Here are 5 hints for savvy, solo singles.

Jodi had done her homework and she knew there were things solo women travellers should do and things they should never do. If you are a single traveller, these tips for visitors to Australia described by her as a “singles and backpackers paradise”, will help make your trip of a lifetime, happy, safe and memorable. If you are visiting in the Aussie Summer, you might even get a Valentine’s Day surprise!

1. Travel light.

On a recent trip to Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory, I met a girl from Austria carrying a backpack that would have challenged a weightlifter. She was complaining of back pains and looked miserable. She had received no advice about what to take and included many clothing items because “they might come in handy”. Remember, Australia is a warm country and you won’t need heavy, bulky clothing. Two items you should not take are bulky winter pajamas and towels. Most hotels and hostels are air conditioned and towels are cheap and easy to hire.

2. Healthy travel.

If you are visiting Australia from the Northern Hemisphere, chances are your flight could be up to 24 hours or even longer. Regardless of destination, airline or aircraft, the smart travel advice is the same: Plenty of water, no alcohol, walk around the cabin a lot and no sleeping tablets.

3. Arrival times.

Try to organise you airline schedule so that you arrive in Australia between 9am and 3pm. Night time arrivals can be hazardous for single females arriving in a strange city in the darkness, particularly if you are tired. Most large cities have an efficient transport network between the terminal and city centre. Your problem then is finding your accommodation when you arrive in the city.

Sydney for example has a train service that will take you direct from the International Terminal to the heart of the city. But Sydney can be unsafe at night and taxis from the terminal are expensive. If you are being met by friends, arrival times are not so critical.

4. Stay at Youth hostels or backpacker accommodation.

For single women, hotels can be cold and lonely places. That is why backpacker hostels are so popular. They are great places to meet people and to share travel ideas and experiences in a safe, comfortable environment. Gone are the days when backpacker hostels were dirty, grotty places. Savvy guests these days are looking for places that are clean, safe and comfortable with great facilities (including swimming pools), group travel opportunities and healthy, budget meals.

They also look for hostels that are conveniently located close to transport.

When I travel around Australia, I always select and stay at hostels that have these facilities and I have a huge choice. Some of those in capital cities are brilliant. A recently opened Youth Hostel in Sydney has panoramic views of Sydney Harbour! Many are close to beaches and some are on tropical islands just a short walk from pristine, near deserted beaches.

How good is that?

5. Unwanted attention from men.

Australia is a great place to meet other singles and there are many opportunities including hostels, backpacker accommodation, football matches, beaches and pubs. If you are visiting in February, you might even enjoy a happy Valentine’s Day. But what if you are not ready for a relationship?

Lonely Planet, an Australian based travel publication, offers these suggestions: If you get unwanted attention from men, don’t say you’ll meet them later and try to get rid of them. They will turn up. Say “no” firmly and politely. Wear a wedding ring and say you’ve got four kids, if anyone asks. Yes, you shouldn’t have to, but sometimes it’s the easiest way to fend off advances.

(Note from Graeme: If you’re only 23, make it 2 kids, but the message is the same!)

YOUR FREE GIFTS! Graeme Lanham is a member of YHA Australia and an internationally recognised Australian travel writer. He has a passion for and intimate knowledge of his homeland and wants to share this valuable information with you. In his books and travel blog, he reveals his best insider tips for a memorable Aussie holiday. For a limited time, he is offering with each purchase of his brand new ebook, a FREE copy of his best selling ebook “TravelTips Australia” (valued at $69) plus FREE ACCESS to his popular travelblog. Don’t miss out. Claim your copy and FREE GIFTS now at: http://www.australia4backpackers.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graeme_Lanham

The Australian National University. This university is considered as the best university in Australia and was established by an Act of Parliament in August 1946. The university is located in Canberra and offers many programs and degrees in various fields of expertise. It also has adjunct research facilities together with institutions of advanced studies. It has consistently topped many of the surveys comparing the educational institutions in the country.

The University of Sydney. This is the oldest university in Australia, established in 1850. It has though changed throughout the times and has sixteen separate faculties that cover many disciplines offered in the University. It is also one of the top 100 universities in the world.

