Finding Part-time Jobs in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Working part time is a very beneficial way to get some extra money to fend for yourself and practise your English skills while studying in Australia. It is daunting for you to go job-hunting in a foreign country. Don’t worry. Below Scots English College will give a comprehensive guide to finding part-time jobs in Australia. 

1. Make sure you are eligible or not to work in Australia

Before you start to think about applying for a job, make sure that your visa permits you to work in Australia. International students in Australia on student visas can work up to 40 hours per fornight during their study period, and there is no limit on the number of hours an overseas students can work during holiday periods from their study. That means you can earn enough money to cover your living expenses or perhaps save some money to do some travelling around Australia.

2. Learn your rights 

Before starting any work, make sure that you understand your rights and employment conditions, including the minimum wage, pay arrangements, rest periods and breaks and how to judge if you are working in a safe and health working environment. You can visit Fair Work Ombudsman for information about pay rates, working conditions, employment contracts, recruitment and dismissal, and Australian Human Rights Commission that helps with discrimination and breaches of human right at the workplace.

3. Get a tax file number

While a student visa allows you to work in Australia, you need to pay tax on your earnings like an Australian citizen. That is why you will need to get a tax file number before beginning your work. You can apply online for the number through the Australian Taxation Office website.

4. Prepare a CV and write a cover letter

A CV (also, a resume) highlights your skills, attributes and experience to show to a potential employer. Along with your CV, send a cover letter to express why you would love to have that particular job that you are applying for. If your previous experience is likely to be unfamiliar to an Australian employer, make sure you explain this experience. That way, the prospective employers can recognise your level of experience overseas and translate this to your qualification level in the Australian workforce. Also, make sure your resume is concise and gets straight to the point.

5. Start your job search

The first thing to do when starting your job search is to consider the job type that you are looking for. Consider a job that is in line with your personal strengths and interests, and convenient for you (eg. located on or near your campus or in your local area). Some popular part-time jobs for students include Retail, Hospitality and other Services, Industries. 

Some useful ways to find a job include: 

· Online (eg. Seek – the biggest job search site in Australia, Gumtree – one of best job search sites in Australia, AustralianJobsearch, CareerOne, NowHiring)

· Newspaper adverts

· Shop windows

· Physically applying (eg. hand your resume in at different shops)

· Canvassing (i.e. cold-call prospective employers and say that you would like to work there even if their are no open positions)

· Networking (i.e. start making friends in Australia as soon as you can. Who you know may recommend you to a good job).

6. Just keep applying. Don’t give up

Don’t be disappointed if you send resumes and don’t get replies. Just keep applying and don’t give up. If you are doubting whether you should apply for the job or not, we suggest just applying. No harm done! You may never know, perhaps you are the person they are looking for!

7. Prepare well for the interview

You got yourself an interview. Congratulations! Now be well-prepared for the interview: Go get something smart to wear, do homework about the company, walk in confidently, be formal in your speech, keep eye contact, and be yourself. 

8. Consider unpaid work/internships

One of benefits of part-time work is to gain extra money for your living expenses. In addition, the experience that you can gain from working in a foreign country can be as valuable. Aside from enriching experiences, volunteer work and internships look great on your CV for future job opportunities. Internships may give you insights into the career path that you wish to chase when you graduate.

9. Use our Student Services

Scots' Student Services are all about you. Student Services helps you with all the other things outside your classroom: information about living in Sydney and Australia, accommodation, finding a part-time job and all the other things you need in a new country. For any details of our student support, please email us at Contact Us. 

Cr: http://scotsenglish.edu.au/australia-part-time-jobs-for-international-students

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The Best Things to Do in Sydney Today

As the largest city in Australia, Sydney is often referred as the educational and multicultural hub. According to a Mercer’s 2016 Quality of Living Survey, Sydney has been ranked as one of safest places in the world. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2016 global livability survey, Sydney is the world’s second friendliest destination. Sydney is home to 37 beaches spreading over a large area, historic landmarks, award-winning recreational centers and various cultures. Let's discover best things to do in Sydney these days!

As a government registered ELICOS provider, Scots English College offers various premiumquality ELICOS courses right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Our courses, from General English, IELTS Examination Preparation, English for Academic Purposes, Cambridge Examination Preparation, to PTE Academic Preparation, are quality designed, and in line with learner needs and requirements of training packages. 

