Traveling abroad as an international student can be one of the most exhilarating experiences ever.
However, as much as it is exciting it can also come with its own challenges. Typically, the idea of studying abroad in a foreign region presents itself with vast opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Nevertheless, since there are challenges involved, you need to equip yourself with the right strategies and knowledge.
This way, you can be sure to improve your academic performance, transition swiftly, and enhance your overall experience while working abroad.
This article provides essential tips to help you thrive abroad as an international student.
Ready to read? Let’s go.
Understand Visa Regulations
Understanding the visa regulations for the countries involved is a fundamental aspect of a seamless international student experience.
It is vital for each student to learn and understand all the visa requirements while staying vigilant on any changes or updates available.
In Australia, you must meet all the health, study and work related requirements to meet these obligations. For example, you can only work 48 hours per fortnight when your study is in session and unlimited work hours are allowed during official school holidays.
Remember, complying with these regulations is a legal requirement and guarantees an uninterrupted and smooth academic journey.
As a result, this lets you focus on your studies, thus making you perform even better.
Connect with Your Peers
If you want to study a course like masters in nursing abroad, you must look into building connections with peers for the ultimate experience.
Consider joining clubs or organisations as they offer excellent opportunities to associate with global and local students with similar interests.
Sometimes you can find these groups on social media also like Facebook, Whatsapp or Linkedin groups.
Besides serving as social hubs, these groups also help establish a sense of community, thus allowing international students to feel at home away from home.
Additionally, taking part in various group activities helps one gain valuable cultural insights, build lasting friendships, and overcome challenges that come with new social and academic settings.
Establish a Financial Plan
Financial plans are critical in ensuring an exciting and stable experience as a student studying abroad.
Make sure to open a student bank account in a reliable Australian bank for easy and seamless financial management during your college years!
Creating a budget and sticking to it helps one manage expenses well while ensuring they meet their personal and academic needs without straining.
It would help if you explored cost-saving options like financial well-being contributions and student discounts.
Familiarise yourself with currency exchange rates to maximise your educational adventure with less financial constraints.
If you want to understand the cost of living for international students, then check the video below:
Maximise Support Services
Utilising support services at the university is one of the most significant pillars of successful studying abroad.
The support services include but are not limited to counselling services, writing centres, and tutoring programs.
These services offer useful assistance in conquering academic difficulties.
Whether you want to address individual problems, seek guidance on coursework, or fine-tune writing skills, the resources are established to offer comprehensive support for all.
Do Not Ignore Your Health and Well-Being
International students must always prioritise their well-being and health status.
For instance, you should explore the local healthcare system to understand all the requirements involved.
Ensure you get an ideal health insurance coverage (like OSHC for Australia) to help you with medical bills.
Your mental wellness is vital as well; while stress and homesickness are common mental issues for new international students, you should get the necessary help when needed.
Do not ignore or suppress factors that affect your mental well-being.
You can learn more about the available support services for international students here.
We hope these tips help you to achieve your career goals. All the best with your journey as an international student.
Research conducted by Pearson Education on more than 3000 PTE test takers reveal compelling insights into experiences and outcomes of individuals pursuing their dreams in Australia.
The Pearson Australian Dreams White Paper also provides details of the significant contributions of skilled migrants and international students to Australia’s economic and social landscape.
Here are some of the key findings of the contributions made by skilled migrants and international students in Australia:
91% of respondents were employed.
72% of PTE migrants on skilled visas reported working in skilled professions, showcasing their valuable contributions to the workforce.
The median income of these migrants on skilled visas was $93,000, surpassing the national average median income of $67,600.
50% of workers aspire to start their own business in Australia, indicating a strong entrepreneurial spirit among migrants.
More than 1 out of 10 are volunteering in the community.
Additionally, the survey finds out:
9 out of 10 migrants reported feeling welcomed in Australia.
81% of migrants have built community connections, indicating a sense of belonging and integration.
89% of respondents have experienced acts of kindness, reflecting positive interactions and support from the local community.
64% of respondents chose Australia due to the high quality of education.
