Just being able to go to a different country, other than your own, suites you with different tools that you can use for the rest of your life. For example if you are a non English speaker, you could travel to Australia and learn a language (English) that is of a lot of importance internationally. Also you will have the opportunity to stay and know a wonderful country with many job opportunities, a country that is continuously looking to grow and better life in society.

When you visit Australia you will enjoy the commodities around you, while you are working and learning. You will acquire a new tool that you can use to your advance and be fruitful to society.

When you learn about other cultures, by interacting directly with different cultures, you gain people skills, you learn about the differences from one country to another, and not to mention the advantage of a new language that will open you doors of opportunities.

Next time you think about growing, goals, opportunities, new life, changes, quality, etc. think about Australia or New Zealand.

Johanna B., Colombia

WHAT IS THE REASON FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP?:

Journalism and writing consumes my life daily. I cannot remember a time when I did not have a pen and paper in hand. When I was a sophomore in high school I became part of the newspaper staff. That following summer I interned in the HR department under the advisement of Ms. Jonnie M. at the Courier Journal.

During this time I met with reporters, photographers, designers, advertisers, and circulation. I learned so much about how a newspaper is run and it has benefited me greatly. By my junior year I was the Editor-in-Chief until I graduated.

After my freshman year of college at Western Kentucky University where I took multiple journalism courses, I interned at LEO Weekly in Louisville as a staff photographer, which gave me experience in the field of photojournalism as well. Having both skills of writing and photography I am skilled with convergence media.
Now as a sophomore in college at Western Kentucky University, I am a general assignment reporter for the College Heights Herald. Reporting is a passion of mine and I always get the story covered from top to bottom.

As a general assignment reporter, I have the opportunity to cover multiple topics, which makes me a more versatile writer. I am also skilled in photoshop, InDesign, final cut and all of Microsoft office.

In November, I will be attending the World Conference of Newspapers in Hyderabad, India. During this time I will be blogging, reporting, taking audio and video, and shooting photos.

If I were to be an editorial intern, it would begin me dream of becoming an investigative reporter for a large well-respected publication. Nothing makes me happier than writing, shooting, and reporting.

John S. J., USA

Dreaming of the Down Under – A Malaysian Student’s Perspective
By Sitie F. A., M.D.

Down Under… a 6–9 hour flight from my Borneo Island hometown all the way up in the Equator, Malaysia. I suppose that shouldn’t be too far, considering how James Cook was able to sail down and map the entire eastern coastline of Australia, and that of New Zealand. And with airfare prices dropping like a weekend sale at the mall, I guess it’s safe to say “Now everyone can fly” – the tagline for the Malaysian-based airline company Air Asia. Indeed the world is getting smaller.

But regardless of how globalisation seems to be bridging the distances between us, shrinking us, Australia still remains one large terra australis incognita – an unknown land in the south.

We think we know what the Down Under is all about – kangaroos, emus, Christmas in summer, Silverchair, Crocodile Dundee, Jackman and Kidman, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, and some of the most prestigious universities in the world – but how much do we really know? It’s never enough for inquisitive-minded people like us, with high academic ambitions and hopes to be amongst those lucky ones who had the chance to study in Australia or New Zealand.

Yes, it is every young Malaysian’s dream come true to fly south like the migrating birds, and obtain a degree from a university there, whether it is a Bachelor’s, Master’s or a Doctorate. I’m one of them dreamers, for I have yet to set foot in the Down Under.

It’s not just the fact that Australian/New Zealand degree holders get better job prospects in Malaysia and elsewhere – that their universities have gained global recognition in terms of quality of education and training, or that the very reason that one was actually accepted into an Australian university, that he or she actually qualified to be a chosen candidate – that Malaysian students dream of further education in Australia/New Zealand.

It’s the very experience of being able to say “G’day mate!” and walk down the campus lanes with the southern breeze blowing in your hair, or browsing through the endless aisles of books in the State Library of Victoria, or surfing the billows of Bells Beach even though we’ve never surfed before, that we would love to spend a couple of years as a student in the Down Under. To experience the fulfilment and enrichment one can get out of life. To see koalas and eucalyptuses for a change, instead of orang-utans and mangroves that Malaysians like me barely even notice anymore.

Yes, it always takes an outsider’s perspective to see the wonders in everyday’s simplicities in one’s own land.

