Australia University - Adjusting to Life As an International Student

If you're planning to take up study courses in Australia,orientation program for newly enrolled international
you should prepare yourself for life as an internationalstudents. This happens before the classes commence,
student. If this is your first time in college or in anso plan your trip earlier than the scheduled start of the
Australia university, it may be a more difficultsemester.
adjustment. First, you will have to learn to adjust to• Get involved in campus activities. This is a great
college life. Second, you will also need to learn to copeway to make new friends and to understand the
with life in a different country.campus culture better. Choose activities that you
People often call this big adjustment period "culturealready have experience with to make the adjustment
shock". You will be exposed to a different culture, aeasier.
different pace of life, a different style of learning and a• Talk to people. Don't limit yourself to school
different lifestyle all together. This may make you endactivities. Go outside and shop. You will find that most
up feeling lonely, home sick and unhappy. At someAustralians are friendly and its easy to strike a
point, you may even question your decision to study inconversation with them.
Australia.• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. The number one
Here are some tips to make your life easier as anreason that could hold you back from easily adjusting
international student in an Australian university:to a new environment is fear. Even if your English
• Get in touch with the international students office.proficiency is not at a professional level, don't be afraid
Some Australian universities offer these types ofto use the language.
services to help you understand how things work in• Be adventurous. If you've never been on public
Australia. From the transport system to telephony, theytransport, try the bus. Learn the routes and the
can answer questions you may have about life inschedules by checking information on the internet. You'll
Australia.find yourself learning more about the culture and the
• Join the school's orientation program. Mostpeople with something as simple as a bus ride.
Australian educational providers will set up an