Hi Reckless Charmer,
Holy cow - I can see how you could've become completely overwhelmed in
your research! There is no shortage of useful information for students
planning on studying abroad - the trick is figuring out where to begin
and then following through from there.
I'm going to suggest taking advantage of an organization that's set-up
to help North American students study abroad, rather than trying to
figure it all out on your own. There are several groups who will help
you with everything, from enrolling in a university to making sure you
have all of your travel documents, and I will focus on two that are
non-profit. Using their services will reduce your stress and ensure
that some little detail has not been overlooked. AustraLearn seems
particularly interesting because it is affiliated with both Australia
and New Zealand.
>>>>>> INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ORGANIZATIONS
1) AustraLearn: North American Center for Australian [and New Zealand]
Universities:
"AustraLearn, a non-profit organization, assists students in studying
abroad in Australia and New Zealand at the college/university level.
Students may study abroad for a semester or year or earn an entire
degree at one of 22 major universities, travel with an experiential
summer program, or complete an internship. AustraLearn is the only
non-profit specialist to offer students such an extensive range of
program choices, unique on-site orientation excursions, pre-trip
customer service coordination teams, on-site Resident Directors in
both Australia and New Zealand, and complete scholarship and financial
aid assistance."
http://www.australearn.org/
"AustraLearn acts as the direct enrollment source for our Australian
and New Zealand member universities. Our services span the entire
process?from application to enrollment?with no charge to you for what
we do."
http://australearn.org/Programs/FullDegree/fulldegree.htm
The AustraLearn Difference:
Selecting the right study abroad program can be one of your most
important decisions.
* All of our staff have worked, lived or traveled abroad.
* Each participant is assigned a special program coordinator.
* Easy to read comprehensive pre-trip materials.
* Toll-free telephone and email access to staff before, during and
after your program.
* Extensive scholarship and grant opportunities for study abroad students.
* Guaranteed housing at all universities.
* Pre-trip services are complete from the time you apply to the program.
* Official university transcripts are provided upon completion.
* On-site orientation adventures in Australia and New Zealand with
informative workshops and field trips.
* Volunteer abroad as part of your program.
* Assistance with your immigration visa.
* Easy group travel to/from the U.S. with a reputable agency and airline.
* Alumni activities.
* Opportunity to evaluate your experience.
* Work with us when you graduate.
http://www.aeo.us/about/australearn.html
2) IDP Education Australia, Washington:
"IDP places students at virtually every university in Australia - you
have your choice of just about any location and academic program that
Australia has to offer."
IDP's services:
"IDP Education Australia will facilitate your study abroad experience
in the following ways:
1. Help you to choose the best possible university based on your
educational and personal priorities
2. Manage the application process for you - making sure that all
documents are in order and complete
3. Help you through the visa application process
4. Provide you with information and contacts for housing
5. Explain the courseload and grading system of each university
6. Help to facilitate credit transfer and make sure that your
Australian transcript is complete
7. Provide you with information on the most affordable flights and
other pre-departure issues (such as obtaining the official
Confirmation of Enrollment from the Australian university)
8. Serve as your advisor/contact through the application process and
through your study abroad experience as necessary
9. Provide you with reassurance and support!
http://www.idp.com/usa-canada/
>>>>>>
Following are answers to your specific questions.
>>>>>> UNIVERSITIES
1) First off I am looking for a list of colleges and universities in
Australia and New Zealand. Basically their homepages and possibly any
directories.
