UK - Know about living in the country

ABOUT THE COUNTRY

Great Britain comprises four countries united under one government, a union of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Also referred to as `United Kingdom' this island country is in north Western Europe. It is a small country but a very important one as it was the British who founded the largest Empire in History. With less than 27% of world's people and meager natural resources, they have contributed some great scientists, explorers, artists and leaders to this world.

English is the official language and is spoken throughout the country except in Wales where Welsh is also spoken and taught.

Most of England has vast expanse of plains, fields and meadows with the coastline having steep cliffs, clear beaches and fishing towns. Northern Scotland is a windswept region with the sea cutting deep into the landmass. Northern Ireland has low mountains and sprawling fields, while Wales has rugged mountains and lush green valleys.

Britain has eight land regions and seven of these are on the island of Great Britain. The Scottish highlands made up of mountain ranges, deep valleys and plateaus lie in Northern Scotland. Very few people stay here as it is like a wasteland with coarse grass and shrubs. The Central lowlands are vast plains and excellent farmland. It is rich in coal deposits and most Scottish people stay here. The Southern uplands are green plains used for sheep rearing. The Pennines lie south of this and are mountain chains running halfway through England. West of this are the famous lakes and tourist attractions. Wales is covered by the Cambrian Mountains and to its south is vast plateau land cut by deep river valleys. The south west peninsula is a plateau with sharp cliffs. This region has fishing villages. The English lowlands have agricultural farm land and industry. Midland are grasslands to the south of which is the valley of river Thames. On the banks of the Thames is London, Britain's capital.

Climate

The climate in Great Britain is mild, though in the north it is extremely cold. The winter temperature is a minimum of -12oC and in summer it goes up to 32oC. In south (London) average temperature ranges below 2oC in January and above 15oC in July.

EMPLOYMENT AS A STUDENT

It is not possible to earn one's living as a full time student in Britain or to work one's way through college. Due to unemployment in the UK and restrictions on employment for overseas students, it is very difficult to find even part time employment. Some students do manage to get permission to work but it is not advisable to rely on this kind of income support. There are 3 categories of rules regarding employment (I) Students from European Council countries can work without permission. (II) While students from other countries, including India, find on arrival in UK that their passport bears a stamp or two restricting freedom to work or prohibiting it completely.

The stamp may read: "Leave to remain in the UK on condition that the holder does not engage in employment paid or unpaid without the consent of the Secretary of State for Employment and does not engage in any business or profession without the consent of the Secretary of State for the Home Office" then you may work during your free time or vacations. This must not exceed 20 hours per week during the term. However, this is subject to the consent of the local office of the Department of Employment. In Northern Ireland permission is granted by the Department of Manpower Services in Belfast, for which the application is made by the prospective employer. The Department grants permission only when there is no suitable resident labor for the post. Your college must also submit a letter stating that the job will not affect your studies.

Prohibition for employment

If the stamp on your passport reads: "Leave to enter the UK on condition that the holder does not enter employment paid or unpaid and does not engage in any business or profession is hereby given until ....” you may not work at all. The prohibition stamp can be changed to restriction stamp if your college advisor recommends this change.

Working without permission is a criminal offence, and a breach of your immigration conditions. The penalty for such an offence is usually deportation and fine.

Work opportunities when you have employment restrictions - For part time and vacation work through employment department, Form OSSI should be filled in all its 3 parts. This form is available with job centres. The 1st part of the form is filled in by the student, the 2nd by the employer and the 3rd by the college. Acceptance of the application is communicated to the employer if there is no local worker available and if the work involves less than 20 hours of work per week. Job centres monitor all such allocations and must be approached for job change also.

Practical training in `Sandwich courses'

Placement for practical or work experience while enrolled in a full time sandwich course is not your responsibility. It is the college which applies for the student. However, you should check with your college that you have permission to work before undertaking employment. The college should write to the Employment Department asking for permission for you to do practical training. The application gives details of the course indicating that the practical training is an integral part of the course.

Some students wish to get work experience after graduation. There is a training and work experience scheme which enables overseas nationals to get work experience or to undertake training. Work experience and training are two different categories and the permission for any does not transfer to the other. The work permit scheme is for those who have 2 years of work experience abroad.

Training is intended for those who are looking for recognized professional qualification, e.g., architects, lawyers, civil and construction engineers, accountants, etc.