For any information, please do not hesitate to contact us:

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   

Email: admissions@scotsenglish.edu.au

  

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The A-Z of Money Saving Tips for International Students in Australia

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.

1. Create your budget plan

Plan out your budget each week, fortnight or month. You can split your expenses into ‘essential’ (e.g. accommodation fees) and ‘non-essential’ items (e.g. seeing a movies with friends). Don’t forget to set aside a little bit of money in case of emergency.

2. Keep an eye out for items on sale

If you notice non-perishable food items or household supplies are on sales, why not stock up on them? Still, be careful not to buy things that you don’t need or buy too much and let it all go to waste.

3. Look for weekly specials

Consider hanging out during the week. Restaurants and bars often have inexpensive food and drink specials on weeknights.

4. Look for part-time work

One of wonderful things about studying in Australia is that international students in Australia on student visas can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during their study period, and there is no limit on the number of hours an overseas student can work during holiday periods from their study. Working while your study not only helps you to pay for your living expenses but also gives you the opportunity to practise your English skills.

5. Utilize your student card

Utilize student concessions wherever possible – whether it is at the retail stores, the bank, events, sports games, or movies. Though these discounts may only save you a few dollars, it all adds up!

6. Be flexible

If you find yourself spending too much money on petrol or public transport, then consider walking or riding a bike to ‘not-too-far’ destinations. This way will be good  not only for your wallet but also your health and the environment. In addition,  you can enjoy the air, the sunlight and everything around you while walking or riding.

7. Look for cheaper options

One of the easies ways to save money is to look for cheaper options. For example, instead of eating out in a restaurant, you can cook your own feast at your friend’s house. Instead of going to the cinema, why not grab some popcorn and watch movie at home with your friends.

8. Pre-pack your lunch

Making yourself lunch in the morning instead of buying it every day will save you big bucks each week. You can bring the leftovers from the previous night’s dinner or make something simple like sandwiches.

9. Utilize second-hand options

Another budgeting tip is to look for second-hand options, from textbooks, electronics, clothes to furniture. You can do shopping at markets and second-hand stories, online on websites (eBay, Gumtree, Student Bees, etc.) or social media forums.

10. Help your landlord

If you are living with your landlord, do not be afraid to ask them for discounts if you are willing to do some housework for them.

11. Sell some stuff you never use and/ or no long need

Have you ever had things that you buy but never wear or use? If yes, sell them. Don’t wait until they get old. Also, sell your old books and anything else you no longer need.

12. Share accommodation

The advantage of this way is better quality accommodation in a better location, for less living costs. You may find share-accommodation through the student portals, notice boards or websites specific to finding room mates.

13. Speak to our advisers

Our staff at Scots English College are friendly and willing to give personal support – for example, finding homestay and other forms of accommodation, finding a part-time job, welfare counselling, a 24-hour emergency contact, etc.

For further information about our student support, please access here.

Cr: http://scotsenglish.edu.au/budgeting-tips-for-international-students-in-australia

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IELTS Examination - What You Should Know About

If you wish to take IELTS examination, then you should know below basic information for the best preparation for this most popular English test for higher education and global migration.

You may also be interested in:
ELICOS Course: 9 Things Students Should Know Before Enrolling

IELTS stands for the international English Language Testing System Examination. This examination can be taken in over 100 different countries around the world. It usually used to assess the English language proficiency of students who wish to study or further or higher education courses held in English at college or university. Many education providers want to see evidence that a future student has completed an IELTS examination and has achieved minimum scores before the student will be offered a place in a course. This means that the student will not have learning difficulties because of his/ her English language ability.

The Australian Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP) has a minimum English language proficiency requirement to ensure that overseas workers are able to respond to occupational health and safety risks, raise any concerns about their welfare with appropriate authorities and benefit Australia by sharing their skills with other workers’. Different occupations have higher minimum English requirements. The most widely accepted form of English proficiency accepted by DIBP is the IELTS examination. People wishing to migrate to Australia and need to show evidence of English proficiency may choose to do an IELTS preparation course. Completion of this course can significantly improve a candidate’s chances of increasing their IETS score in the formal examination.

How many modules are there in the IELTS exam?

There are two kinds or ‘modules’ to the IELTS examination;

(a)    Academic Module – This module is suitable for students wishing to complete academic study at degree level in an English-speaking country.