The University of Melbourne. This educational institution is the second oldest in the country, after being established in 1853. Owing to its great record in education, the university enjoys the largest financial endowment amongst the universities Down Under at $1.1 billion in 2008. This financial windfall is used for the many programs and researches undertaken by the many individual faculties of the University of Melbourne system.

The University of Queensland. After being established in 1909, it is the fifth oldest institutional in Australia. There is a wide range of programs and degrees offered in the University. It also has been at the forefront in cancer research making it one of the leading recipients of grants for this kind of research. Under the ambit of the University are eleven other colleges, six major research institutions that cover many scientific fields.

The Monash University. The university is the largest university in Australia with over 56,000 students in its population. The university’s facilities are spread all throughout Victoria with adjunct institutions in Italy, Malaysia, India and South Africa. The university also offers many programs and degrees, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels making it one of the best schools in the country.

The University of New South Wales. Established in 1949, the University of New South Wales leads the country in the field of teaching and research. There are many fields that the university has made groundbreaking developments such as AIDS research, social policy research and renewable energy among others.

The University of Adelaide. This university is one of the “group of eight” schools in Australia. This highly specialized university has five faculties that focus on engineering, computer and mathematical sciences, health sciences, humanities and social sciences and the professions. Most of its educational innovations were often done in partnership with the private business allowing for new breakthroughs for commercial purposes.

The University of Western Australia. The university was established through an Act of Parliament offering degree programs in architecture, social sciences, arts, law and the physical sciences. It is also one of the largest landowners in the country due to its agricultural science programs.

As can be seen, these institutions of higher learning have all the experience, expertise and facilities to mold individuals passing through its halls. As stated in Australia Forum, the “Universities in Australia are now a vital element of not only the educational service but also the economy as they continue to attract the best minds in Australia, and many international students, who often transfer their skills to the Australian economy.” This is the catalyst which keeps the Australian economy stable and the foundation for the further growth and development in the country.

This article has been provided by Jose Marc Castro, the online editor at the Australia Forum – the primary community for people moving to Australia. The site also provides information and advice on matters such as Universities in Australia.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jose_Marc_Castro

Australia is always included on the top of a universities year study abroad programs. With its incredible amount of highly regarded universities all offering a diverse range of courses and specialized programs, students are confident they will receive nothing but the best education possible. The study abroad program Australia is almost the perfect stepping stone for future career opportunities and personal development.

One of the first questions a student needs to ask themselves before embarking on one of Australia’s many college study abroad programs, is where the would like to study. It is a pretty big country, after all and there are plenty of cities to choose from when deciding where you want to go. There are big metropolises to choose from such as Sydney or possibly Perth which is a little more laid back. Don’t forget you also have to consider what you want courses you want to study. Certain cities may have better facilities for particular areas of study.

The Universities which participate in the study abroad program Australia offer a flexible and innovative setting for students in the best conditions possible, with a wide range of subjects to choose from. Most of the popular college study abroad programs offered in Australia award a bachelor’s degree. If per chance that you cannot get into one of summer study abroad programs you would prefer, then you can still opt for a foundation course as an option. These are a one year intensive courses which provide the necessary skills needed to undertake an undergraduate course.

Education in Australia is the perfect opportunity to not only further your education but also expand your cultural experiences. With its internationally recognized, high-quality and affordable education, Australia offers it all. If you’re a college student looking for an exciting looking semester study abroad programs, then Australia should easily be the top choice on your list. Choose from any Australian institutions and gather the necessary information. You’ll be glad you did.

Anne is director, student services and programs, for AustraLearn. Their study abroad program Australia led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the semester study abroad programs and year study abroad programs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Harvester

Study in Australia is a sweet dream of most of the young ambitious people. Studying here is a unique experience which casts a magnetic spell over thousands of students. This land of kangaroos is not only famous for its cricket controversies rather more famous for its leading universities. Its world class universities and colleges cultivate the students with skills needed to give them an edge over others.

In their quest to gain valuable skills, students from around two hundred countries have made Australia their home. If you are also planning to land in this dynamic environment of learning and innovation then read on. It will surely help you in opening doors for your bright future.

