From the other side of the world, Australia welcomes immigrants who wish to invest in education. Italians, Koreans, Chinese, Japanese, Venezuelans, Mexicans, Chileans and Colombians, among others, are in the group of people who come to live their adventure of knowing a cosmopolitan culture, study and work.
Great
example of a city that is the most desirable for overseas students to
study
in Australia
is Melbourne. Their initial goal is to learn English and work in any
available way, so that they will be able to cover their expenses.
Based on my personal experience and all countrymen I’ve met, I
gathered a few steps that will help you plan and start your adventure
as a student in this country.
Think
about it, take account and get lost: It is perhaps the most difficult
step; jump into the ring and say “I would dare.” For that
we must have three fundamental things: time, money and desire. The
initial budget is over $ 20,000, plus the financial funds that must
be demonstrated according to the time spent in the country.
Alone
or with friends?
If
you embark on your adventure with someone else, you will have a
support on a path with countless challenges (a friend, family member
or partner). If you travel alone, the challenge is greater, but
everything has its reward. If you go with your partner, working and
study conditions are shared.
Seek
advice and assistance
Consult a specialized agency for the study program that best suits your interests and your level of English (if you “defend yourself” with the language, you could apply for a master’s degree or a “diploma”). They can support you when dealing things in the embassy (Visa) or educational institutes in Australia, as well as the purchase of plane tickets.
Make
the decision and set the date
Remember,
your future bills will not only include the initial cost of the
paperwork (Visa, program cost, plane tickets), but also costs of
living, especially those before you find a job that will help you
cover your expenses. There are people who get a job right away after
their arrival but for others it can take up to three months. Many
times it is a matter of luck. For example, to live a month in
Melbourne, a person may need around $ 3,000, which will help him pay
rent, food, transportation and personal expenses.
Find
the place where you are going to live
There
are several Facebook groups and many digital applications through
which people offer single or shared rooms. If you arrive in
Melbourne, you can choose between the city center or the suburbs. In
the city center it is more expensive (more than $ 700 Australian
dollars per month in a shared room), but it will be closer to the
chosen educational institute. In the suburbs, it is quieter and
cheaper (about $ 700 Australian dollars per single room or half if
shared).
Ready
your suitcase
Remember that weather in Australia strongly depends on the current season so you will need clothes for hot and cold weather. Try to be practical and choose your clothes carefully, so that you will not have to invest in clothes when you arrive in Australia.
Say goodbye and get onboard
Being
so far away and in such a different place, family members miss each
other more, so don’t underestimate the time of farewell. Then,
prepare for a long travel time, which may include one or more
stops.
Upon
arrival
You
will need a public transport access card. In Melbourne it is called
Myki and allows you to move throughout the system (bus, train and
tram). It’s worth choosing a monthly ticket ($ 131 local currency
for 28 days).
To
work!
A student can work part-time legally (20 hours a week). There are different work options; some of them in cleaning (offices, schools, among others) and hospitality (waiters, baristas, kitchen assistants and drinks). It all depends on the level of English and the experience you have. In a cleaning job, approximately $ 20-22 Australian dollars per hour could be earned (depending on the contracting party and the discounted taxes). Another solution is taking an online course and getting a diploma of youth work so you can work with multicultural young people who live in Australia.
Getting used to the routine and saving to travel
It is a new life and it is necessary to get used to new commitments and seek entertainment plans. Gradually, you can balance your personal cash flow, leisure time and, also, make plans to get to know the countries closest to Australia.