I guess we have the World War II to thank for creating the Internet, ironically. Originally meant for classified information dispatch and integration, the World Wide Web now offers me pictures, articles and videos of and lets me connect through Facebook to people of the Unknown Land in the South I only dream of setting foot on. But surfing the Net just isn’t enough for me. It just can’t beat surfing the Gold Coast itself.

I’ll probably feel the same way Neil Armstrong did when that happens. Stuck in a day job in an office as a temporary research assistant in a Malaysian university – my fault, actually: I just got my M.D. but I chose not to practice because I’m planning to change my field to something more ‘unconventional’ (yes, it is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard of!) – I bide by my time before I can spread my wings and fly south too.

Yes, it’s only a matter of time before my postgraduate studies application reaches those prestigious universities. And then if I get accepted (fingers crossed here!) and can figure out a way to get the funding I need (another headache, another story), I can finally stop dreaming.

You just can’t help it, being or having been a student, to love learning. And learning being a lifelong process, you can’t help but always want to learn more... to learn everything, not just certain subjects or areas of study, but also about the different places, the people and the culture. And the best way to learn it all is to be there.

But until that happens, I’ve only got YouTube and Facebook to keep me awake while I continue dreaming of the Down Under.

A VOICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

September 14 – 15 saw 31 international students come together at Parliament House in Canberra for the International Student Roundtable meeting.
 
1300 students applied to attend the event which provided those selected to discuss issues affecting their study experience in Australia such as accommodation, welfare, education costs and safety.

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard acknowledged the student’s hard work and said she looked forward to their representatives accompanying her to the Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment where they will present their recommendations for consideration by all levels of government.

The Roundtable participants identified that their student experiences were generally positive and in some cases very positive and that they valued their opportunity to live and study in Australia.

On the contrary, they did recognize some pressing issues and challenges facing international students which governments and providers should endeavour to address as the number of international students continue to grow.

The Roundtable participants have put together a report highlighting 6 key areas to present to government.

Roundtable students are seeking to work with various student organisations to progress a national voice for international students and improve the quality of the international student experience in Australia.

Timothy C., Australia

Choose Your Own Adventure

Choosing to study in Australia not only affords you the opportunity to further your studies, it also allows you the chance to experience a lifestyle that is unique to
Australia. You’ll notice a definitive ‘work hard, play hard’ culture which promotes an adherence to study but also allows ample time to relax and smell the… er, Eucalyptus. Be it the sun and surf, lush rainforests, scorched beauty of the outback, dense bushland, thriving metropolitan centres, or even snow(!), studying in Australian places you in the middle of the adventure you’ve always planned.

Should you decide to venture down the well worn path of those before, you’ll no doubt indulge in the endless parties, nights on the town, and the inevitable bed sheet toga (all justifiable rites of passage). Think out side the box however, and you can further enhance your stay. Become the chilled surf guru travelling along the east coast, or make peace with the earth as you learn the role and importance of the land to the Australian Aborigines. Immerse yourself in the thriving music, arts, and cultural scenes, or just take lots of happy snaps of the Harbour Bridge, Uluru, Great Barrier Reef, and all your new friends. You’ll return home with more stories than you can poke a stick at (and an array of phrases and sayings that will endlessly baffle friends and relatives).

Tom S.

Together with globalisation and integration in regional economic, the opportunity for studying abroad has widened. Students as well as their parents have more options in selecting a best place for studies. Not only an advanced education system but also a good environment is at the heart of their concern. Australia, among a long list of developed countries, has been famous for its high standard education system, international learning atmosphere and

Australia itself can be considered a culture and religion diversified nation where students from different background are all welcomed. Most Australian universities lie in cosmopolitan cities. Therefore, students can immense themselves in an international environment. That is just a perfect place for exploring the world.

In most Australian colleges and universities, all the courses and programs are tailored to fit students into workforce. Those colleges and universities have very close relation with companies and industries for research and development. This makes sure that the students can get updated knowledge, skills and expertise ready for a job in future.

Australia is also famous for its natural beauty, clean and peaceful atmosphere. This is not a high population country. Most of cities are not too crowded and industrialized. Also, Australian government initiates many environment sustainability programs to preserve natural life in this country. Such a lovely natural environment is the best place for study.

There are so many options that can fit your need in the education system of this country. Why not let us guide you to select the best one?

Mai, Vietnam

"A Day in Perth"

He brought me to a lil cafe in Subi yesterday and as soon as I stepped in, my heart melted. Because minutes before that I was telling him that there are really nice places in Perth. It was just a matter of finding them. And this cafe... it was a true gem. From the red walls and the paintings to the mediteranean lamps to the blue-eyed waiter behind the coffee machine and the hustle and bustle of the tiny... cozy cafe. All I could do was stand there and be blown away by it all.

