Archive for January, 2012

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Aussie Arrival Checklist

Aussie Arrival Checklist – What to do when you get to Australia

When you arrive in Australia, you’re going to have a lot of things to check off your to-do list. As part of our services to you, the student, OzTREKK wants to ensure you feel organized when you land Down Under.

Here’s a list of things to accomplish to ensure you have a smooth transition:

Set up a bank account: Did you open a bank account before arriving? If so, remember to go to your nominated branch and provide your identification so you can access your account. If not, you can now open an account at one of the banks or the credit union on campus, or at a branch near your permanent accommodation. Be sure to ask about student accounts, as they attract lower account-keeping fees than other accounts.

Get a Tax File Number: You will need a TFN if you plan to work. Applications are lodged at the Australian Taxation Office or you can apply online on the ATO website. Remember that only students with the Permission to Work (8105) condition on their student visa can work, and you must wait until your course begins before you start working.

Contact home: Your family and friends back home may be waiting to hear from you! Ensure you fire off a quick email to them to let them know you’ve arrived and how they can contact you in Australia.

Provide a permanent address: You must give your university your address within seven days of arrival, and also keep the university informed of any changes within seven days, as a condition of your student visa. You will be asked to provide at least your temporary address when you register your arrival. You must update your correspondence address with your Overseas Student Health Cover company as well.

There will be other things to complete, including Selecting a Mobile Phone in Australia. Want further guidance on what to do when you arrive in Australia? Contact OzTREKK for our pre-departure guide!

Tags: OzTREKK, Study in Australia
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Monday, January 30th, 2012

Program of the Month: Australian Medical Schools

Australian Medical Schools listed as this month’s OzTREKK Program of the Month

Is there a doctor in the room?! You could be on your way to responding to that call if you decide to complete your medical degree at one of OzTREKK‘s Australian university partners’ Australian Medical Schools.

OzTREKK has developed close working relationships with our Australian university partners’ medical schools. We are in constant contact with its staff, ensuring we have all the necessary information to provide to Canadians interested in pursuing a medical degree in Australia. Not only will OzTREKK guide you through the application and acceptance stages, but we also provide seminars on completing a residency or internship in Canada and Australia. Here’s an overview of the graduate-entry Australian Medical Schools programs offered by our Australian university partners.

James Cook University Medical School
Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): 6 years

The James Cook University Medical School MBBS degree produces graduates who will be uniquely qualified in the fields of rural, remote and Indigenous health, and tropical medicine. The James Cook University Medical School combines integrated instruction in biomedical sciences, professional practice and clinical medicine, and incorporates the best aspects of student-centred, problem-based learning combined with systematic instruction. Clinical experience, particularly in the rural and remote context, commences at an early stage and science remains integrated across later years. Small-group learning and close relationships with academic staff and clinical preceptors are program features. The program is six years because students can begin the program directly from high school.

Monash University Medical School
Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): 4 years

The medical curriculum provides an interdisciplinary program, organized to provide integration of structure and function within the biomedical sciences. It presents a continually expanding level of medical experience, starting in the first semester of the course. In the first year, the basic medical sciences are taught in the context of their relevance to patient care. Later in the course, clinical teaching builds upon and reinforces this strong scientific foundation.

An emphasis on clinical communication skills as well as early clinical contact visits to medical practices, community care facilities and hospitals is a feature of the four-year, graduate-entry Monash University Medical School degree. All students will spend the majority of their time in rural and regional areas in eastern Victoria as part of a health-care team.

University of Melbourne Medical School
Doctor of Medicine (MD): 4 years

The University of Melbourne Medical School now offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, the first of its kind in Australia and the world. It is slightly different from the MD presently offered throughout North America as it has a higher designation.

The University of Melbourne Medical School MD is a four-year, graduate-entry medical program that builds on the University of Melbourne’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research. It enables students to become outstanding medical practitioners who will excel as world-class leaders in their chosen field.

