03 November
As we all know, Australia, known as the third most popular location after the US and the UK for international students, offers students a high level of living, a top-notch education, and an astounding array of cultural experiences. With so many advantages, any international student would not spend any time applying for a visa and taking the next flight to Australia.
Australia is a fantastic place for international students to study. However, nothing good comes without its share of challenges. You will confront obstacles if you desire to study in Australia. The majority of overseas students experience these difficulties. But ultimately, it will be a great learning experience that will help you gain independence and confidence. Knowing these crucial details ahead will make it easier for you to conquer them.
Let’s examine 7most frequent issues encountered by international students in Australia.
1. Know about the country
A fundamental step before moving abroad is to search the internet for resources and information. The greatest approach to gathering a wide range of information is to know someone who has attended the school where you plan to enroll. For details on your stay and study schedule, you can speak with university staff. Being knowledgeable about the local weather is usually preferable because it will make packing your bags easier. Up till you locate an ATM or create a bank account, you should be prepared with knowledge of the currency exchange rate and sufficient cash on hand.
2. Cost and other finances for international students
Nearly all overseas students encounter this problem, not just in Australia but everywhere. In Australia, attending a university costs money because you have to cover tuition costs, rent for housing, and food expenses. You can work in Australia for 20 hours per week while you are a student and for 40 hours per week during the summer holidays to help you with your financial needs. You'll make new friends, pick up useful knowledge and experience, and most importantly, you'll earn money. And if you work hard enough, you may be able to save enough money to travel the nation. Simply be conscious of your expenditures and where your money is coming from.
They include government financial assistance, scholarships, student loans for international students, and a combination of other types of financial aid. Australian government-funded, university-specific, and external scholarships are all available to international students.
3. Language barriers
Despite having a diverse community, English is the most commonly spoken language in Australia. Many international students, especially those from South East Asia, find it difficult to acclimatize and engage with others because English is not their native language. Australians have a distinct accent and speak rapidly, making it challenging for non-native speakers to comprehend them. The simplest way to overcome this is to practice your language skills by engaging in as much conversation as you can with locals. You can take English classes and take part in writing workshops while you are a student there. You can speak the language fluently in a short of months with constant practice.
4. Educational Expectations
The advanced educational system in Australia is just one of the numerous factors that make it one of the most well-liked nations for higher education. The country may have an entirely different school system and study culture than you are accustomed to. Relationships between students and professors are generally informal. For instance, students commonly address all of their instructors by their first names, and finishing your semester requires more effort than simply passing tests.
However, your educational institution will provide you with a variety of tools and continuing support, such as coaching and workshops, to help you better comprehend the system. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask your professor and your fellow students.
5. Getting ready to stay in a foreign country
Sydney and Melbourne frequently rank among the top 10 cities in the world for cost of living. Prepare to face sticker shock on everything from housing to food, and make sure to save up a sizable amount of cash.
In addition, this multicultural nation's essential principles are freedom, equality, respect for one another, and peace. Australians are hence renowned for being friendly. Australians are adept at lending a hand when needed, no matter where they reside.
Australia, Europe, and America are diversified and very different in terms of culture. The truth is that people appreciate your efforts to adapt to their culture, despite your fears that you would misuse the language and draw criticism from the populace. When traveling and shopping, it will be quite helpful for you to be able to communicate in the local tongue because not every country speaks English.
To better understand the locals, try to learn a little about the country's political and historical background before you travel there.
6. Health insurance
If you are taking part in a study abroad program, it might be covered, but if you are enrolling directly at a university, you almost surely need to purchase health insurance for Australia.
The Australian government has made it clear that all international students must obtain Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC). Because insurers may provide a range of OSHC policies, be sure to enroll in a plan that suits your coverage needs. Visit this page for further details about OSHC and a provider directory. And always check in with your study abroad program to make sure you are completely informed about what is and is not covered.
7. Getting a job in Australia
While studying in Australia, foreign students on student visas are permitted to work up to 40 hours. However, there is no cap on how many hours they can work during breaks from their studies.
The same applies to any dependent family members who are covered by your visa. There are no time restrictions for students pursuing a Ph.D. or a Master’s degree (by research). Australia's current national minimum wage is $17.70 an hour. Working while you study adds to your study and living experiences and helps you pay for living expenses. Retail, hospitality, and other service-related industries are some of the industries where students frequently find part-time work.