As we sat there, I was reminded of how blessed I was. When I'm with Dave, it's like there's a bubble around us and the world just fades away. We spent the rest of the afternoon reminiscing on the good times that we had with our own families. Telling each other stories, laughing at ourselves and speaking of the great characters that we both call "la familia".

As it was approaching mid afternoon, we went for a walk amongst the gardens in Kings Park. Again, the little things that he does also changes the way I do things. When we'd walk pass people on the footpaths, he'd say a proper "hello" and you can always tell on the other people's faces... a form of delight and they'll smile back in such a proper fashion and greet back.

In the evening, we went to a WASO performance (thanks to City to Surf). He couldn't put it any better: "Priviledges of going out with a volunteer".

Stravinsky's Petrushka was breath-taking. I closed my eyes and let my imagination flow with the music. And when I opened them again, it was quite an overwhelming effect... seeing the orchestra playing those classical notes right in front of my eyes. At one point, they played some quirky notes and the both of us had to hold back our laughs. Through it all, we both smiled and just breathed in the moment. It was how I would imagine the word "mesmerising" to feel.

Here's to sunny days and smiles...

"A Day in Perth"

He brought me to a lil cafe in Subi yesterday and as soon as I stepped in, my heart melted. Because minutes before that I was telling him that there are really nice places in Perth. It was just a matter of finding them. And this cafe... it was a true gem. From the red walls and the paintings to the mediteranean lamps to the blue-eyed waiter behind the coffee machine and the hustle and bustle of the tiny... cozy cafe. All I could do was stand there and be blown away by it all.

As we sat there, I was reminded of how blessed I was. When I'm with Dave, it's like there's a bubble around us and the world just fades away. We spent the rest of the afternoon reminiscing on the good times that we had with our own families. Telling each other stories, laughing at ourselves and speaking of the great characters that we both call "la familia".

As it was approaching mid afternoon, we went for a walk amongst the gardens in Kings Park. Again, the little things that he does also changes the way I do things. When we'd walk pass people on the footpaths, he'd say a proper "hello" and you can always tell on the other people's faces... a form of delight and they'll smile back in such a proper fashion and greet back.

In the evening, we went to a WASO performance (thanks to City to Surf). He couldn't put it any better: "Priviledges of going out with a volunteer".

Stravinsky's Petrushka was breath-taking. I closed my eyes and let my imagination flow with the music. And when I opened them again, it was quite an overwhelming effect... seeing the orchestra playing those classical notes right in front of my eyes. At one point, they played some quirky notes and the both of us had to hold back our laughs. Through it all, we both smiled and just breathed in the moment. It was how I would imagine the word "mesmerising" to feel.

Here's to sunny days and smiles...

Monica C., Malaysia

The tour started in Quito which is a busy, dirty city really where you really have to watch your belongings.  There is also a lot of poverty so very young children will walk around polishing peoples shoes  to make money.  We went up to se a statue of the virgin Mary atop of a hill overlooking the city and our tour guide flagged over a guy in a ute so we could travel tog and we all bundled in the back for a amusing ride amongst his vegetables!  We went to the equator line and of course saw water twirl around in anti clockwise and clockwise directions which was fascinating.
 
The highlight of the trip was definitely going to the Amazon Jungle and the lodge we stayed at was only accessible by a motorised canoe.  The lodge had no electricity with only candlelight after dark. With no window panes it was just a mesh covering that was separating us from all the wildlife and mosquitos!  It was a wonderful experience to fall asleep to all the local wildlife noises.  We went on a jungle walk to see all the medicinal plants and a animal sanctuary which had rescued all sorts of creatures ranging from parrots, spider monkeys and leopards from people who had tried to smuggle them through airports or had been abandoned. 
 
Banos was our next stop and definitely at altitude there were great views of the mountains covered in mist.  It was pretty cold but warmed up the day we went bike riding.  For a couple of nights we went out on the town to take in some feisty salsa dancing with the locals which was fabulous exercise!  There was a group of Dutch guys who were travelling around the same area and were lots of fun and gave me the opportunity to practice my Dutch which I enjoyed.  We found a Mexican restaurant which was a welcome change from boring plain rice and overcokked meat.  The hot springs were also an experience although more like a an overused public bath and at around 6 is best as the water has been cleaned since some locals use it like a bath!
 