Additionally, the research highlights the positive experiences and opportunities encountered by migrants in Australia, with 81% having access to opportunities not available in their home countries.
The study highlights specific instances where migrants felt welcomed, such as being referred to as ‘mate’ by Australians or receiving support from the healthcare sector after an accident.
The white paper showcases many stories of these skilled migrants and international students in Australia who, rather than giving up on their dreams, chose to get out of their comfort zones, move to Australia and now contribute to the Australian workforce and culture.
The study also highlights the importance of learning English with 97% of migrants recognising the importance of English for communication, employment opportunities, and social integration.
Despite the availability of English language support services, only around a quarter of student visa holders utilised these resources, indicating a potential area for improvement.
The study underscores the importance of English language proficiency for international students and migrants, with the PTE being preferred by 87% of respondents for its fast results, test format, and ease of preparation.
In conclusion, the Pearson Australian Dreams White Paper showcases the transformative impact of skilled migrants and international students on Australia’s prosperity, emphasising the value they bring to the country’s workforce, communities, and national identity.
With a Christian population of over 43.9% in Australia, Easter is a very popular and public holiday period filled with a festive atmosphere.
The Easter season is also generally enjoyed by people of various faiths, beliefs and cultures in Australia as it connotes a time for family, community and festivity.
So in this article, we are going to give you a guide to celebrate Easter in Australia.
What is Easter?
Easter is a world-wide yearly observed holiday and festive season that celebrates religious and cultural significance, which is the day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion.
Easter usually starts and ends with a series of events through the holy week such as Palm Sunday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday leading up to Easter Saturday.
Who celebrates Easter?
Easter is rooted in Christianity and prominently celebrated by Christians all over the world, including Australia, but has also become a widely celebrated season by many other religions across board.
Why is it celebrated? (History and Significance)
The historical significance of Easter stems from the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death by crucifixion.
As per Christian faith, it is recorded that Jesus died for the sins of the world, conquered death, resurrected and redeemed the whole world from sin.
This act has been a major foundation of the Christian faith which signifies God’s plan to redeem the world and offer believers the promise of eternal life.
Easter serves as a reminder of this message of hope and transformation in honour of what Jesus did for the world.
How is Easter celebrated in Australia?
Easter in Australia is a time of festivity, celebration and also a solemn reflection in honour of the season.
Many Australians attend church services through the holy week up until Easter Sunday which marks the resurrection of Jesus.
Aside from the church gatherings, there are also various other festivals and cultural events that take place during the easter season like the Sydney Easter Royal Show, National Folk Festival, the Australian Gospel Festival, Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival and many more.
Some families during this period also spend time outdoors for picnics at the park, camping, pitching tents or going to the beach. These occasions mostly always consist of a wide variety of amazing food.
Another way Aussies enjoy the Easter season is to celebrate Easter Bilby.
In contrast to the Easter bunny known worldwide, the bilby is a small endangered species in Australia celebrated instead as the easter icon because the Easter bunny is believed to be a bad omen, especially by farmers who experience rabbit infestations.
However, the Easter bunny is still a popular icon among Australian families and many families do Easter egg hunting activities with kids.
When is Easter in 2024?
Easter Sunday for 2024 falls on the 31st of March, preceded by Good Friday which is on the 29th of March, after which is Easter Monday on the 1st of April. These dates are the ending days of the holy week for the season.
Here is a quick guide to Easter in 2024:
Good Friday – 29th March
Easter Saturday – 30th March
Easter Sunday – 31st March
Easter Monday – 1st April
What’s open on Easter in Australia?
Most of the supermarkets (Woolworths, Coles, Aldi) and liquor stores will be closed on Good Friday.
However, they remain open for the rest of the Easter weekend with changed trading hours. Please refer to your local supermarket and liquor store trading hours for more details.
There are varying restrictions on selling alcohol over Easter weekend in most Australian states and territories. Most states have restrictions on selling alcohol on Good Friday. However, they might vary on Easter Sunday.
Some IGA’s (Supermarket) are expected to remain open on Good Friday.
Kmart, Bunnings, Big W and other major retailers & shopping centers remain closed on Good Friday and will reopen for the rest of the Easter weekend except some stores might be closed on Easter Sunday.