> AUSTRALIA <
-> Australian Capital Territory
The Australian National University
http://www.anu.edu.au/ieo/
University of Canberra
http://www.canberra.edu.au/
-> New South Wales
Avondale College
http://www.avondale.edu.au/futurestudents/international/
Charles Sturt University
http://www.csu.edu.au/
Macquarie University
http://www.mq.edu.au/
University of New England
http://www.une.edu.au/ipo/index.htm
University of New South Wales
http://www.studyabroad.unsw.edu.au/
University of Newcastle
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/
Southern Cross University
http://www.scu.edu.au/
University of Sydney
http://www.usyd.edu.au/io/
University of Technology, Sydney
http://www.uts.edu.au/international
University of Western Sydney
http://sites.uws.edu.au/international/
University of Wollongong
http://www.uow.edu.au/
-> Northern Territory
Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education
http://www.batchelor.edu.au/
Northern Territory University
http://www.cdu.edu.au/
-> Queensland
Bond University
http://www.bond.edu.au/
Central Queensland University
http://www.international.cqu.edu.au/
Griffith University
http://www.griffith.edu.au/
James Cook University
http://www.isc.jcu.edu.au/
University of Queensland
http://www.uq.edu.au/
Queensland University of Technology
http://www.aeo.us/profiles/QUT.html
University of Southern Queensland
http://www.usq.edu.au/default.htm
University of the Sunshine Coast
http://www.usc.edu.au/apply/international/welcome.htm
-> South Australia
University of Adelaide
http://www.international.adelaide.edu.au/
Flinders University
http://www.flinders.edu.au/
University of South Australia
http://www.unisa.edu.au/internat/
-> Tasmania
Australian Maritime College
http://www.uac.edu.au/uni/general/amcGeneral_Info.html
University of Tasmania
http://www.international.utas.edu.au/
-> Victoria
University of Ballarat
http://www.ballarat.edu.au/fdp/international/study_abroad_exchange.shtml
Deakin University
http://www.aeo.us/profiles/DU.html
La Trobe University
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/international/
Marcus Oldham College
http://www.marcusoldham.vic.edu.au/html/s02_article/topic_view.asp?id=55
University of Melbourne
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/mro/students/studyabroad/index1.html
Monash University
http://www.monash.edu.au/international/
RMIT University
http://www.rmit.edu.au/international/studyabroad
Swinburne University
http://www.swin.edu.au/edabroad/
Victoria International:
http://www2.vuw.ac.nz/international/index.asp
-> Western Australia
Curtin University
http://www.curtin.edu.au/
Edith Cowan University
http://www.ecu.edu.au/
Murdoch University
http://www.international.murdoch.edu.au/indexIE.asp?
The University of Notre Dame
http://www.ndi.com.au/
University of Western Australia
http://www.international.uwa.edu.au/sesa/welcome
-> Multi-state
Australian Catholic University:
http://www.acu.edu.au/course_areas/International_Students/index.cfm?&id=1C6170F8-D260-48BD-9B699BF2668C9D15
> NEW ZEALAND <
The New Zealand university system:
There are a few key differences in terminology between the US and New
Zealand when discussing university study:
* the word "college" refers to high school and not university
* a course is called a "paper" in New Zealand
* graduate study is called "postgraduate" study in New Zealand
* a university catalogue is called a "calendar" in New Zealand
New Zealand Universities:
"There are seven state-funded universities in New Zealand, all of them
internationally respected for their academic and research standards":
The University of Auckland
http://www.auckland.ac.nz/
The University of Waikato
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/international/
Massey University
http://www.massey.ac.nz/
Victoria University of Wellington
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/home/index.asp
University of Canterbury
http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/
Lincoln University
http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/
University of Otago
http://www.intstudy.com/study_abroad/nzlist.htm
>>>>>> COURSES / PROFILES
2) Then I am looking for more objective information about the
colleges, something you might find in a college guidebook about the
way of life, possibly student perspectives, community they are in,
location, etc. Is it liberal or conservative? How?s the campus and
dorms? How hard is it to get in? Is it well known? -- Generally I?m
looking for a more
liberal arts education? some possible interests are advertising and
marketing, psychology, art, drama, design and possibly law.
General:
http://www.studyaustralia.com.au/system.htm
PROFILES
Australian Education Office: University Profiles:
Each of the following universities are profiled and a .pdf brochure
for each is available for downloading.
http://www.aeo.us/profiles/profiles.html
Accommodations:
"On-campus Residential Colleges are a good place to meet local
students and learn about campus life, while an apartment or homestay
may allow a more independent view of the Australian or New Zealand way
of life. As a full degree student, you have the options of living on
or off campus. A brief description of each follows:
On-Campus Accommodation:
"Most universities have on-campus residential accommodation (called
Colleges), which offers students a single room with bed, closet, and
desk, and shared bathroom facilities. Students enjoy either full or
partial meal plans or shared kitchen facilities. Space can be limited
and refundable room deposits are typically collected prior to your
arrival. Most first year students live on campus, although it is not
required. Some university colleges are fashioned after the British
System of tertiary education and require social participation, hall
duties and meetings with the college Principal throughout the
semester. You may sign up for catered meal plans or for self-catering
facilities where you will shop for your own groceries and prepare your
meals in a shared kitchen. Residence halls are typically non- smoking
and all will offer access to television, phones, some Internet
connection, student lounges and the campus services."
Off-Campus Accommodation:
"If you wish to live off-campus, you can become a part of the local
community by leasing an apartment near the city or university. You
should consider expenses for gas, electricity, phone and/or TV rental
as well as other costs associated with apartment living. Each
university community will offer different apartment options from a
standard condominium style apartment to a shared house."
