Studying in Australia

Teaching styles in Australia may be different to what you are accustomed to at home. Their are many different teaching styles, but essentially, Australian educators are keen to give their students lots of practice in a environment that encourages independent though, critical understanding, creativity, and open debate. You are also expected to develop your understanding through self-directed learning and sharing ideas with your fellow students during classes. Often, class participation is an assessable part of your grade.


Lectures and tutorials

Most learning in tertiary institutions (like universities, colleges and VET institutions), take place in lectures and tutorials. Usually, you’ll listen to the speaker/ teacher/ professor in the lecture and take notes for an hour or so. And then you’ll be asked to sit in a tutorial (a type of classroom discussion setting). The tutorial is a place where you can receive greater individual assistance. It is important that you attend all your lectures and tutorials.


Assessment

It is important that you prepare for your exams and assessments properly so you receive a good grade for your unit.  Depending on the course, you can be graded for:

• written or practical work
• exams
• class participation i.e. how much contribute to discussions in classes
• attendance
• group exercises
• and other criteria

Typical grading scores used at schools, institutions and universities include the following:

• A or Outstanding achievement/ High Distinction/ 100 to 80 per cent
• B or High achievement/ Distinction/ 79 to 70 per cent
• C or Satisfactory achievement/ Credit/ 69 to 60 per cent
• D or Unsatisfactory achievement/ Pass/ 59 to 50 per cent
• E or Fail/ Below 50 per cent
• Other vocational institutions use a competent/not competent or a satisfactory/not satisfactory grading system.

Plagiarism

One of the greatest challenges facing a student is plagiarism. Plagiarism is where you use somebody’s ideas or words as your own (i.e. you do not formally acknowledge their work). This is a serious breach of Intellectual Property Rights. You could receive a harsh penalty in Australia for plagiarism (including expulsion from your course and the revoking of your student visa). To avoid a charge of plagiarism, it is important to carefully cite all your referenced ideas and words in the body of the essay and the bibliography. Show how your cited work relates to and supports your own work and the argument you are trying to make. For help on how to reference properly, contact your International Student Office.


Consumer protection

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring international students receive a quality education. In fact, there are numerous laws protecting international students: they are grouped together under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework. It is mandatory that all Australian institutions accept international students on a student visa. They are also legally required to provide quality courses and meet the national standards for student services and institution facilities.


Protecting international student education quality

You can protect your consumer rights by reading the ESOS legislation carefully. Essentially, it outlines what provisions are made if a students or institution defaults on the course the student is enrolled in. This protection may includes either a refund of course money to the student, or if a refund is not possible, placement of into an alternative course through a Tuition Assurance Scheme.

Furthermore, institutions must ensure that the marketing materials (such as brochures and handbooks) contain accurate information (i.e. not misleading). Be sure that along with your Confirmation of Enrolment, the institution provides you with course-related information, such as:

• teaching and assessment methods
• the course content and duration
• the qualification it leads to
• English language requirements
• previous work experience or educational qualifications required for admittance
• requirements for course completion
• course-related fees
• the facilities and learning resources related to the delivery of the course
• student support services (see below).

Student support services

Another important area which institutions are responsible for are support services for international students. They should be able to provide you with adequate information and assistance in the following areas:

•    orientation
•    academic progress
•    further study
•    accommodation.


Grievances

Contact your education provider if you have any questions are concerns. The International Office at your institution can best advise you on the best way to handle your grievances. You can also contact The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for additional assistance.

In general, your International Office is the best place to get you settled in Australia and into your studies.  They can offer help with:

• setting up a bank account
• sorting out your enrolment
• sourcing accommodation
• counselling
• placing you in contact with International Student Advisors (ISAs)

In this way, when you arrive at your institution, be sure to introduce yourself to the office and start using their services.


Orientation

When you first arrive at campus, an International Student Advisors (ISAs) will guide you through an orientation program. This is designed to help you understand and be knowledgeable of:

• the Australian education and training system
• the campus, support services and clubs.
• institution’s structure and governance
• Australian culture
• general issues associated with living in a new country.

This is also a great time to meet other international students and make new friends!


Students with disabilities

All institutions offer services for students who require assistance with their studies (due to a disability or chronic medical condition). You can have access items such as voice recognition software, hearing aids, or note taking services. Be sure to contact your institution several weeks before you arrive to make the prior arrangements for your specific needs.

They are there to help you!