Archive for February, 2012

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

University of Queensland Public Health Student gets WHO Internship!

University of Queensland Public Health School – and OzTREKK student – Caroline Marshall got a WHO internship, which she is currently completing!

OzTREKK was so excited to hear about Caroline’s opportunity, especially since we have deemed Public Health as our February Program of the Month! We wanted to feature her experience at the World Health Organization, and her love her energy and dedication toward public health. We also love her photos and they make us want to board the next plane to Geneva. Just sayin’.

Here is a Q&A between OzTREKK and Caroline:

Why did you decide to study Public Health at the University of Queensland?

I heard about the Master of Public Health program through a colleague on a public health campaign. She had recently completed the program and was very positive about her time in Australia. I thought that obtaining my degree internationally would give me a better perspective on global health.

What is your impression of the program?

The University of Queensland program is full of interesting research in many different fields. There is a wide variety of courses available, and students have great opportunities to take courses in other fields and interact with world-renowned researchers. The program really encourages student independence and the development of research skills, and enables students to network with other students from across the globe.

Why and how did you set up your internship with the WHO?

I applied for the WHO internship online prior to arriving in Australia, and arranged to take up my internship over the Australian summer holiday. The WHO is a global leader in public health, and has created a significant amount of the most important public health policy documents in existence today. I was honored to be given the opportunity to work for them, and to get a glimpse of the workings of such an important organization.

How long is your internship?

Originally my internship was meant to be 2 months long, but I have been given the opportunity to extend my internship for 1 more month, for a grand total of 3 months.

What are you currently working on during your internship? Who do you work with?

I am an intern with the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, working for Dr. Philippe Duclos, who is the Secretariat of the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization. In this role, I am coordinating the hiring of a new working group of experts on vaccine hesitancy and assisting with updates to the WHO’s vaccine position papers.

How valuable is this WHO internship for your career following graduation?

This opportunity has been invaluable as it has given me insight and clarification into what I enjoy and where I can see myself working in the future. It has also allowed me to network with experts and other interns from around the globe, giving me the opportunity to create an extensive network of contacts that may assist me upon graduation, and with whom I expect to work in the future.

What’s been the best part of your experience studying in Australia?

The best part of Australia has absolutely been the people that I have met. Local Australians have been friendly and welcoming; my peers have been knowledgeable, experienced, and have taught me infinite amounts about public health in other countries; and my professors have given me extensive research opportunities and really encouraged me to apply my skills rather than just learn them from textbooks. Oh… and the beaches don’t hurt either!

Congratulations, Caroline!

Learn more about the University of Queensland

Find out how to become a student at the University of Queensland Public Health School.

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

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

JCU Medical School students top of their field

Two JCU Medical School graduates have topped the field of doctors sitting fellowship exams for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) in 2011.

Dr. Lara Sewell of Toowoomba won the Queensland award and Dr. Jerome Muir Wilson of George Town in Tasmania won the Tasmanian award.

Both Dr. Sewell and Dr. Muir Wilson graduated from the JCU Medical School in 2007, making the James Cook University community very proud of its graduates.

The awards are state-based and given to General Practice Registrars achieving outstanding results in RACGP Fellowship examinations.

Professor Tarun Sen Gupta, director of Medical Education at James Cook University, said the recognition of JCU Medical School graduates highlighted the program’s success.

“It points to the impact of James Cook University across Australia and success in postgraduate exams in a variety of disciplines, including general practice, in different geographic locations,” Professor Sen Gupta said. “We are proud, with some justification, we think, of all James Cook University graduates, but were delighted to see news of this award.”

Congratulations to these two JCU Medical School graduates!

About the JCU Medical School

The JCU Medical School offers a six-year, full-time undergraduate degree in medicine and surgery, Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). The course aims to produce graduates of the highest academic standards who can progress to medical practice and to further studies in medical specialties. The course places special emphasis on rural and Indigenous health and tropical medicine.

The course in based at the Townsville campus for the first three years. The majority of students in years four, five and six relocate to other School of Medicine teaching sites such as Cairns, Mackay and Darwin. In years five and six, students spend most of their learning time in hospitals and health services.

The Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the JCU Medical School produces graduates who will be uniquely qualified in the fields of rural, remote and Indigenous health, and tropical medicine.

The JCU 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.

