Archive for April, 2012

Monday, April 30th, 2012

Macquarie University Speech and Language Pathology Student: Getting Work Opportunities

Macquarie University Speech and Language Pathology program student excited to get work opportunities

Born in Canada, raised in Hong Kong and with an undergraduate linguistics degree from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Win Sum Cheung knew she wanted to pursue a professional speech pathology career in Hong Kong, but wanted the option of working in an English speaking country as well.

Win Sum began looking at speech pathology programs in Australia, attracted to its close proximity to friends and family in Hong Kong.

“I applied to a few Australian universities and got offers for Macquarie University, University of Melbourne and University of Sydney,” she says. “I chose Macquarie University partly because their admissions and academic staff were much more helpful in answering my questions about the program.”

“Through my research, I found that the Macquarie University Speech and Language Pathology program is more established than other Australian universities,” she adds. “It also offers a wider variety of clinical placements, so I can get work experience in pediatric or a hospital or a school, depending on my interests.”

“And being qualified by the Speech Pathology Association of Australia means I’ll have work opportunities in English-speaking countries like Canada and the U.S.”

Win Sum was first attracted to speech pathology as a profession after undertaking voluntary observation work with speech disorder patients during her undergraduate study. But with two younger sisters yet to finish university, her parents gave her a warning:

“They said, ‘if you want to study postgrad, you better find a scholarship!’” she laughs.

Win Sum applied for an Endeavour Award, and with good references from her teachers and the community organization she had been volunteering for, she was able to secure a scholarship.

“When I got the email saying I’d been successful, my hands were shaking – it was like I’d won the lottery! I called my mum straight away.”

A resident at Robert Menzies College, Win Sum’s focus is now on tackling the technical content of her program.

“The anatomy-related content is a challenge for me, as I haven’t studied science since high school,” she says. “Most of my time is spent studying!”

Learn more about the Macquarie University Speech and Language Pathology program.

Find out how to apply to Australian University Speech and Language Pathology Programs!

Tags: Australian University Speech and Language Pathology Programs, Macquarie University, Macquarie University Speech and Language Pathology program, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney
Posted in News Blog | Comments Off

Friday, April 27th, 2012

University of Queensland Students Pay it Forward

In honour of national Pay It Forward Day, University of Queensland Gatton students washed more than 60 cars and two quad bikes for free. What a nice story as we go into the weekend!

The Pay It Forward concept is based on a book by Catherine Hyde and was later made into a movie with Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey.

To Pay It Forward is to do something nice for a person and expect nothing in return. Rather you ask them to also do something helpful for another person, spreading a feeling of goodwill.

Gatton Campus Director Janelle Zahmel was very keen to get behind the idea.

“It is very positive to see students so motivated to spread kindness through the community and expect nothing in return,” she said. “We also have bright coloured paper in key areas around the campus so that students and staff can send messages of thanks to people who have made a difference in their lives. We hope by getting behind Pay It Forward we will brighten a few people’s day and you never know where a small act of kindness may lead.”

PhD student Prue Kearney was instrumental in the University of Queensland Gatton Community embracing Pay It Forward.

“All of the people here play such an important role in the community whether they are a student, lecturer, tutor, researcher or general staff member,” Kearney said. “I thought it would be good if we could do something nice and a little out of the ordinary for people who contribute positively to our lives every day. I’ve been really happy with the response from students and staff in getting behind Pay It Forward!”

What a great concept! This story is typical of the University of Queensland community, as the student and staff always work together to bridge the school community together.

Have you ever paid it forward?

Learn more about the University of Queensland!

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

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Pulling an All-Nighter

Whether you’re wrapping up your exams at your Canadian university or you’re working on three papers at your Australian university, you could be a part of the apparent two-thirds of university students have pulled an all-nighter.

We did a quick poll in the OzTREKK office, and it turns out a large majority of our staff pulled at least one all-nighter during their university days.

What’s the worst part about pulling an all-nighter? Is it knowing how terrible you’ll feel in two days’ time? Or is it watching the sun come up and knowing you still have another four hours of work to get in before you can hit the hay?