Work experience is granted for 12 months and the conditions are as follows:

• Your age should be in the range 18-35 years
• You do not get a regular position but are surplus to the organization
• You have the necessary qualification or experience
• You work for the stipulated duration
• Work for 30 hours a week besides academic work
• Work experience is at the managerial or equivalent level at least NVQ level 4
• You accept a token payment

To get access to training and work experience, you must

• Find an employer ;
• Ensure that your employer fills Form WP2 ;
• See that the form is sent to the Department of Employment ;
• Wait for 2 months for a decision.

INSURANCE AND TAX REGULATIONS

International students need to pay national insurance contributions if they are working. Before taking up employment it is necessary to get national insurance number. Generally this takes a little over 2 months to get. However, you can begin work once you have applied. If your passport prohibits you from working you don't need a National Insurance number.

International students on a part time and vacation employment fall in the same category as UK residents. Exceptions are made for students who are on an exchange programme.

SCOPE FOR WORK AFTER COMPLETING STUDIES

Immigration rules are strict and do not permit international students to stay on after their studies are over. It is only under the work permit scheme that you can stay on. There are certain exceptional circumstances when the Home Office and the Employment Department consider allowing you to remain in UK for employment. Two categories are prominently acceptable (1) highly qualified and experienced professionals (2) those who have specialized knowledge and experience of languages and cultures not readily available in the UK. The employer, however, has to make an appeal on a WP1 form.

Address for contact which provides information and necessary guidance in this matter: Department of Employment; Overseas Labor Section, Block C; Porter Brook; House c/o Moor foot; Sheffield S1 4PQ.

ACCOMMODATION:

It is advisable for an international student to arrange accommodation, temporary or permanent before leaving the home country.

There are two main types of accommodations: (a) accommodation of the college or managed by the college, and (b) private accommodation (a place you have to arrange by yourself)

Accommodation provided by school, college or university is the most popular option taken by more than half the international students on degree courses in UK and around 30% who study in FE colleges.

College accommodation

Halls of residence - These are generally shared rooms. Bathrooms and other facilities are common. Halls of residence may be for males and females and they usually provide breakfast and an evening meal. It is like a typical hostel as in India with basic facilities of international standards. Cost £260 - £320 per month.

Self-catering halls - This accommodation gives you the freedom to buy and cook your own food. While being similar to the halls of residence, international students prefer this type of accommodation.

When you apply for college accommodation you must enquire about the type, duration, cost, facilities provided and whether you can retain it during vacations.

Private or self-arranged accommodation

Hostels - There are students’ hostels which are generally very convenient for the international student. Hostels have cooking facilities and alternatively provide meals. These hostels have generally a student population hence there is more likelihood of your getting acclimatized to the place faster. Booking in these hostels is made by paying an initial deposit. British Council offices have a list of hostels which you could ask for.

Lodgings - Lodgings are rented rooms very much akin to the paying guest concept in our country. You will be living, perhaps eating or cooking with them and keep company of the landlord/landlady. It, however, will not allow you absolute freedom. Cost £300 - £350 per month.

Bedsits - There are blocks with single room. Each room has living and sleeping space. Cooking area may also be provided in the room or for a set of rooms elsewhere in the block. Bathrooms too are shared and cleaning and laundry is your responsibility. This kind of accommodation may vary both in quality and size. You should really see it before hiring it.

Hired flats/houses - After staying for some time in Britain you could hire a flat with friends. This is a shared accommodation managed entirely by you and your friends. It is advisable that before signing any documents pertaining to accommodation seek the advice of your college welfare office. Cost £180-£200.

Temporary accommodation

Many international students who have not ensured an accommodation before leaving their country live in temporary or transit accommodation. Temporary accommodation could be either Hotels or guest houses. Though slightly expensive, these can be reserved from India. If you have to travel further and halt in London you could request such a transit accommodation through the British Council Study Fellows at Victoria Station in London.

Useful information about accommodation can be accessed from:

Student Officer, Indian High Commission in Britain who could be contacted for accommodation

Legal advice can be taken from a Law Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

For transit accommodation you may contact the London Tourist Board located at Victoria Station, Liverpool Street Station, London Heathrow Airport in London or the British Council Arrival Cell, Victoria Station, London

For calling accommodation service, you may call the London Tourist Board at 071 824 8844 during working hours

Lodgings are arranged by Experiment in International Living, Otesaga; West Malvern Road, Worcestershire WR14 4EN, Tel.: 068 456 2577

For hostel accommodation, you may contact the following:

• YMCA, 640 Forest Road, London E17 3DZ Tel.: 081 520 5599
• YWCA, 16 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LR, Tel.: 071 580 4827
• Youth Hostels Association, Trevelyan House, 8 St. Stephens Hill, Hertfordshire AL1 2DY, Tel.: 072 785 5215
• London Hostels Association Ltd., 54 Ecclestan Square, London SW1V 1PG, Tel.: 071 834 1545