(b)   General Training Module - This 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 through at diploma level only. 

What does the IELTS examination consist of?

Both the Academic & General Training Modules consist of a four main tasks: a Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening task. The IELTS exam takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete and consists of four Sub-tests in the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Students sitting the Academic & the General Training Modules take the same listening and speaking modules but different reading and writing modules. Listening, reading and writing must be completed in one day.  

The General Training Reading and Writing tests are less demanding than the Academic Module Sub-tests, but the listening and speaking subtests are the same for both modules of the IELTS exam.

The IELTS exam takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete and consists of four Sub-tests in the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

For more information about the IELTS examination, download and view the INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES  booklet.

Scots English College’s IELTS Preparation programs

Scots IELTS Preparation Course is designed to prepare international students, from a range of backgrounds and nationalities, for the Academic Training Module of the IELTS test.

If you enrol in this course, you will have as your specific study objective the need to reach a result in an internationally recognised certificate of English language proficiency which will either provide you with a pathway for migration purposes or completion of a tertiary-level course in a mainstream Australian tertiary institution.  This may include the full range of tertiary courses available in the Australian context, universities, both private and public, private colleges

The two levels of our IELTS Preparation course will each be a self contained 12-week course.   However, you may enrol for the full 24 weeks of the course if you need to increase your IELTS score by more than one band in order to enter your chosen course of further study, employment or migration application. (Some students may need to improve their final score by 2.0, for example, from 4.5 to 6.5 so they can take a degree course at university). Preparation for the IELTS Examination is achieved by introducing you to the same kinds of types of texts and tasks which the real IELTS examination uses. The course is not only designed to help you to practise examination techniques, but it will also help you to develop the necessary skills required to pass the IELTS Examination. You will be exposed to a wide variety of materials covering a number of different academic disciplines and will learn, through this exposure, how the task requirements of the IELTS Examination reflect the English Language requirements of tertiary study. 

In addition to the compulsory 20 hours of the programme, Scots’ offers and encourages you to avail of the valuable opportunity to attend a guided individual learning session at the end of each formal teaching day. You will have access to computers, resources, books and audio-visual materials to work on essays, research assignment material, etc. A teacher will be made available to you to assist you with any areas which require further development. As the IELTS Preparation Course is strongly focused on providing the necessary techniques and skills required to undertake the examination, independent learning further facilitates the need to develop strong learning habits and study management.

The IELTS test is an internationally recognised tertiary entry English language qualification. A score of 5.0 to 5.5 on the IELTS test (alongside a range of other qualifications) is a prerequisite for entry to Australian Vocational education & Training Courses. If you have been accepted into a vocational course but have not yet reached your required English score, Scots’ IELTS Preparation Course will be open to you. 

The course also welcomes you if you have received a place in a range of institutions or if you are making an application. Remember, however, that you must achieve the required level in the IELTS test as stated by your education provider in order to join your chosen course of study. 

Many VET and higher education providers allow students direct entry to their courses when they have successfully completed an IELTS Preparation course and without having to complete the formal IELTS examination. Scots English College is working hard to develop relationships with a range of different providers so that students can gain automatic entry to a range of further education courses. 

 Cr: http://scotsenglish.edu.au/courses-english-language/ielts-examination-preparation

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Improve Your English by Connecting to What You Know

English learners can improve their ability to remember words by making connections to what they already know.

That idea comes Sarah Lynn, an educational consultant and teacher at the Harvard University Bridge Program.

She says that she wants to help learners to take control of their learning. Learning begins with the learner, she adds, not with the teacher.

Learning new material is difficult

If you are like many language learners, you have probably had an experience like this one:

Person 1: How was school yesterday?

Person 2: My teacher… uh…

I can't remember the word. You know, my teacher … uh … my homework.

Person 1: Oh! Your teacher returned your homework!

Person 2: Yes, my teacher returned my homework!

This conversation shows a common problem that all language learners face: remembering vocabulary words.

Part of the reason that remembering new words is difficult is because the learning process takes effort.

This process takes effort because you are growing new connections in your brain when you learn new information, says Sarah Lynn.

Scientists who study the brain call these connections dendrites. They say that dendrite connections grow thicker and stronger with practice.