University of Queensland Medical School
Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): 4 Years

Designed to produce doctors able to meet the challenges of the new century, the curriculum captures the enthusiasm and maturity of its graduate entrants and helps them develop into highly skilled medical graduates capable of entering the wide variety of career options open to them. The University of Queensland Medical School emphasizes problem-based learning (PBL) in a clinical context and encourages learning exercises in big and small groups. This program is popular for Canadians, and OzTREKK has developed a close working relationship with the School of Medicine staff.

University of Sydney Medical School
Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): 4 Years

The four-year program includes weekly clinical experience in leading hospitals from the very first weeks, regular problem-based learning exercises in small groups, traditional lectures with expert practitioners, and ongoing opportunities to participate in research.

There are also compulsory independent learning activities (with numerous international opportunities), an eight-week rural rotation and pre-internship training, including preparation for North American registration, if you intend to practise in the USA or Canada.

Listen Up! Student Testimonial

“There’s no doubt we are getting the top people teaching us, especially when it comes to clinical education. It’s good,
quality education.”

-OzTREKK Student, Jonathan De Silva, University of Queensland Medical School, MBBS

Career Counsellor

“What is the difference between the MBBS and MD degree?”

In Canada and the U.S., the MBBS degree is not offered. Instead, the first professional medical degree is known as the Doctor of Medicine (MD). But before you get your medical degree, you’d need to complete an udergraduate degree.

In Australia and United Kingdom, the MD is an advanced academic degree in the field of medical science very similar to a doctorate or a PhD (with the except of Melbourne). In Australia, you can complete the MBBS degree from high school and the degree denotes the kind of training that you’d need to be approved as a licenced physician.

Apply now to Australian Medical Schools

Learn more about the:

Tags: Australian Medical Schools, James Cook University Medical School, Monash University Medical School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Melbourne Medical School, University of Queensland Medical School, University of Sydney Medical School
Posted in Career Spotlight, News Blog | Comments Off

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Bond University Campus Remains Open

Bond University campus remains open despite the recent and continuing wet weather. The Gold Coast is experiencing some localized flooding; however, Bond University’s campus in Robina and the surrounding areas have not been affected.

Bond University staff are monitoring the situation closely and are in regular communication with the local authorities. They will provide OzTREKK and its students with updates if the campus needs to be closed. At this point there is no need for concern.

The Gold Coast and Brisbane airports and the M1 (the main road from the airport to campus), remain open. Earlier this week, some flights have been diverted or delayed from the Gold Coast, and students are advised to check with their airline for an updated flight status.

Student registration and enrolment will continue as per normal. However, should you have any questions please contact OzTREKK or the Bond University campus for advice and alternative arrangements.

Bond University has encouraged students who are already on campus to contact their families to advise them they are safe.

All students have been advised to check their phone, email and check Bond University‘s website regularly for official updates. At this stage, Bond University is operating as usual. Classes will continue this week as scheduled.

For regular weather updates visit http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ or the Queensland Government’s official website www.qldalert.com.

Learn more about Bond University

Tags: Bond University, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
Posted in News Blog, University News | Comments Off

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Selecting a Mobile Phone in Australia

Selecting a Mobile Phone in Australia: OzTREKK breaks it down for you

We wonder which phone Zack Morris would choose...

There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to planning your time in Australia. Have you got your banking in order? Do you know where the university’s international student office is located? Did you remember to pack your beach towel?

Another to-do item you’ll most likely want to check off your list will be researching your mobile phone options (fun fact: they’re not called cell phones in Australia) while living in Australia.

OzTREKK wants to help eliminate any anxiety or concerns about your mobile phone options, so we’re giving you the 4-1-1 on the mobile phone situation in Australia.

OzTREKK Director Matt Miernik has so much knowledge in the area, we’ve asked him for a helping hand on the topic. In fact, he made a video about it! But more about that later.

Matt explains that, technologically speaking, there are two things to understand about the Australian mobile phone system.

First, there are two types of mobile phone technologies used within the world. The first is the Code Division Mobile Access (CDMA) technology, which is used by Bell and Telus in Canada. The second technology is called Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), which Rogers uses in Canada and is the predominately used technology in Australia.

