If you want to take your undergraduate education to the next level, consider studying for an academic year in Australia! Living and studying for a year in Australia might not just be a great opportunity to learn at a new school. You could also immerse yourself in Australian culture, explore vibrant cities, and make new friends. Plus, you could see what it’s like to learn in an international education system, and come to understand a new perspective in a different part of the globe. If this sounds like the kind of study abroad experience you’ve been searching for, keep reading!
Studying in Australia for a year could be an exciting opportunity to expand your personal and educational horizons. That’s because Australia is home to a unique culture, a diverse population, vibrant cities, and beautiful natural resources. Between that and the potential to study in world class universities, why wouldn’t you want to spend your year abroad living there?
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider spending your year in Australia:
- The Universities – Want to make the most of your education abroad? Australia is home to a variety of great universities recognized around the world. In fact, there are 43 of them! Plus, Australian university schedules tend to work a little differently than they may in the United States, potentially allowing for more time outside class to study, travel, and experience Australian life.
- Ease of Transition – Australia might be the land down under, but it’s still influenced in many ways by Western culture. That includes the language—Australia’s primary language is English, so you won’t necessarily have to worry about attending classes in another language, or being able to communicate with your new friends there.
- The Culture – You may already have heard of Australia’s famously laid-back culture. You could experience it for yourself! Australia today is made up of a variety of traditions and backgrounds, which come together to form a unique, diverse local heritage. You could make friends with people from a variety of backgrounds, traditions and religious beliefs, potentially making living there an even more rewarding experience.
- The Beautiful Outdoors – From the Australian Outback to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is known for its vibrant outdoor adventure opportunities. This could be an even greater advantage if you study something like marine biology, ecology, conservation. You could get back to nature, and see plants and wildlife you won’t experience anywhere else!
- The Vibrant Cities – While Australia is indeed famous for its remote outdoors, most Australians live in or around cities, most of which are near the coast. As such, you could have access to all the benefits of urban living, from public transportation and other resources, to access to local art scenes and night life. You could supplement your education by visiting famous history and art museums and cultural landmarks, and explore your new neighborhood in your free time! And that’s just the beginning of the types of experiences you could find exploring your Australian city of choice.
Choosing Your Academic Year in Australia Program
Studying abroad for an academic year in Australia, there’s no question your experience could be once in a lifetime. But how do you figure out which program to attend?
An important thing to keep in mind when choosing where to study: your major! Your chosen course of study could impact your preferred location. For example, if you study or have an interest in marine biology, you may have a strong preference for studying in Queensland, along the northeastern coast, close to the Great Barrier Reef. On the other hand, if you study something like business or the arts, you may prefer a school in a more urban area.
If you haven’t declared a major yet, or if that’s not a major factor in your decision, think about the type of experience you want to have while you live there. If you’re a surfer, you might want to look at programs near the Gold Coast. If you’re the cosmopolitan type, you might prefer somewhere like Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne. Or maybe you’re the outdoors type, and want to maximize your hiking opportunities by studying somewhere more rural! Whatever you’re looking for in your year studying abroad in Australia, you could find a program that helps you achieve it.
Finally, make sure you’re budgeting effectively. On a purely practical note, the cost of living in Australia can vary depending on where you are. Make sure you familiarize yourself not only with how much your expenses may be in your community, but also the kinds of things that are and aren’t covered by your study abroad package. After all, you probably want your spending money to go toward more fun things, like cultural events and Australian travel excursions!
Studying Abroad in Australia: Similarities and Differences
One primary difference between studying in the United States and Australia is the academic year. Similar to the United States, many Australian universities utilize a fall and spring semester (known as an academic session in Australia), with an optional additional summer semester. However, unlike what you may be used to, the fall semester (and the Australian academic year) most likely begins in March. As such, when choosing your study abroad program, make sure you’re aware of how the schedule compares to your university back home.
When preparing for your year abroad, keep in mind that the climate might be a little different from what you’re used to. Depending where you’re studying, however, the impact of these seasons may vary Australia has several climatic zones ranging from equatorial in the far north to temperate in the south. If you have strong preferences for climate, make sure you do your research when choosing your program.
Of course, the biggest similarity and difference between your home country and Australia might be the people. Growing up in a certain culture can shape your perspective, opinions, and way of life—and that’s the same both at home and abroad! As such, prepare yourself to learn about new perspectives, think in different ways, and to learn more about yourself in the process.
Start Searching for Programs to Spend an Academic Year in Australia
Ready to find your study abroad program and spend an academic year in Australia? Start by reading up on the sponsored program listings here on StudyAbroad.com! If you are interested in studying in a particular city or in a certain subject area, use the drop down menu to select your filters appropriately. Then click on the programs that sound interesting for more information or to reach out and apply!