Watch this OzTREKK video of Professor Ian Wronksi of James Cook University‘s Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences speaks about the JCU Medical School‘s program.

Learn more about the JCU Medical School

Find out how to apply to Australian Medical Schools in Australia

Tags: Australian Medical Schools in Australia, James Cook University, JCU Medical School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
Posted in Career Spotlight, News Blog | Comments Off

Monday, February 27th, 2012

Aussie Lingo for Your Liking

Aussie Lingo for Your Liking: Learn the In-Depth Version of Australian Slang Terms

Holy dooley, we have no idea what you just said!

For those of you preparing for your first days in Australia, we thought you should brush up on your Aussie lingo skills. In the past, we’ve provided you with common Aussie terms to ensure you’re up to speed on regular, everyday Aussie language. For instance, when someone asks you, “How are you going?”, they want to know how you’re doing, not whether you’re taking the bus or your car to campus.

But then there’s this whole other, more complex level of Aussie lingo you should know about, too.

Here are some more slang words to help you settle in your new surroundings:

Aerial pingpong : Australian Rules football
Aussie salute : brushing away flies with the hand
Bikkie : biscuit (also “it cost big bikkies” – it was expensive)
Bitzer : mongrel dog (bits of this and bits of that)
Bludger : lazy person, lay about, somebody who always relies on other people to do things or lend him things
Chuck a sickie : take the day off sick from work when you’re perfectly healthy
Divvy van : police vehicle used for transporting criminals. Named after the protective ‘division’ between the driver and the villains.
Esky : large insulated food/drink container for picnics, barbecues etc.
Garbo, garbologist : municipal garbage collector (Aussies also add “ologist” to the end of other jobs to make them sound professional, including batteryologist)
Holy dooley! : an exclamation of surprise = “Good heavens!”, “My goodness!” “Good grief!” or similar
Liquid laugh : vomit
Mappa Tassie : map of Tasmania
Mystery bag : a sausage
Piece of piss : easy task
Pommy shower : using deodorant instead of taking a shower
Root (verb and noun) : synonym for ‘messed up’ in nearly all its senses: “I feel rooted”; “this washing machine is rooted”. In other words, it’s a very useful word in fairly polite company.
Shark biscuit : somebody new to surfing
Shout : turn to buy – a round of drinks usually (“it’s your shout”)
Skull/Skol (a beer) : to drink a beer in a single draught without taking a breath
Spit the dummy : get very upset at something. A dummy is a baby’s soother, so imagine an upset baby spitting out the dummy
Tea : supper
Technicolor yawn : vomit
Togs : swim suit
Turps : turpentine, alcoholic drink
Turps, hit the : go on a drinking binge
Waggin’ school : playing truant
Woop Woop : invented name for any small unimportant town – “he lives in Woop Woop”
XXXX : pronounced Four X, brand of beer made in Queensland
Yewy : u-turn in traffic (“chuck a yewy at the next traffic lights”)

We are certain that Australian Speech Pathology Schools would not promote these terms!

Learn more about Australian Speech Pathology Schools, including the Macquarie University Speech Pathology School and the University of Queensland Speech Pathology School

Tags: Australian Speech Pathology Schools, Macquarie University Speech Pathology School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Queensland Speech Pathology School
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Friday, February 24th, 2012

OzTREKK’s Four for Friday

This is the last Friday for February 2012 and we’re excited to greet March with open arms! Why? Because of the OzTREKK Study in Australia Fairs, of course! What’d you think we were going to say? To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Well, that’s the second reason. With that, let’s give four cheers to Four for Friday.

OzTREKK Study in Australia Fairs. With our opening, it’s obvious we’re going to get into the OzTREKK Study in Australia Fairs. So how do they work? Well, we bring reps from our Australian university partners to your Canadian campus. You then have a couple of hours to talk with each university rep about your program options. Meanwhile, OzTREKK staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about applying to school and living in Australia. Visit our OzTREKK Study in Australia Fairs page for more great info.

A Dingo Ate My Baby: Part Four. The famous 1980 story of an Australian mother insisting a dingo took her baby daughter out of their tent while camping, will see a fourth inquest into the matter. Lindy Chamberlain was initially charged with first-degree murder of her baby daughter. She insisted a dingo ran off with her baby, and evidence over the years has more fingers pointing in the dingo’s direction. A fourth inquest has recently launched, with further evidence indicating that dingoes have been responsible for children’s deaths in past years.

