Should I/How do I go to school in Australia?

[Thaluikhain]

And you guys have States instead of Provinces or Territories? I didn't know that!

Well, mostly States, but the word "Territory" is used for Northern Territory (which might as well be a state, really), and the Australian Capital Territory, which was created to avoid arguments about which State the nations capital city would be in. Each State/Territory having its own laws/elections, seperate from the federal laws/elections which are stuck on top, so to speak.

I also don't want to live somewhere that is super expensive.

Australia has a very high cost of living...you hear complaints about games being more expensive, but the same applies to all sorts of things.

I went to Macquarie (in Sydney), they are supposed to have a decent history section...though it helps that nobody's mums make them do history, you don't have hordes of insufferable retards resenting having to turn up and not talk over the lecturer.

The drinking age here in the US is 21. I am 21 so drinking doens't really concern me. lol. I think I heard its 18 there?

Yeah, 18 is the age when you become able to do most of those sorts of things.

 

[WolfThomas]

Really depends on where you want to live. Most capitals have at least one or two good universities. I go to Monash but I can't really judge as most of my course is done now on placement in metropolitan and rural hospitals instead of the campuses.

 

[Cazza]

Do you mainly want to travel to see new places, meet new people and learn? Will you use the information you learnt when you return home. Uni is expensive. Study at TAFE instead. The cost will be much lower. You will get the same thing.

I study at TAFE there are many overseas students here. I wouldn't go to Sydney or Melbourne. Seems like everyone travels there. Be different.

 

[ResonanceSD]

Are you Asian with a rich family? because im pretty sure thats like a new prerequisite for getting into ANU as a foreign student.
I suggest having a shotgun wedding with a homeless person to get citizenship, thats your best bet for getting into a good uni in Australia

bitter much? ANU should take pride in it's international student population. You make it sound like it's a bad thing.

 

[Biosophilogical]

3. Don't lie down in the grass. Seriously, you can't do that there.

Are ... are you sure? I mean, I understand if you lie down on someone else's grass, but in a park, or on your own grass? I have frequently laid down on grass (unless you mean drop bears and their favourite snacks 'lazy park-goers' in which case all you need is a drop-bear immunisation, they're free at the local GP).

 

[RadiusXd]

I am currently in the US and getting bored with my life. It occurred to me the other day that it would be cool to study abroad and I've always wanted to see Australia.

So, has anyone here done something like that? Does anyone live in Australia? What is a good school?

I'm curious about people who live there or have lived there and what their opinion is about it.

My partner is Australian and I have spent quite a bit of time there.

1. First of all, Australians don't call Universities "schools". The best University in Australia is the Australian National University if I recall correctly. That's in the capital, Canberra. Other good universities include The University of Sydney and The University of New South Wales. They are both in Sydney.

2. I highly recommend the country. It's beautiful. It's very similar to the UK culture wise, but the climate, the land and the people are improved by a million.

3. Don't lie down in the grass. Seriously, you can't do that there.

http://www.australian-universities.com/rankings/
for the record melbourne university is ranked second after ANU. can't let it slide as a matter of honour. melbourne also is ranked second in worlds most livable cities (though sydney is 7th) and has less annoyingly stereotypical accents.

and if the grass is short you can lay.

 

[SovietPanda]

If your interested in somewhat cheaper regions then sydney or melbourne, try far north queensland. James cook university has campuses in both cairns and townsville. you've got rainforest, coral reef, tropical weather all year. Both of which have a strong international student community. Just beware the wildlife.

 

[Shamanic Rhythm]

I am currently in the US and getting bored with my life. It occurred to me the other day that it would be cool to study abroad and I've always wanted to see Australia.

So, has anyone here done something like that? Does anyone live in Australia? What is a good school?

I'm curious about people who live there or have lived there and what their opinion is about it.

No offense to TypeSD and his advice, but don't go to ANU. I'm currently there and it's rapidly deteriorating, particularly for the humanities. It used to be good, sure, but they've been slashing funding for so long now that it's starting to slip in world rankings. I myself am looking to jump ship to USyd, but I have to stick it out here until the end of the year, scholarships being non-bloody-transferrable.

I guess the important question is, what level are you currently studying at? If you haven't started undergrad yet, you could apply as an international student to do your entire degree here, but you would be subject to higher fees and there's no government help (unless you got a scholarship, of which there may be a few). If you're midway through your undergrad, look into doing an exchange. Your college will probably have an arrangement with a particular Australian university, which limits your options, and you usually have to start the exchange process 12 months in advance of when you want to come. But the best part of an exchange is that you only pay what you normally would to your college.

If you're thinking of doing a Masters or PhD, again, bring money. International students get charged through the nose. In terms of universities, USyd, UQueensland, UMelbourne are all good - although Melbourne are starting to screw their undergrads over as well, I hear. Your best bet though is, if you're doing history, to check out the faculty pages of each university, read up on who specialises in what, and get a sense of where you'd like to be. There's nothing worse than going to a university where specialists are forced to teach more general courses they're not well versed in. Also, ANU at least doesn't offer a specialisation in Western History, at least not one that will appear on your transcript.

