| Introduction - Australia |
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Existence : 400 yrs
Area : 7,692,030 square kilometres
Population : 20,272,417
Main States : Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane / Gold Coast
Industries : Dairy / Education |
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Climate : Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics and the rest is in the temperate zone.
The highlands and tablelands of Tasmania and the south eastern corner of the mainland are the coldest areas. Summer is from December to February; autumn from March to May; winter from June to August; and spring from September to November. |
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Multiculturalism :
The British influence originating in Australia 's colonial origins has evolved over two centuries into a dynamic multiculturalism with invaluable contributions from migrants from all parts of the world.
Almost a quarter of today's 18 million Australians were born in another country. There are nearly one million Asian-born Australians. About 2 per cent are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. More than 100 different ethnic groups are represented in Australia , making Australia one of the most ethnically diversified countries in the world. |
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| Language :
Although English is the official language; a host of other languages are spoken in Australia . |
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| Religion :
Australia is predominantly a Christian country; however, all religions are represented in the community. Devotees will find churches, mosques, temples and synagogues located in most major cities. |
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Culture : Australia is rich in the arts. There are eight professional orchestras and a national opera company. Within Australia there are more than 1000 museums preserving and displaying Australia 's diverse cultural heritage.
Australian films are winning international acclaim and many Australian film directors, actors and technicians have been acclaimed in Hollywood at the highest level.
Australian authors have received international recognition particularly with the Booker Prize, won twice by Australians and with Patrick White winning the Nobel Prize for literature. Novelists, dramatists and poets are internationally accepted by their peers as having made a substantial contribution to world literature.
Australians traditionally have provided strong support for theatre, from regional amateur troupes to polished professional companies.
In music, Australia has developed a fertile environment that supports a great range of musical tastes ranging from the most avant-garde experimental to folk, from the youthful sounds of chart-busting pop to the unique music of the
Aboriginal people. Painting in Australia has a history that can not only be traced back over forty thousand years of Aboriginal culture but also is represented in the major museums and galleries of modern and avant-garde art, worldwide. |
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Sports and Recreation : Australians are very keen on sport and outdoor activities. Australia has more than 120 national sporting organizations and thousands of state, regional and club bodies. It is estimated that 6.5 million people, about a third of the population, are registered sports participants. While there are over 120 sporting organizations, Australians also take part in bushwalking, fishing, boating and water sports.
Australia has a world wide reputation for sports and outdoor activities. This is endorsed by the Olympic Committee's selection of Sydney to host the Olympic Games in the year 2000 |
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Transport : Australia has an extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, tramways, ferries, two major national airlines and a number of regional airlines. Metropolitan areas are divided into zones and your ticket type and cost depends on which zone you are going to travel in and for how long. Tickets can be bought at train stations, on buses and trams and at newsagencies.
Tourist students may drive in Australia on a valid overseas drivers licence but if the document is not in the English language the visitor must carry a translation with the permit. An international driving licence is not sufficient by itself.
Metered taxicabs operate in all major cities and towns. You will find taxi ranks at transport terminals, main hotels or shopping centres or you can hail taxis in the street. A light and sign on the roof indicates if a cab is vacant. There is a minimum charge on hiring and then a charge per kilometre travelled. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.
Australia has a world wide reputation for sports and outdoor activities. This is endorsed by the Olympic Committee's selection of Sydney to host the Olympic Games in the year 2000. |
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Weather/Climate : Seasons in Australia are the opposite of the northern hemisphere. Summer begins in December, and winter in June. However, winters tend to be pleasantly warm and being one of the driest countries on the planet means that whatever your pastimes, they can generally be enjoyed all year round.
Summers can be uncomfortably hot up north, which can bring wet and very humid weather - watch out for the swarms of box jellyfish in the sea around this time. This is, however, the perfect time for the southern beaches. Winter allows skiing in New South Wales and Victoria . |
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Transport : Australia is very well connected. Depending on how far you are travelling and on your preferences, there will be an option to suit you. Domestic airlines cover most routes between cities, and due to the distances and size of the country, this may often be the best option. However, the road and rail networks are comprehensive, and with some of the most spectacular drives in the world – the Great Ocean Road is a must – a road trip can prove exciting and rewarding.
Public transport is efficient and affordable. From the ferries and monorails in Sydney to the trams of Melbourne , you will never be short of options. Bus and trains are commonplace in most cities. |
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| Health Insurance :
Most universities require that students have health insurance while studying abroad.
You can feel more comfortable knowing that your child will be covered for all eventualities, so why not give them a hand finding the best and most suitable cover?
Most plans will cover medical emergencies, and should you want them to be covered for prescriptions and other check-ups and treatments, then search through the various policies available. |
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| Food : A common worry as a parent will be ensuring your child is eating regularly and healthily. The first point to note here is don't worry! The food may be different to which they are accustomed and take some time to get used to, but most countries will have a wide enough choice to satisfy any tastes. Supermarkets stocking international cuisines are becoming norm, whilst chain restaurants to which many will be used to can be found in most countries. |
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| Almost a quarter of today's 18 million Australians were born in another country. There are nearly one million Asian-born Australians. About 2 per cent are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. More than 100 different ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making Australia one of the most ethnically diversified countries in the world. |
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| Almost a quarter of today's 18 million Australians were born in another country. There are nearly one million Asian-born Australians. About 2 per cent are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. More than 100 different ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making Australia one of the most ethnically diversified countries in the world. |
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