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life in sydney

Is your visa expiring in December? Here’s what you need to know.

Is your visa going to expire any time from now until the end of this year?

As we are heading towards the end of the year and the holiday season is just around the corner, it’s good to plan ahead and be organised.

If your visa is going to expire any time soon, don’t leave it to the last minute. Many schools will close for the Christmas holiday and come back at the beginning of January. If this is your case, start the visa process as soon as possible in order to avoid the stress of getting everything done on time.

We still have some special offers for different courses, that you can find interesting. Among them some Black Friday promotions and we’re also still accepting enrolments for our most affordable course for international students in Sydney.

Just contact us and we will be in touch with all the details and we can also check if you are eligible. If you are not sure or have any questions, feel free to have a chat with us on Facebook Messenger.

If you decide to go ahead, our registered migration agent will help you for free with your Student Visa application and you can join students from 43 countries who are already studying with Study Anywhere.

Change in the Student Visa Fee in Australia

Australian Department of Home Affairs is changing the Student Visa application fee from the 1st of July 2019.

The cost of a Student Visa in Australia (Subclass 500) is now $620 (an increase from $575). If you will be applying in Australia and your current visa was granted while you were in Australia, be prepared that the Department of Home Affairs will charge you another $700 (Subsequent Temporary Application Charge) on top of the $620. This is often the case when someone is moving from the second year of Working Holiday Visa and this fee has not changed since 1. 7. 2019.

If you are planning to include your partner in your Student Visa application, you will be charged another $430 (Additional Applicant Charge 18+) by the Department of Home Affairs.

Do you want to save as much money on your Student Visa in Australia as possible? Why not take advantage of our current special offer? You can choose the cheapest course in Sydney and study for as little as $4,000 / year ($1,000 every three months). Contact us now for a free quote and all the details.

Students enrolling with Study Anywhere will get free assistance with their Student Visa applications by our registered migration agent.

All prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD). Please, check the website of the Department of Home Affairs for all the details about a Student Visa in Australia and FAQs on our website.

Our biggest promotion ever. Study in Sydney for $4,000 per year!

We have some great winter news to share with you as we’ve just launched our biggest ever promotion in Sydney. You can now enrol in Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication and start your course either in July or in August 2019 for only $1,000 / every three months.

Yep, that’s $4,000 for a one year course + $200 enrolment fee. Prices are in Australian Dollars. This is our cheapest course in Sydney for international students.

Longer course packages are also available (2 or 3 years). If you don’t want to miss out, just contact us and we will be in touch with all the details and we can also check if you are eligible. If you are not sure or have any questions, feel free to have a chat with us on Facebook Messenger.

This is a great opportunity especially for those of you, who’s current visa is expiring anywhere between June and October 2019.

If you decide to go ahead, our registered migration agent will help you for free with your Student Visa application and you can join students from 43 countries who are already studying with Study Anywhere.

Find out more about our most affordable course for international students in Sydney for late 2019 / early 2020 in this article.

November 2020 update: See 4 of the cheapest courses for international students in Australia.

Making Friends in Australia

The article is written by Jane Churchill

If you’re thinking about coming to Australia, or are already here, you might be searching for some advice on making friends!

Much like in other countries, the key to making friends when you’re in a new place is making the first move! As daunting as it might be, the more you do it, the easier it will become.

Many international students spend their entire time socialising with other international students from their home country (which is totally okay if that is what you’re comfortable with!). But I would recommend trying to branch out further if you truly want to immerse yourself in Australian culture!

> Join Clubs!

This is SERIOUSLY one of the best ways to get involved on campus, socialise, and have fun obviously! Many clubs host regular parties, gatherings and events, and since you join clubs based on personal interests, you will already have something in common with other members. Don’t be afraid to sign up alone, or attend an event alone. Most people in clubs are searching for the same thing as you – so inclusivity is at its highest!

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> Get a Part-Time Job

One thing international students may not be aware of before coming here is that the majority of Australian students have part-time jobs. Hence, it is common for people to be unavailable to hang out on the weekend. Working a part-time job is a great way to get to know some locals and ultimately befriend some new people.

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> Talk to Others in Class

In Australia, it is very common for people to still retain their friendship groups from high school. This means many Aussie’s actually don’t have that many friends in university! So say hello to the person next to you in class, or offer to study for the exam together, chances are, you will be met with a positive response!

Good Luck!

4 Top spots for Climbing

The article and the photos by Paola Bianchi

Climbers and belayers, beginners or advanced. These are four top places to climb in Melbourne and Victoria. Choose one place, grab your gear and go climbing!

Hardrock, central climbing spot

Located in the CBD, close to Melbourne Central, this climbing gym has become the most popular place for locals and students (make sure you show your credentials for a discount). They offer beginners classes and Lead training and the staff is super friendly. It is a relatively small space and can get crowded during peak times, but music is great and the location is super convenient. Situated in a strategic corner on a second floor, has lovely views of the city and the natural light that is coming through the enormous glass windows is an advantage. Here is where I usually bring my friends for the first climbing experience. A great place to start the journey.