Australian Medical Schools Applications Now Open. Don’t forget that just last week, applications opened for Australian Medical Schools. Whether you want to attend the University of Sydney Medical School, the University of Queensland Medical School, the University of Melbourne Medical School, the Monash University Medical School or the James Cook University Medical School, now’s the time to get your application submitted to OzTREKK. If you want more Australian Medical Schools program information, don’t hesitate to send OzTREKK a note at any time.

Matt in Australia. OzTREKK Director Matt Miernik is having a terrific time hosting OzTREKK orientation sessions for our students this month. He’s travelled to Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane and Melbourne, helping our Canadian students get settled in their new surroundings. Matt’s been answering questions ranging from best cell phone plans to best place to get a coffee (Melbourne’s coffee culture is ah.maz.ing). The worst part is that when he returns home to Canada this weekend, he’ll be greeted with a fresh batch of snow, as weather reports in Ottawa are calling for 20 centimetres. Umm…welcome back, Matt?

Learn more about Australian Medical Schools!

Tags: Australian Medical Schools, James Cook University Medical School, Matt Miernik, Monash University Medical School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Melbourne Medical School, University of Queensland Medical School, University of Sydney Medical School
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

University of Newcastle Opens $3.2-million Library!

The University of Newcastle is starting off the 2012 year with its nose in a book. That’s because the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast campus opened the doors of its $3.2 million library redevelopment on Wednesday.

The project is the final stage of a two-year $20 million expansion of the Central Coast campus and will provide additional study and learning facilities to service the growing student population on the Central Coast. Over the past five years university enrolments on the Central Coast have increased by 40 per cent to 4,300 in 2011.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said the major expansion and upgrade of library services would deliver significant benefits to the Central Coast campus community.

“The investment in this project recognises the library’s central role in supporting the academic endeavour of the university.

“The library expansion will help meet student demand for more learning and meeting spaces, including a 24-hour information common for students,” Professor McMillen said.

Other features of the library extension include:

Five new group study rooms with access to computers and screens
Eighty-eight additional computers, printers and scanning facilities, and wireless and power connections for laptops and other devices
A new service desk offering 24-hour support from library staff, and the student ‘Rover’ service that provides peer-assisted library and basic IT support
A café, lounge, parents’ room and outdoor meeting spaces

University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor Central Coast, Professor Stephen Crump, said the university was firmly committed to providing state-of-the-art education facilities for the booming Central Coast region.

“Visits to the Central Coast library have doubled in the past five years. This substantial upgrade to our library will provide students, staff and the community with the most innovative learning hubs on the coast.”

The library extension follows the opening of the Exercise, Sports Science and Psychology building and the Education and Nursing building in November 2011.

Seriously, is there anything better than having access to squeaky clean, brand-new facilities? Good on the University of Newcastle for its continued growth!

Learn more about the University of Newcastle

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

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Monash University Orientation Begins with OzTREKK Events

Monash University Orientation Week begins this week, and it was launched with some special OzTREKK events!

OzTREKK’s Matt Miernik merged Monash University and University of Melbourne students together to host a Melbourne-based OzTREKK orientation gathering, which obviously included an amazing breakfast. Matt has good taste (literally!) when selecting great brunch locations, and he proved his brunch-selecting talent during the Melbourne gathering on Sunday.

He brought the Monash University and University of Melbourne students to Trotters Restaurant in Melbourne’s popular restaurant district on Lygon Street. They enjoyed their breakfast outdoors, and chatted while also watching the busy city pass them by.

Matt then introduced them to what will soon become one of their favourite go-to spots in Melbourne – the Queen Victoria Market. They toured the market, learning about the best times to get good deals and how to utilize the market for grocery-shopping purposes.

Matt then organized a shuttle service, where he brought our OzTREKK students around Melbourne, providing them with vehicle access to pick up necessities in order to get set up for the year. He went as far as Frankston for our new student attending Monash University’s Peninsula campus in Frankston.

With Monash University Orientation Week taking place this week, Matt was able to attend some of the events and captured this shot of new students coming to campus.

Matt said it was well organized and what’s great about Monash University is that they have set up an Orientation e-planner. Students simply go online, fill out their program information and the e-planner generates their orientation timetable for them. Hello, convenient!