This mental strengthening process is why some teachers, such as Sal Khan of Khan Academy, say that training your brain is like training your muscles: you put your brain under stress and it adapts over time.

Lynn suggests that making strong connections in the brain is important for retrieval– the ability to remember words.

What can you do?

So, if learning takes effort, and it requires people to develop connections in their brains, what can you do to improve your ability to remember words?

Lynn had several recommendations, which we will explore in future Education stories. Her first recommendation is this: make connections when you first learn a word.

Our minds, she says, carry a large amount of information. By linking new information to background knowledge, you may be able to remember new information better.

Sarah Lynn is not the only person who recommends that English learners make connections.

Experts who study learning strategies -- the thoughts and actions that can help people learn better -- also recommend making connections.

One learning strategy approach, the Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA), calls this "Using Background Knowledge."

CALLA founder Anna Uhl Chamot says that learners should think about and use what they already know to help them do a task. They can also use new information to clarify or modify what they know already.

English learners can use this idea to improve their ability to remember new words, Lynn says.

A learner who wants to learn a new word, such as sunglasses, for example, can use many strategies to connect background knowledge to new information.

You probably know what sunglasses look like, even if you do not know the word in English. You probably know which sunglasses you like. You probably also have an idea about what sunglasses looked like in the past.

All of this information is old information – in other words, the background knowledge you have about sunglasses.

English learners can use background knowledge and make connections among different ideas to improve their ability to remember words.

Lynn explains:

“Well, what does 'sunglasses' mean? Oh! Glasses for sun. How interesting... To think about the word is useful. To hold something that means the word is useful. To draw a picture of the word is useful. To think about the sunglasses you want is useful. To think about how sunglasses have changed over time. All of these things are part of remembering the word 'sunglasses.’"

The important point, Lynn says, is that English learners should not just translate new words from English into their native language.

Instead, by really thinking about what the word means, by drawing connections between new words and ideas, you can make your learning more durable, adds Lynn.

Durable learning is what you want when you study a language.

So, the next time you learn a new word, try making connections. As Lynn suggests, if you are learning the name of an object, pick it up and examine it. Draw a picture of it. Imagine different kinds of the object. Consider its history. Ask how the object relates to your life. Or think of an image that relates to the word.

You can draw a semantic map to remember how you connected the new and old information. Or you can even use free software that draws a semantic map for you.

You might spend more time studying, but the investment should help you remember new words better.

Try it, and let us know how it works for you!

I'm John Russell.

John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.

English learners interested in using semantic maps can use this tool: https://www.text2mindmap.com/

How do you make connections to new information? Write to us in the Comments Section.

________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

consultant – n. a person who gives professional advice or services to companies for a fee

dendrite – n. a short branched extension of a nerve cell, along which impulses received from other cells at synapses are transmitted to the cell body

muscle – n. a body tissue that can contract and produce movement

adapt – v. to change your behavior so that it is easier to live in a particular place or situation

retrieval – n. the act or process of getting and bringing back something

background – n. the experiences, knowledge, education, etc., in a person's past

durable – adj. staying strong and in good condition over a long period of time

Source : http://scotsenglish.edu.au/improve-your-english-connecting-what-you-know

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Living and Working in Australia: Important Notes

Coming to live in a new country and adapting to a new culture are experiences that you must be very excited and enthusiastic about.

Don’t worry – Scots English College is are always here to help you overcome those challenges to get you involved in the  Australian lifestyle.

You may also like reading:

Living in Australia: Why Global Millennials Rate It as Paradise?

1. Life at Scots

We will have students from over 50 nations with various social and religious backgrounds, and we are waiting for you to become a part of our community.

Our student population is the centre of everything we do College. Therefore, we take pride to deliver the best experiences to you.

• Food and shops
  You can get everything you need right close to Scots English College (Scots), from grabbing a cup of take-away coffee in the morning to a late-night supper.
  Need student essentials? You can find learning equipment and IT access on campus. Also, York Street has an abundance of food stores for snacks, books, bus tickets and everything.  Furthermore, there are numerous recreational centres and shopping malls nearby Scots, just taking several minutes of walking, where you can enjoy and relax after your studies.

• Events and Activities
  There are loads of events which are held right in Scots campus to ignite your enthusiasm. Scots will let you know what there activities are on campus and on emails… check them out every week!

• Student Support
  You will certainly feel like home during your study here. Our Student Support Team will give you the best advice on both academic and student life aspects. For any details of our student support and how to book an appointment with our advisors, please email us at Contact Us.

 

2. Working in Australia

Part–time job opportunities

Studying and living in a foreign country is absolutely challenging to any student not only regarding lifestyle and culture but also financial issues. Therefore, numerous overseas students coming to Australia to pursue their academic and career dreams decide to take part-time jobs to both complement living expenses and accumulate work experience.

Students on a study visa are able to work a maximum of 40 hours every two weeks while taking courses. During any scheduled course break, students may work more hours. Nevertheless, just remember to always check the validity of your student visa before getting a paid job.

When living and working part-time in Australia, you are entitled the minimum wage and basic rights as full-time employees: check this out at  https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/minimum-wages

3. Things to do in Australia

As the largest city in Australia, Sydney is often referred as the educational and multicultural hub. According to a Mercer 2015 Quality of Living Survey, Sydney has been ranked as one of the most worth-living city in Australia, the only Australian cite among the top 10 most livable ones in the world. Sydney is home to 37 beaches spreading over a large area, historic landmarks, award-winning recreational centers and various cultures.

In Sydney, you are not only provided with the best public facilities, but also a lively social life with sightseeing, shopping, joining entertainment activities and enjoying a diverse spread of food culture here. There is an abundance of breathtaking landscapes in Sydney that you should explore and enjoy, namely The Sydney Habour, Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Darling Habour, Sydney Habour Bridge, Sydney Tower, Sydney Aquarium, Queen Victoria Building, Luna Park Sydney, and much more.

There is nothing more wonderful than hanging out with your friends in Sydney to enjoy cuisines in restaurants and supermarkets made up from many nationalities. Many kinds of food are available for you to choose, from Japanese, Korean to Vietnamese to Spanish and Moroccan. Moreover, Sydney is home to stylish fashion from luxurious brands to the mass-produced. Hardly can a person resist a day full of shopping centres and when coming to Sydney. Some famous centres for shopping and recreation that can be named here are Westfield Sydney Central Plaza, Queen Victoria Building, The Strand Arcade, Mid-City Shopping Centre, The Rocks Foodies Market.

Moreover, Scots also offers many Study City-Tours for students to open up opportunities for you to improve your English skills via face-to-face experience and to cultivate your knowledge of Australian people and lifestyle.

 

Useful links

Before kicking off your study at Scots, let’s have a glance at the following useful webpages that may be useful for you during your study at Scots in Sydney.

Overview of Sydney http://www.sydney.com/ Rich information of things to do in Sydney along with official guides of destinations, events and latest deals in Sydney http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/  Official information of Sydney City  http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/ Information of Sydney Airport https://www.dss.gov.au Official guides to start a new life in Australia by the Australian Government https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au Official webpage of Australian Education by the Australian Government Transportation   http://www.transportnsw.info/ Transport information of Train, Bus, Ferry, Light Rail  http://www.sydneybuses.info/  Bus service information  http://www.sydneytrains.info/ Sydney Train information http://www.metrolightrail.com.au/ Sydney Light Rail : Metro Transport http://www.transportnsw.info/ Information of Sydney Ferry https://www.opal.com.au/  Information of Opal card used for public transport http://ptv.vic.gov.au/  Useful information of Melbourne trains, trams, buses and the ‘Myki card’ Visa and Immigration  http://www.border.gov.au/ Official website and available information of Department of Immigration and Border Protection Work  https://www.ato.gov.au/ Official webpage of Australian Taxation Office http://www.seek.com.au/  The biggest Job Search site in Australia http://www.gumtree.com.au/ One of the best Job search or Accommodation Travel  http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/ NSW Roads and Maritime Services (Driver’s Licence)  http://www.lonelyplanet.com/  Lonely Planet Sydney Guide http://wikitravel.org/en/Sydney  Wiki travel guide in Sydney   http://wikitravel.org/en/Melbourne  Wiki travel guide in Melbourne Weather http://www.bom.gov.au/ Updated information of weather forecast in Australia

Being a safe and welcoming country with its top ranking of living standards worldwide, Australia is always a favourite destination for many students worldwide! 

Cr: http://scotsenglish.edu.au/students-living-australia/living-australia

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