STUDENT GUIDE PARA AUSTRALIA

STUDENT BOOK

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IA

RRIVING IN AUSTRALIA

Quarantine Before landing in Australia, you will be required to fill in an Immigration form, as well as a Customs and Agriculture Declaration forms.

Food, seeds & some articles of animal or vegetable origin may be prohibited in Australia. Even food from the plane is not allowed to be brought in.

When it's time to go through Customs, choose the red sector if you are bringing any of these things with you, even if you are in doubt. Australia has a unique environment and anything strange to Australian species can cause huge damage and introduce new diseases. Please declare it, or be ready for a big fine.

For further information: www.aqis.gov.au/travel What MUST be declared?

Dairy and Eggs products

Plant Material

Animal Products

Seeds and Nuts

Live animals

Fresh fruits and vegetables

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Duty Free Over 18:  A$400 worth of goods (not including alcohol or tobacco)  1.125 liters of alcohol  250 cigarettes OR 250 grams of cigars or tobacco products

Under 18:  A$200 worth of goods (not including alcohol or tobacco)

Vaccination No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Australia. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required if travelling from an infected area. If you are planning any stopovers on route it is advisable to check with your General Practitioner well in advance.

Infected Area:

 In Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan 

In South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru, Venezuela.

The Yellow fever has to be taken 10 days before the departure.

ACCOMMODATION In Australia there are many different kinds of accommodation. You can choose from a variety of high standard student accommodation available to suit different budgets and needs. Some of these options are listed below.

Homestay (A$ 100 – A$ 250 per week) The best way to gain access to the Australian lifestyle in a natural and friendly way is through Homestay. This is popular with younger students and those studying short‐term English courses. Meals are usually included in the cost. Single or shared rooms may be offered and the cost will vary accordingly.

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Hostel/Backpacker (A$ 100 – A$ 320 per week) Hostels are usually run by organizations such as Youth Hostels Australia and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). Students share kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Share Accommodation (A$70–A$160 per week) Students often share with other students. They advertise on notice boards, school internet cafes, backpackers/hostels and in newspapers. Students may have to provide their own furniture.

Rental Accommodation (A$ 70 – A$ 350 per week) When renting a house, apartment or bed sitter (you can find rental accommodation in Real Estates), landlords require rent to be paid in advance and will require a security bond normally equal to one month's rent.

HEALTH COVER It’s a condition of your student visa that you have private health insurance while you are studying in Australia. OSHC will help you to pay medical and hospital care you may need while studying in Australia. Your health cover is valid for the full length of your original visa.

What is covered?  Out‐of‐Hospital medical services*  In‐hospital medical services*  Public Hospitals*  Private Hospitals: Member’s choice*  Private Hospitals: Non members choice*  Prescribed medicines*  Ambulance Service*

*Charges may be more than the OSHC benefit – You will be responsible for paying any difference between the OSHC benefit and the charge.

What is NOT covered?

Dental and optometry costs are not included but students may also take out additional cover.

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WORKING IN AUSTRALIA Most students take part‐time or casual jobs at some time during their studies. Some jobs are closely tied to courses of study. Some students tutor school children or get jobs on campus in the canteen, the bookshop, in the institution's offices and as laboratory assistants. Some jobs are entirely outside the education community such as bartending, babysitting, gardening, hospitality, sales, information technology, restaurants, checkout work or fruit picking.

How to get a job?

After get your Work Permission, come to our agency to be updated about the latest job availability. We have partnership with job recruiting agencies and companies which are always looking for employees.

A good Resume (Curriculum Vitae) is very important so we can help you to translate or create one and also put in the “Australian way”.

Tax File Number What is a tax file number?

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a number issued to a person by the Australian Taxation Office and used to verify client identity and establish their income levels. It is an eight or nine digits number without any embedded meaning. If you intend to earn money in Australia you will generally be required to have a tax file number.

How to apply for a tax file number?

The online TFN registration is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (www.ato.gov.au). Alternatively, you will also have the option to download a paper version of the application to complete and submit by post, or in person.

