Wednesday 28 June 2017

Most Useful English Phrases for Emergency Situations

Here are some English phrases and exclamations for emergency situations. They can not only help you during your studies abroad but also be helpful to other people.

english-phrases-for-emergency-situations

Note that in a genuine emergency, call 000. The person who answers will ask you if you want the Police, an Ambulance or the Fire Brigade.

Emergency phrases in English

Asking for help

Help!/ Somebody help!/ Can anyone help!/ Please help me!/ Help me! I’m here.

Warning someone of danger

Look out!/ Watch out!

Be careful!

Fire

Fire!

Can you smell burning?

There’s a fire!

The building’s on fire!

Hurry!

Call/find an ambulance/ the police/ fire brigade!

Crime

Stop, thief!

There’s been a theft/ a burglary/ an accident!

Call the police!

I’ve been mugged/ attacked/ hit/ shot!

I’d like to report a theft/ a stolen briefcase.

My handbag/ wallet/ purse/ laptop/ phone’s been stolen.

Something has been stolen.

My car/house/apartment’s been broken into.

Comforting someone

Calm down!

Don’t worry.

Take it easy!

It’s gonna be fine/ okay/ alright/ good (soon)!

It won’t hurt.

I’ve got a steady hand.

Medical emergencies

Call an ambulance.

I need a doctor.

There’s been an accident.

Please hurry!

He’s not breathing.

Does anyone know how to do CPR? (CPR: a life saving technique used when someone has stopped breathing.)

I’ve cut/ burnt myself.

I’m having trouble breathing.

I can’t breathe/ see.

I’m choking.

My eyes are stinging.

I’ve been hurt/ injured.

Are you OK?

Is everyone OK?

Other difficult situations

I'm lost.

We're lost.

We don’t know where we are.

We’ve forgotten where we are staying.

I’ve forgotten the name of my hotel.

I’ve lost my wallet/ purse/ camera.

I’ve been stuck/ locked inside.

I can't find my keys/ passport/ phone.

Leave me alone, please!

Go away!

I’m starving/ so thirst/ so tired/ exhausted.

Safety guide for international students in Australia

Scots English College endeavours to create a safe environment at our campus in Sydney for all our students and staff. We also try to provide students with relevant and useful information about personal safety. This international student safety guide provides you with some basic information about your safety and security. Please read it carefully.

Wednesday 21 June 2017

4 Australia International Postgraduate Research Scholarships


The information below is about Australia international postgraduate research scholarships from the University of Adelaide, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and Murdoch University.

For your information:

The information below is about Australia international postgraduate research scholarships from the University of Adelaide, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne and Murdoch University (2018 admission).


Awarded by the University of Adelaide, ASI is for all research disciplines and intended for two-year Masters degree by Research and three-year Doctoral research degree studies at the university. An extension is possible for doctoral programs only. The scholarship includes course tuition fees, annual living allowance, and overseas student health cover (OSHC) (if award holder holds a subclass 500 visa).

For eligibility, applicants are required to have successfully completed at least the equivalent of an Australian First Class Honours degree – a four-year degree with a major research project in the final year. Academic merit and research potential are considered for the scholarship. Extra-curricular achievements are not considered.

International applicants are not eligible for the scholarship if they have not provided evidence of their satisfying the minimum English language proficiency requirements for direct entry by the closing date of the scholarship, or have not completed a Pre-Enrolment English Program to meet the entry requirements for the intended program of study.

The next deadline is 31 August 2017 for Semester 1, 2018.


The University of Sydney. Image via List Top 10 
Offered by the University of Sydney – one of the most prestigious universities in Australia, the UsydIS is available to international postgraduate students who aspire to a research study pathway. The scholarships are open to all research disciplines. However, participation in the USydIS program Research Period 2 and Research Period 3 are at the discretion of the Dean of each faculty. 

The USydIS will cover tuition fees and living allowance for up to three years with a possibility of one semester’s extension for PhD students. Only students commencing in both March (Research Period 2) and July (Research Period 3) are eligible for these scholarships. Accordingly, the deadline is 31/07/2017 for Research Period 2 (admission in March, 2018), and 15/12/2017 for Research Period 3 (admission in July, 2018)


As one of the highest ranked research universities in Australia, the University of Melbourne has more than 100 research centres and institutes located in the areas with many medical research institutes, hospitals and corporations in Australia. Each year up to 300 MRSs are awarded to both domestic and international students wishing to pursue their Masters and PhD research degree studies at the university. Maximum duration of this scholarship is two years for a Master by research degree and three and a half years (3.5 years) for a Doctoral Research degree.

