About Australia
Australia is a nation that is almost as big as the USA or China in land area, but has a population of only 21 million, most of whom live in the eastern and south-eastern coastal areas of the continent. Australia is the only country in the world to occupy an entire continent. Its isolation for 55 million years caused Australian plants and wildlife to develop uniquely, so that more than 80 percent of its mammals, reptiles and flowering plants can be found nowhere else in the world.
- Australian States and Territories
- Weather and climate
- National flag of Australia
- Australian National anthem
- Diversity, multiculturalism and social culture
Australian States and Territories
Australia has six states:
Australia also has two main territories:
Most institutions participating in UAC are located in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Weather and climate
Like all countries in the southern hemisphere, the Australian summer is December to February, autumn is March to May, winter is June to August and spring is September to November. This means that Christmas in Australia happens in summer and coincides with the long student summer break, whilst the student mid-year break is in winter.
Because of its size, Australia's weather varies significantly in different parts of the continent. The north is tropical, the southeast and south-western tip are temperate and much of the central region is desert. Australia experiences many of nature's extreme phenomena, including floods, droughts, bush fire, storms and cyclones.
Depending on where you plan to study, living in Australia can involve sunbathing at the beach during a sweltering summer's day, cheering for your favourite football team in the pouring rain or enjoying a weekend of skiing in winter. The variety in climate and landscape provides many excellent tourist opportunities for international students.
National flag of Australia
The Australian national flag features the Commonwealth Star, the five stars of the Southern Cross constellation, and the combined crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick. The union of crosses represents Australia's early settlers. The Commonwealth Star with its seven points represents the unity of the six Australian states and the seventh point stands for all Australian territories. The stars of the Southern Cross constellation represent Australia's geographic location in the southern hemisphere.
Australian national anthem
'Advance Australia Fair' was declared the Australian national anthem in 1984. In the same year, green and gold were proclaimed as the national colours of Australia. Green represents the forests, gum trees and pastures of the Australian landscape, while gold represents the country's beaches, mineral wealth, grain harvests and the fleece of Australian wool.
Diversity, multiculturalism and social culture
Australia's culturally diverse society includes its indigenous people, who have inhabited Australia for more than 40 000 years. Much evidence of this period still exists today and there are more than 2 000 Aboriginal rock painting, drawing and engraving sites in Sydney and the surrounding areas alone. The first European settlers arrived in 1788 and people from about 200 countries have migrated to Australia since that time. The multicultural nature of Australian society means that tutors are highly experienced in teaching students from different countries and other students readily accept and interact with international students.
As an international student, you will find Australians open, welcoming and willing to help you adjust to the Australian way of life.
Australian social culture
Australia is a truly democratic nation. Australians believe that they have the right to express their opinions about any aspect of government. They respect the rights of others even though they may not share their views. Australians are free to meet with other people, in small or large groups, in public or private for social or political reasons and to practice their religion of choice. As an international student, you enjoy the same rights as every other member of Australian society and may openly celebrate your festivals in Australia.
When you meet Australians for the first time, they will usually shake your right hand. When you talk to Australians, it is customary to maintain eye contact to show that you are listening to the other person. It is considered impolite to ask someone you have just recently met about their age, their marital status or how much they earn. 'Please' and 'Thank you' also form part of most polite conversations in Australia.
Punctuality is important in Australia. If you are running late for a meeting or appointment, you are expected to contact the other person to let them know.
Adjusting to the Australian way of life may seem daunting. This is why UAC's participating institutions have specialist student support services that will help you settle into your new environment and provide practical advice for living in Australia and completing your studies.
For more information on student support services, refer to the institution entries.
Australian lifestyle
Australians work hard during the working week and enjoy spending time away with their families and friends on weekends or public holidays. Many public holidays are celebrated nationally; some are only for individual states. On weekends many Australians spend time on recreational activities such as sports, which are an important part of the Australian lifestyle. Popular Australian sports include cricket, Australian Rules football, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, swimming and tennis. Australians love to cheer their favourite team on with the chant 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi!'