We wish Monash University students all the best as they prepare for their first semester!

Learn more about Monash University! Some of our students at the orientation were Monash University Law School students. Learn more about the Monash University Law School!

Tags: Matt Miernik, Monash University, Monash University Law School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Melbourne
Posted in News Blog, University News | Comments Off

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

University of Queensland Medical School Info Session in Toronto

Prof. Geoff Mitchell

The University of Queensland Medical School info session in Toronto will take place Saturday, March 3, 2012, so that Canadian students interested in studying at the University of Queensland Medical School can learn more about the world-renowned program.

Event: University of Queensland Medical School Info Session
Date: Saturday, March 3, 2012
Time: 1 p.m.
Venue: Carlton Rm, Marriott Eaton Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Presenter: Prof. Geoff Mitchell

At the info session, Prof. Mitchell will outline what the University of Queensland Medical School has to offer and why Canadians are attracted to the medical school. He’ll also outline the school’s program, courses and electives. OzTREKK’s Matt Miernik will be there to answer any questions regarding moving to Australia and life following Medical School in Australia, including residencies and opportunities.

About the University of Queensland Medical School

The University of Queensland Medical School offers a four-year, graduate-entry medical program, the Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

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 help them develop into highly skilled medical graduates capable of entering the wide variety of career options open to them.

Popular Program Features include:

Problem-based learning (PBL) in a clinical context
Self-directed, lifelong learning
Critical evaluation of the scientific basis of medicine
Integration of basic and clinical sciences throughout
Bio-psychosocial approach to medicine
Clinical training ab initio
Communication skills and
Personal and professional development.

About Professor Mitchell

Geoff. Mitchell is Professor of General Practice and Palliative Care.

Professor Mitchell’s main research interest is in the role of General Practitioners in palliative care. His other research interests are in GP management of chronic and complex conditions including Pain and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and in quality issues in General Practice. He has authored 100 refereed journal articles, as well as book chapters and reports in these and other areas of clinical general practice. He was awarded his PhD in May 2005.

He was involved in the development of a Hospice and a regional palliative care network in Ipswich, Queensland, and was the inaugural Director of the Centre for Palliative Care Research and Education. In 2008, he authored a book entitled “Palliative care: a patient centered method”. He has co-authored clinical handbooks of Palliative Care entitled “The Blue Book of Palliative Care”, and “Therapeutics Guidelines: Palliative care”, and a national report into the palliative care education and support needs of GPs in palliative care. He maintains a clinical general practice in Ipswich, Queensland.

If you’re interested in attending the event, you can contact OzTREKK at 1-866-698-7355 or via email at info@oztrekk.com

Learn more about the University of Queensland Medical School!

Apply now to the January 2013 intake for the University of Queensland Medical School

Tags: Matt Miernik, Medical School in Australia, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Queensland Medical School
Posted in Campus Visits, News Blog | Comments Off

Monday, February 20th, 2012

How to Move Your Family to Australia

How to move your family to Australia, Family-Day Style

If you’re living in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, we’d like to throw a BIG Happy Family Day to you on this fine third Monday of February!

If you’re living in BC, then you’ll know what to look forward to for next year. And if you’re in other parts of Canada, well, then, this is just awkward.

As a tribute to Family Day and the message behind it (spend the day with your family, and not slumped on the couch watching Drew Carey re-runs), OzTREKK wanted to address a topic that some of our students inquire about when applying to study in Australia: moving your family to Australia.

Many Canadians wish to fulfill their career goals after getting married, having kids, or both. There are a lot of things to think about when you consider moving your entire family to Oz. Here are just a few items:

1. Learn your Visa Options. Complete the necessary research to discover what a student visa entails, and how it works with your spouse and children coming overseas, especially if your spouse plans to work in Australia.

2. Organize accommodation. You will most likely need short term accommodation before you settle into your own place. The homes of friends or family are ideal for this or you can rent hotel accommodation by the day, week or month. Try and stay somewhere close to where you plan on living permanently. This way, you will get a feel for the place before you commit to a long term rental or property purchase.

3. See to the paperwork. Ensure your will is in order, obtain references, medical and vaccination records and collect professional and personal contact details.

4. Research your children’s school options. Contact the schools you have short-listed, and explain when you are coming to Australia. Discuss their curriculum, fees and support fees, and remember to ask about additional expenses such as school uniforms. Also inquire about term dates.