The university has certain fund for MIRS, and each faculty has certain scholarships. This scholarship is for Masters and PhD only, applicable to all postgraduate research disciplines at the university.

MIRS provides the following benefits: 
  • A living allowance of $26,916 per year; 
  • A relocation grant of $3,000 for international students; 
  • A thesis allowance of up to $420 for students undertaking a Master by research degree or up to $840 for students undertaking a Doctoral degree; 
  • Paid sick, maternity and parenting leave. 
To apply for the MIRS Scholarship, you must have an offer letter from the University of Melbourne confirming your participation in any of its postgraduate research programs. Also, students who are currently enrolled in the school can apply for the scholarship.


Murdoch University is a public university in Perth, Western Australia, with campuses also in Singapore and Dubai.

Applications are being invited from qualified international students for scholarships to undertake the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Education (EdD) at the university. This is a prestigious scholarship awarded on the candidate's academic merit and research potential.

The scholarships cover research degree tuition fees, health insurance and a living allowance. Travel and relocation costs are the responsibility of the applicant; however, the university supports their IPRS recipients with a (partial) allowance for relocation and airfares. 

An applicant must provide evidence of having achieved English language proficiency requirements. They are IELTS Academic 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90 (no individual band less than 20). For exceptions, an IELTS requirement of 7.0 is required for Nursing, Education and Pharmacy. Also, the prerequisite for the IPRS scholarship at Murdoch University is that applicants must have completed a Bachelor Degree with first-class honours level or equivalent, or have a Masters Degree with satisfactory research preparation equivalent to at least 12 credit points. 

The next deadline is 30/09/2017.

If you are looking for a premium-quality English language course as a step to meet the scholarship and enrollment requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us. Scots English College is committed to the highest quality of educational outcomes and the provision of quality student services evident through the delivery of our range of ELICOS courses to international students.

SCOTS ENGLISH COLLEGE PTY LTD T/A SCOTS ENGLISH COLLEGE
ABN: 91 605 117 575 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03497A
Campus: Level 11, 99 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9119 6086 
Email: admissions@scotsenglish.edu.au

Wednesday 14 June 2017

Australia Student Visa: Essential Information

australia-student-visa

This is essential information about your student visa obligations and the ESOS Act & You. Download free and read it carefully.

Your student visa obligations

If you are granted a visa, you must obey all the conditions of your visa. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the cancellation of your visa.

The ESOS Act & You

Australia has a strong reputation as a study location for international students. To maintain this reputation and to protect the rights of international students, the Australian Government has a legal framework in place that governs the responsibility of education institutions towards overseas students.

The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act is the main piece of legislation that governs the responsibility of education institutions towards overseas students. In addition to the ESOS Act (2000), there are a number of other pieces of legislation that work together to protect the interests of international students.

Free download

Please download here.

11 Free Useful Apps for Studying Abroad in Australia

Mobile applications (apps) are excellent support tools for students living away from home. Below is the list of top apps for international students during their studies in Australia.

best-apps-for-international-students-in-australia

Wi-fi Finder: This app helps you to find nearby locations with free Wi-fi access. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android.

Lost on Campus: Featuring detailed maps of university campuses around Australia, the Lost on Campus app helps you to find your way around your campus. You can also read comments from other users to see which cafes serve the best lunch or where the quietest study spaces are. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android.

University apps: Many universities in Australia have their own app, usually free. They may allow you to view campus maps, check your timetable or student email, contact academic staff, get updated with what’s happening on campus, or access library and course material.

Realestate.com.au: If you’re planning to live in rental accommodation during your studies in Australia, you can rely on this app to find a suitable place to live based on your locations of interest and the price you can afford to pay. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android.

In case you are interested in:

Google Translate: The Google Translate app offers translations in 80 different languages through speech and handwriting. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android.

EasyBib: As one of the most accurate citation apps for now, it would help you to cite the sources of your thesis, scan barcoudes of your books into your library. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android.