Homestays:
"Homestays are a suitable way to meet the local culture and can be
extremely rewarding for the student who can appreciate the benefits
and responsibilities of living in someone?s home. While only a few
students choose this option each year, those that do stay with a
family find their experience to be in-depth and culturally rich.
Homestays are arranged on a person-to-person basis, often before your
arrival, with a family, couple, or shared home situation. Unless
requested, students from the same country are not generally placed in
the same location. Deposits may be required upon arrival."
http://australearn.org/programs/fulldegree/live.htm#Accommodations
COURSES
Which Course? Which University?: mix & match according to your interests:
http://www.dest.gov.au/tenfields/detya/which_course.html
LIBERAL ARTS
http://www.iiepassport.org/webapp/controller/PassportSearchResultsMain?language=1&city=&organization=&country=57&restrictions=&successurl=PassportSearchResultsMain&term=&pagenumber=0&duration=&fieldofstudy=507&worldarea=&formatid=&failurl=PassportSearchResultsMain
ADVERTISING / MARKETING
Advertising:
http://www.iiepassport.org/webapp/controller/PassportSearchResultsMain?language=1&city=&organization=&country=57&restrictions=&successurl=PassportSearchResultsMain&term=&pagenumber=0&duration=&fieldofstudy=199&worldarea=&formatid=&failurl=PassportSearchResultsMain
Marketing:
http://www.iiepassport.org/webapp/controller/PassportSearchResultsMain?language=1&city=&organization=&country=57&restrictions=&successurl=PassportSearchResultsMain&term=&pagenumber=0&duration=&fieldofstudy=169&worldarea=&formatid=&failurl=PassportSearchResultsMain
PSYCHOLOGY:
http://www.iiepassport.org/webapp/controller/PassportSearchResultsMain?language=1&city=&organization=&country=57&restrictions=&successurl=PassportSearchResultsMain&term=&pagenumber=0&duration=&fieldofstudy=674&worldarea=&formatid=&failurl=PassportSearchResultsMain
ART
http://www.iiepassport.org/webapp/controller/PassportSearchResultsMain?language=1&city=&organization=&country=57&restrictions=&successurl=PassportSearchResultsMain&term=&pagenumber=0&duration=&fieldofstudy=778&worldarea=&formatid=&failurl=PassportSearchResultsMain
DRAMA
http://www.iiepassport.org/webapp/controller/PassportSearchResultsMain?language=1&city=&organization=&country=57&restrictions=&successurl=PassportSearchResultsMain&term=&pagenumber=0&duration=&fieldofstudy=754&worldarea=&formatid=&failurl=PassportSearchResultsMain
DESIGN
Applied Arts:
http://www.iiepassport.org/webapp/controller/PassportSearchResultsMain?language=1&city=&organization=&country=57&restrictions=&successurl=PassportSearchResultsMain&term=&pagenumber=0&duration=&fieldofstudy=782&worldarea=&formatid=&failurl=PassportSearchResultsMain
LAW:
"For Americans, most law degrees will not transfer back to the United
States with the exception of New York and California."
http://australearn.org/degreesearch/Search2a.asp?DEG_TYPE=7
>>>>>> BOOK
3) Or is there actually a book out there about colleges ?down under?
that I could purchase somewhere? (Amazon.com?) Perhaps the Australian
version of said site, assuming there is one?
There are a few older books, but the information isn't as up-to-date
as what is available online.
>>>>>> TRAVEL INFO
4) I?m also looking for a bit of general info on what I?d need to get
TO these countries, beyond a passport, which of course I have. Such as
student visas?etc.
Insurance:
"All international students attending a university in Australia or New
Zealand must have health insurance. Insurance is provided through the
university, and you will have to pay for it beforehand in order to
fulfill the student visa process.
The Australian government regulations require that all overseas
students, who are directly enrolled at an Australian university,
purchase health insurance known as the Overseas Student Health Cover
(OSHC). Medibank Private in Australia maintains the coverage. The plan
helps you pay for doctor services in regular treatment or emergencies.
We also recommend purchasing emergency evacuation coverage through
Medibank Private to compliment the OSHC coverage in Australia. Payment
for OSHC will be required prior to departure with your first tuition
payment.
International students in New Zealand pay a compulsory travel and
medical insurance fee provided by Uni-Care. You will need to complete
the application and pay for this insurance before leaving for New
Zealand. This will entitle you to use the on-campus health facilities
at your university or other general practitioners.