If you don’t want to apply by yourself, contact Go Study work and Travel so we can help you!

Attention!

It is prohibited by law to work in Australia with a Tourist Visa. Working without the correct visa may lead to prison and deportation. Student visas holders can apply for a permit for part time work (20 hours per week).

CURRENCY

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Australian currency ($A) is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equals one dollar). Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5 denominations. Coins come in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations. Prices are rounded to the nearest 5c.

Credit cards The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and JCB. Banks and various locations have ATMs (Automated Teller Machines). Credit cards may need to be enabled for international access so contact your credit card provider.

Currency exchange Exchange facilities are available at international airports. Changing foreign currency or traveler’s cheque can be done at most banks.

If you are bringing American dollars, please make sure if this money is older than 2003 otherwise won’t be accepted by banks.

Emergency Money MONEYGRAM: 0011 800 66639472 WESTERN UNION: 1 800 649 565 Emergency Credit Card Numbers AMEX:+44 1273696933 DINERS CLUB: (61) (3)8054444 MASTERCARD:1 800 120 113 VISA:1 800 125 161

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Emergency Traveller Cheque Numbers AMEX:(02) 886 0689 (in Sydney) :1 800 251 902 (outside Sydney) Thomas Cook: 1 800 127 495 VISA: 1 800 127 477 Australian Banks ANZ Bank National Australia Bank Westpac Bank Commonwealth Bank HSBC Bank Suncorp Bank St George Bank Bendigo Bank Bank of Queensland

www.anz.com.au www.national.com.au www.westpac.com.au www.commbank.com.au www.hsbc.com.au www.suncorp.com.au www.stgeorge.com.au www.bendigobank.com.au www.boq.com.au

Banking Hours  Monday to Thursday ‐09:30‐16:00  Friday ‐ 09:30‐17:00  Saturday and Sunday ‐ Closed * These hours vary throughout the country.

OPENING A STUDENT BANK ACCOUNT To set up a new bank student account you must go into your local bank branch show your valid passport, your confirmation of enrolment (CoE) and an address (if you don’t have an address, fell free to give Go Study Address to receive bank letters).

After open your account you can also retrieve money from an account through an ATM (automatic teller machine).

Simply insert your bank card and follow the prompts on the screen. ATM's are generally situated in shopping center, petrol stations and some main roads.

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TAXES Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent. Prices in Australia are shown as inclusive of GST. International and domestic flights purchased overseas, by non‐residents, are GST free. Continuous domestic legs of international journeys are also GST free.

GST is payable on tourism services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, ground transport (including coach, rail and cruise), translators and meals.

The tax applies to pre‐booked and pre‐paid goods and services in Australia, which are purchased before arrival in Australia, for example tours or accommodation. The prices quoted for your Australian holiday, by your travel agent, will already include the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The total amount is payable at the time of ticketing your holiday.

Miscellaneous taxes There is a range of government, airport, sea and local taxes applicable on air and sea travel. These will usually be included in your ticket.

COMMUNICATION Australia International phone code: (61) States phone codes: State

Code

Queensland

(7)

New South Wales

(2)

Canberra

(2)

South Australia

(8)

Victoria

(3)

Tasmania

(3)

Northern Territory

( 8)

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Western Australia

( 8)

Phones: Australia has a modern and competitive telephone system. You can make local calls, long‐distance call within Australia (STD), and International Direct Dialing (IDD). Local calls from public payphones are untimed and charged at A$ 0.50. Long distance and international calls are usually timed. Public payphones accept Australian coins and some accept credit cards and pre‐paid phone cards. You can find international calling cards in convenience stores all over Australia (cheapest way to make calls overseas).

Mobile phones Mobile phones are available to sell (Pre‐paid or caps plans), or you can bring your mobile phone with you. Australia’s mobile network operates on the 900 and 1800 bands for GSM. Links:  www.telstra.com.au  www.optus.com.au  www.vodafone.com.au

Email and Internet The majority of the English schools, universities and courses for international students offer free use of Internet, including access to the email. If you want to have Internet at home, many companies offer daily pre‐paid Internet, Dial up and Broadband. The monthly account for 10 GB of download in Broadband is around A$ 100 or less. There are lots of Hotels, internet cafes and businesses such as Mc.Donalds® that offer "hot Spots" in their premises.