7-Eleven stores and most major petrol stations like Shell, BP, Ampol, EG will remain open every day during the Easter long weekend.
Fast food restaurants like McDonald’s, Hungry Jacks, KFC, Guzman y Gomez are likely to remain open over the Easter weekend. Check trading hours for your local restaurant.
Australia Post usually remains closed on national public holidays, so it is expected they will remain closed during Easter long weekend.
Cinemas are usually open on Easter weekend, including Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
It is advisable to call or check online the trading hours of your local businesses before a visit during the holiday season to avoid disappointment.
List of Easter Events Around Australia
The season of Easter goes far beyond chocolate eggs and bunnies; it’s a time of family, fellowship, community and celebration in diverse ways across the country.
Here are some popular Easter events around Australia:
New South Wales
1. Fairfield Easter Fair
📍 Location: 443 Smithfield Road, Prairiewood, New South Wales
Sydney is packed with a lot of events for the Easter season bringing exciting fun activities to the people, and the Sydney Royal Easter Show and Fairfield Easter Fair are two amazing events for the Easter holiday period. Both events offer amazing park activities, and entertainment like rides, food trucks, firework shows and many more. The Fairfield Easter fair runs from the 28th March to 2 April and the Sydney Royal Easter Show runs from 22 March to 2 April.
A popular Easter event that celebrates the vibrant art and culture scene of Bendigo, Victoria. You get to watch a range of performances, workshops, exhibitions as it attracts both local and foreign tourists alike. It will be held from March 29 to April 1.
Queen Victoria Market is one of the most popular places to visit during Easter. Lot of people do their Easter shopping and there are many activities for family and kids with Easter bunny visits, Easter Tea Party and Kids Passport that will keep your family busy during Easter weekend.
From 29th March to April 1, get ready to immerse yourself in this family fun-filled adventure at Victoria Park. There will be a range of activities from crafts, meeting bunny, outdoor cinema and more.
The Fremantle International Streets Arts Festival is a global awe, an event that turns the streets of Fremantle into a stage of varieties of theater. A series of performances from musicians, dancers, artists, and performers will fill the streets with so much colour and bubble over the Easter period from the 29th of March till the 1st of April.
South Australia
7. Farmers’ Market Easter Fun
📍 Location: Showgrounds, Adelaide, South Australia
Take part in a fun Easter trail from 8:30 am to 11:30 am on March 31st at Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market. Enjoy face painting, fresh food and a visit from Easter bunny. A truly fun-filled event for all.
The National Folk Festival is happening from March 28th to April 1 during the Easter weekend. You can experience a wide range of traditional music, dance, crafts, and food. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of folk culture.
Annual Easter egg hunt is back again at AMAZE Richmond. There are fun and entertaining activities for kids and accompanying adults like Easter egg hunt, Easter bunny visit and more.
Northern Territory
10. Easter Eggstravaganza
📍 Location: 7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin, Northern Territory.
In the city of Darwin, the Easter Eggstravaganza event happens at the waterfront where there are lots of exciting activities for the festive atmosphere like the sack races, bunny bowling, Easter egg scavenger hunt, egg and spoon races and more.
Conclusion
As much as the Easter season is a time of sober reflection, it also unfolds as a significant time observed by many for community and family.
A period of festivity, celebration and an array of exciting activities. So whether you’re a chocolate lover, sweet tooth or an outdoor person, the easter period has just the best offerings for you.
You do not need to go outside to work for these job roles, most of the time.
And most of these job roles are usually casual or part time in nature. So these jobs suit international students perfectly, due to their work hour visa restrictions.
Benefits for Doing On Campus Jobs
Now, let’s discuss some of the benefits for doing these on campus job roles.
Flexibility: University is hiring knowing that you are a student. So, you can have flexibility in work usually as per your study schedule. It is a great advantage for you as a student, as you can work part time, and also study as well.
Student Priority: For on campus job roles, the priority is given to the students. Especially to those who have a good academic standings.
