USA and UK have been favorites among international students to pursue their studies. However, in the last decade Australia has emerged as the country of choice for studies for international students. It has become a rage mainly because of its numerous attractions, from its playful and sporty culture to its beautiful sandy beaches, surf-friendly oceans, and interesting wildlife. The diverse and dynamic culture of this country also proves to be an attraction to all. Hobart is a naturally beautiful city with plenty of character. It offers an inspiring environment for study while also being Australia’s cheapest city for university students to live in.However, for an international student, there is a plethora of other aspects which are important to consider while moving into a foreign country. Find out about these aspects which are discussed in detail to guide you.
The first thing comes to mind when thinking about studies is the quality of education that you are going to get. This is obviously important as international students have to spend a lot on housing, food, clothing and other domestic needs. Without a quality education and lifestyle in a reputable university, all of this seems futile. According to QS Higher Education System, Australia stands impressively at 4th position after USA, UK, and Germany. Australia is also known for welcoming international students with open arms. Australia has the highest number of institutions appeared in the 'QS Top 50 under 50'. The University of Tasmania is Hobart’s and Tasmania’s only university. It offers a broad range of courses – both general and specialised – and has facilities spread across the state.More than 1 in 5 students are international students.
The City of Hobart straddles the deep waters of the Derwent River. The Tasman Bridge connects the larger western side to the eastern shore. Due to its geographical location and natural beauty, Hobart is an inspiring place to live. Most of the houses are built on hillsides, giving often spectacular views of the harbour. Mount Wellington, which is usually snowcapped in winter, is a constant backdrop to city life. The fertility of its land has also lead Tasmania to fame for its fine foods and cuisines, especially high quality cheeses, wines and chocolate. Tassie is also hosts the Taste of Tasmania festival at Salamanca Markets near the docks.
‘’[Hobart is] Australia’s cheapest city for university students to live in’’
Part-time jobs are a lifeline to international students living in a foreign country. It is important not merely to cover living costs but also in the development of your skills. However, it is essential to check the terms and conditions on your visa. According to the rules of student visa, he or she is allowed to work maximum up to 40 hours per 15 days during a semester that is, 4-5 hours per day and work full time during holidays. Opening an account in any of the banks in Australia is also beneficial as the employer can pay a student easily. Before applying for a job, a tax file number (TFN) is required which can be easily obtained from the Australian Taxation Office. Some of the popular job search websites are Seek, Adzuna, and CareerOne. In order to be informed about your rights as an employee, visit Fair Work Ombudsman. Retail, hospitality and service are some of the sectors suitable for a part-time job.
Hobart offers an affordable alternative for Australian education and is very easy to get around – there are no traffic jams and pollution for students travelling from their home to classes, restaurants and shops. The University of Tasmania offers a student life that can be tailored to suit your own individual style. Whether you are a social butterfly, sporting type or culture vulture, you will find a range of things to keep you entertained and make friends on campus, from gym classes, sports and social clubs, to museums and cultural events. Its large international student community is consoling for the students who find it difficult to immerse themselves in local culture. The culture can be intimidating to many people despite its diversity. In such circumstances, it is important to learn about the place beforehand. Culture shock can lead to social isolation which could impact your student learning environment. Overall, the culture of Australia is said to be friendly and welcoming.
Food often becomes an issue for an international student especially if the culture is completely different to his or her own culture. However, thanks to a growing numbers of international students and tourists, there is a boom in small, authentic Asian eateries. From Japanese to Thai flavour, every taste bud is taken care of. For fresh ingredients, head down to Farm Gate Market in Bathurst Street on Sundays. There are a wide range of bars, clubs and restaurant extending from the Uni Bar and Sandy Bay through to Elizabeth St Mall in downtown. They cater to students as well as many tourists from mainland Australia. North Hobart is another busy area for dining and going out.
The most dreaded word for international students is visa. Most of the students spend sleepless nights over it. In order to get over such fears, it is necessary to have proper knowledge about the whole procedure and guidelines of getting a student visa. Australian student visa is quite accommodating as it let students study and work for the duration of the course plus an additional month. You can apply for multiple courses with the same visa. The visa costs about AUS$ 535 and can be paid directly on Australian immigration website. In order to get your visa approved, student visa needs to be combined with an accredited course provided by some Australia’s schools.Confirmation of enrollment (COE) identifies the beginning and ending of the date of the course. A student must be above 16 years of age to apply for student visa.
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