We came across this infographic and it does a good job at outlining the short- and long-term effects of pulling all-nighters and suffering from sleep deprivation. It makes us sleepy just reading it! Check it out:

The OzTREKK staff also discussed where we think the best place to pull an all-nighter would be across Australia, and we agree that the University of Newcastle would be the perfect place, because you could head to the beach afterward for a dip in the ocean!

Learn more about the University of Newcastle.

Did you know the University of Newcastle Law School offers a law clinic on the beach? It’s true! Learn more about the University of Newcastle Law School.

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

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

University of Sydney students to take in Sydney Comedy Festival

University of Sydney students will take in the Sydney Comedy Festival which launched yesterday and runs until May 12. We kid you not!

The popular event takes place at the Seymour Centre, which is a stone’s throw from the University of Sydney campus.

The Seymour will be hosting the Festival’s madcap opening night showcase, Cracker Night, as well as shows from US rock and spoken word legend Henry Rollins and Irish comedian and 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Award winner David O’Doherty. Richard Glover and his all-star comedy team from radio’s Thank God It’s Friday return, as does UK funny man Mark Watson. There’s also one half of the Umbilical Brothers, Shane Dundas, the irrespressible Barry Morgan and one of Australia’s favourite comics, Frank Woodley. Don’t forget Alzheimer’s The Musical (yes, you read that correctly) and emerging stars Smart Casual and Joel Creasy.

As an annual event, the comedy festival has become a city festival favourite for many, including students studying at the University of Sydney. We can’t think of a better way to relax following a demanding mid-term exam schedule!

If you’re currently studying at the University of Sydney, make sure you check out a show or two at the Sydney Comedy Festival!

Learn more about the University of Sydney!

Want to study medicine? Find out how you can apply to the Sydney Medical School!

Tags: OzTREKK, Study in Australia, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney
Posted in News Blog, University News | Comments Off

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

James Cook University World’s First University to use Bio Fertilizer

James Cook University is the first university in the world to use a bio fertilizer unit, a machine that takes food scraps and turns them into a liquid bio-fertilizer.

Each year, James Cook University’s kitchens (including private colleges) produce close to 100 tonnes of food waste, according to James Cook University’s Environment Manager Adam Connell. That results in 380 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions when sent to landfill − as much as 84 cars on the road for a year.

The usual solution would be to start using a composter, but that still produces carbon emissions. So, where does that leave those wanting to do more to save the planet? Connell and Vital Resource Management’s Ken Bellamy have teamed up to tackle this issue.

“The number one thing on the ‘can’t be recycled’ list was food,” said Bellamy. “Since I’ve been in the industry food and organic waste has been the elephant in the room when discussing greenhouse gases and the cost of recycling. It’s the thing that’s never touched. “

Until now… Bellamy has invented the Bio-Regen unit, which turns food scraps into a liquid bio-fertilizer. Food waste gets put into the unit, which is about 1.5m tall and 40cm wide, and is pushed down a shoot with a wooden pole. It’s then processed into a liquid slurry and pumped to tanks outside. When the tanks are full the microbes are left to do their work for 28 days, converting the food into a product similar to apple cider vinegar. Bellamy’s team then empty the tanks and process the liquid into the fertiliser and give the final product back.

Connell had been aware of Bellamy’s work for quite awhile and jumped at the opportunity for James Cook University to be the first university in the world to use one of his systems.

“I’ve seen other universities spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on composting machines only to have massive labour requirements to actually get an output,” Connell said. “Then I saw the Bio-Regen unit and thought it’s a low-cost, high-efficiency machine that gives you 100 per cent of the product back at the end.”

Connell said the bio-fertilizer produced by the Bio-Regen unit will be used on James Cook University’s grounds to improve soil quality.

“And we’ll use it on our sports fields to make sure they’re growing well,” he said.

University Hall is currently the only James Cook University residential college using the Bio-Regen unit, but Connell and Bellamy are hoping for more to roll out to the other colleges soon.

Learn more about James Cook University!

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

Friday, April 20th, 2012

UQ Medical School to host Admissions Consultations in Canada

The UQ Medical School will host admissions consultations in Canada next month, where Canadian applicants will have the opportunity to meet with a UQ Medical School representative.