5. Packing to Australia. Packing and shipping is time consuming and costly. Get quotes and use areputable supplier. If you are moving to Australia don’t pack anything that will be confiscated or hold up your goods in quarantine unnecessarily – visit the Australian Government’s Quarantine and Inspection Service.

We hope this gives you some food for thought as you consider moving your family to Australia.

*Since the OzTREKK office is located in Ontario, we wanted to let you know the provincial government has kinda, sorta twisted our arm to close the office for the day and chill with our families. We will be business as usual first thing Tuesday morning!*

If you want to learn about the Australian education system, then attend an Australian Teachers College in Australia! Find out how you can apply to an Australian Teachers College in Australia.

Tags: Australian Teachers College in Australia, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
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Friday, February 17th, 2012

James Cook University Dental School Students Arrive on Campus!

James Cook University Dental School students arrived on campus, and OzTREKK wants to wish them all the best as they begin classes this week!

The James Cook University Dental School students at Trinity Beach for Breakfast with OzTREKK

The James Cook University Dental School is located at the university’s Cairns campus, making it the perfect haven for Canadians who not only want to fulfill their dental career goals, but to live out a well-rounded Australian experience.

OzTREKK’s Matt Miernik greeted the OzTREKK James Cook University Dental School students on Sunday, and they had breakfast together at Trinity Beach to better acquaint themselves with one another. On top of the breakfast together, the James Cook University OzTREKK orientation in Cairns also included a shuttle service and a tour around the beautiful area including the region skirting the rainforest. Welcome to paradise!

Following their breakfast together, Matt had nothing but raving reviews for these excited students.

“It was a blast and the students were settling in well!” Matt said.

The James Cook University Dental School students had their official program orientation on Monday. We wish them nothing but the best as they begin their new journey!

The James Cook University Dental School

The James Cook University Dental School offers the Bachelor of Dental Surgery, a five-year undergraduate degree that provides students with the knowledge and skills they require to become a competent practitioner of dentistry. It is a broad-based program that includes all aspects of dental practice and focuses on issues of concern to northern Australia, particularly those relating to tropical, rural and Indigenous practice. The dental program aims to promote improved oral health care delivery, particularly to people living in rural, remote and tropical regions of Australia. The curriculum integrates the basic sciences with dental clinical sciences and preventative oral health strategies.

OzTREKK’s Australian Dental School Admissions Officer Christine Chu visited the James Cook University Dental School facilities last fall, and she said the clinic and facilities were amazing!

James Cook University Dental School students will have early exposure to clinical practice, with an increasing proportion of the course dedicated to clinical skills in the later years. The first three to four years of study are based on the Cairns Campus, and the final year is devoted to developing students’ clinical skills during placements in public and private dental clinics across northern Queensland including Mackay, Proserpine, Atherton and Thursday Island.

Learn more about the James Cook University Dental School!

Tags: Australian Dental School, James Cook University, James Cook University Dental School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
Posted in News Blog, University News | Comments Off

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

Bond University Law School Student Shares Record-breaking Rain Photos

Bond University Law School student Caitlin arrived on campus last month to begin her studies for the Juris Doctor program.

Excited for her new venture at the Bond University Law School, she was greeted with a beautiful setting on the Gold Coast.

But she also experienced a record-breaking week of rainfall for the area.

The Gold Coast is known for its 300-plus days of sunshine, but the last week of January saw more than double the average of rainfall for the region.

The Gold Coast Seaway recorded 378.6mm of rain in January, twice the month’s average for the city.

Caitlin, an OzTREKK student, kept us in the loop about the rainfall and sent us some campus shots, showcasing the effects of the wet weather.

Caitlin told us the sun is out now and the water levels have since dropped. She added that the rain may have been a blessing in disguise.

“This rainy weather is probably for the best, as it forces us to stay in and do our uni work,” she says.

Check out her photos of the campus’ University Lake, which is a popular spot for students and staff to study and enjoy their lunch.

Learn more about the Bond University Law School

Find out how to apply to Australian Law Schools in Australia

Tags: Australian Law Schools in Australia, Bond University Law School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
Posted in News Blog, University News | Comments Off

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Archive for February, 2012

University of Queensland Public Health Student gets WHO Internship!