ESSENTIAL FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

Before embarking for study you need to ensure that you have enough money for your course fee and living expenses. Fees are generally revised each year, e.g., Arts course in universities and higher education establishments costed £5500 in 93-94 and £400 more in 95. Science courses went up from £7360 to £ 7400 and Clinical courses £13550 to £ 14,150. You must ask for the latest fee structure. Private institutions are likely to cost more. For food and accommodation your expenses could range from £6000 to £10000 per annum.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS

Our country imposes foreign exchange restrictions on those travelling abroad. When a student has to privately fund his education he needs an RBI clearance. When this clearance is received you can deposit the money in a national bank and get the amount transferred to UK.

HEALTH CARE

Another area of concern for most International students is concerning illness and medical care. Britain has a National Health Service (NHS) which is financed and run by the Government. Treatment under the NHS is free for permanent resident of UK while emergency, accident and community service is free for everyone. Hospitalization is not covered.

If you go for a course which is of more than 6 months duration you are eligible for free treatment. When you are eligible for NHS treatment you have to register with a doctor. You will have to do this soon after reaching.

If you are not entitled and register with a doctor under the NHS you have to pay as a private patient. Award holders may get medical sponsorship for emergency condition. Medical insurance scheme covers all necessary medical expenditure for those not entitled to the NHS.

How much does it cost an international student to live in Adelaide?

International students can live independently in Adelaide for as little as AUD $265 a week, but prices vary substantially depending on the suburb and type of accommodation you want. Like all cities, Adelaide boasts a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes.

Here is a guide to weekly living expenses in Adelaide:

Accommodation: $90-$250
Groceries: $80
Gas & electricity: $25
Transport $15-$20
Telephone/postage $20-$30
Clothing, entertainment etc $35+
Total weekly spend $265 - $440

What are my accommodation options?

All Australian education institutions have a legal obligation to assist new international students with accommodation on their arrival in Adelaide, and many have additional support to help you settle in for the longer term.

• On-campus accommodation, university residences and residential colleges: may be situated on-campus or within a short distance, generally includes a single furnished bedroom, access to computers and the internet and a shared laundry and kitchen facility. Most are supervised and provide meals on weekdays.
• International residences: aim to assist students with the transition from living at home to independent living, by providing a quiet, managed environment for students who may prefer hostel living to the dynamics of shared households.
• Homestay: involves living with an Australian family and allows you to experience Australian family life. Homestay is the most common form of accommodation for high school students but is also taken up by some tertiary students.
• Private rental: affordable right in the city centre and inner suburbs of Adelaide, many within easy walking distance to central universities and institutions. Prices vary greatly depending on geographical area, demand, the number of people sharing and facilities provided. For rooms, houses and apartments for rent, look in Adelaide’s daily newspaper, The Advertiser.

Applying for a Student Visa for Australia

Obtaining your Australia Visa

International students must have a valid student visa for the duration of their studies in Australia. You should check with the Australian Embassy in your country to see if you are eligible to apply for a student visa before obtaining official confirmation of your enrolment and paying tuition fees. You will only be issued with a student visa for study in Australia if you seek to undertake a full-time course that is accredited and registered by the Australian Government. The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) also has offices in many countries, check their website for locations www.immi.gov.au

Where can I get the Visa application forms?

Visa application forms in English, Portuguese or Spanish can be downloaded from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) website. For application forms in host-country languages contact your nearest Australian Embassy or DIM office. Most students will need to fill in the Application for a Student (Temporary) Visa Form 157A. US Study Abroad, Norwegian and Swedish students over 18 years of age can apply for an electronic student using Form 157E on the DIMA website.

Where can I get help with filling out a Visa application?

The visa application forms are designed so that you can complete them with minimal, if any, help. The DIMA website has visa information forms for download and provides more information on student visa requirements. However, if you wish to seek help in obtaining a visa you are advised to use a registered migration agent. Contact the nearest Australian Embassy or DIMA Office for a list is available of registered migration agents.

You will be asked to have a medical examination as part of the visa process. You will be given a list of approved doctors and special forms for the doctor to complete.

Where do I submit the Visa Application?

Unless instructed otherwise by the institution or agent you have been dealing with, you should send your visa application form (together with the correct visa charge and all necessary documents) to the nearest Australian Embassy or DIMA Office.

Obtaining Medical Insurance

All students must show evidence that they have health insurance cover before a visa can be issued. Australia has a very cost competitive medical insurance system. In many cases you can pay the compulsory medical insurance(Overseas Student Health Cover, or OSHC for short) premium to the education institution which will pay the health insurer on your behalf. If you are a student sponsored by AusAID you will not need to pay the OSHC yourself but you will need to provide proof that AusAID supports your application.

Norwegian students are exempt from this requirement. Swedish students who are studying under CSN International (the Swedish National Board of Student Aid) who have obtained insurance through CSN are also exempt from the OSHC requirement.

Receiving your Visa

You can only be granted a student visa if you intend to study a registered course or part of a registered course on a full-time basis. If your application is successful you will be issued with a Multiple Entry Visa allowing you to travel backwards and forwards to Australia within the period for which the visa has been granted. That period will depend on the course for which you have been accepted. Your visa can be cancelled if you discontinue your studies or fail to meet the conditions of your visa.

What if my student Visa application is not successful?

If your application is not successful you will be told the reasons in writing. The decision not to grant you a student visa cannot be reviewed if you applied from outside Australia. Before re-applying for a student visa, you should carefully consider what evidence you can provide to satisfy the decision maker that you meet all the requirements for a student visa.

If you apply in Australia and are refused a student visa then you may apply for a review of the decision. You will be notified of your review rights in writing and the time limits for lodging such an appeal.

For more information on obtaining a student visa

or any aspect of studying in Australia log onto

www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

Student Visas for Australia

Tens of thousands of Students come to Australia every year and the process to obtain a visa depends on your country of origin.

Australia has agreements with certain countries - called Gazetted Countries. Because of these agreements visas may be easier to obtain.

Students from Non-Gazetted Countries will normally be required to obtain a "Favourable Genuiness Assessment" (FGA) from the Embassy before applying to the educational institution for acceptance. The letter of acceptance plus the FGA need to go back to DIMA and you will then be directed to pay the institution the required fee. The receipt is then sent to DIMA along with the application and the visa is issued.

Gazetted Countries

The following are gazetted countries. If you are a national of a country that is not listed here, please see the section on non-gazetted countries. If you are a national of a country that is listed below, or are government sponsored or a secondary school exchange student, the following information applies to you.

Asia	North America	Oceania	Northern Europe	Southern Europe	Middle East
Brunei Hong Kong Indonesia Japan Republic of Korea Malaysia Taiwan Thailand Singapore	Canada USA	New Caledonia New Zealand Papua New Guinea	Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Hungary Ireland Netherlands Norway Poland Slovak Republic Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom	Cyprus Greece Italy Malta Portugal Romania Spain	Arab Republic of Egypt Kuwait Saudi Arabia Bahrain

If you are a national of a gazetted country, your application will be subject to more streamlined processing procedures. Basically, if you are a national from a gazetted country you can apply for a visa after you have enrolled in your course and received confirmation of your enrolment with a registered provider.

Genuineness Assessment

If you are a national of a gazetted country, to be granted a student visa, you must be assessed as being a genuine student with the intention of undertaking full time studies in Australia, fulfilling your visa conditions and having a genuine intention to leave Australia when you have finished your course.

The Australian diplomatic office where you apply for your visa will assess your genuineness as a student. Some of the factors looked at in determining your genuineness are:

• the situation in your home country;
• your immigration history and ties with Australia;
• the relevance of your course to your future employment;
• your level of English in relation to the course you intend to undertake;
• whether a similar course is available in your home country;
• whether you have enough money to meet all expenses while in Australia.

Health Requirements to be Met Before Studying in Australia

Anyone who is not an Australian citizen and who wants to enter or stay in Australia must meet the health requirements.

Overseas Student Health Insurance Cover

It is a condition of the grant of your Overseas Student Visa that you and your dependents have acceptable health insurance cover during the whole time you are in Australia. To be covered for health insurance, you will have to pay the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and any family members travelling with you.

The OSHC provides medical and hospital insurance for overseas students and their dependants who have travelled to Australia with them. All applicants must show evidence that they have health insurance cover before a visa can be issued to them.

To arrange for the OSHC, students can pay the OSHC premium to the education provider which will then arrange to pay the health insurance cover on their behalf.

• Student Health Cover for AusAID Students
  If you are a student sponsored by AusAID you will not need to pay the OSHC yourself. You will, however, need to provide proof that AusAID supports your application.
• Student Health Cover for Students from Norway and Sweden
  Students applying from Norway and most Swedes do not need to obtain OSHC because the Department of Health and Community Services has advised that these countries have a national health scheme or other arrangements that provide acceptable health insurance for them while they are overseas. For the OSHC requirement to be waived, Norwegian students should have documentation proving that they are covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. Swedish students should have proof that they have insurance provided by CSN International (the Swedish National Board of Student Aid). However, the OSHC is available to Norwegian and Swedish nationals if they require it.

