Australia is one of the best and most developed places in the world to live. Located in South Hemisphere, on the southern edge of East Asia, Australia is the biggest country in Oceania, which was considered a continent due to the huge size of the Australian territory. Down under is the kind nickname that was given to the kangaroo island, due to the country’s location.

We’re talking about a country almost big as Brazil, with continental dimensions but with a population of only 20 million people. Imagine if Brazil, from top to bottom, was occupied by Sao Paulo population. In other words, Australia population represents only 10% of the Brazilian population, with a similar territory.

Australia is composed of 6 states and 2 territories, and the language spoken is basically English. Historically, Australia had a very restrictive and was used to refuse to receive foreigners, but in the 90’s started to accept immigrants, with the idea of becoming a multicultural country. In fact, Australia is a Tower of Babel. To give you an idea of the amount of people who have been choosing Australia as its cultural destiny, the education has beaten tourism as the most offered service by the country. The result is that the educational sector conquered the third position between the most profitable economic activities in Australia, only behind coal and iron ore.

Almost five hundred thousand foreigners’ students were enrolled on English schools, universities and TAFE in 2007. The international students’ arrival looking for English courses have been increasing year after year. Those numbers only reinforce the fact that living in Australia is doubtless of one the best cultural experiences in life.

From a Brazilian point of view, choosing to live in Australia is literally a decision to live in the other side of the world. In the famous North American cartoons, it was used to show a character digging from USA to China. If the same story had happened in Brazil, we would find Australia digging from Brazil!

The truth is that the question regarding “other side of the world” remains. The most interesting is the fact that Australia allows a close contact not only with local its local population but with all students, immigrants and tourists that are making part of this country’s strategy to become multicultural. Anyone who went to Australia can confirm that, different from Brazilian’s ethnical reality, where there are some places you just can’t find a foreigner. Australia is the exactly the opposite.

Choosing Australia is like a life investment – no matter if you go to study English, do a technical course or a university – certainly will be the best personal and cultural investment that can be done nowadays.

Australia is a playground for those who love adventure. You can find everything in Australia, including snow and giant deserts. A lot of creativity is needed to choose what to do in this country, but the main recommendation is for a dive in the Great Barrier Reef.

There are great surf contests through Australian Coast, including WCT. The biggest challenge is due to the sharks, always chasing surfers. However, the Australian Coast Guards are an example of efficiency. The most visited beaches are intensively monitored and signs indicating the safest places for swimming.

But the attractions are not over yet.  Australia is one of the biggest wine producers worldwide. Romantic and charming options are available. Just choose one region and bring your wine glass. Click here for more tourism options in Australia.    

•    Country full name - Commonwealth of Australia
•    Population – 21 million people (data from UN, 2008)
•    Capital – Canberra
•    Largest city – Sidney
•    Area – 7.7 millions km²
•    National language – English
•    Religion – Christian
•    Life expectancy – 79 years (male), 84 years (female)
•    Currency – Australian Dollar (AUD)
•    Top Australian Exports - Metals; Wool, food and live animals, gas, transportation machines and equipments.
•    Per capita income -  US$ 35,960 (annual)
•    Electric voltage: 220v
•    Internet TLD: .au
•    Calling code: 61

Visa: Please, check if Australia requires Visa for your country. The Visa is mandatory for Brazilians and must be requested in Brazil. To receive the student Visa and be allowed to work is mandatory the enrollment for courses above 14 weeks length.  The Visa must be obtained with anticipation and the enrollment must be made prior to the Visa request. Click here for more information

Bank Business Hours - Monday to Friday from 09:30am to 4pm. Fridays from 09:30 to 5pm

Business Hours – Stores usually open from Monday to Friday from 08:30am to 05:30pm, Saturdays from 9am to 4/5pm. The biggest department stores and stores located at touristic areas are open 24/7.

Driver license: Please check if your driver’s license is allowed in Australia. Brazilian driver’s license is allowed for the first 3 months of stay.

Cost of Living: Usually, foreigner students spend AU$ 250.00 weekly with: accommodation, food, clothes, leisure, transportation, phone calls, and extras.

Food: Australia is not a country with lots of regional foods. However the food quality and the worldwide cuisine is a strong and positive differential in Australia. Besides, the country has one of the best Chief courses in the world.