Riobamba was a pretty grotty town and I was having a usual 2 course lunch with my roommate and it was as predicted far too much food for us.  A couple of kids came in begging for money so we sat them down and gave them our second course which they happily ate which was a moment I wont forget.  We gave the owner an extra tip as he didn't seem too enthusiastic by our actions which I can understand.  We then caught a train to the Devil nose which was an old bus on train tracks with some grand canyon like scenary.

Cuenca was a modern city compared to what we had seen previously and this was evident by the shops selling a lot of western conveniences and the paved areas rather than dirt streets. After crossing the boarder we arrived in Peru that was bustling with motorised rik shaws and had a real coastal beach feel to it -more my style! We stayed in a eco beach resort in Chiclayo which was literally on the beach. By 'eco' the resort had its walls made from mud and straw. Also the loos had a 'natural flush' which worked by collecting the water from washing your hands in a bucket and throwing it down the porcelain god! Well as you know I'm the avid environmentalist but hygienically I was not convinced by this contraption. The fresh seafood at this place was delicious and I had sting ray for the first time. Some of the group were not convinced by the appearance of the sting ray meat and thought we should have counted the dogs before dinner!

Trojillio was our next stop and we were lucky enough to see an archaeological site of Chan Chan that was being excavating while we were there. We then took a bus down the coast making our way down to Lima. The scenery was spectacular as it was ever changing from extreme desert along cliffs which reminded me of the Great Australian bite to lush fields of rice. Peru had the same poverty that Ecuador had which was evident in the type of housing and begging on the streets. Some people would live in shanty type towns that had sagging rooves and dirt floors and we would see people brushing their teeth or washing their clothes in the grotty water found in the street and it does make you think about the last thing that you complained about, thought was awful or simply couldn't cope with in your own life... On a funny note I was amazed how far and wide brands infiltrate across all corners of the world as some desolate shanty towns in the middle of no where would have a coca cola logo painted on their little corner shop.

Lima had a predominantly European influence which was evident in the architecture of the buildings and overall it was fairly clean and picturesque. We had a great last night and went out on the town to show the locals our interpretation of salsa dancing. This was quite amusing as we quickly had interested groups of guys who were astounded that we could use speakers as podiums for dancing and we were all obsessively taking photos of each other... I'm sure we made their night with all the western commotion!

Marie. B.

"The Benefits of Vocational Education and Training to International Students in Australia"

Australian Education post tertiary education comprises of Universities and Vocational Education and Training (VET). The VET system is a competency based learning system.  Where candidates (students) are taught the practical and theoretical approaches to the subjects they study. 

Candidates are deemed competent once they have demonstrated the skills and knowledge that is required of them based on the course and the level of education they are seeking. 

The benefit to International students in the VET system is that it is inclusive, it allows for necessary adjustment to be made giving the students flexibility in attaining their qualifications.

All of the skills and knowledge are based on industry standards and these standards are agreed upon by industry councils that agree what standard of skills and knowledge candidates should have to be deemed competent.  Not only do candidates need guidelines but students are guaranteed that the trainers and assessor are of a necessary standard to train and assess the students. 

The VET system has several different organisations that represent the VET system all being RTO's (Registered Training Organisations) some of these are Government funded and other private.  International Students need to know that for their qualification to be recognised they need to be provided by an RTO.  The RTO's in Australia target overseas markets and education is the third largest export in the Australian Economy. 

The benefit of this to International Students is not only will they encounter Australian culture, education, and environment but they will be encountering several other cultures and different approaches to education through their fellow candidates at their educational institution.  By completing a VET qualification International Students will not only come away with knowledge or the philosophy of the subject but will learn valuable skills that can be applied directly to their place of work.

Radmila A.

The Many Reasons Why Australia Should Be Seen

If anyone is wondering just why they should see Australia; Australia is a land full of culture and a history that reflects on the landscape and way of life; The diverse nationalities- Everyone is welcome; and the well known and even not so well known landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef and even the Devil's Marbles.

Australia is abundant in new cities and of course the outback. But don't forget the wonderful natural habitat of Australia, home to a range of flora and fauna truly unique in the world.

Of course, who can't say that all these points are all there is, when there are so many famous faces from Australia as well including Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Heath Ledger, Keith Urban, there are too many to name!

So before anyone decides that traveling to Australia is not an activity that should be desired, think about some of these things, if not all.

Erin M. O.

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