Dr. Jennifer Schafer, Director, MBBS Program, is a graduate of the UQ Medical School. She is a general practitioner with more than 25 years of clinical experience, 15 years working with the media and a career including medical teaching for patients, lay public, medical students, GP registrars, doctors and other health professionals, including eLearning. Her role with the University of Queensland includes leadership in the development and delivery of the MBBS Program, particularly the Clinical Skills Program.

As the Director for the UQ Medical School MBBS Program, Dr. Schafer will be hosting the University of Queensland consultations in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto as part of the UQ Medical School MBBS admissions process.

The compulsory consultative meeting with the School of Medicine Program Director, in person, in Canada is part of the three-tiered admissions process. On top of meeting the key degree and MCAT score requirements, applicants must attend the consultations which will be one-on-one meetings with Dr. Schafer to determine an applicant’s suitability for the program and motivations for practising medicine. The applicant will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the UQ Medical School program, clinicals, opportunities in Canada, licensing, internships in Australia and more. The consultations will be completed for applicants wishing to begin the program
for the 2013 intake.

The Consultations are as follows:

Vancouver:
May 4 & 5, 2012

Calgary:
May 6, 2012

Toronto:
May 7, 8 & 9, 2012

To Apply to the UQ Medical School

To apply to the UQ Medical School, contact OzTREKK in Canada.

Interested students apply directly to the UQ Medical School via OzTREKK by visiting:

http://www.oztrekk.com/programs/medicine/PG/queensland.php

OzTREKK is the only Canadian representative and student office in Canada for the University of Queensland.

About the UQ Medical School

The UQ Medical School conducts 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. Each year, OzTREKK helps Canadian students realize their medical career dreams by helping them through the application and pre-departure process for the UQ Medical School. Our students tell us they love the clinical experience they receive at the UQ Medical School and enjoy the Brisbane lifestyle.

The UQ Medical School has been ranked one of the world’s top universities in medicine, ranking 37th overall in the prestigious 2012 QS international university rankings.

Tags: OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Queensland, UQ Medical School
Posted in News Blog, University News | Comments Off

Friday, April 20th, 2012

A New Era for Australian Student Visas

Exciting changes to Australia’s student visa program have recently come into effect, making it easier for students to acquire a visa and benefit from Australian industry experience after graduation.

Part of Stage Two of the Australian Government’s review of the student visa program, the changes will benefit new students commencing study at an Australian University from 2013.

Streamlined Student Visa Processing (SVP)

OzTREKK’s Australian university partners will be participating in the new Streamlined Student Visa Processing (SVP) system, available only the highest quality Australian education providers.

SVP will allow all students applying to Bachelor, Masters, PhD or Student Exchange programs at Australian universities to be treated as ‘Assessment Level 1’, regardless of their citizenship.

This means students studying at Monash University, for instance, will generally have to produce fewer evidentiary documents when applying for a visa, and can generally expect their visa processing times to be greatly reduced.

This benefit will also apply to student packaging their degree with one of the University’s approved business partners.

Post-study work

The other major change is the introduction of a new post-study work visa, which will be available to students who lodge a visa application after November 5, 2012.

Ranging from two years for Bachelor degree graduate to four years for PhD graduates, the visa will provide international students the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience in Australia before returning home.

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, says the changes reflect the Australian Government’s commitment to making Australia the preferred study destination for international students.

“International education plays a vital role in a growing economy, educational outcomes and Australia’s diplomatic engagement with other countries,” Mr. Bowen says. “It’s important that we give it the best possible support.”

How OzTREKK Helps

When you submit your Australian University application to OzTREKK, you’ll get exclusive access to an overview of the student visa application process, including Australian Government classification of students from Canada and panel doctor information for health examinations, from OzTREKK’s online Pre-departure and Admissions Centre.

Tags: Australian universities, Australian university, Monash University, OzTREKK, Study in Australia
Posted in News Blog | Comments Off

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Canadian students eligible for Australian Endeavour Awards

Canadian students about to begin their educational journey in Australia are eligible to apply for the Australian Endeavour Awards!

The Endeavour Postgraduate Awards are offered by the Australian government and provide financial support for high achieving American and Canadian students to study for a master’s degree or PhD in Australia. The Endeavour Postgraduate Awards are valued at AUS$118,500 for master’s by coursework or research degrees and AUS$228,500 for PhDs.