There are also four different frequencies countries can use for mobile phone use. Canada runs off the 850 and the 1900 frequencies. In Australia, the mobile phone providers either use the 900 or 1800 frequency.

So what does this mean for your Canadian mobile phone? It means that if you have a Bell or Telus phone, it won’t work in Australia because these two companies use a different technology. Your Rogers phone might work (because it’s also on the GSM), but only if it’s using the shared frequency in Australia.

Ok, that’s enough science for now!

Let’s help answer the question you’re all asking yourselves: what are my best options? Great question, thanks for asking.

To know which option is best for you, first consider what you’re going to use the phone for and how long you plan to keep the phone.

Option #1: Buy a phone in Australia

There are five popular mobile phone companies across Australia, thus giving you plenty of options. You can track down great deals and even better phone rates. The disadvantage is that your Aussie phone may not work in Canada. If you’re travelling frequently between Canada and Australia, you’ll be left phoneless while in the Great White North.

Option #2: Use your Canadian Mobile Phone

If you have a cell phone with Rogers and it has the correct frequency, you don’t actually have to buy a new phone. You can keep all your contacts and your phone number. Bonus, right? Well, not really. Two words: roaming fees. When you’re outside of your cell phone’s country of origin, you’re going to be hit with roaming fees, which is about $2/minute when in Australia. Each text message costs approximately 75 cents. Needless to say, that’s going to hurt your bank account.

Option #3: Buy your own phone in Canada online

If you purchase a quad-band, unlocked phone, then you’re in business. The quad-band can access the four frequencies used in both countries. Unlocked means you’re able to change the SIM card. When you’re in Australia, you’ll take out your Canadian SIM card, replace it with Australian SIM card, therefore using a local number and calling rates.

Travelling often between the two countries, Matt Miernik has a quad-band unlocked phone, and says he loves the freedom of an unlocked phone. He purchased his phone on eBay, but before you do the same thing, ensure the phone is quad-band and unlocked. The website, puremobile.ca, also carries these phones.

Want to learn more about your mobile phone options in Australia? Check out the video below, in which Matt Miernik breaks it down for you.

Tags: Matt Miernik, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
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Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

What to do on Australia Day

What to do on Australia Day – OzTREKK Outlines Your Options!

The flags will be waving and the pride will be infectious as Australians celebrate Australia Day tomorrow, on Jan. 26, 2012.

That’s why we’re saying it one day earlier (Canada time), because Australia is about to celebrate the big day.

Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on Jan. 26, the date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the proclamation at that time of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of New Holland.

Australians celebrate all things Australia on this day, including its citizens who have made a special contribution to the community, country and world.

Each state elects a nominee for the Australian of the Year Award. Each representative is a finalist and one of them will be selected as this year’s overall Australian of the Year.

The country also hands out awards to the Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.

These accolades give Australians a chance to reflect on the good work accomplished by its peers.

If you’re wondering what to do on Australia Day, think of it like Canada Day. There will be fireworks, barbecues and country-themed apparel.

Here’s a guide on what to do if you’re studying at one of OzTREKK’s Australian University Partners:

For Macquarie University and University of Sydney students:

Pick a spot and you’ll be guaranteed to be blown away by Sydney’s fireworks display along the shoreline. The city lights up the water by setting up fireworks launch stations in six areas along the water. During the day, head to Sydney’s Hyde Park as it will come alive with activities, entertainment, wine, food, fun and relaxation. You can also hang out in the CBD or the Harbour for some fun activities, too!

For University of Newcastle students:

The annual Australia Day celebrations in the City of Newcastle will combine with the National Maritime Festival to present a two day event that will offer a great array of activities for the whole family.

Wednesday evening January 25 (Australia Day Eve) will feature entertainment on the Harbour Stage, a harbour lights boat parade and fireworks as well as amusement rides, food stalls much more.