Postal Services Post offices are usually open 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday with some city post offices open on Saturday morning. Stamps are usually available in Newsagency, backpackers and post offices.

SERVICES & EMERGENCIES Online Phone lists Australia: Calle 106 No 54 - 93 of 509 - Bogotá, Colombia. TEL: 571 - 7568347, CEL: 57 3132144809 www.goswt.com - ana.fajardo@goswt.com NIT: 900179469-4

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 www.whitepages.com.au  www.yellowpages.com.au Emergencies:  Police, Ambulance, Fire ‐ dial 000 (triple zero) including mobile phones.  DIMA ‐ (Immigration Department) ……………………… 131881 Airlines: Airline

Phone

Website

Virgin Blue

136789

www.virginblue.com.au

Air New Zealand

132476

www.airnewzealand.com

Qantas

131313

www.qantas.com.au

Garuda (Bali)

1 800 365331

www.garuda‐indonesia.com

British Airways

3223 3123

www.britishairways.com

South Africa Air (BRISBANE)

3407 7288

www.flysaa.com

South Africa Air (PERTH)

9321 2435

www.flysaa.com

South Africa Air (SYDNEY)

9223 4402

www.flysaa.com

Lan Chile

1 800 221 572

www.lan.com

Aerolineas Argentinas

(02) 9234‐9000

www.aerolineas.com

GENERAL INFO’S Shopping City shops generally open from 9am‐ 6pm, Monday to Saturday. On Thursday, many shops in the CBD and suburban shopping centre’s remain open late, until 8pm. Shops in tourist areas may be open on Sundays. Shopping hours change close to Christmas, when shops remain open in evenings and open on Sundays.

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Food and Drink Australia has international culinary influences so anything another country does, Australia does too. Vietnamese, Indian, Fijian, Italian – no matter where it's from, there are experts and locals keen to cook and eat the cuisine.

Fine wines and dining are now as characteristically Australian as warm sun and booming surf. Australian sights and sounds of marvelous landscapes will live on in your senses, just as its food and wine will resonate through your taste buds. The rich diversity of produce, restaurants, cafes, vineyards and markets are a feast for the senses.

Supermarkets and Convenience Stores cannot sell alcohol, only "Bottle Shops" found in almost every corner.

B.Y.O

If a restaurant says it's BYO, you're allowed to bring your own alcohol. If the place also sells alcohol, the BYO is usually limited to bottled wine only (no beer, no casks) and a corkage charge is often added to your bill.

Time zones There are three time zones in Australia, running east to west. Eastern Standard Time (EST) operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. Central Standard Time (CST) in South Australia and Northern Territory. Western Standard Time (WST).CST is half an hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST. Daylight saving Some Australian states and territories have daylight saving during the summer months. In New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia daylight saving runs from the end of October through to the end of March.

In Tasmania the daylight saving runs from the beginning of October through to the end of March. Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland do not have daylight saving.

Electricity The electrical current in Australia is 220‐240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three pin power outlet is different from some other countries so you may need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, you may need a voltage converter.

Measurement System The Australian measurement system works with Liters, Meters, Centimeters, Km per hour, Kilos & grams, despite the fact some Australian surfers still measure the waves by feet.

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Events Booking is essential in many restaurants, shows, accommodation, etc... Many establishments operate only throughout bookings. Some require only a few hours notice, the majority 24 hours ‐ and some others, like famous caravan parks, it may be necessary to book some weeks in advance. It is polite when going to a fine restaurant to wait for the waitress to seat you at your table.

More information and Bookings:  www.ticketek.com.au  www.ticketmaster.com.au Lost and Found Lost and Found in Australia works pretty well. If you lose something in the shopping centre, street or shop, try to check with the local police station or with the administration of the place you were last in. Having your name and phone number in your wallet will produce great results if you lose something.