Thursday 8 June 2017

International Students in Australia: Numbers Soar, ELICOS Jumps by 38%

Australia has boosted its popularity as a world-class study destination with a notable increase of 15% in international student numbers in the first three months of this year compared to 2016. The ELICOS sector jumped by almost 38%.

Surging international student numbers

international-students-in-australia

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection received over 111,000 student visa applications in the first three months of the year, up from 94,000 for the same period in 2016, according to the Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham. “In 2017 Australia hosted a record number of international students as more than 550,000 students from over 190 different nations flocked to our shores”.

The latest figures have indicated Australia’s popularity as a world-class education destination. As confirmed in a 2016 survey by the Australian government, the top reason that international students choose to study here is the reputation of the Australian education system.

Minister Birmingham said the Australian Government was committed to bolstering the sustainable growth in international education and protecting the strong practical measures outlined in Australia’s first National Strategy for International Education 2025.

Numbers increase across all sectors

international-students-in-australia
Students who finished their ELICOS courses at Scots English College
“All education sectors had experienced growth in international students during the first quarter of 2017 – the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students [ELICOS] sector grew by almost 38%, the higher education sector by almost 23% and the VET [vocational education and training] sector by almost 13%”, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Alex Hawke said.

Top 5 source countries sending foreign students

The number of enrollments from China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Nepal has increased, with China showing the highest growth in numbers (almost 30%). These top 5 source countries accounted for 54% of all international student cohort in Australia.

How to Find Your Way When Traveling in Australia

travel-in-australia-how-to-find-your-way

It may be difficult to find your way when travelling in a foreign country, including Australia. But with the right navigation tools, you don’t have to worry about whether or not you are in the right direction and instead just enjoy your English language course at Scots and memorable trips in the city.

Paper maps

travel-in-australia-how-to-find-your-way
Cr: Pixabay
A paper map will make it easier for you to get through the city streets than using digital maps. Your memory would accumulate more information than just relying on the direction shown on the digital map. Digital mapping depends on batteries and the Internet, which makes it a less dependable option compared to the traditional map.

You should buy a detailed map that covers the areas through which you wish to travel and thus can be used for various purposes. When traveling to new places, you can buy a Lonely Planet’s Australia destination guide at the Lonely Planet website, at a news stand or in a store. These guides come with not just guides and maps but a wealth of interesting cultural and life information.

Electronic and web applications

If you are a fan of modern technology, you can search for various applications featuring route directions.

For example, Google maps make your navigation much easier. You can enter the starting point and the destination, and then Google maps will plan a route for you. If you use an Iphone, you can download I-maps instead.

Some cities also have route planning web pages developed by local transportation companies. You should ask students who have studied there before or the student support services at your College for information about these web pages.

Local people

Nobody is more familiar with the locality than the local people, and they are the most helpful source of information you could use. Besides asking for directions, you can also ask for the shortest way to the library or where the cheap student bookstores can be found. Similarly, don’t be afraid to ask waiting staff about unsafe places to avoid or popular local markets.

Normally, people are very proud of their city, so they will be very open when asked for directions. Don’t be afraid! This is also a great way to make friends.

Wednesday 7 June 2017

Which Is the Cheapest Australia Supermarket?

Well, CHOICE has the answer!

cheapest-australia-supermarket
Cr: Pixabay
Which is the cheapest?

According to the latest CHOICE supermarket price survey, the supermarket chain Aldi has been named as the cheapest supermarket in Australia, surpassing rivals Coles and Woolworths. The survey revealed customers can save almost $80 a shop at Aldi.

The survey made a price comparision of 33 popular products at Woolworths, Coles and Aldi across 110 supermarkets in Australia, including Tim Tam, OMO laundry detergent, Coca Cola, Nutri-grain, Dairy Farmers Milk and five fresh fruits and vegetables. Aldi was named the cheapest ($91.76) above Woolworths ($168.74) and Coles ($170.54). 

In the budget brand category, Aldi was the cheapest basket ($102.50) ahead of Woolworths (112.89) and Coles ($113.10). 

Which with most Australian ingredients?

Despite its cheaper prices, Aldi fails to keep pace with the other 2 rivals when it comes to stocking leading brand products with some Australian ingredients. According to the nationwide study found of the 28 food items in the brand basket, Coles had 22 containing some Australian ingredients, Woolworths had 21, Aldi had 17. 