Travel time: You can save heaps of time by working on campus, rather than traveling outside to other job roles. And if you live nearby your university, it’s even better.
Good pay rates: Usually universities offer good pay rates and good working conditions to their employees including students.
Campus fun: As you will be working on campus, you will not be missing out on the campus fun. As there are many activities, events happen on campus during the academic year.
Building connections: Working on campus, means you could be working with university lecturers, university staff or some other people who might have some job roles outside university as well. It can present a great opportunity for students to build their network with these professionals, which could help you to get better jobs in the future.
Basic requirements to get on campus jobs
Let’s look at some of the common requirements to get these jobs:
Students Status: As mentioned earlier, most of these job roles are either casual or part time. So, these job roles are usually suitable for students and universities & colleges look for students for these sort of roles. So, if you are going to apply for an on-campus job, you must be a student.
Good academic records: As many students from the university will be applying for these job roles, usually, students with good academic records are preferred for them. As sometimes, university lecturers or tutors can actually help you to get these job roles due to their say in the hiring process. So, ideally, having a good academic track record, and good relationship with your trainers and tutors will help.
Communication skills: Most of these job roles will require you to have good communication skills. It is a must, as most of these job roles will be customer-facing, which means you will be likely dealing with other students, or maybe staff members.
Technical Knowledge: Some job roles may require you to have some technical knowledge or skill set. In those sort of job roles, you will need to have those skills and knowledge in order to perform those jobs better.
Work experience: While, depending upon the job roles, some jobs may require you to have some previous work experience, while others may not. So, it is a good idea to look at the job description itself, to see if they require any previous work experience.
Certifications and Licenses: Some job roles, especially if you’re going to work in hospitality, or maybe in some IT support services may require you to have some certifications. As an example, if you are going to work in hospitality roles, you might be required to have RSA certificate. Again, depending upon other job roles, you may be required to have other certifications or licenses.
Work rights: International students are required to follow the work limits when they are working and studying. So, during your study period, you can only work 48 hours per fortnight. So, you need to make sure that you abide by those work hours, and make sure that you have the right to work in Australia.
Now, these were some of the basic requirements to apply for these job roles.
Best On Campus job opportunities for students
Let’s move to the most important topic now, which is what are the different types of On-campus jobs that are available for students in Australia.
Tutors or teaching assistants 📚
Students who usually do well in their studies in the university or college, could work as a tutor or teaching assistant.
As a tutor or teaching assistant, you help the lecturers or tutors in either conducting classes or academically supporting other students, or just providing a helping hand to the teachers.
This role is definitely suitable for students who like teaching or supporting others and, especially if you have a specific interest in certain subjects.
And obviously, if you have a good academic record that helps to get a job as a tutor or teaching assistant.
Student support assistant 🤝
As the name suggests, it will be about supporting other students, especially the ones who are just starting their university in Australia.
This support could be related to orientation programs, helping organising some events for students, or just addressing some of the student concerns.
For example, it could be related to finding their lecture room, or tutorial rooms, or their general queries.
Student ambassadors 🌐
Some universities may have a student ambassador program.
As a student ambassador, you will be responsible for representing your university at different events. It could be at the orientation of the university itself, or could be some marketing events that you may need to attend in the university or outside university.
And these events could be online as well. Most likely, you will be speaking to prospective students who are interested in studying at your university.
Library assistants 📚
Some universities hire students to work as library assistants helping their librarians.
Your job role as a library assistant could include shelving books, assisting other students in finding books, and just managing the general operations of the library, and helping your librarian when needed.
IT assistants 💻
If you have some technical skills in IT (Information Technology) you could provide IT support to the staff, or to the students.
This is one of those technical job roles that may require you to have some certification or previous work experience.
But the main job role is providing help to the students or staff who may be unable to access the university portals, having difficulty in accessing the Wi-Fi, printers, or some other technical issue related to it.
Research assistants 🔍
Many universities actually look for research assistants during the academic year.
Basic job role as a research assistant includes helping the faculty members for their research projects. It could be collecting data, collecting, some surveys, or some other ADOC tasks.