We highly recommend that you consult with your own insurance company
regarding your overseas experience. You may wish to investigate
additional insurance for your baggage or unforeseen trip
cancellation."
http://australearn.org/programs/fulldegree/live.htm#Insurance
Immigration And Student Visa
"All travelers to Australia or New Zealand must have a VALID PASSPORT
and VALID VISA inserted into their passport before entering Australia
or New Zealand. To be allowed to enter as a student, you must be
issued a student visa. AustraLearn will provide you with a checklist
for your visa application, which will take you through step-by-step
instructions. Student visa applications require a supplemental medical
and radiological exam.
Family and friends who wish to visit you while you are studying in
Australia or New Zealand will most likely have to apply for a tourist
visa. As a general rule, most international students studying in
Australia or New Zealand cannot easily obtain a permanent resident
visa or a work visa without first obtaining an offer for full-time
employment or meeting other immigration regulations.
http://australearn.org/programs/fulldegree/live.htm#Immigration%20And%20Student%20Visa
Visas and Assessment:
"Essential Information on the Educational Services for Overseas
Students (ESOS) Act and Student Visa Reforms for ANU staff &
International Students"
http://www.anu.edu.au/ieo/esos.html#visas
Australia Student Visa: Requirements and Links to Forms:
http://www.graduateshotline.com/australian_visa.html
Studying in New Zealand:
"To study in New Zealand, you will need to apply for a Visa or Permit."
"You will need to apply for a Student Visa if: you are outside of New
Zealand, and are coming to New Zealand to study full time for longer
than three months."
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/study
Application to Study in New Zealand:
To make an application for a Student Visa or Permit or a Limited
Purpose Visa or Permit to study you will need to supply:
? completed, signed ?Application to Study in New Zealand? (NZIS 1012) form
? the application fee (see the leaflet ?New Zealand Immigration Guide
to Fees? (NZIS
1028))
? your passport (must normally be valid until at least 3 months past
the date you plan to
leave New Zealand)
? a recent passport size photograph
? evidence of your financial support while in New Zealand. This may be:
? a completed Financial Undertaking for a Student (NZIS 1014) form; or evidence of
NZ$10,000 per year (and provision for a ticket)
? if you are studying in New Zealand for under 36 weeks you must
provide evidence of
NZ$1,000 per month
? if you are a student from Tonga or Samoa you may supply a Sponsorship Form for
Visiting New Zealand (NZIS 1025) for any length of study
? an offer of a place at a New Zealand education or training institute.
In addition, for a Student Visa or Permit or a Limited Purpose Visa or
Permit to study you
must supply:
? evidence you have paid or are exempt from paying the course fees
? evidence of a guarantee of accommodation
? any other doucments or information requested by a visa/immigration officer
? scholarship/exchange/vocational students ? a letter from the
programme provider outlining
details of the programme.
For people intending to study in New Zealand for more than 6 months, up to 2 years
? If you are aged 12 years or over you may be required to have a TB
screening X-ray and
provide a completed Temporary Entry X-ray Certificate form (NZIS 1096)
? see the Guide
to Studying in New Zealand (NZIS 1013).
For people intending to study more than two years
? if you are aged 12 years or over you must provide a completed New
Zealand Immigration
Service Medical and X-ray Certificate Form (NZIS 1007)
? if you are aged 17 or over you must provide a police certificate
from your country of
citizenship (unless you can provide satisfactory evidence you have
never lived there) and
from any country in which you have lived for 5 years or more since
attaining the age of 17
years.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/B96B35A2-73F7-4C55-A700-DA623F94A485/0/1012.pdf
>>>>>> APPLYING FOR ADMISSION
5) More about application ? more general; instead of for each school?
Would I need to take extra examinations to get in or for applications?
Would regular standardized tests be accepted and would Advanced
Placement scores be looked at?
International Student Admissions Test (ISAT):
"Certain programs at Australian universities are now requiring
candidates to take the International Student Admissions Test (ISAT)
for admission. The test measures the cognitive abilities of
international students through two criteria: critical reasoning and
quantitative reasoning. Critical reasoning is tested using questions
from humanities and social sciences, while quantitative reasoning
questions come from mathematics and sciences. ISAT scores, as an entry
requirement, will vary from university to university."
http://www.idp.com/usa-canada/examinations/default.asp
International Student Admissions Test (ISAT):
"What is ISAT?
"International Student Admissions Test (ISAT) is a three-hour multiple
choice test of a candidate's general academic abilities. The test is
presented in units, with stimulus material followed by questions. It
is not a test of curriculum knowledge."