You may also be interested in:











Monday 5 June 2017

Skiing & Skateboarding in Australia: What You Need to Know

Want to have an awesome experience skiing and skateboarding in Australia? Check out our guide below!

When it comes to learning English in Australia, it is great to study in a place as stunning as New South Wales (NSW). NSW has many activities and adventures for you. With winter in full swing, many ski resorts across NSW are now open to visitors. This guide is particularly useful for first-time skiers who would love to experience the snow for the first time. 

skiing-skateboarding-in-australia
Cr: Perisher
Skiing clothing

What gear do you need for skiing and snowboarding? A thermal jacket and thick pants will keep you warm and dry while skiing.

It is important to wear a neck-warmer that can be pulled up to your mouth and nose when it’s windy. In almost every ski resort, you are required to wear a helmet (regardless of age and experience). Though you can rent a helmet at the resort, it may not cover your ears entirely. Just bring a headband with you.

Goggles is also a must-have item as it helps prevent dust from flying into your eyes and face. Most of the ski resorts don’t rent these glasses for sanitary seasons. You can either buy in advance or buy on the spot as there is not much difference in price. Also, you need to bring a pair of waterproof snow boots and ski gloves.

If you don’t want to shop for all these items, just prepare your gloves, goggles and beanie. The rest can be rented.

Ski or snowboard?

For first-time skiers, it is easier to start with skiing. Once you master the technique, you can keep your body upright and control your own pace. Snowboarding is a bit harder. Tobogganning is more dangerous than you think. To stay safe, you need to strictly follow the rules of the ski area, and don’t use any nylon or homemade skateboard.

If you’re not self-confident enough, you can take beginner ski lessons. You are advised to enroll in an individual class rather than a group study, as coaches often focus only on the weakest.

Best ski resorts in Australia, according to Escape

skiing-skateboarding-in-australia
Cr: Perisher
Thredbo, NSW

Perisher, NSW

Falls Creek, VIC

Mt Hotham, VIC

Mt Buller, VIC

Charlotte Pass, NSW

Selwyn, NSW

Friday 2 June 2017

10 Best Places to Visit Vivid Sydney 2017

Below Scots English will look at some of the best places to visit the Vivid Sydney (26 May – 17 June, 2017).

Held between May and June each year, Vivid is a 23-day Australian festival of light, music and ideas. It features many of the most important creative industry forums in the world, a charming free public exhibition of outdoor lighting sculptures and installations and a leading-edge contemporary music program.

It is not easy feat to navigate your way through the crowd while making sure you do not miss out on the best displays. No worries! Below we will look at highlights of Vivid Light and the best places to find them.

1. Sydney Opera House

vivid-sydney-2017
via Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images
Lighting The Sails: Ash Bolland’s creative creatures bring life to the opera house sails. Paired with the soundscapes by electronic master Amon Tobin, the effect is mesmerising.

2. Martin Place

vivid-sydney-2017
Urban Tree. Image via Destination NSW
Urban Tree: During Vivid, architect Harry Seidler brings Martin Place, one of Sydney’s strangest buildings, to life with “staggering beautiful’ animations of exotic creatures (as he describes).

Twelve-Tone: Release your inner composer with this interactive projection. It comprises 12 poles representing 12 musical tones.

Re/FRACTION: This installation transforms the gushing water on the Lloyd Rees Fountain into a brilliantly glittering curtain with animations behind it.

3. The Rocks

vivid-sydney-2017
via Destination NSW
Cadmans Cottage: This historic building is transformed into a dynamic visual environment. Here you can step onto one of four interactive ‘keyboards’ projected onto the ground and make your own ‘performance’.

4. Barangaroo

vivid-sydney-2017
via Destination NSW
Trapdoor: This is the first time the city’s newest development has joined Vivid with a stunning optical illusion. Step in and see the floor open up beneath your feet to reveal a mysterious sea of volcanic lava!

5. Darling Harbour

vivid-sydney-2017
via Destination NSW
Magicians of the Mist: This extraordinary work uses 12 massive WATER pumps to throw 28 tonnes of water into the air every minute, with huge projections shining on impressively high walls of water.