Student Visa Requirements

To be granted a student visa, you must also:

• be accepted for a full-time registered* course;
• be able to support yourself while you study;
• make arrangements for acceptable overseas student health insurance;
• arrange for any accompanying school-aged dependants (aged 5 to 18) to be educated, and have official confirmation of their enrolment (if you are a student with an Australian Government scholarship, you will not have to meet this requirement);
• meet Australian health and character requirements.

* A registered course is an education or training course offered by an Australian education provider who is registered with the Australian Government to offer courses to overseas students. The Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) can provide details of registered courses.

The Australian government may not grant you a student visa if any of these requirements are not met.

Family Members

For overseas students, the term 'family members' covers spouse (including de facto spouse), unmarried dependent children under 18 and fiancé whom you intend to marry within three months of arrival in Australia. Generally, your family members may come with you to Australia if you include them in your visa application.

Family members not included in your initial student visa application and who wish to join you at a later time must apply separately for a visa to enter Australia.

Family members must not work unless granted permission to work and must follow the conditions as set out on their visa. If given permission to work, they cannot work for more than 20 hours a week. However, if you are studying for your PhD or master's degree and have permission to work, members of your family have unrestricted work rights.

Visa Charge

When you apply for a visa, you must pay a charge. Your application will not be accepted without payment. Once you have made that payment, the money cannot be refunded.

As at June 1999, the charge for applying for a student visa outside Australia is AUD$290. The Australian diplomatic mission where you apply for your visa will tell you what methods you can use to pay this charge.

You do not have to pay the visa charge if you are applying under an approved scheme such as AusAID or other Australian Government-sponsored schemes or if you are a secondary school exchange student.

Student Visa Conditions

If you are successful in your application your student visa will be granted to you with a number of conditions attached. These conditions include:

• you must satisfy your course requirements and maintain a valid enrolment To satisfy the course requirements, students must:
  • be enrolled in a registered course; and
  • attend least 80% of their course.
  • if evidence of attendance cannot be provided, students must achieve a satisfactory academic performance as certified by the education provider; and
  • pay tuition fees as required by the education provider.
• you and your family members must not work without permission
• if permission to work is granted, you can only work for 20 hours per week except during the holiday periods can you work unrestricted hours;
• you must study with the education provider where you initially enrol for the first year of the course or for the duration of the course if it is less than one year;
• you must advise DIMA in writing, two days before any change of address;
• you must maintain acceptable health insurance cover during your entire stay in Australia.

The Australian Government may cancel your visa if any of these conditions are not met

Application Forms

157P - Application for a Student Visa with Permission to Work	This form can only be lodged in Australia AFTER a student has commenced study in a registered course in Australia
157S - Application for a Student Visa - Scandinavia
157Y - Application for a Student (Temporary) Visa English - Portuguese - Spanish	This form can only be used outside Australia by student visa applicants from gazetted countries AND by all student visa applicants inside Australia.

Further Information

Form 1105i* - Supporting Yourself in Australia
Form 1071i* - Health Requirement
Form 929* - Change of Address
Form 981i* - Applying Overseas for a Student Visa
Form 80* - Personal Particulars for Character Assessment
Form 47P* - Character Requirement: Police Certificates
Fact Sheet 22 - Health Checks to Enter Australia
Fact Sheet 56 - Overseas Students in Australia

Non-Gazetted Countries

As a national of a non-gazetted country, it is important that you lodge your application for a student visa before you enrol in your course of study, pay your course fees, or get official confirmation of your enrolment.

Genuineness Assessment

If you are national of a non-gazetted country, to be granted a student visa you must be assessed as being a genuine student with the intention of undertaking full time studies in Australia, fulfilling your visa conditions and having a genuine intention to leave Australia when you have finished your course.

The Australian diplomatic office where you apply for your visa will assess your genuineness as a student. Some of the factors looked at in determining your genuineness are:

• the situation in your home country;
• your immigration history and ties with Australia;
• the relevance of your course to your future employment;
• your level of English in relation to the course you intend to undertake;
• whether a similar course is available in your home country;
• whether you have enough money to meet all expenses while in Australia.

Before you lodge your application, you can self-assess to see if you are likely to be granted a student visa by answering yes or no to the questions on the Self Assessment for all Students from Non-Gazetted Countries. This will give you the opportunity to assess yourself against the factors that will be used by the Australian diplomatic office to decide whether you meet the visa requirements or not.

