Australia

On the one hand, there is the fascinating and mysterious culture of the original inhabitants of Australia that were living as one with nature on the continent long before the white settlers arrived.

However, the continent is clearly dominated by the English culture that arrived with the first white settlers. In comparison to the different cultures present in Europe, the white Australian culture is very young. It is influenced by the vast distances and the mild climate which appears to have made the Australian a relaxed, approacheable and talkative being.

By being such an isolated continent, Australia has developed a unique animal and plant wildlife over the centuries. Many of the plants and animals that can be found in Australia, cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.
The Eukalyptus tree belongs to one form of plant life that is typically associated with Australia. There are more than 1'000 different types: the «Gum Trees», the Blackboys (short black trunk with a big grass bush growing out of it), the Spinifex Grass (found mainly in the Outback, with very sharp blades which can cause dangerous cuts if you're not careful). In the north of Western Australia there is the Boab Tree (short fat trunk that is used to store water with few, short branches in the upper part of the tree) and the Wattle Bush with its bright yellow flowers (the colours yellow and green, worn by the Australian sport teams during official matches, are taken from here).
The animal life in Australia is just as unique as the vegetation. The most famous animal would have to be the Kangaroo. There are approx. 50 different types of Kangaroos with the biggest growing to be two meters high. However. the smaller Wallabies are more common. There are many many Emus (by the way, the male of the species take care of their offspring…) and Koalas (the «Koala Bär» is not a real bear, but a marsupial) can be seen as you drive along the desserted streets from one town to the next. In the Aboriginal native tongue, Koala means "he, who does not drink", as the Koalas never drink, but get the moisture they need from the Eukalyptus leaves.
There are many other interesting and unique animals inhabiting the fifth continent. For instance the Possum, the Tasmanian Devel, the Dingo, the Wombat, the Platypus, the Kookaburra, many, many Parrots and Cockadoos and even more Lizards, Goannas and Frogs.
It is possible to go snorkeliing or diving in the oceans around Australia, and see an immense variety of fish, including the elegant Manta or Sting Ray. Depending on the time of year, you may also encounter a few Whales (in north Queensland between July and October), and Delfines and Whale sharks (West Australia). The sharks and jellyfish belong to the less popular species found in the oceans around Australia. Make sure that you observe and follow the flags set by the Lifesavers on the beaches. Swimming is only permitted between the red and yellow flags. The tide is often much stronger than you think, and can carry you out to sea. You don't have to worry about the Jellyfish except the extreme poisoness Box Jelly Fish. They are active between November and March in the very north of Australia. Swimming is forbidden in these areas at that time of year.
Many of the most poisoness spiders and snakes in the world live in Australia. However, you rarely come in contact with them. In the Outback, the most dangerous spider is the Red Back Spider. The Funnel Web Spider raises its ugly head in summer in the city as well, mainly in Sydney. Cockroaches can be found all over Australia. They are harmless, but not very attractive...

The Australian Flora and Fauna is very fragile. Please take care of this unique environment. Obey the rules when you are in the bush, and follow the saying: «Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints».

The politics of Australia take place within the framework of parliamentary democracy. Queen Elizabeth the second, is the Queen of Australia. Apart from small problems that may arise, the political system is stable and at peace.

Over 40'000 years ago the original inhabitants of Australia, the Aborigines, probably wondered over from Indonesia. They lived in harmony with the rugged natur and developed a fascinating lifestyle on an untammed land. After thousands of years, in the 17th year hundred, the first European settler reached Australia. An Englishman by the name of Captain James Cook, lead the famous expedition to Australia in the eighteen hundreds. In the years to follow Australia was explored and settled, even though this proved to be more difficult than the English first anticipated. Due to the lack of enthusiasm of the english to migrate to Australia, the English throne, decided to send criminals to Australia and get them to build the foundations for future.
The Europeans brought in a lot of sicknesses, and plants and animals that were unknown to Australia up to that point in time. They realised too late that the soils in Australia could not be worked as the soils in Europe. They treated the Aborigines very badly, took the land from them and their children were given to white Australians for a better upbringing. During the past few years, Aboriginal Families have received financial compensation, and many tribes have received their land back. The main portion of white Australians live in the cities along the coastline, whilst many Aborigines live in the Outback.
Despite the past, the country lives in peace, with a relaxed atmosphere. The Australians prefer to chat about sport, than about politics and history. You will not have a problem to begin a conversation with an Australian. The «Aussies» are very open and very communicative people.

Go for a walk and take in the flora and fauna, go swimming, water skiing, or just relax under the shade of a Peppermint Gum Tree and enjoy the sound of the Kookaburras and Cockatoos as they sing to you ... the sport and leisure possiblities are endless in this country.

The country

Australia has a population of over 20 million. 60% there of, are living in the six capital cities and approx. 1% are Aborigines. They live in the outback and some have been able to maintain their traditional life style, which existed long before the Western Culture did. The Aborigines have lived over 40'000 years on this continent and can be proud of their vast heritage of culture and folklore. Grasp the opportunity to get acquainted with this impressing culture with its earthy paintings on the ochre rocks and the spiritual sound of the Didgeridoos – it's well worth your while!
It is easy to get in touch with the local people. The Australians are very warm and friendly and have a special, but very pleasant way of life. You can enjoy the two extremes, the busy city life in one of the capital cities, and the peaceful, isolated life on a farm where you get to count the stars in the sky at night.
Besides the interesting cities which are described in more detail on the following pages, there is also the uniqueness of the «Outback». You will encounter breathtaking contrasts, ochre earth and rock formations and a wide variety of vegetation - experience the wilderness at its best. You can travel for days without encountering anybody – the country with 7,7 million square kilometers offers enough space for everybody. If you don't want to go by foot or on wheels to explore this country, you can travel on a camel– or horseback – in the tracks of Crocodile Dundee.

