During
the cooler winter months from June through to September the maximum
temperature ranges between 20 and 25 degrees centigrade. The rainfall average
is 1371 millimetres annually, and the average seawater temperature throughout
the year is 22 degrees centigrade. The
Gold Coast is regarded as the tourist capital of Australia, and it offers
many opportunities for entertainment and recreation. In addition to over 500
restaurants, a casino and a number of multi-screen movie theatres, newspapers, several large theme
parks, Rugby League Football team,
are located on the Gold Coast. They are: •
Seaworld •
Warner Bros Movie World •
Dreamworld •
Wet’n’Wild Water Park If you
are holding a student visa and thinking of looking for part-time work, please
note, you must have work permission from the Department of Immigration and
Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) to work up to 20 hours per week.
The
Australian Tax Office Provides information on taxation and superannuation
Issues. For more details, please visit: http://www.ato.gov.au/ or contact the
Taxation Office: Phone 13 28 61 for an appointment The
College is located within the area covered by the Gold Coast City Council.
The GCCC is responsible for local and municipal services such as the
provision of water, refuse
collection and libraries. The Council-published “Community Services Guide and
Events Calendar” contains a listing of services provided by the Gold Coast
City Council, together with the phone numbers of the relevant departments.
The phone number of the Administration Centre at Nerang is 5582 8211.
(Website www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au;
) Health
Services (including Private Health
Insurance) The
Gold Coast is served by two general hospitals (at Southport and at Tweed
Heads) and by a number of private hospitals. Medical specialty services and
24- hour medical clinics are available. The area also has a variety of
paramedical services, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, community
health and alternative and holistic practitioners. Doctors
throughout the Gold Coast are listed in the Yellow Pages telephone book under
“Medical Practitioners.” Also included is a Medical Practitioners Locality
Guide which lists doctors and medical centres according to suburb or area on
the Gold Coast. Should
you require emergency medical assistance, call 000 on the telephone. The
Queensland Ambulance service is able to respond to emergency calls within
just a few minutes. This number should not be used for non-emergency health
problems. If
you’re an International Student studying in Australia, it is a condition of
your student visa that you have private health insurance for the duration of
your stay, as you are not covered by Australia’s national health system,
Medicare. Overseas Student Health Cover fees (OSHC) are paid to the College
at the time of enrolment. The cost of the OSHC differs depending on the
duration of your course. At the time of printing, the cost of single cover
for one year is $329, however you should check with the College for the most
up-to-date information. OSHC is provided by Medibank
Private. Why are International Students
required to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover? Hospital
treatment in Australia can be expensive. The average cost for a bed in a
public hospital in Australia is $240 per day. International Students are not
eligible for Medicare - the Australian Government's public health insurance
system. Without access to the safety net of Medicare, International Students
may have difficulty paying for medical treatment. As a result, Overseas
Student Health Cover (OSHC) was introduced to ensure International Students
have adequate health care arrangements during their stay in Australia. OSHC
ensures International Students can access appropriate health care without
undue financial hardship. Additionally, the Department of Immigration and
Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) requires all holders of a
student visa to maintain OSHC. DIMIA advises that International Students who
do not maintain their OSHC may have their visas cancelled. Police The
Queensland Police Service has stations located nearby at the following locations: Mudgeeraba
– 18 Railway Street, phone 5530 6455 Burleigh
Heads – 4 Matilda Street, phone 5535 1171 Police
Beat – Robina Town Shopping Centre, phone 5578 8988 To
call for emergency police assistance on the telephone, dial 000 from anywhere
in Australia. This ensures that your call will be responded to quickly and
efficiently. Culture Multiculturalism
celebrates Australian traditions, recognising that our culture is vibrant,
multifaceted, living and constantly evolving. Cultural and linguistic
diversity was a feature of life for the first Australians, well before
European settlement. It remains a feature of modern Australian life, and it
continues to give us distinct social, cultural and business advantages. Australians recognise, accept, respect and celebrate cultural
diversity. We embrace the heritage of Indigenous Australians, early European
settlement, our Australian-grown customs and those of the diverse range of
migrants now coming to our country. With 43% of the population born overseas
or with at least one parent born overseas, and with some 200 languages
between us, Australia has one of the most cosmopolitan populations in the
world. Almost one in four of Australia's 19 million people were born
overseas. In 2001/2002 the number of migrants coming to Australia totalled
88,900 and they came from more than 150 countries. It is a very tolerant
society. International students who come to Australia enjoy the
benefits of our multicultural society. Australians are extremely friendly
people and welcome international students into their communities and
friendship groups. Language Although
English is the official language, a host of other languages are spoken in
Australia. As one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world many
Australians are naturally fluent in other languages. More than 3.9 million
Australians speak a language other than English at home. Within the education
and training system about 15 per cent of those of working age studying for an
educational qualification have English as a second language. More than
800,000 Australians speak a European Union language, apart from English, in
the home. Another 800,000 Australians speak an Asian language in the home. In Australia not only is there the opportunity to improve your
English through specialist study in an English-speaking environment but all
sectors of Australian education and training provide tuition in many other
languages as well. English as it is spoken in Australia is very easily understood
by nearly all people from other English-speaking nations. While there are
some minor differences in accent between the cities and country areas the
difference is much less than you will find in America, Britain and Canada
where French is also spoken. As you improve your English in Australia you
will learn some of our slang, and have much fun explaining the meanings to
your friends and relatives at home. Religion. Australia is predominantly a Christian country in
values but only 10% of the population actually attend church, even though
over 70% believe in God. All religions are represented in our multicultural
society. Australians respect the freedom of people to practice their choice
of religion. Generally, many Australians are very tolerant of other
religions. There are many Christian Churches, and synagogues located on the
Gold Coast. Australian States and Territories Help in your country The Australian Government has an
extensive network of Education and Training Counsellors, Australian Education
Centres (AEC's) and education advisers around the world providing reliable
advice on how to prepare your application to Hope College.
Australian
Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates Australian
Government representation in other countries can take a variety of forms. Our
main diplomatic offices are embassies and high commissions. In many countries
you will also find Australian consulates and trade offices. You can find the
contact details of your nearest Australian Government office on the
Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. GOLD
COAST AUSTRALIA INFORMATION Hope College is located in
Varsity Lakes near Robina on the Gold Coast of Australia. It is a popular international
and national tourist destination with warm weather all year. Plenty of
part-time work is available for students. If you need additional information
on the Gold Coast simply visit the following websites. Gold Coast City Council Gold Coast Tourism Bureau The Australia-Gold Coast Guide Australian Government Department of Immigration and
Multicultural Affairs Queensland Government Queensland Government Entry Point |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