IF ANY OF YOUR ANSWERS TO THE SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS IS NO, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT YOUR VISA APPLICATION WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. YOUR VISA APPLICATION CHARGE CANNOT BE REFUNDED.

It is important that you DO NOT pay your course fees until you have been advised in writing by the Australian diplomatic office where you have lodged your application that you may confirm your enrolment.

This procedure aims to discourage non-genuine applicants and reduce the need for education providers to refund fees. It also allows for your genuineness to be assessed before you enrol and pay any course fees.

What If I am Over the Age of 35?

Generally, if you are over the age of 35 and a citizen of a non-gazetted country, you can be considered for a non-award* course, including an English-language course, only if you are:

• sponsored with financial support by a government authority in your home country; or
• an English language studies teacher by profession, seeking to upgrade your English language proficiency. In this case, you will be expected to have a good proficiency in English already. Only studying in an advanced English course will be acceptable. You will need to provide evidence of your current English ability, evidence that further study of English will benefit your current teaching work and that you will have a teaching position available to you on your return to your home country; and
• proceeding to employment-related study. The study being undertaken must relate to your employment in your home country. You must already have reasonable English proficiency to enable you to undertake the course.

* A non-award course is a course approved for overseas students, including English language study that does not lead to the award of a degree, diploma/trade certificate or other formal award.

If you are enrolling in an English course or other study as a specified prerequisite to enrolment for postgraduate or second degree studies, you will be required to provide confirmation of enrolment by a registered higher education provider.

Health Requirements to be Met Before Studying in Australia

Anyone who is not an Australian citizen and who wants to enter or stay in Australia must meet the health requirements.

Overseas Student Health Insurance Cover

It is a condition of the grant of your Overseas Student Visa that you and your dependents have acceptable health insurance cover during the whole time you are in Australia. To be covered for health insurance, you will have to pay the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and any family members travelling with you.

The OSHC provides medical and hospital insurance for overseas students and their dependants who have travelled to Australia with them. All applicants must show evidence that they have health insurance cover before a visa can be issued to them.

To arrange for the OSHC, students can pay the OSHC premium to the education provider which will then arrange to pay the health insurance cover on their behalf.

• Student Health Cover for AusAID Students
  If you are a student sponsored by AusAID you will not need to pay the OSHC yourself. You will, however, need to provide proof that AusAID supports your application.

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Student Visa Requirements

To be granted a student visa, you must also:

• be accepted for a full-time registered* course;
• be able to support yourself while you study;
• make arrangements for overseas student health insurance cover;
• arrange for any accompanying school-aged dependants (aged 5 to 18) to be educated, and have official confirmation of their enrolment (please note - if you are a student with an Australian scholarship, you will not have to meet this requirement);
• meet Australian health and character requirements.

A Student Accommodation Guide

Deciding where to study can possibly be one of the most important decisions that you could make for your future. However, once this has been made deciding where to live as a student is of equal importance. Your living arrangements at university can have a huge influence in helping you settle in more easily, and can often make the difference in getting the most out of your university experience.

Courses & Careers recognises that being a student is not just about studying it can also be a lifestyle. This Accommodation Guide is here to help you make a more informed decision about where you may choose to live and how to get the most out of you accommodation.

accomodationFirst Year Accommodation - Making the right choice
Most, if not all, students during their first year of study are offered on-campus accommodation at their university or college Halls of Residence, if available. Whilst there are many reasons why students are encouraged to stay on-campus in their first year, Careers and Courses weighs up both the advantages and disadvantages to living in Halls to give you a fuller picture

Advantages
· Help at hand - In each Halls of Residence you will have a 'Hostel Representative'. These are often second or third year students who have lots of experience of being a "Fresher" at university. These people who live in Halls with you are there to help you with any problems that you may have in settling in and to also show you around.

· A protected environment - Having just moved to a different part of the country it is very important that you feel safe and that you have people to turn to whatever your needs. On-Campus accommodation is extremely suitable for international students for exactly this reason. On-Campus students are able to adjust to UK culture at their own pace under the protection of the university.

· No 'hidden' costs - Once you have paid for your accommodation bill at the beginning of term you have no other bills to concern yourself with - apart from your day to day living and studying expenses. Living off campus can often result in a lot of extra 'hidden' costs including council tax, water rates, electricity, gas etc.

· Easy access to on-campus facilities - Living on-campus provides you with easy access to library facilities, your union facilities and whilst it may not seem important to you at present, that extra hour in bed before your lectures not spent on travelling can be a lifesaver - particularly after a heavy night out at your local union bar!

· Instant friends - Often you will be put in Halls with other International Students so you will instantly be mixing with people who are in exactly the same boat as you. You may also be lucky enough to find people who speak your native tongue - which, if you are homesick or concerned about your English, can be of a major comfort.

Disadvantages
· Noise - Hopefully you will be in the Halls that you are happy with. Often you may have to fill in a questionnaire before you are placed as to what type of residence that you would prefer i.e. smoking/non-smoking, noisy/quiet etc. However, if the noise does become a problem then the Hostel /representative is there to sort out any problems that you may have and to negotiate with other students in the Halls to create a pleasant living environment

· Limited community - whilst learning to adapt to UK culture under the protection of on-campus accommodation, it could be argued that you are limiting yourself to a direct cultural experience by not 'throwing yourself in at the deep end' and living in your nearby city. However, it could be equally argued that International Students can experience this in their second and third year at university once they have had time to adjust to the UK.

· Access to the city - Whilst most campuses are 'self contained' with their own living quarters, shopping and recreational facilities, by living off campus you will have a greater variety of activities to choose from right on your doorstop. However, if you choose to live on-campus - don't panic you won't be missing out! Most universities are situated within good walking distances from most of their main cities or towns.

· Limited facilities - When living in campus your facilities may consist of your own room but shared facilities in terms of kitchen, bathroom and laundrette. By living in your own house you may only be sharing these with a selective few.

· Tolerating your neighbours - One of the main disadvantages that students often describe about living on-campus is that you stuck with the people that you are place in Halls with for better of for worse! However, it must be said that this is unfortunately the 'luck of the draw'. Hopefully you will be placed with individuals that you share a lot in common with however, it this is not the case remember that tolerating others is a valuable learning experience that will stand you in good stead for the future!

Conclusion
Having looked at both the advantages and disadvantages to living on or off campus it would appear that wherever you may choose to live, it is extremely dependent on your individual experience and needs. If you are a student who is extremely confident, who has a lot of travelling experience and is used to adapting to different cultures then you may prefer to live off campus. However if you are a student with a limited experience in this area that would prefer to make mistakes and adapt under the protected environment of the university then you should consider on-campus accommodation.

It can be argued that by living in Halls as a first year student and then moving out with friends to your nearest town or city for the rest of your time at university that you are allowing yourself to have a fully rounded student experience. Do remember, however, that not all universities or colleges provide their won accommodation in the UK so this, for some students may be a decision that they may never have to take. If this is the case don't panic! There will always be an accommodation adviser available, however you choose to live, to help you with all your accommodation needs

Non-traditional Universities - A New choice for International Students

Most people are familiar with traditional colleges and universities and many international students flock to these institutions each year. In addition to their educational courses, these colleges and universities offer on-campus living in dormitories, food services, athletic teams, social clubs and a variety of extracurricular activities. It is clear why many international students attend these American colleges and universities.

There is, however, another alternative for international students, especially those who are interested in developing careers in business and technology. These are the nontraditional universities. While an accredited nontraditional college or university offers the same level of academic quality, these institutions differ from the traditional institutions in many ways.

First, the majority of their students are working adults who are employed full-time and attend their classes mostly in the evenings. In many of these schools, the average age of these students is in the early thirties. The courses are usually taught by adjunct faculty, who teach in the evenings while working in the fields in which they teach during the day. The courses are concentrated, with the course material taught over a shorter period of time than in traditional institutions. The emphasis is placed upon the practical application of the educational material, achieving a strong blend of theory and practice. There are no athletic teams in this kind of university, no marching bands, no fraternities or sororities, no dormitories, no social clubs. Why, then, would an international student choose to attend this type of university?

For international students who wish to obtain a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at a faster pace than is possible in a traditional institution, the nontraditional university is an excellent alternative.

Nontraditional institutions operate throughout the year, so classes can be taken continuously, although students may take breaks as needed. The practical thrust of the education is ideal for those who want to build careers in multi-national corporations or family businesses. Attending classes with working adults, that are taught by working faculty, provides an outstanding opportunity to learn about business processes and techniques in the U. S. This also creates excellent networking opportunities whereby international students can develop friendships and build contacts with individuals who work in a variety of companies and organizations. These contacts can prove invaluable as the international student builds his or her future career plans. Due to the maturity level of the students and the practical nature of the curriculum, there is considerable emphasis on developing critical thinking, report writing and oral presentation skills.