Administration assistants (Admin assistants) 🗃️
Many universities and colleges look for administration assistants who can help them with some administration tasks, like data entry, answering customer queries, or organising files.
And these sort of job roles are perfect for students as it helps them to get a foot in the door.
Marketing assistants 📢
This has been becoming one of the most popular job roles.
As a marketing assistant, you could be helping the marketing manager or marketing team with content creation, social media management, and some other promotional activities or events.
Fitness or sports instructors 🏋️
If your university campus has facilities like gyms or some other recreational facilities, like sports facilities, then you could be hired for some of these job roles.
If hired in these roles, you could be responsible for providing instructions when people are using gym facilities or equipment or some other sports facility in your campus.
Event staff 🎉
During the academic year, universities in Australia organise many events, conferences and orientation programs. So, as a student, you may have an opportunity to work in these events.
It could be assisting the staff members with logistics, some sort of registration or coordination of the event.
As mentioned earlier, many events happen during the university year, so there could be multiple opportunities that will come along in these roles.
Hospitality staff 🍽️
Some universities have their own cafes, food outlets, bars and restaurants within the campus premises.
Usually there are many job roles like barista, kitchen hands, a waiter or waitress, cooks, bartenders or just general cleaning staff available in this sort of hospitality setting.
Just keep in mind some jobs might actually require you to have a food handling or RSA certificate.
Retail assistant 🛍️
Some universities in Australia have retail stores like fashion, souvenirs, technology related, or some other shops in the campus itself.
And obviously, you can look up job opportunities in these retail stores.
As a retail assistant, you could be responsible for answering the customer queries, providing customer service, sales, and any other assistance that your customer may require.
And most of these customers are usually students themselves, or could be the staff members.
How to apply for on campus job for students?
One of the important questions will be on students mind is where to find these job roles and how to apply for them?
A very good question indeed.
Answer is straightforward: you will find most of these job roles on your university website itself.
Sometimes they may have a specific portal or a specific web page for on campus jobs, where you can go and look for these job opportunities and apply for them.
Most of these job opportunities come along at the start of a new academic year, or a start of a new term. So, our suggestion would be to look up for these opportunities, as soon as possible, and try to apply for them as there is usually fierce competition for these job roles.
Another quick tip to get these jobs will be to build a good relationship with your lecturers and tutors. They can have a say in some of these job roles and they may recommend you as a potential candidate for some of these jobs.
So ideally start building a relationship with the training staff from the beginning of your university studies.
One important thing to keep in mind is that availability of these job roles will vary depending upon your university.
So, check whether these job opportunities are available with your university wbesite or the support services of your university.
These were-some of the type of On campus jobs that you could look up when you are coming here in Australia.
We wish you all the best with your job application.
Ramadan is a very popular Islamic festival celebrated by millions of people all over the world, even in Australia. It is a sacred month filled with reflection, spirituality and community.
There are several cultural and religious diversities in Australia, including close to a million Muslims, which is why this celebration is a very important one in the country.
There are several activities and religious practices that take place during the Ramadan month and celebrations during Eid ul Fitr.
So, let’s give you a quick guide to celebrate Ramadan and Eid in Australia.
What is Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, observed by Muslims all round the world as a month of fasting, prayer, worship, service, community and reflection.
During Ramadan, Muslims engage in a daily fast without any food and drink from dawn until sunset.
This act of fasting not only drives a physical discipline but is also a means of spiritual purification, inward reflection, and empathy for the less privileged.
After a month-long fasting and sacrifice of Ramadan, the ‘Eid ul Fitr’ is celebrated. It is usually a 1 to 3 days celebrations.
Eid is an arabic word which means feast or festival.
Who celebrates Ramadan and Eid?
Ramadan and Eid is celebrated all over the world by Muslims.
All individuals from different cultures, traditions and countries who are Muslim celebrate the month of Ramadan and observe the requirements during the period.
Even non-muslims also value the Ramadan month and celebrate what it stands for. People participate by giving to Muslim communities, practicing self-reflection, listening to teachings and giving to the less privileged.
Why is it Celebrated?
