Learning journey - POSTGRAD HIGHER EDUCATION SPECIAL REPORT

Here is another article I found from Factiva.com which was publish by The Australian 9 September 2006. It was written by Kate de Brito.
It is a short article, but it has much information about what the important initial things that international students should do at the first time of their entrance to Australian universities environment. Have a look and hope you get a big picture of studying in Australia!

Preparation is everything, writes Kate de Brito

INTERNATIONAL students in Australia benefit from a vast learning environment and a range of new cultural experiences. But lack of preparation means some struggle unnecessarily with everything from getting around a strange city on public transport to speaking up in class.

Betty Chow, associate director of International Student Services at UNSW, says even experienced students need to equip themselves with as much information as possible before starting their studies, including reading material forwarded by their institution. "You'd be surprised how many students don't read the information," Chow says.

She encourages students to arrive early to orient themselves with their new environment and attend all orientation services to learn about local transport and the university. "People often think because they've studied before they don't need to attend orientation, but orientation is different for every university," she says.

Most universities now have dedicated services for international students to provide information on the cost of courses, living expenses and accommodation advice.

Major institutions also offer language support for students lacking confidence in English, and some offer intensive pre-course English programs that begin just prior to the academic year.

Eric Pang, national convenor of the International Students Association, says students need to be sure before applying that they've chosen the right course. "Spend a lot of time researching the course you want to do, whether it will be recognised in your home country and whether it will help you getting a job," Pang says.

Education agents can help streamline the process of applying and organising overseas study. But these agents are not regulated by the Government so check they are authorised to work with the institutions you are applying to and that they are offering realistic advice about courses. "Students need to be careful if using an education agent they are getting what they paid for," Pang says. "Some less reliable agents market courses to overseas students without providing complete information about increasing costs, the quality of the lecturers or whether the course will meet requirements for later employment."

Students should also ask questions about libraries and study facilities, access to computers, laboratories and research facilities.

Bob Birrell, head of the Centre for Population and Urban Research at Monash, says students should brush up on how proposed changes to Australia's skilled migration program may affect their studies. Changes to come into force in 2007 will require higher English competency from students and more extensive vocational training.