The Thursday (Australia Day) program will include the Citizenship Ceremony at City Hall, National Maritime Festival activity, food and entertainment, carnival and market stalls, the tall ship ‘James Craig’ and a host of activity on the water, on the shore and in the air. This great family day of entertainment and activity will be centred on the Newcastle Harbour and Foreshore from the Honeysuckle Precinct through to Nobbys Beach between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For Bond University students:

Well, we’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is that the Gold Coast usually gets about 300 days of sunshine a year. The bad news? This isn’t one of those days. The Australia Day celebrations have been cancelled for the Gold Coast, thanks to rainy conditions. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own fun. Host an indoor barbecue (with the barbecue outdoors, of course) with friends and enjoy an indoors celebration!

For University of Queensland students:

Pack your bags, we’re going to the Parklands, South Bank for the day! The Parklands, South Bank will come alive with colour, sound and movement as some of Queensland’s most talented performers and community groups entertain audiences throughout the day. Be there to enjoy live music, a vibrant stage program and creative, hands-on activities.

Arrive early to attend the inspirational Multi-Faith Ceremony where they will acknowledge and reflect on its diverse culture.

Don’t miss the traditional Flag Raising Ceremony where the Australian Defence Force will raise the Australian, Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. The ceremony will conclude with a 21-gun military salute and flypast from one of its new fighter jets, the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Make sure you head to the Clem Jones promenade for premium viewing of an Australia Day first – the extreme ski shows on the Brisbane River. The celebrations will continue into the evening with the exciting AusSounds Concert and brilliant fireworks.

For James Cook University students:

Oh, we want to be in Townsville for Australia Day! They have a fun run, pancake breakfast, cricket game, citizenship ceremony and a welcoming babies ceremony. Too cute! All the events take place at the Riverway.

For Monash University and University of Melbourne students:

Ah, apparently Melbournians know how to party. They started their Australia Day celebrations a week ago! It’s time to get caught up! A real favourite with families, the Kings Domain Gardens will feature multi-instrumentalist James Morrison and the famous Federation Vehicle Display, with more than 450 veteran, vintage and classic vehicles and entertainment, free activities and scrumptious food stalls. Head down to the Federation Square at Yarra River in downtown Melbourne, where you’ll be greeted with festivities, including a fireworks show at night (having it in the daytime doesn’t exactly make sense).

Whatever you do on Australia Day, we hope you have a great time celebrating the great country!

Learn more about:

Macquarie University

University of Sydney

University of Newcastle

Bond University

University of Queensland

James Cook University

Monash University

University of Melbourne

Tags: Bond University, James Cook University, Macquarie University, Monash University, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Melbourne, University of Newcastle, University of Queensland, University of Sydney
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Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

O Canada! Canadian Expat Brings Canadiana Down Under

Maple syrup, Tim Hortons coffee and Clamato juice in Australia? You betcha!

You know you miss this...

We have come across a company that will satisfy your craving for Canadian food while living Down Under. Amazing, right? You can thank us later.

O Canada is the name of the company, and it was started by a Canadian expat loving life in Australia, but missing goodies from the “old country.”

Knowing that there were other Canadians in similar circumstances, the expat set up a website to allow people to get their hands on Canadian food, flags, gifts and gear quickly, easily and without the need to worry about customs and quarantine in Australia.

They also want to make it easier for family and friends in Canada to send care packages to their loved ones in Australia. With having Canadian products and paraphernalia in Oz, they hope to introduce Australians to a range of Canadian goods, notably maple syrup products!

So what’s in stock at O Canada? They have an inventory of all things Canadian, much of which you most likely wouldn’t realize is a Canadian delicacy until you’ve lived Down Under, and you begin to pine for all things Canada.

You can also showcase your Canadian pride to Australians; they sell Canadian souvenirs including Canadian flip-flops, towels and car flags.

Once you peruse the site and there’s a Canadian product that you want to get your hands on while in Oz, you can contact O Canada and submit your request!