In terms of expense, Canberra(ANU) is fucking ridiculous for the country town it really is; Sydney is expensive but no more so than say New York; Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide are all moderate in terms of expense, and I can't speak about the cost of living in Perth. Melb and Sydney also have the best arts scenes, if you care.

Lastly, http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/ might be of some interest to you. Hope some of this helps!

 

[FernandoV]

I am currently in the US and getting bored with my life. It occurred to me the other day that it would be cool to study abroad and I've always wanted to see Australia.

So, has anyone here done something like that? Does anyone live in Australia? What is a good school?

I'm curious about people who live there or have lived there and what their opinion is about it.

My partner is Australian and I have spent quite a bit of time there.

1. First of all, Australians don't call Universities "schools". The best University in Australia is the Australian National University if I recall correctly. That's in the capital, Canberra. Other good universities include The University of Sydney and The University of New South Wales. They are both in Sydney.

2. I highly recommend the country. It's beautiful. It's very similar to the UK culture wise, but the climate, the land and the people are improved by a million.

3. Don't lie down in the grass. Seriously, you can't do that there.

Who the fuck cares what they call it? He's American, he doesn't have to change something as trivial as what he calls a school because he wants to move.

 

[bloopblerp]

Are you Asian with a rich family? because im pretty sure thats like a new prerequisite for getting into ANU as a foreign student.
I suggest having a shotgun wedding with a homeless person to get citizenship, thats your best bet for getting into a good uni in Australia

bitter much? ANU should take pride in it's international student population. You make it sound like it's a bad thing.

It was more of a joke way of saying its hard to get into ANU as an overseas student. I'll never make a joke again...

 

[TheEverix]

Brisbane also has The Manabar. Just saying.

They just opened one in Melbourne last month (I think) as well. Just saying .

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

I'd recommend Woondalga University and Shearing Shed.

5 minutes drive outside of historic Woondalga, up at the Petersen's farm Petersen Campus.

 

[rabidmidget]

Brisbane also has The Manabar. Just saying.

They just opened one in Melbourne last month (I think) as well. Just saying .

But ours has trivia nights hosted by Yahtzee.

 

[Korolev]

The University of Queensland is my university. It's one of the best in the world for biological sciences (although technically ANU is rated higher on world rankings).

Australia has a lot of natural wonders, and very nice places to visit, but some cities are rather lacking in tourist attractions. While Sydney and Melbourne have historic buildings and heritage sites and many events, other places like Canberra, or Brisbane (where I live) have almost no worthwhile tourist attractions or events or things to do. Don't get me wrong, Brisbane is a wonderful place TO LIVE, but a darn boring place to visit. It's a very pleasant, very modern city, but that's about it.

The universities in Australia are top class, especially in regards to biological science and law. They are also all very well funded. They are not as expensive as US universities, but positions are limited, as many of the places in the most desirable courses are allocated to students who perform well on government and state tests. I got into to UQ because I did very well on my QCS test and I got good grades. You can pay to enter, but again, demand is high and you have to be quick to apply if you want a full-fee position.

The quality of education is pretty good as well - although there are less "second-chances" than in US universities. According to quite a few US colleagues, in the United States, if you fail on an assignment, you can do extra-credit course work or a make-up assignment. No such lee-way here in Australia (or at least, UQ). If you failed an assignment, that was it - you failed an assignment and you'd just have to do better on the exam to pass. A full 2/3rds of science students quit before the finish the degree, which means that those who do graduate tend to be actually committed to their work. The libraries are well organized and can provide you with all the resources needed.

 

[Venereus]

Become Yahtzee's roomate and then make a sitcom out of it!

 

[Angus565]

If what I hear is correct, you may want to invest in a tennis racket to keep out spiders.

Spoiler

 

[pieguy259]

3. Don't lie down in the grass. Seriously, you can't do that there.

Are ... are you sure? I mean, I understand if you lie down on someone else's grass, but in a park, or on your own grass? I have frequently laid down on grass (unless you mean drop bears and their favourite snacks 'lazy park-goers' in which case all you need is a drop-bear immunisation, they're free at the local GP).

Drop bear immunisations? Expensive snake oil! I have it on good authority that they're just saline solution. Vegemite behind the ears, or, if you feel more bloodthirsty, a sharp object strapped to your head. That'll sort them out quick smart.

 

[Jun_Jun]

First thing I would reccomend is, although Canberra has a nice Uni there and whatnot don't go there if you're wanting to see Australia try going to Brisbane or Sydney if you want a more typical Aussie experience, plus if you study in brisbane you get free swimming lessons for when the floods come around ;D (just kidding, my family and a couple of mates were affected by those floods).
Although if you're not used to humidity of around >60%(last time I remember) I would go to sydney, although if I remember correctly it's quite expensive in Sydney (cost of living , public transport etc.)
Sorry if I haven't really added much to the discussion but I thought I would add my two-cents in there as well, I have just met a couple of people to went to study in canberra and went WTF with how empty the place was to what they were expecting.(remember it may be Australia's capital, but it is not a city, it mostly parliament, which is fantastic if you're interested in Aussie politics xD.)

well hopefully I have helped you make a decision, hope you have fun when you visit oz
and don't forget to wear sunscreen and a hat to the beach, safety first!!