In February 2010, the population of Australia exceeded 20 Million People. Of these, approx. 60 percent live in the capital cities, and approx. 1 percent are the original inhabitants, better known as the Aborgines. They live in the «Outback» (Inland) and live according to their family tradition which is much older than the Western Culture we are familiar with. The Aborigines have inhabited the Australian continent for over 40 000 years, and have enriched the country with their folklore and art. Use this opportunity to get aquainted with this very impressive culture and their magnificient paintings in earthy colours, that were done in caves and on rocks in earlier days, and with the spiritual sound of the Didgeridoo – it will be well worth your while.

During your Language stay in Australia, you will be able to make contact with the Australian people very easily. The Australians are very warm hearted, hospitable and possess their own very lay back attitude to life. From life in the fast lane in a pulsing city to the secluded life style on a Cattle farm, Australia has it all.

Apart from the interesting cities in Australia, the uniqueness of the outback is well worth mentioning: the contrast will take your breath away, the red earth and rocks, and the luminous vegetation are waiting for you to discover them. You can witness the authenticity of the wilderness. You can drive for days without seeing another person, the country with its 7.7 million km2 has enough room for everyone. If you don't want to go explore the region by foot, or on wheels, then ask about the possibility of using a camel or horse.

Down under

Australia – also known as «Down Under» has the exact opposite season to us. The smallest continent on the earth will dazzle you with its facinating animals, more varieties of vegetation then you can imagine, simply unique wildlife, exquisite beaches, rainforrests, immense prairies, and the grand 'Outback'. A Language stay in Australia broadens your horizon for a lifetime! Those who visit Australia, keep coming back: do yourself a favour, and don't miss the opportunity to get some "Aussie Fever".

The climate

Australia has different climatic zones:
In the south east (Melbourne/Tasmania to Sydney) there is a moderate climate, i.e. the winter in the mountains can be very cold and they receive some snow. From Adelaide (south) to Perth (west) the climate is mild and warm. It is very dry and very hot in the centre of Australia (Alice Springs/Ayers Rock). In the north (Darwin) to the north-east (Cairns) the climate is tropical to subtropical. You can find further details regarding the exact temperaturs on our Website.

Down Under
Australia – the Land «Down Under» always has the exact opposite season to us. The smallest continent on the earth will dazzle you with its fascinating animals, more varieties of vegetation than you can imagine, simply unique wildlife, exquisite beaches, rainforrests, immense prairies and the grand «Outback». A Language stay in Australia broadens your horizon for a lifetime! Those who visit Australia, keep comming back: do yourself a favour and don't miss this opportunity to get some «Aussie-Fever»!

Leisure activities

Go for a walk and take in the flora and fauna, go swimming, surfing, water skiiing, fishing, or just relax under the shade of a Peppermint Gum Tree and enjoy the sound of the Kookaburras and Cockatoos as they sing to you... the sport and leisure possibilities are endless in this country.

Climate
Australia has different climatic zones:
In the south east (Melbourne / Tasmania to Sydney) there is a moderate climate, i.e. the winter in the mountains can be very cold and they receive some snow. From Adelaide (south) to Perth (west), the climate is mild and warm. It is very dry and very hot in the center of the country (Alice Springs / Ayers Rock). In the north (Darwin) to the north east (Cairns), the climate is tropical to subtropical. You can find further details regarding the exact temperatures on our Website.

Schools

Australia has many excellent language schools with professional teachers. Besides the standard and intensive courses (general English courses) you have also the possibility to take preparation courses for the Cambridge examinations.
Australian English is grammatically based on the English from Great Britain.

Schools
Australia has many excellant language schools with professional teachers. Besides the standard and intensive courses (general English courses) you also have the opportunity to take preparation courses for the Cambridge examinations.
Australian English is grammatically based on the English from Great Britain.

Visa Information (valid for Swiss citizens only)

If you travel to Australia you do need a Visa. There are 3 different ones depending on the length of your complete stay and the length of your studies:
– up to 90 days in the country (course and trip)
for this you need a short term tourist visa – this will be issued from the office where you book your flight.
– over 90 days in the country and your course does not last longer than 12 weeks:
you need a long term tourist visa – has to be requested at the Embassy.
– your stay at the school is more than 12 weeks (course of more than 12 weeks):
you need a student visa – has to be requested at the Embassy.
For further information please consult the documentation you receive from us about the course.

OSHC
In order to obtain a Student Visa (Student Visa, course for over 12 weeks), you need an Overseas Student Health Cover, abbrev. OSHC. This is a Health Insurance Policy that is absolutely compulsory for overseas students in Australia. It enables you to receive the same health benefits as the Australian students. We will send you an Invoice for the OSHC and it will cost, depending on the length of your stay, between AUD 81.- and AUD 324.-
(subject to change).

OSHC (Health Insurance)

In order to obtain a Student Visa (Student Visa for a course lasting more than 12 weeks) you need an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This is a Health Insurance Policy that is absolutely compulsory for overseas–students in Australia. It enables you to receive the same health benefits as the Australian students. We will send you an invoice for the OSHC, and it will cost, depending on the length of your stay, between AUD$ 81.- and AUS$324.- (subject to change).

Under 18

If you are under the age of 18, then you are classified as a minor in Australia. This means that you require special supervision, which does cost some extra money. Please contact us for further information about these additional fees.

Important information:

Further information: