Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country. Despite common images of the Outback and our huge desert interior and The Crocodile Hunter, most of our population of just 21 million live in modern, safe cities and towns near the east coast. Australians are generally friendly and accepting, and they enjoy having fun while also being able to work and study hard. Traveling is simple thanks to our reasonably priced and secure air, rail, and road systems.
Culturally Diverse
The Australian population is made up of people from over 100 different ethnic groups. About one-fifth of all Australians were born abroad. While English is the national language, more than one in every eight people speak another language at home. We are a truly multicultural society that lives in a secure, friendly, sophisticated, and harmonious environment.
Democratic Government
Politically, we are a self-contained Western democracy. The Australian Government is in charge of national issues, while state and territory governments are in charge of regional issues.
Education
The Australian Government is particularly concerned with the welfare of international students and has enacted special legislation to protect those studying in Australia on a student visa. Our education system is of high quality, thanks to the efforts of state and territory governments.
Environmentally Conscious
Australians are environmentally conscious and work hard to preserve the country’s beautiful scenery, as well as its unique plants and wildlife. Kangaroos are fairly common in rural areas, and
other unique creatures such as koalas, wombats, platypuses, and our fascinating snakes can be seen more easily in wildlife reserves. The Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, Ayers Rock, and the Tasmanian Wilderness are among thirteen Australian World Heritage Areas designated by the United Nations.
Sporting Nation
Australians have earned a global reputation for their athletic prowess. Sport and outdoor activities are very important to us as a country. Australia ranked sixth in the 2008 Olympics, with fourteen gold medals, fifteen silver medals, and seventeen bronze medals. A fantastic performance from such a small country. Basketball and Aussie Rules are two examples of sports. Football, rugby, soccer, surfing, swimming, tennis, and cricket are among the most popular sports in the country. Between July and September, our snow fields are open for snow skiing and snowboarding.
Living Standards
Australia also provides excellent value for money and has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Despite this, living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are significantly lower than in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Time Zone
Australia’s time zones are divided into three: Eastern Standard Time, Central Time, and Western Time. The time zone in Avondale is Eastern Standard Time. Daylight saving time is observed from
early October to late March.
Currency
Our currency is in Australian dollars and cents, and we have gained international acclaim for our distinctive brightly colored plastic notes.
Motor Vehicles
Motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road in right hand drive vehicles. A drivers licence from your country allows you to drive while in Australia although you should plan to get an Australian licence.
Academic Terminology
Students are referred to as first years and second years rather than other titles. Individual units of study are called subjects and the entire study program is called a course.
Language in Australia
The language of instruction is English, but the Australian accent is distinctive. Australians have an interesting habit of abbreviating words: auditorium is audo, and afternoon is arvo. And, while our accent is sometimes mistaken for that of the United Kingdom or Ireland, it is actually quite distinct.