Top Australian universities provide infinite opportunities and you can choose from a vast range of courses including traditional areas of learning and many vocational courses. All the Australian universities have their own areas of specialization. Since there are numerous universities in Australia, we will discuss three leading Australian universities in present article.

University of Ballarat:
This famous university of Australia is located in the city of Harbour bridge and opera house- Sydney. This is among the most advanced universities of Australia. This university has been a source of quality education for more than 130 years. University of Ballarat offers students a unique educational experience with its internationally recognized courses. University specializes in business management and information technology. Various courses offered by this university include undergraduate and post graduate courses in visual, performing arts and graphic designing, social sciences, education, hospitality, sports sciences, IT, nursing and science and engineering. Highly qualified staff boosts the skills of its students. It enables students to make a mark in their professional fields.

University of Canberra:
This world famous university is located in Canberra, the capital of Australia. The University was founded in 1967 as the Canberra College of Advanced Education. It was accredited as a university in 1990. The University has a single-campus and provides easy access to all facilities and services within the capital region.

University is famous for providing personal and individual attention to all students with its smaller classes. Main disciplines offered for Graduate, Undergraduate and Research students include law, journalism, advertising, information technology, biological sciences. University will launch following new courses in 2009- Bachelor of cultural heritage, Bachelor of cultural heritage conservation, Master of information studies (online), Bachelor of urban and regional planning.

This University inculcates in students essential communication skills, problem solving abilities and teamwork spirit. The courses are regularly updated to make sure that they match international trends. The University also offers financial aid and scholarships to international students.

Victoria University:
Founded in 1916 as Footscray Technical School it was named as Victoria University in 1990. Popularly known as VU, this tertiary education facility is located in Melbourne. There are more than 8500 international students in VU. This university offers both Higher Education and Technical and Further Education (TAFE).

It offers a wide range of 746 higher education and TAFE courses. You get numerous options in courses related to – Arts, Business, Law, Health, Engineering, Science, Service Industries, Construction and Industrial Skills. Victoria University has 11 splendid campuses – City Flinders, City King, City Queen, Footscray Nicholson, Footscray Park, Melton, Newport, St Albans, Sunbury, Sunshine and Werribee.

Special services offered by VU include changing courses, visa extensions, scholarship Opportunities and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). All these services help in improving job prospects of the students.

These three universities are among the top universities of Australia and have earned a reputation worldwide. So pack your bags and get ready to land in the country of kookaburra.

One of the most favorite destinations to make a successful career is Australia. People are looking forward to education in Australia due to various reasons. Study in Australia for international students is a growing field. With over 384,000 international students from over 140 countries around the world there is an increasing demand of education in Australia. Education in Australia incorporates a massive range of disciplines at every level of education, including short-term English language courses, Bachelor and Masters Degrees right through to Doctoral Degrees.

If you are planning to study in Australia there are many factors that would baffle you. Whether it is getting education from good institutes or comfortable accommodation, there would be many questions in your head. So here is a list of all the good Career Schools & Colleges in Australia:

• Australasian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT)– natural therapies and beauty therapy located in the heart of Sydney.
• The Sydney Business and Travel Academy– Leading edged Certificates & Advanced Diplomas in Travel & Tourism, Hospitality, IT, Business and Childcare.
• Sydney Institute–largest and oldest school of vocational education and training institute to take English language training or study accounting, information technology, hospitality and a host of other courses.
• William Blue School– The school provides practical, industry relevant training in the fields of Food and Beverage, Banqueting, Rooms Divisions, Sales and Marketing, Finance, Human Recourses, Resort Management, Conventions, Event Management and Culinary Arts.
• Cambridge International College– Marketing, Business Management, Multimedia, Printing and Graphic Arts, Community Welfare, Hairdressing, General Purposes English, Business English etc.

With a variety of options to choose from, you can make the right decision as per your aptitude. And now as far as the accommodation is concerned, you can choose from Boarding schools, Home stay or farm stay, University accommodation, Hostels and guesthouses, Share accommodation or Rental accommodation. They have accommodations to fit every budget type.

When it comes to study costs, it is considerably cheaper for international students to study in Australia compared with many other destinations popular with international students, such as the UK or US. The cheaper living costs makes Australia a very economic choice along with a subdued study costs make Australia a preferred destination for education and career building.