Canadiana Gift Ideas

To spread Canadian pride across Australia, here are some gift ideas available from the O Canada website:

For your Aussie roommate: Retro Canada t-shirt
For your favourite professor: 100% pure maple syrup
For your neighbour’s kid: Canada soccer ball
For your fellow Canadian friend: Swiss Chalet dipping sauce
For your employer: pure maple sugar candy
For your friend’s baby: Saskatchewan Roughriders onesie
For the tutor who helped you get through that last tough exam: “Weird Canadian Words: How to Speak Canadian” book
For yourself: President’s Choice The Decadent Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Want to get an Australian educational experience that will be recognized in Canada? Apply now to an Australian Dental School in Australia!

Tags: Australian Dental School in Australia, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
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Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Happy Chinese New Year!

OzTREKK wants to wish you a Happy Chinese New Year!

As we honour the longest and most important Chinese celebration of the year, let’s take a look at the Chinese-Australian connection, which dates back to the Gold-Rush era.

According to the Australian Government, Chinese people first came to Australia in large numbers during the Gold Rush in the 1850s and 60s. About one-third of the miners were Chinese. Many Chinese-Australian families can trace their settlement in Australia to that time. Monuments and buildings developed by Chinese settlers serve as reminders of the long history of Chinese immigration to Australia. Examples remain in towns like Ballarat and Bendigo in Victoria. Memorabilia is displayed in museums like the Chinese Museum, Melbourne, and the Golden Dragon Museum, Bendigo.

Sydney and Melbourne have Chinatowns – Dixon Street in Sydney, and the area around Little Bourke Street in Melbourne. These are a hub for restaurants, Chinese grocery stores and other small businesses, and centres for the celebration of festivals such as Chinese New Year. Brisbane also has a significant Chinatown area in Fortitude Valley. We definitely recommend you visit these Chinatowns as you’ll be welcomed into a cultural haven.

So what happens for Chinese New Year celebrations?

During Chinese New Year celebrations, people wear red clothes, give children ‘lucky money’ in red envelopes and set off firecrackers. Red symbolizes fire, which the Chinese believe drives away bad luck. Family members gather at each other’s homes for extravagant meals.

Celebrations take place all across Australia, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney.

Chinese New Year ends with the lantern festival, where people hang decorated lanterns in temples and carry lanterns to an evening parade under the light of the full moon. The highlight of the lantern festival is often the dragon dance. The dragon can stretch over 30 metres long and is typically made of silk, paper and bamboo.

Speaking of which, 2012 is the year of the dragon!

The Year of the Dragon

The dragon is the most auspicious sign in the Chinese zodiac as it is the only year represented by a mythical character, rather than an animal, as in the eleven others of the dozen-year cycle.

The symbol of royalty, it is thought by superstitious ethnic Chinese to be the bringer of wealth, wisdom, courage and power, with the result many couples will plan that their offspring be born during the lunar year. In the most recent years of the dragon in 1988 and 2000, the numbers of babies born in the city state spiked by 10 per cent, in stark contrast to the declining birth rate during the years in between.

With Sydney hosting so many Chinese New Year celebrations, make sure you’re a part of it! Find out how to apply to the University of Sydney!

Tags: OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Sydney
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Friday, January 20th, 2012

Macquarie University Star Named Young Australian of the Year!

The New South Wales Young Australian of the Year 2012 is 25-year-old youth educator and Macquarie University alumnus, Jennifer Star. She has been recognized for her efforts in establishing an education partnership organization which benefits thousands of Indian children and shares learning styles between two continents.

An outstanding athlete with a brilliant academic record, Jennifer was named one of Australia’s 100 Brightest Young Minds in 2007. Several years ago she went to India as a World Vision Youth Ambassador and teacher. There were no classrooms and Jennifer found herself sitting under a tree with 48 children and no resources. Then and there she resolved to return to India to improve the plight of some of the world’s most impoverished people. At just 21, she started Tara.Ed, an innovative non-government organization promoting sustainable quality education in rural India by training teachers. It works as a partner organization, with both Indian and Australian schools and teachers working together. Since 2007, Tara.Ed has reached out to 86 teachers and 1,340 school children. Her aim is to influence the prospects of 20,000 children, 200 teachers and 20 schools across two continents by 2020.