Documents Get a photocopy of your Passport number, Air tickets, Credit cards and other important documents, and leave it with someone you trust. Because many places such as night clubs require ID or Passport, you may have to have it with you and the chances of losing it increase according to the amount of "fun" you are having. Staple or tape a piece of paper with your name and directions in Australia onto your Passport.

If someone finds it, it will be easier to contact you. Because passports are official documents, it's necessary to immediately report their loss to the Police and to your country's embassy. Also have that 24 hour number of your credit card for quick access and cancel the card in case it gets stolen or lost. Keep all these copies in a different location to the originals.

Medicines Medicine you need may require a consultation with a doctor here in Australia for a prescription to buy it. Remember ‐ because they may have different names, is advisable to bring the box or the scientific name of the main components with you. If you are bringing any special medicines, it is better to have the original prescription from your country with you. It's also a good idea to have it officially translated into English.

Tips Giving tips $ in Australia, is not a habit nor is it expected. But nothing stops you from giving tips for excellent service if you get it. Pizza delivery guys and girls will definitely give you a huge smile if you tip them. Restaurant waitresses also Calle 106 No 54 - 93 of 509 - Bogotá, Colombia. TEL: 571 - 7568347, CEL: 57 3132144809 www.goswt.com - ana.fajardo@goswt.com NIT: 900179469-4

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love it when you leave loose change on the table. Taxi drivers don't ask for tips and they don't expect it, but if the run was A$ 9.50 for example, and you paid AU$ 10 saying “Keep the change" they will also thank you very much.

Saving Water Australia is a country that is renowned for its glorious sunshine and warm temperatures, however with this climate comes harsh environmental consequences in the form of drought. Areas of Australia continuously go days, weeks and even months without seeing even a drop of rain.

Farmers are at their wits end, crops are dying and the problem is continuing at an epidemic rate. A worrying number of areas in Australia received less than 5mm of rain for the entire month of December (2006).

It is important when visiting this amazing country that you respect the relevant water restrictions and make appropriate adjustments to use water more efficiently and preserve our precious water supplies ‐ every drop counts.

When staying in accommodation or travelling around Australia there are numerous steps you can take to limit your water consumption, including: In the Kitchen: * Keep a bottle of water in the fridge for drinking, that way you don't have to let water go down the drain while waiting for it to cool from the tap

* Only run the dishwasher when it is full * Try to limit the use of a garbage disposal unit. These use a lot of water and put extra waste into the sewer system. * When washing dishes don't rinse them under the tap, fill up one sink with cold water and a second with hot, soapy water for washing * When washing the dishes use a plugged sink or a pan of water ‐ this uses less water than running a tap

In the Laundry: * Adjust the water level on the washing machine to suit how much is in there. The fewer clothes in there the lower the water level should be. * Always try and wait until you have a full load of washing before you use the washing machine, this saves liters of water every time * If staying in shared accommodation try and pool your laundry together to make a full load

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In the Bathroom: * If using the bath tub put the plug in before you turn on the taps, adjust the water temperature as you go rather than adding extra at the end * Shaving your legs in the shower uses a lot of extra water. Fill a small container with water and shave them before you get in the shower * Take shorter showers, limit the time to get in, soap up, rinse off then get out. Remember one shower can use over 150 liters of water * Turn the tap off when you are brushing your teeth, leaving it one can waste over 15 liters/minute * When using the bath tub only fill it up as much you really need.

LAW What you cannot do!

Smoking Smoking is not allowed in every place in Australia that sells food, public transport, in many offices, public buildings, cinemas, theatres, hotels and bars. Some have special smoking areas.

The number of smokers in Australia is very big, even with cigarettes prices above the moon (A$ 12 for 20 cigarettes pack).

Alcohol Free zone The law all over Australia is very rigid for drinking and driving offences with severe penalties and even prison. Drink in public places (parks, beach, etc…) can be included in a zone and also can attract fines. Private car parks (being on private land) cannot be included. Alcohol free zones promote the use of these roads, footpaths and car parks in safety and without interference from irresponsible street drinkers.

Drugs You cannot sell or produce illegal drugs. The consumption is reprehended, in case of foreigners it can lead to jail and deportation.

Selling

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You can't sell anything on the streets including to other business without a license. For example, you can't catch a beautiful fish and sell it to a restaurant, or produce food in your home to sell to the general public. There are heavy fines to do so. Anything you plan to sell will require a license, except in markets or garage sales.

Bicycle Riding your bicycle without a helmet attracts AU$ 110 fine. Bicycles are considered vehicles in Australia, and car drivers are expected to consider you as another vehicle and give space to you.

You must also signal with your arms when turning right or left and stop at intersections and signals just like a car does.

Bicycles are not allowed on motorways or high speed freeways. In the big cities there are exclusive bike lanes for you to ride.

Fines and Bills Fines in Australia are taken very seriously, and non‐payment of these fines, can result in your premature entry to the police black list. People, who go back to their country leaving unpaid fines in Australia, may have a big surprise if they try to return some day.

Fight For the ones who love to fight, know that touching a person without consent is considered invasion of privacy and physical aggression that can lead to prosecution. It means it is not necessary to break the other person in half, just by touching them is already an offence. You can shout, scream, throw things on the ground or fart, but if you verbally offend or punch a person you are in trouble. Courts solve these cases in a flash usually with fines to the aggressor.

Trash Throwing anything on the streets including cigarette butts, calls for an AU$ 75 fine.

Discrimination Racial, Religious and discriminatory matters are passive of prosecution and even jail.

COST OF LIFE The list below is an estimative average of the prices charged in Australia, to be referred to as a guide only. The table below is the minimum amount necessary that you will need to live for one year in Australia. This is without any extras, and does not include; books, course costs, drinks, eating out, telephone bills, internet, etc... It means the very least amount of money needed. The Australian Immigration use as basic cost for International Students the amount of A$ 1000 per month ( A$ 12.000 per year) to cover expenses without the cost of tuition.

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.

Per 1 year Room and food Transportation (bus) Clothes and Hygiene Total per year AU$

Sydney 10.600 1.600 1.800 14.000

Melbourne 9.500 1.600 1.800 12.900

Brisbane 9.300 1.040 1.560 11.900

Gold Coast 9.100 1.000 1.420 11.420

Prices in Australian Markets (Kg = Kilo) Product Kg Fresh fish fillet Kg Big Prawns Kg of Rump beef Kg of Minced meat 2 Kg Frozen chicken Kg Chicken breasts A Dozen of eggs Liter of milk Kg of popular cheese Butter 250 Gr. Margarine.

Kg of Sugar Nescafe 250 Gr. Kg Yogurt Pack of Cereal Toilet paper ( 4 rolls)

AU$ 12.00 28.00 12.00 9.50 7.50 13.00 3.50 1.40 7.00 2.50 1.80 1.50 8.00 5.00 6.00 3,00

Product Kg of white Rice Kg of green Beans Kg of Brown Beans Pack of Pasta 500Gr. Kg of carrots Kg of Potatoes Kg of Onions Kg of tomatoes Lettuce Caulis flower Broccoli Kg of Oranges Kg of Bananas Kg of Apple Avocado unit Dental Paste

AU$ 1.50 4.90 3.50 2.00 1.50 1.50 1.50 3.00 1.50 3.50 3.50 4.00 3.00 3.50 1.50 2.50

Product Soft drink (can 350ml) soft drink (bottle 600ml) Can of Beer Drought Beer (glass) Bottle of popular wine Liter of Juices Cappuccino coffee Mineral Water 500 ml soft drink 2 liters

AU$ 1.50 2.00 2.50 2.50 12.00 2.00 3.00 3.00 3.50

Dinning Out Product Pizza Margarita large Big Mac Sushi Spaghetti Bolognese Chinese food Roast Chicken and fries Roast beef with vegetables Frozen meals Restaurant (Average spending)

AU$ 8.00 3.60 2.20 8.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 5.50 30.00