Studying Law in the professional environment of Australia provides a lot many opportunities to students. The biggest temptation for students to join law courses is the bright future of law students. These courses bring along status, prestige and wonderful employment opportunities.

Law schools in Australia provide legal training across many areas so open doors of variety of sectors like politics, business, international law, intellectual property law, banking and legal studies related to sports, health, and the media. If you have already graduated in any other discipline then your law degree would be of three years. After secondary schooling degree would probably take four to five years for completion.

Many schools allow you to take ‘double degree’: that is, in a five years period a student undertakes two degrees in parallel – one of them law and the other might be Arts, Commerce or Science. In that case, you would finish your tertiary education in Australia with two degrees. Main universities and schools of Law are following:

Monash university- Victoria-Melbourne: Monash University is among the top three universities of Australia. Studying law at Monash offers a lot of flexibility to students. Monash provides in-depth coverage of all sectors related to law. The impressive resources and reputation of Monash University is bound to escalate the career growth of all students. The staff at Monash helps in developing critical thinking and skills for research and analysis. Monash Law is a high quality, innovative course for a changing world and produces graduates for Australian and international employers.

Murdoch University- Perth: Murdoch University has a progressive outlook and is totally committed to quality. These factors make Murdoch’s Law School the natural choice for students from whole world interested in a career in the Law. The curriculum of law school has been moulded to meet the needs of our modern society. Course is having a strong international perspective so offers opportunities across the world. Many of the ex-students of this university work with organisations such as the United Nations, in places such as Kosovo and the Gaza Strip with the United Nations Peace Keeping Force, and in New York at the United Nations.

University of New South Wales-Sydney: UNSW Law School graduates are held in the highest regard in Australia and overseas. UNSW has got international recognition due to large number of its students getting Rhodes, Fulbright and other prestigious scholarships every year. The Law School has had 5 Rhodes Scholars in the last 7 years – an achievement which is not matched by any other university in Australia. University offers various courses like Law in information age, Sport and law in western world, Cyberspace law, Criminal law, Children and law, commercial law, Disability rights and law, Industrial law, Insurance law, Media law, Public interest litigation, Laws of banking, Social security law and Sports law.

University of Sydney: University of Sydney has one of the world’s finest Law Schools. Sydney Law School is famous for its commitment to excellence in legal education. This was the first Law School to be established in Australia. University concentrates on small group teaching of its undergraduate programs and the extensive range of postgraduate programs. Special emphasis is given on international and comparative law.

Bond University: One of the Top-Ranked Australian Law Schools, it was the first private university of Australia. The Bond Law School provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees which will surely equip you for careers in the legal profession, business and government. The School has expertise in all major areas of law. Faculty of law is in Queensland. Bond was listed by Forbes as one of the most expensive universities of world and the most expensive university of Australia for 2008.

Other important law schools include- University of New England- Law School, University of New Castle- School of Law, James cook University and Flinders University. All the universities specialize in one or more disciplines with in Law. So Australia is the best choice if you are interested in making a career in the field of Law.

1. Questacon, Canberra

Canberra’s Questacon is Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre. This modern museum offers visitors a range of exhibitions, interactive displays, tours and activities. Exhibits include a wide array of topics from dinosaurs to photography, sound and light, measurements, weather and general science. Exclusive private group night tours can be arranged.

2. Australian Museum, Sydney

Australia’s first museum, the Australian Museum, was established opposite Sydney’s Hyde Park in 1827. This internationally recognised museum focuses on natural history and indigenous research, in addition to exhibitions and community programs. Some of the areas of research being undertaken at the Australian Museum include anthropology, indigenous programs, earth sciences and environmental sciences.

3. Hyde Park Convict Barracks, Sydney

The Hyde Park Convict Barracks are in Macquarie Street, Sydney, alongside the Sydney Mint. These barracks are a significant part of Australian history, being built in 1818 to house working convicts. They have since been used as a female Immigration Depot and asylum, law courts and government offices. Today this important piece of history is a museum depicting the lives of convicts and includes many artefacts.

4. Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne

Australia’s oldest prison, the Old Melbourne Gaol, lies along Russell Street along with the city’s historical Magistrates’ Court and the former Police City Watch House. Visitors can explore all three of these historic sites, collectively known as the Crime and Justice Experience. This gaol’s best known prisoner is undoubtedly the infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly. Today’s visitors to the Old Melbourne Gaol can get a glimpse at what gaol life was like back in the 1800s.

5. Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum, Faulconbridge

The works of Norman Lindsay, world-famous Australian artist, writer and creator of The Magic Pudding, live on at his gallery and museum at Faulconbridge, NSW. The gallery and museum is operated by the National Trust. With carefully manicured lawns and gardens, this also makes an ideal setting for a wedding or corporate event.

6. National Automobile Museum, Tasmania

Tasmania is home to many wonderful attractions including the National Automobile Museum, located opposite City Park. This museum is a must for car enthusiasts, exhibiting a wide range of vehicles from the last one hundred years and more. Along with regular displays, the National Automobile Museum also has special exhibits, including restored cars and motorcycles and prestigious cars such as Bentleys, Mercedes-Benz’ and Rolls-Royces.

7. The Bradman Museum of Cricket, Bowral

Even if you are not an avid cricket fan, there’s no denying that Sir Donald Bradman was an Australian legend. The Bradman Museum is next to the Bradman Oval in Bowral, New South Wales, directly opposite what had once been the Bradman’s home. Visitors can explore the history of cricket, along with a range of significant cricket memorabilia.

8. National Film and Sound Archive, Various Centres

The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) collects and preserves Australia’s precious audio-visual heritage. While they have a major role in the technical side of preserving and storing these materials, they also have a number of libraries and centres open for the public. These centres are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth. The NFSA also has a more specialised centre in Canberra – the Centre for Scholarly and Archival Research.

9. Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

The Powerhouse Museum is at Darling Harbour, in a building that was once the old power station in Ultimo. It has a wide and varied collection including areas of science, history, technology, industry, design, music, arts, transport and space. Visitors can explore via a range of exhibits and interactive activities such as audio phones, touch screens, experiments, theatres, performances and guides.

10. National Maritime Museum, Sydney

To discover the history of the maritime industry, visit the National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour. The role of this museum is to preserve maritime heritage while sharing it with future generations. This is carried out via a range of research and acquisition programs and exhibitions, along with providing creative, interactive events and community programs.

As well as these top 10 Australian museums, each state has its own state museum. These centres are generally full of interactive and static displays, special exhibitions and community programs and are well worth including as part of any luxurious travel experience.

Xu Lin, the director of national overseas Chinese teaching office, said, “Overseas schools have strong demand for Chinese teaching. Many students and parents longs for opening Chinese courses, but currently it is short of Chinese teachers. Its supply falls short of demand.

She said, “National overseas Chinese teaching office and Australia New South Wales education department signed a cooperation understanding memorandum, hoping to promote Chinese education in New South Wales and set up “Confucius classroom”. Currently, the Chinese teaching materials are mainly about the things that happened in China. The two parties together will design and develop the localized Chinese teaching materials that adapt to Australian local language cultural environment.”

Xu Lin stressed, “With the development of Chinese economy, Chinese education has become a world opportunity.” Generally speaking, listening and speaking of Chinese are relatively easy, and writing is the most difficult thing in learning Chinese. But Xu Lin assumed that Chinese writing is not difficult and its grammar is simpler than English grammar. According to a survey conducted by Chinese education department, in common mediae, you only need to master the 580 characters, you can deal with it freely.

Shi Shuangyuan, the director assistant of Sydney education bureau, said, ” NSW education department recognizes the importance of Chinese education to next generation and prepares to promote it in primary and secondary schools. The content of the memorandum includes: the programs of Confucius classrooms, bilingual schools, Chinese culture center and Chinese volunteers; developing students’ exchanges between NSW and China; setting up sister schools; enforcing high level mutual visits.”

Professor Shi Shuangyuan disclosed: according to the elementary plan, New South Wales will set up 3 Confucius classrooms and a bilingual school. The Confucius classroom will be located in Sydney, acting as trial “seed classrooms”. And then this classroom will be set up in schools in whole New South Wales. It has great significance.

