Symphony in Sydney
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"There are at least 30,000 foreign students in Australia, with about 6,000-7,000 of them from India."
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Prof. Kevin E. Parton
DOWN Under at Orange. Now, how does that grab you as an exciting opportunity to study overseas? If wanderlust has seized you and it seems like a great idea to combine pleasure with study abroad, then try Orange, Down Under.
That would be the University of Sydney, located in Orange, just three kilometres from the city. The Dean and Campus Director of the University, Kevin Parton, was in Chennai recently and spent time chatting with prospective students, easing their apprehensions about studying abroad. Here, Prof. Parton tells<243> Ramya Kannan about how keen Australian universities are on increasing the number of foreign students on campus.
Are there a substantial number of Indian students in Australia, particularly in the University of Sydney?
There are a number of students from all over the world in Australia, though I must admit that the University of Sydney was the last to get into the act. We have not performed very particularly well on these terms.
But there are at least 30,000 foreign students in Australia, with about 6,000-7,000 of them from India. We are hoping to double the number of international students in Australia and that also means doubling the number of Indian students.
In our experience, we have some very good Indian students, especially in postgraduate courses and research. They also work part-time in several establishments in and around the university campus and are an active part of the local economy as well. Enterprising students find part-time work, whether it is working on a farm, pumping fuel at a station, working in restaurants, cafes and bars, packing shelves in supermarkets or even picking fruit at the local orchards or vineyards.
What are the basic living costs in Australia? Is it possible for students to support themselves in the country?
Students are allowed to work only part-time in Australia, but yes, they do pretty well for themselves. Good students can get university and government scholarships. PG students can even get substantial benefits from the scholarships. These students can even stop working to support themselves.
The average expenses per week for a PG student might come up to 280 Australian dollars, calculating accommodation charges for 150 dollars, food expenses for 50 dollars and additional amounts for books and clothing. Of course, this could come down to even 200 dollars per week per student, if a group of students rent a private accommodation and share the rent. However, for first-timers in Australia, it will be better for them to take up university accommodation initially, before they find their moorings in the country.
Are there any university support structures to make foreign students feel at home?
There are both formal and informal networks to make foreign students feel comfortable. The University of Orange's International office provides support to students. It even arranges to meet students at the airport and makes sure that they settle in without problems. But there are also the informal student networks — students from the same country have established a fairly strong support base and this seems to work fine.
In addition, the university even makes special provisions for food, so that students from other countries do not feel homesick. Our chefs have been sent abroad to different countries and learn how to make their food. Of course, we are not saying it is the `original!'
Also, in King Street, which is walking distance from the university, there are a number of restaurants that offer a range of cuisine. Bumping into groups of students of all nationalities on King Street is very common.
What are the courses being offered by the University of Orange?
A host of courses, from Equine (yes, horses) Business Management, Agricultural Commerce, Farm Management, Horticultural Management, Land Management, Business Management to Nursing, Computer Science to Rural Pharmacy and Rural Management. A course in Sustainable Management is built on the concept that sustainability in business requires sound, integrative management of all resources: economic, social, physical, and environmental.
Will students get a work permit to stay on and work after completing studies?
The Government encourages giving work permits to students for up to three years after graduation. If students manage to get jobs, they can stay on and work.
In addition, they can also apply for Permanent Resident status. They accumulate points over the study period and while working. Since, the location a student is in, decides how many points he/she gets, living in a town like Orange will give them more points.
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