If you are international student in Australia, then you can’t miss this chance to attend those important Australian festivals so that you can experience festivals and celebrations in this multicultural country.
Friday, 7 April 2017
4 Sources of Financial Aid for International Students in Australia | Scots English College
Tuesday, 4 April 2017
Considerably More International Students Are Choosing Australia
Australia has managed to attract more and more international students to study in the country through its great education opportunities, simpler visa process and secure work opportunities.
1. Reputation as a popular study destination for international students
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| International student enrolments by sector, 2013-2016. Source: Australian Department of Education and Training |
Australia has been popular among international students. According to the Department of Education and Training, the number of international students studying in Australia broke the record in 2016 with 554,179 international students enrolled in courses in Australia, an increase of over 10% from 2015. Also, the 2016 International Student Survey revealed that nine out of ten students were pleased with their study experience in Australia.
Read more at: International Students in Australia 2016: The Numbers Hit a Record High, Nine out of Ten Satisfied!
2. Simpler visa process and secure work opportunities
Prospective overseas students may also find Australia as one of the best places to study because of smoother visa application process and work opportunities. The government recently developed the simplified student visa framework (SSVF). It also released the first National Strategy for International Education 2025, a 10-year plan for strengthening its international reputation for high quality education and training, driving collaboration in education and research. The plan also shed light on improving graduate employability.
International students can work part time during their studies and may remain in Australia for up to four years after graduation (dependent on their visa).
You may also like: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Part-time Jobs in Australia
3. Great opportunities to study
There is an impressive number of study options for overseas students with over 1,200 institutions and 22,000 courses in Australia to choose from. Australia has the third highest number of international students behind the UK and US. For overseas students who need English language training before commencing higher level studies in Australia or who wish to improve their English language skills for work or life back in their home countries, they can choose quality ELICOS courses solely dedicated to international students.
Monday, 3 April 2017
31 Common Australian Slang Words and Phrases You Need to Know
Here are some common Australian slang words and phrases that you will hear.
When Australians speak to each other, they use a lot of made-up words. Australians also make many of their words shorter. These made up words and short words are called Australian slang. Your own language also has some slang language.
Here are some common Australian slang words and phrases that you will hear.
1. Australian slang and meanings
Arvo = Afternoon, e.g. 'He's coming this arvo'.
Ambo = Ambulance, e.g. 'The ambo was here in 3 minutes after I called 000'.
Barbie = Barbeque, e.g. 'Let's have a barbie this evening'.
Beaut/ Beauty = Great/ Fantastic, e.g. 'Your new car is a beaut!'.
Bathers = Swim suit, e.g. 'I bought new bathers for my holiday'.
Bingle = Car accident, e.g. 'The traffic was very slow because there was a bingle on the motorway'.
Bloke = Man, e.g. 'He's a handsome bloke'.
Bottle shop/ Bottle-o = Shop where you buy alcohol.
Brickie - = Bricklayer - someone whose job is to build with bricks.
The Bush = Rough country side outside the city, e.g. 'I would not like to live in the bush'.
Chook = Chicken, e.g. 'We had a roast chook for dinner'.
Crook = Feeling sick, e.g. 'I feel a little crook today'.
Digger = A soldier, e.g. 'An Australian digger were killed in Afghanistan'.
Dunny = Toilet, e.g. 'Where's the dunny'.
Fair Dinkum = If something is Fair Dinkum, then it is real, true or honest. e.g, 'He's a fair dinkum Australian'.
A fair go = A good chance, e.g. 'Every Australian should get a fair go'.
Footy = Sports game called rugby.
Good Onya/ Good Onya Mate = Well done.
Grog = Alcohol, e.g. 'I gave up the grog for New Year'.
Hotel = Pub.
Kiwi = Someone who is from New Zealand.
Mozzie = Mosquito, e.g. 'The mozzies are out this morning'.
On special = Something selling at a low price, e.g. 'Wine is on special this week at the bottle shop'.
Outback = The remote parts of Australia, e.g. 'Uluru is in the Outback'.
Postie = Postman, e.g. 'The postie is late today'.
Sheila = Woman, e.g. 'She's a pretty sheila'.
Servo = Petrol station, e.g. 'I met Joe when I was filling up at the servo'.
Sickie/ to pull a sickie = To take a day off work when you are sick.
Sparkie = Electrician - some who works with electricity/ wires
Sunnies = Sun glasses, e.g. 'I can't find my sunnies. Did anyone see them?'.
Snag = Sausage, e.g. 'Put another snag on the barbie.'
2. What's more?
As a visitor here, you will have noticed that Australia is a multicultural country. Immigration from so many countries and cultures around the world have increased the cultural and language diversity of Australia's population. Click here for the cultural guide for a better and quicker adaptation to life in Australia.
Tuesday, 21 March 2017
Harmony Day 2017 at Scots English College: We Enjoyed to the Max (Videos Alert!)
Harmony Day is celebrated on March 21st every year. It is a day to celebrate cultural diversity in Australia. The day is organised by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection. We had a fantastic and memorable day of celebration at Scots English College.
At Scots, we gathered together to celebrate cultural diversity, respect and a sense of belonging. We sang, danced, talked, laughed, shared and spent good time together. We also feasted on Australian food and lots of other foods from all parts of the world!
Source:
Scots English College - a government registered ELICOS provider that offers various premium quality ELICOS courses right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
For detailed contact information:
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
Website: scotsenglish.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 9119 6086
Thursday, 16 March 2017
Who Else Wants These Survival Tips for International Students in Australia?
It can be quite tough when you first arrive in Australia and have to adjust to a new culture, new lifestyle and new education system. Here Scots English College will suggest how to survive as an international student in Australia so that you can have a productive time living and studying here.