Ramadan is a very deep part of the Islamic tradition. It symbolises a time in history, the 7th century, when the Quran was sent down to Prophet Muhammad from heaven to be revealed to men and women as a guide and means of salvation.
The celebration period focuses on spiritual meditation, reflection, fasting, seeking forgiveness, and strengthening connection with God.
Ramadan is also celebrated to boost community bonding through family time and community gatherings during iftar. It is the time when food is shared to break the fast and prayers are done collectively.
Ramadan reminds people to be empathetic and compassionate by being kind and generous to others.
How is Ramadan and Eid Celebrated in Australia?
Australia, a center of cultural diversity, embraces Ramadan with open arms. The celebration period is highly recognised in schools, workplaces, homes and communities.
The Ramadan month is often characterised by different activities that reflect the essence and key parts of the period. Usually the Muslim communities gather during Iftar which is the evening meal to break the fast.
There is often an array of diverse foods for everyone to partake of. There are also night prayer times at the mosques during the month called Tarawih. These prayers are held after the iftar meal, creating a sense of unity.
Muslims also carry out charitable activities to celebrate during this period such as food drives, donations and initiatives to support the less privileged.
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. In Australia, many events are organised by the local muslim communities and mosques to celebrate Eid ul Fitr.
Cleaning house, preparing sweet dishes, buying new clothes, gifts are common activities to celebrate Eid.
Families and friends come together to enjoy the festival in community spirits.
When is Ramadan and Eid in 2024?
In 2024, Ramadan will begin on Monday, March 11th and end on Tuesday, April 9th. It’s a month-long journey of fasting from dawn to sunset.
And the Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on 10th April 2024.
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, as a result the dates for Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr can vary.
List of Ramadan and Eid Events around Australia
1. New South Wales (NSW):
Event Name: Ramadan Nights Lakemba (Sydney)
Date: 9 March – 8 April (every Thursday to Sunday)
Location: Lakemba
Timing: 6 pm – 3 am
Details: A market showcasing diverse cuisines, crafts, and entertainment to mark the festive season.
And the numbers are worse when it comes to STEM-qualified employment with women representing 15% of these jobs.
In 2022, there was 17% or $27,012 of pay gap between men and women in STEM industries.
Apart from these numbers, more women are needed in STEM careers as they bring a different perspective in the industry.
Increase of women in STEM can ultimately benefit the industry as a whole.
List of popular STEM courses in Australia
There are plenty of options in terms of courses you can study in STEM areas, but we have handpicked some of the most popular ones.
You can undertake both or either undergraduate or postgraduate courses in these fields:
Information Technology
Biomedicine
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Software Engineering
Agriculture Engineering
Architecture
Physics
Biochemistry
Food Science
Medicine
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other courses you can do in the STEM fields.
Top STEM universities in Australia
Here is a list of Top STEM universities in Australia that you might consider studying in:
Australian National University (ANU): ANU is known for its excellence in research and STEM disciplines.
The University of Melbourne: A global leader with a strong emphasis on innovation and technology.
The University of Sydney: The University of Sydney offers cutting-edge research facilities and a diverse range of STEM courses.
The University of Queensland (UQ): UQ is known for its contributions to science, research and technology.
Monash University: Monash University is renowned for STEM programs and research output.
Requirements to study STEM courses in Australia as an international student
Here are some of the basic requirements to study STEM courses in Australia:
Passport and Student visa: You will need a passport and an Australian student visa in order to study in Australia as an international student.
Academic Qualification: To get an admission into STEM courses, you will need to have a high school certificate with good grades in the relevant subjects to get into an undergraduate program. If you want to get into a postgraduate course, then you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field.
English Proficiency tests: Students from non-English speaking countries are required to undertake an English Proficiency test like IELTS, PTE or others. With minimum overall scores of 6.0 to 6.5 IELTS equivalent depending on the university.
Entrance Tests: Some universities in Australia may require entrance tests as part of their admission requirements. While some offer scholarships to students with higher scores in these entrance tests. Common entrance tests into STEM courses include GRE, GMAT (for postgraduate courses) and SAT or ACT (for undergraduate programs).
We hope you find this information related to STEM courses for female international students in Australia useful.