There are two components of the test:
* critical reasoning ( recognition of meanings, interpretation,
extending concepts, drawing conclusions )
* quantitative reasoning ( analysis, decision making, deliberation)
http://www.acer.edu.au/tests/university/isat/intro.html
ISAT Sample questions:
http://www.acer.edu.au/tests/university/isat/documents/ISATsamplequestions.pdf
ISAT Scores:
"Individual universities will determine the range of acceptable scores
that they will consider for entry into courses. Universities will
verify results by consulting the ISAT Results Database."
http://www.acer.edu.au/tests/university/isat/scores.html
Admission Tests
"For entry into any course falling under `higher education? category a
student is required to have a score of six or more on the
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) conducted by
British Council. For Vocational Studies and Training courses as well
as for secondary school courses an overall score between 5-6 is
required, depending upon the choice of course. A score of 213/300 and
above in TOEFL is also accepted. Some Universities also accept
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (Grades A or B). Most
postgraduate applications have to be referred to Faculties and may
take 6 weeks to process."
http://www.graduateshotline.com/australia.html
TOEFL
"The main reason behind TOEFL is that you can complete your Education
in English successfully."
http://www.graduateshotline.com/toefl.html
Sample TOEFL Test:
http://www.graduateshotline.com/sampletoefl.html
International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
http://www.ielts.org/
>>>>>> ADDITIONAL LINKS OF INTEREST
Institute of International Education, Inc. (IIE):
http://www.iiepassport.org/
Other U.S. Programs
http://www.aeo.us/about/others.html
Peterson Guides - study abroad advice:
http://www.petersons.com/stdyabrd/articles.html
General Information for Students: Australia:
http://www.studyabroad.com/content/portals/Australia_port.html
General Information for Students: New Zealand:
http://www.studyabroad.com/content/portals/New_Zealand_port.html
Study Abroad Handbook:
http://www.studyabroad.com/handbook/handbook.html
Transitions Abroad Magazine:
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/
Education Planet:
http://www.educationplanet.com/
Edvisors Network:
http://www.edvisors.com/
HELL:
http://www.iberry.com/
"Librarian's Index to the Internet": directory results for "foreign study":
http://lii.org/advanced?query="Foreign+study"+or+"Students+foreign";searchtype=subject
"Digital Librarian" page for "college & university":
http://www.digital-librarian.com/college.html
CWA Education Web:
"A New Zealand site which provides links to education related sites in
NZ and including a list of NZ K-12 schools, trade schools and colleges
with web and email addresses, plus a messageboard for visitors,and an
online database of Science and Technology related materials."
http://www.cwa.co.nz/
NAFSA's Section on U.S. Students Abroad (SECUSSA):
http://www.secussa.nafsa.org/
List of Australian Universities:
http://www.australian-universities.com/list/
Colleges and Universities in Australia:
http://www.mit.edu:8001/people/cdemello/au.html
Individual Universities in Australia
http://www.avcc.edu.au/australias_unis/individual_unis/
3) Center for International Studies (CIS): Serving Your Individual Needs:
"From the moment you contact CIS, an experienced staff member will
begin working with you to ensure you are well prepared for your
Australian experience. We will play an integral role by becoming the
liaison between you, your home institution, and the Australian
university. Here is what we will do for you:
* Assist in processing your application and student visa
* Advise you throughout your experience about course selection, credit
transfer, financial aid and work entitlements while you're abroad.
* Counsel you regarding pre-departure issues ensuring that you are well prepared
* Provide options for inexpensive travel arrangements and health/travel insurance
* Arrange accommodation that fits your needs and budget
Additionally, as part of any program you select, we will give you a
personal pre-departure orientation (face-to-face or by phone), meet
you and take you to your accommodation upon arrival in the host
country, provide you with an orientation at your host university, and
give you an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) which gives you
discounts on air travel, road travel, concerts, movies and much more.
So, if you're thinking of studying abroad, take the first step of your
'journey' by contacting us at CIS."
http://www.aeo.us/about/cis.html
New Zealand Universities [with links]:
http://www.fulbright.org.nz/studynz/uni.html
AUSTRALEARN List of Universities:
http://australearn.org/programs/fulldegree/list-uni.htm
Graduates Hotline:
http://www.graduateshotline.com/
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Well, there you have it, Reckless Charmer - that should keep you busy
for awhile! I want you to be completely satisfied with my answer, so
if you have any questions, or if I missed something, please post a
clarification request before closing/rating my answer and I'll be
happy to assist you.
Thank you and good luck with your studies,
hummer
Google Search Terms Used:
australia universities
australian universities international
australian liberal arts degree international student
international students admission australian universities
new zealand universities
new zealand universities international
etc.
Most of the research was done by following up with links found on websites.
We also made extensive use of our own bookmarks. |