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Studying in Australia is a rich and rewarding experience with leading education programs, a multicultural environment and many new adventures. Still, not everything about coming to study in this country is easy. Many students struggle with the language barrier, expenses, homesickness and health problems. Here Scots will look at some survival tips for international students in Australia.
#1. Take it easy
Australians are known for being friendly. No matter where they live, Australians are good at helping others whenever required. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2016 global livability survey on 140 cities in the world, Sydney is the world’s second friendliest destination. The Australian students you will encounter will be friendly, cheerful and open to any cultures. Also, it is important not to take offence at the Australian sense of humour. Many Australians like to laugh at themselves and also take pleasure in making fun of each other. Just have a carefree attitude and don’t take yourself too seriously.
#2. Be patient and open-minded
It takes time to get used to new culture, new foods and customs. Be patient. Things will get easier as time goes on. Also, don’t afraid to be open-minded and try new things. It can be challenging and fun at the same time to immerse yourself into a different culture. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. You can ask other classmates and your teachers. Super friendly teachers at Scots are always willing to help you inside and outside the class.
#3. Talk with people
One of the best ways to get adjusted to a new environment is to talk with people around you. First, you can start a conversation with someone and gradually into groups. These can be ordinary Australians that you meet through work or when socialising. They can also be international students who share the common background.
#4. Maintain a budget
It can be difficult to maintain a budget while studying abroad. Aside from covering tuition and accommodation costs, you also have to fend for such costs as food, communication, having sightseeing trips, etc. If you are worried about how to maintain your bank balance during your studies, refer to these money saving tips.
#5. Use your student card for discounts
Being entitled to student discounts is one of the best things about being a student in Australia. These discounts apply to many things such as movie tickets. You can use Scots’ student support service to discover awesome discount opportunities.
#6. Prepare for homesickness
Homesickness is an inevitable part of living away from your family. The better you are prepared for it, the easier it will be. Keeping in touch with your family and friends will help narrow the distance and can give you a great source of comfort. Bring some photos, music or artwork from your country. You can also keep yourself busy. The busier you are, the less time you will have to miss home. As time goes by, Australia will feel like your second home without your knowing. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help from our international student support services such as counselling and social activities.
#7. Stay active and healthy
Though you may feel comfortable hanging out with friends from your own country and participating in international student activities, try to include Australians in your activities and discussions. Speak English where there are other students around. At Scots, we encourage students to speak only English around campus. This reinforces English learning in a safe and proactive manner so that students can learn to speak English and think in English. Also, eat, sleep and exercise to be both physically and mentally healthy.
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#8. Study English
If English is your second language, then one of the toughest things when entering a university in Australia may be breaking down the language barrier. Read books, watch English-speaking TV, talk with English speaking and attend an English language course. There are many ways to skill up your English.
Wednesday, 15 March 2017
It's All about Why You Should Take an IELTS Test
Exams are a great way to demonstrate your English level, but when there are so many to choose from, how do you know which one to take? Here Scots English College is going to look at some reasons for taking IELTS test.
The popularity of the IELTS test is undeniable nowadays. Multitudes of people from different non-English speaking countries have already taken or have been preparing for this exam. Though IELTS is said to be a challenging test, the number of candidates keeps growing. Are you one of over 2 million IELTS candidates who has taken the test each year?
There are many reasons why individuals should take the IELTS test. Here Scots lists 6 reasons!
1. Its coverage
IELTS is the world’s most popular English test with over 2 million IELTS tests taken every year, accepted by over 9 thousand organisations in 140 countries for education, employment and immigration purposes.
2. Good English evaluation
The IELTS test assesses all of your English language skills in less than 3 hours. While other tests focus on reading and listening comprehension skills with an added writing component, IELTS is different. IELTS not only tests your passive skills but also your speaking through a live conversation with an IELTS examiner. This 15-minute portion of the test adds credibility to the holder of IELTS certificate. It tells organisations how well you can use your English skills in real-world situations.
3. A test that is fairer to you
The IELTS test is the only English exam where your speaking test is face-to-face with an examiner in a private room. That means, no computers, no distractions and no interruptions.
4. A better format
With IELTS, you can answer questions within the Writing test or within the Reading test in the order that suits you. You can also change your Reading answers during the Reading test and adjust your Writing responses during the Writing test.
5. Specific scores requested by schools and companies in the world
When a school, company or organisation requests the IELTS test as a requirement for any application process, a minimum score that you need to apply is commonly requested. The IELTS’s Global Recognition System would tell you which organisations accept IELTS and the minimum results required by them.
6. Two kinds of test to choose from
There are two kinds or ‘modules’ to the IELTS examination. The Academic Module is suitable for students wishing to complete academic study at degree level in an English-speaking country.General Training Module is more suited to people wishing to migrate to an English-speaking country like Australia. It is also suitable for students who wish to study at in courses taught at diploma level only.
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7. British English or American English? Both!
Regarding spelling, grammar and word choices, IELTS covers both British English and American English. Whether you wish to study in the UK, in the US or in another English-speaking country like Australia, IELTS gives you the chance to practise different native English accents. This is because the test is designed by Australians, New Zealanders, British and Americans, who try to develop a real approach to English variations.
8. Researched and unbiased content
The IELTS test content is developed by an international expert team, and researched extensively to ensure the test is fair and unbiased for any candidate regardless of nationality, location, gender, background or lifestyle.
9. Regular testing
Though test dates vary by test locations, IELTS tests are held four times a month.
10. Being motivated to study harder
That is because you will have a clear goal. Unless you have clear aims and objectives, it is easy to put off studying for another day. Taking the IELTS test motivates you to study hard and skill up your English.
So, why take the IELTS test? There are so many reasons! To find out more about the IELTS test and taking an IELTS Preparation Program at Scots English College, contact us. Or visit our website here.