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Rental Prices Per week

AU$

Per Week

AU$

Apt. 1 bedroom furnished

300.00

Apt. 1 bedroom unfurnished

250.00

Apt. 2 bedroom furnished

380.00

Apt. 2 bedroom unfurnished

400.00

Apt. 3 bedroom furnished

550.00

Apt. 3 bedroom unfurnished

450.00

Furnished 3 bedroom house

550.00

House 3 bedroom unfurnished

450.00

Homestay (food included)

250.00

TRAVEL TIPS

By Bus The main bus company in Australia is Greyhound Australia. They offer service around the whole of Australia, following most of the major routes. There are also smaller services which operate around the cities and in specific areas, offering more comprehensive service within a shorter distance. There are also other state specific services including Firefly, Premier Stateliner in SA, V/Line in VIC and Westrail in WA. Many companies offer discount for YHA, students and other approved cards and although prices are generally cheap for individual service, if you plan to do a lot of travelling by coach then you should check out some of the passes that the major companies offer.

Another great way to get around Australia is by the Oz Experience buses. They give service to all of the major places in Australia, diverting along the route to some interesting places along the way. You can get on and off where you please, and stay as long as you like (within the time limit of your ticket expiry, of course). It is also a great way to meet friends if you are travelling alone, or just want to meet new people.

Contact Information AAT Kings www.aatkings.com Australian Pacific Tours www.aptours.com.au City Sightseeing www.citysightseeing.com.au

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Firefly www.pixeltech.com.au/firefly Murrays www.murrays.com.au National Bus Charter www.ebus.com.au Premier/Pioneer Motor Service www.pioneerms.com.au Greyhound Australia Ph: 13 2030 Ph: 13 1499 www.mccaffertys.com.au www.greyhound.com.au

By Car International visitors often under estimate the distances between towns and cities, and the amount of time it takes to travel by road around Australia, which is almost as big as the United States.

The relatively small population (19 million) lives predominantly on the coastal fringes, with distances of 200 km or more common between regional and rural towns.

It is highly advised to "Stop, Revive, Survive" every two hours when driving. During school holidays and long weekends, volunteer organizations (usually the local Lions, Apex or Service Club) provide free refreshments at designated "Driver Reviver" stations, but whenever you travel in Australia, you should schedule regular stops.

A 50 km per hour speed limit applies in many residential areas in towns in our region, with 60 km per hour in other residential/commercial zones. A 100 km (or indicated) speed limit applies on most open roads and highways.

It is compulsory for every person in a vehicle to wear a seat belt. If you are stopped by a police or highway patrol and not wearing a seat belt, the driver will receive an "on the spot" fine. It is a criminal offence in all Australian states and territories to drive a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol.

Attention!!!    

Drive on the left‐hand side of the road.

Always carry a valid driving license and a translation if the license isn't in English.

Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt.

Do not speed (the average speed limit in built up areas is 60km).

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 

Do not drive whilst using a mobile phone.

Do not drink and drive (many pubs now offer free soft drinks for the driver).

Pedestrians If there is someone crossing the road, you must stop and wait until a person finishes crossing. In case of intersections with traffic lights, you have to follow the lights. Also, other indication signs on parks, beaches, and streets govern the rules.

By Plane The vast size of Australia makes flying the most convenient method of intercity travel. The three main airline companies offering flights around Australia are Qantas Airlines, Virgin Blue, Regional Express (REX) and Jet Star. Qantas offer flights to a large number of towns and cities in all states and territories within Australia. Virgin Blue and Jet Star are the budget airlines, offering flights to a number of cities in every state and territory within Australia. Rex is the largest independent regional airline in Australia, providing flights within New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

You can check prices and availability on : www.jetstar.com.au; www.webjet.com.au; www.virginblue.com.au; www.rex.com.au

www.flightcentre.com.au;

www.sta.com.au;

www.qantas.com.au;

Tourist Information Australian Tourist Information is available everywhere. They have thousands of tourist leaflets and city maps available for free. They will also make accommodation and tours reservations for free.

Further information: www.australia.com

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