Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, please see first our Frequently Asked Questions section. If you cannot find the answer here, please contact us directly.

Why encourage your students to have an international experience?

• International mobility of students and staff is now regarded as an important and essential element of the world’s best education and training systems.
• An overseas experience gives your students not only a chance for academic growth, but also assists with their social, cultural, emotional, and analytical development. 
• Employers often give preference to people who have had some international study experience.  Modern workplaces require people with the skills and sensitivities an international experience enhance, such as openness to change; ability to adapt well to new circumstances and environments; understanding of other cultures; ability to work with people from different backgrounds; proficiency in a number of languages; creativity and ability to innovate; and global orientation.  Workforces are becoming more mobile and we must remember we are increasingly training people for a global workplace.
• To really understand your own culture, you need to experience one or two other cultures.  An overseas experience allows you to understand what it really means to be Swedish or Danish or Norwegian or Finnish, or whatever.

Why choose Australia for international education and training?

• Multi-cultural environment
  Australia encourages people to maintain their original culture, whilst also taking on an Australian identity.  Students can enjoy a multi-cultural environment and celebrate cultural diversity.
• Permission to work while studying
  International students can apply for work rights, allowing them to work up to 20 hours a week during term, and full-time during holidays.
• Cost of living and studying
  Compared with other English speaking countries, Australia offers great value for money, particularly with the current low value on the Aussie dollar.  For a comparison of the costs of living in Australian cities, see http://www.mycareer.com.au/elements/toolbox/costliving_calc.html
• Climate
  Australia offers a range of climatic conditions, allowing you to choose anything from the cool Mediterranean climates of Perth, to tropical Cairns.
• Accommodation options
  International students can choose to live with an Australian homestay family, or share with other students or rent an apartment/house themselves.  All are readily available in most cities.
• Sports, recreational and cultural activities
  Australians have a passion for sports at all levels, and welcome student participation. Every town and city offers students a wide range of interesting activities all year round.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  International students are covered by the comprehensive OSHC.
• Safe environment, low crime rates
• English speaking country

Why link with Australian Schools or colleges?

• Quality education and training
  Many Australian institutions reflect world best practice, offering courses of outstanding quality supported by excellent facilities, staff and teaching methodologies.
• Great choice of locations
  The Australian education and training systems are very diverse and give students the opportunity to undertake studies in a big city, or smaller regional town – dependent on their wishes.
• Access to free international communication
  Most Australian institutions offer their students free, unlimited access to the Internet and Email.
• International Student Support Services
  Every institution with international students must ensure their welfare is catered for, and offer access to counselors, airport transfers, accommodation placements, orientation programs, tutorial assistance, and so on.
• Opportunities for professional development for your staff
  Many Australian institutions are genuinely interested in making professional links with their overseas counterparts, and welcome staff exchanges and other professional links.
• Assistance in finding the right institution, first time
  If you choose to link with an Australian institution, IAE will be there to assist you through the process, saving you much angst.