While nontraditional institutions do not have the full range of social activities available at the traditional institutions, there are ample opportunities for social growth. Apartment complexes are available at reasonable rental rates. Many of these apartments include community swimming pools and exercise rooms, as well as meeting rooms and social centers. The university will work with the student to find and lease an apartment and, often, students from the same country will live in the same complex. There are also home stay programs available for students who prefer to live with local families. By living in such apartment complexes, students can prepare their own foods, organize their own social events and experience the American culture by living in its midst.

Nontraditional institutions that recruit international students recognize the need to provide those students with services that their working adult students may not need. In keeping with their focus on business and technology programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs may be provided that focus on academic and business oriented English, as well as social acclimatization to the U. S. An International Student Association may be formed and associations with local community groups can provide opportunities for recreational activities such as club sports and various social events. Every effort is made to provide cross-cultural learning opportunities so that the American working adults learn about international cultures and international students become immersed in the American culture.

As we have shown in this article, there are many reasons for an international student to seriously consider attending a nontraditional university in the U. S., especially if he or she aspires to a career in business or technology.

Nursing Education for International Students in the United States

Quality health care is an issue of concern worldwide and Nursing can and must play a major and global role in transforming the healthcare environment. To this end, many international nurses are being sponsored by their governments to attend educational programs in the United States to prepare them to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

In order to be active participants in challenging health care outcomes, nurses need to develop expanded knowledge, skills and strategies to enhance nursing practice in an evolving world. The knowledge and skills include being able to identify and articulate nurse’s values within the sociocultural, economic and political environments of their native countries, and being able to demonstrate the outcomes and cost effectiveness of nursing’s activities to improve health outcomes.

Advanced nursing education for international students may include a variety of educational models. For students who have experienced technical training in their own countries, advanced education may mean earning the baccalaureate or initial university degree in nursing. A number of program options exist, including traditional baccalaureate programs, accelerated programs for students with a baccalaureate degree in another discipline, and RN-BSN and RN-MSN completion programs. Master’s education programs in nursing generally have a clinical focus such as emergency nursing, maternal-child health, or midwifery. Doctoral education in nursing in the United States involves completion of a structured curriculum and a dissertation study, unlike the tutorial model found in European universities. At the doctoral level, the program of studies includes content related to nursing science, research, educational strategies and outcomes evaluation.

Widener University is located in Chester, Pennsylvania, adjacent to Philadelphia, an internationally recognized mecca of health care. The School of Nursing offers baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs in nursing and nurses from Korea, Jordan, Bahrain and Botswana have enrolled in the programs on the various levels in the past few years.

Hyrea Yoo earned a doctorate in nursing science in 1996 and has returned to Korea to provide leadership in her faculty role. This student’s research investigated the attitudes of Korean nursing students towards caring for patients with HIV. Arwa Oweif, a faculty member at Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid, Jordan, is currently completing her second summer session of the summer’s only doctoral option. Arwa too will use her education to advance health care through nursing education with research interests in the area of women’s health issues.

Fatima Abdul Wahed Ahmed, a citizen of Bahrain, is currently a master’s student in the Emergency/Critical Care track having earned an International Diploma in Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management from the World Health Organization. Fatima has worked in critical care management and has been a Lecturer at the College of Health Sciences in Bahrain and is one of seven members of the International Council of Nurses President’s Task Force on the Future. At Widener, in addition to courses in emergency and critical care nursing, Fatima has had the opportunity to observe first hand the emergency care systems at Crozer Chester Medical Center and the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.

Recently, three nurses from Botswana earned their baccalaureate degrees in nursing. Chosen and sponsored by the Minister of Health of Botswana for study in the United States, Gladys Mogapi, Beauty Peloewetse and Mpho Ofithile are returning to Botswana with the dual goals of upgrading nursing education from technical to university based and of developing programs to reduce the morbidity and mortality of women in their childbearing years. Courses such as Health Assessment, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology, Nutrition, Research in Nursing, and Community and Home Health Nursing have provided the increased knowledge and skills which they will need to effect changes in the health outcomes of women in Botswana.

It is hard for American students (and faculty too) to appreciate the level of health care and the devastating morbidity and mortality experienced by developing nations. Through first hand descriptions of real life experiences, American students become more aware of global health concerns as well as the implications of cultural values on the development of the nursing profession. Although providing educational opportunities for international students is incredibly rewarding for the host institution and American students, such an undertaking is not without drawbacks. For the international students, multiple adaptations to climate, educational and social customs and language are required. In addition, separation from family members, including spouses and young children, may be for extended periods of time. Educational customs and language differences are also major sources of stress. Universities involved in international education therefore require strong commitment and support services for both academic and social dimensions.

Through international educational programs in nursing, the goal of quality health care can move from dream to reality, as students are prepared to become leaders in their own countries.