Jennifer knows what it means to set her sights high. As a graduate from Macquarie University with first-class honours and an elite sportswoman in judo, representing Australia internationally, she is accustomed to applying hard work to her considerable talents. Through Tara.Ed, Jennifer’s determination is certainly paying off for thousands of Indian children.

Congratulations, Jennifer!

Learn more about Macquarie University

What are Macquarie University‘s most popular programs for Canadians? Good question! Popular programs include the Macquarie University Chiropractic School and the Macquarie University Speech and Language Pathology School.

Tags: Macquarie University, Macquarie University Chiropractic School, Macquarie University Speech and Language Pathology School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
Posted in News Blog, University News | Comments Off

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

University of Queensland develops bad weather family survival guide

The University of Queensland has developed an amazing survival guide that helps parents prepare their children for extreme weather.

Depending on where you live, Australia does experience its share of extreme weather. Putting together a tip sheet along with a video and podcast, the comprehensive support package offers parents several practical ideas for developing their children’s emotional resilience.

Dr. Vanessa Cobham, Professor Matthew Sanders and Associate Professor Brett McDermott from the University of Queensland’s Parenting and Family Support Centre have teamed up to develop the free online guide.

“Floods, cyclones, bush fires and storms can be frightening and distressing for children. One of the crucial tasks for parents heading in to this bad weather season is to help their children feel prepared, not scared,” Professor Sanders said.

“Our Preparing for Bad Weather Triple P Survival Guide includes numerous tips that parents may find useful in developing their children’s emotional resilience in the context of bad weather,” he said.

The tips are practical and encourage parents to talk to their children about their feelings related to extreme weather situations and how to deal with them. Hosting family meetings, having an emergency plan and a first aid kit on hand are just some of the great ways parents can help prepare their children for extreme weather conditions.

Dr. Cobham said the resource combined professional guidance with the views, ideas and experience of parents who have coped with bad weather events.

The researchers are asking parents who are interested in accessing the survival guide to first complete a brief online survey.

“By completing a short questionnaire, parents will help us understand how our resources impact upon their children’s emotional well-being”, Dr. Cobham said.

“Parents’ survey responses also give us important clues as to how we can improve our materials”, she said.

The tips provided remind of us how Canadian families craft a home fire-escape plan, but with dealing with the emotional side effects of a disaster. This package is a great way for parents to take the best approach when working with their children, especially if they live in areas prone to extreme weather conditions.

Learn more about the University of Queensland.

The University of Queensland Public Health School program is of interest to many Canadians who wish to work in the public health industry. Learn more about the University of Queensland Public Health School.

Find out how to apply to Australian Public Health Schools in Australia.

Tags: Australian Public Health Schools in Australia, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Queensland, University of Queensland Public Health School
Posted in News Blog, University News | Comments Off

Archives

Categories

Archive for January, 2012

Aussie Arrival Checklist

Program of the Month: Australian Medical Schools

Australian Medical Schools listed as this month’s OzTREKK Program of the Month

Bond University Campus Remains Open

Selecting a Mobile Phone in Australia

Selecting a Mobile Phone in Australia: OzTREKK breaks it down for you

What to do on Australia Day

What to do on Australia Day – OzTREKK Outlines Your Options!

O Canada! Canadian Expat Brings Canadiana Down Under

Canadiana Gift Ideas

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Macquarie University Star Named Young Australian of the Year!

Macquarie University Star Named Young Australian of the Year!

University of Queensland develops bad weather family survival guide

The University of Queensland has developed an amazing survival guide that helps parents prepare their children for extreme weather.

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Archives

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Cloud Tags

Archive for January, 2012

Australian Medical Schools listed as this month’s OzTREKK Program of the Month

Selecting a Mobile Phone in Australia: OzTREKK breaks it down for you

What to do on Australia Day – OzTREKK Outlines Your Options!

Canadiana Gift Ideas

Happy Chinese New Year!

Macquarie University Star Named Young Australian of the Year!

The University of Queensland has developed an amazing survival guide that helps parents prepare their children for extreme weather.