The Endeavour Postgraduate Awards aim to enable high achieving international students to undertake a postgraduate qualification either by coursework or research in their chosen fields of study in Australia. The awards are also the government’s effort to strengthen bilateral ties between Australia and the participating countries and to showcase Australia’s education sector. Its intention is to also strengthen mutual understanding between the people of Australia and Award Holders’ home countries and build international linkages and networks.

One past recipient is Canadian student, Win Sum Cheung, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology at Macquarie University!

Applications for the 2013 Endeavour Awards are now open and will close Saturday, June 30 2012 at 11.59 am AEST.

Want more information about the Australian Endeavour Awards? Contact the OzTREKK office and we’ll be happy to fill you in!

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

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

Program of the Month: Environmental Programs

We know we’re as predictable as Edmonton’s winter temperatures, but we’re excited to feature some leading-edge environmental programs offered by our Australian university partners. Australia is notorious for its approach to water sustainability and environmentalism and the programs we showcase this month not only complement Australia’s approach, but also prepare students for the environmental industry across the globe.

University: James Cook University
Course: Master of Education (Sustainability)
Duration: 1.5 Years
Description: The course explores local, regional, national and international issues of sustainability and stewardship of national resources. Students are exposed to issues associated with local ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Areas, and gain an appreciation of these outstanding regional natural assets within a global context, and the roles that local communities may have in contributing to stewardship.

University: Monash University
Course: Master of Sustainability
Duration: 1.5 Years
Description: This interdisciplinary course is designed to meet the needs of graduates from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to enhance their qualifications for careers in environmental sustainability, corporate sustainability management, or sustainable development, encompassing policy and analysis, planning, consulting, education, advocacy and management. It is also designed for those who wish to broaden and deepen their understanding and experience to enable societal, organizational and individual change and responsible action to support sustainability both domestically and internationally. The Master of Sustainability comprises three distinct streams, including environmental and sustainability, corporate and environmental sustainability management and international development and environmental analysis.

University: University of Melbourne
Course: Master of Urban Horticulture
Duration: 2 Years
Description: The University of Melbourne Master of Urban Horticulture is designed for students seeking professional employment or research careers in the design, implementation and management of urban landscapes. They provide you with an understanding of the biological, socio-cultural and environmental factors that shape horticultural systems so that you can develop new programs and operations for urban improvement through, for example, design of public open spaces, revegetation and restoration projects, and nursery and greenhouse management.

University: University of Queensland
Course: Master of Integrated Water Management
Duration: 1.5 Years
Description: The program draws on the expertise of international leaders in teaching and research across a wide breadth of disciplines, taking a multidisciplinary whole-of-water-cycle approach that equips students with practical tools and skills for adopting innovative solutions to local, regional, national and international water resource issues. Students will develop the strategic, managerial and technical skills they need to advance in the water sector. They will become familiar with all aspects of integrated water resource management; be capable of providing water management expertise to help reduce poverty through equitable and sustainable use of water; be skilled to provide technical and managerial input into planning, design and operation of water projects and facilities; understand the principles of managing water supply, wastewater treatment and urban infrastructure projects; recognise the socio-economic factors impacting effective water solutions; and understand the governance and institutional frameworks underpinning water resource management. This program is also offered at Monash University.

University: University of Sydney
Course: Master of Agriculture
Duration: 1 Year
Description: The Master of Agriculture is focused on providing students with the know-how and skills to address and create solutions for the most challenging issues of our time affecting agriculture and the management of our natural resources, such as food security, climate change, carbon, water and the environment.
The course considers these issues from the perspectives of science and economics, enabling students from different educational backgrounds to extend their knowledge and develop skills in a number of related disciplines and also to apply this learning in a curriculum that includes field trips, work experience, practical classes and research.

More Programs

Macquarie University Master of Environmental Management
University of Melbourne Master of Environment
University of Melbourne Master of Forest Ecosystem Science
Macquarie University Master of Environmental Law
Monash University Master of Journalism/Master of Sustainability
University of Sydney Master of Environmental Science and Law

Apply now to Australian University Environmental Programs!

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