Nowadays there is huge demand for TEFL and TESOL certified teachers around the world owing to vast usage of English as a second language. The TEFL qualification can get you an English teaching job in non-native English-speaking countries like China, Japan, Mexico and United Arab Emirates. The TEFL certification is the easiest way to start a new life overseas; TEFL is also a great option for travelers looking forward to earning money on their trips abroad. The TEFL certification is offered across the Australia in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. However if you aim to teach English to immigrant students in Australia, USA or New Zealand then you may be required to possess a TESOL certification. TESOL certification is provided by Australia and USA. Those who have a TESOL certificate enjoy an edge above the TEFL certified teacher as the former imparts a better technical knowledge.

Now after going through the reasons as to why you need to acquire the certifications a major question that comes to the mind is where to does one get the TEFL or TESOL certifications? As already mentioned the certifications are offered by Australia and USA but one can also get the certifications online. Many websites offer resources to find a comprehensive course to train students for teaching English in non-native English-speaking countries. The online courses can be completed in one to six months depending upon the student and the sites also boast placing its students abroad. Acquiring an online TEFL or TESOL Certification will be an added value to a person’s profile as compared to the non-certified teacher courses, owing to the reason that certification is becoming the standard requirement when applying for an esl job. There are a few websites that offer online certification for $295.00 that have excellent material quality consisting of 140+ pages, and constant touch with its certified students working abroad and good classroom modular programs.

There is a general misconception among the students that TESOL and TEFL certification courses are really tough to master. These two certifications can be easily achieved by a person who is willing to speak English and can be confident in delivering their knowledge in front of thirty eager to learn individuals. As a matter of fact, TEFL requires no prerequisite and the course itself starts from a basic knowledge of grammar, and the curriculum is designed so that by the end of the course the student is comfortable in English speaking and writing. The certifications of TESOL and TEFL are signed by the IATQUO (International Association of TESOL Qualifying Organizations) making it accountable worldwide.

The IATQUO certifies that the course undertaken meets the basic British criteria of 100+ hours of classroom time and 6+ hours of practical teaching practice. So if you want to teach English as a foreign language then becoming certified in TEFL and/or TESOL is a must.

Most of Australian speech is derived from the Cockney dialect of London’s back streets, but also contains elements of Irish as well as “Received Pronunciation,” or the “Queen’s English.” There’s also a considerable American influence as well, thanks not only to the modern media, but the presence of Americans in Australia during two significant periods in the history of that country; the Aussie Gold Rush of the 1850s and the Second World War, when Australia and New Zealand were the last free nations in that region standing against Tojo’s imperialist ambitions.

When you spend your spring semester abroad in the Land Down Under, you’ll learn some new vocabulary that while unfamiliar, is nonetheless understandable. For example, instead of driving on the freeway, you’ll be motoring on the motorway; instead of filling up with gas, you’ll be filling up with petrol. If your motorcar breaks down, it is said to be bunged up, which is not immediately familiar, but gets the meaning across. However, don’t be surprised if the mechanic needs to look under the bonnet instead of the hood; you might also keep tools and a spare tire in the boot rather than the trunk.

On the other hand, you don’t always watch TV in Sydney; instead, you look at the telly as you would in England. Instead of snacking on cookies, you’ll be eating biscuits; your burger will come with an order of chips instead of fries – although you’ll discover that they’re the same thing when you study abroad in Sydney, Australia.

Like early American settlers, Europeans arriving in Australia encountered indigenous peoples whose languages contributed vocabulary to Australian English. Some of these are incomprehensible to those who have not yet spent time abroad in Sydney, Australia. For example, if you have to cram for an examination, you’ll be putting in some hard yakka if you plan to pass. Another example of hard yakka is cutting sugar cane, which is one of the most strenuous forms of physical labor in Australia’s agricultural industry. There’s also an interesting aboriginal term for distance. The term “cooee” comes from an old call used to get someone’s attention; today, if someone is nearby, he’s said to be “within cooee.”

You don’t have to know how to speak Australian in order to study abroad; Sydney, Australia is a town where almost anyone will understand any English speaker. However, you’ll learn some fascinating facts and terminology when you spend your spring semester abroad Down Under.