You can check this gym here

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North Walls, appealing climbing gym

As soon as you walk into this indoor climbing gym, you can’t avoid appreciating the clean aesthetic atmosphere. They thought about the visual aspect of this building, and we can thank that. It’s a pleasure to climb in white walls with colourful routes and a roof that displays natural light. Inside there is a cafe that provides that often needed caffeine fix, a -in development- training section with bars, and offer several kinds of courses like movement and strength. Lots of seats to relax, great for that friend you invited to shoot the cool pics.

Climbing and coffee, you got me. Located in Brunswick, you can check this beautiful place here:

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Gravity Worx, comprehensive climbing gym

This indoor climbing gym has all you ever needed. Over 200 routes that are changed regularly, 16 auto-belay routes (in case you go alone!), a speed wall (what!?) like the one used on international competitions, a training section and experienced instructors. Courses are also available and schools are welcome. Competitions are often held with prices. This place is huge. Impossible to get bored.

Located in Pasco Vale, check this gym here.

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Mount Arapiles, magic outdoor climbing

Arguably, one of the best climbing spots in the world, this PARADISE for climbers has it all. As it was stated by Chockstone, an online website for climbers in Victoria, Mount Arapiles may be ‘the very the heart and soul of traditional climbing in Australia’.
Located in a protected park in the Wimmera region in western Victoria, this big rock formation can easily compete with the famous Grampians region because of its thousands of quality climbing routes, hiking tracks, bouldering walls, killing sunrises and a gorgeous natural setting full of wildlife. Kangaroos included!

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I know what you might be thinking, ‘that rock does not seem big at all’. Let me tell you that, with its just 370mts of high, you will feel challenged when unrolling your rope on the base.

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Everyone stays at least a long weekend. Some may stay for a whole month. The only option available is a rustic campsite that you should book in advance for a super cheap price. It’s an unpowered site with toilets.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this place is the great vibes of the climber’s community. You can go looking for good climbs, but you will return after making such good friends. The best months are from February to April, as it is not too hot nor cold, and little rain! The least you want is a wet rock that makes impossible for grabbing. Take into account that due the dry weather, there is a wood fire ban from the 1st of November until the 30th of April.

There are different levels of climbing routes to choose from. You can check them on the Arapiles book guide (shown in next pic), or check the classic routes here, or get help to start with these guys.

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4 tips to get a job in Australia

The article and cover photo by Paola Bianchi

There are no magic formulas to excel in looking, applying and getting a job in Australia, nor in any place in the world. Is not just about having lucky neither. There is a famous phrase that says: ‘success is where preparation and opportunity meet’. To be successful in getting a job offer we need to get prepared, so when the opportunity arises we are ready to jump right in.

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How are your fine-tuning skills doing? Here are 4 tips to tune-up:

POLISH YOUR RESUME

The resume is your first presentation. It showcases who you are, your work and studies history and your skills. Try to make it different from other boring resumes. Avoid dull designs and focus on a clean structure and refine your grammar. Do not add a photo nor personal details like age or marital status. This does not matter at all. Adding a summery at the beginning is a brilliant way the employer can make a clear idea of who you are and what to expect to read. Also, list two to three referees that can be contacted (one can be personal). Don’t forget to specify keywords on your skill checklist. It Is also a good idea to display a ‘interests’ section that shows a little bit more about you on a personal level. After all, you are a human, not just a resume. Two to three pages are the standard as is expected to be included detailed info about each work or study experience, highlighting responsibilities and achievements.

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REVIEW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA

Nowadays, everyone has at least one social media account to share content…and to check out others! Potential hiring managers can (and will) check your Instagram or Facebook to analyse your behaviour and lifestyle. Do you just have photos showing you as a party animal? Not that you cannot have fun but be careful with your content and comments.

LinkedIn is also a social platform and very popular in Australia. Networking can get you far. Update your profile with your resume info and stay open for potential opportunities. Make sure your profile photo looks professional. If keen, share content and write your own articles. There are free workshops available in the Learning section that can be really helpful.

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ALWAYS CUSTOMISE

Quite often the job Ad will ask for a Cover Letter. The hiring manager wants to know why you are the perfect fit for the role. Identify what the role needs and how you can contribute to that. This is an enormous opportunity to add info that your resume does not have and link transferable skills that can attract the hiring manager. Even though you may have a base, is important to customise the application letter for each job. If you are sending the same letter every time, you are probably not separating yourself from others, and, what is worse, wasting your chance to express more about your personality and what makes you unique. ONE page is enough.

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POPULAR WEBSITES

When all the above is on point, is time to do the work ‘of looking for work’. It can be time-consuming, I know. To make things easier for you, here is a list of the most popular websites to start your search for opportunities in Australia:

https://www.seek.com.au/
https://au.indeed.com/
http://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/
https://www.pedestrian.tv/jobs/
https://www.careerone.com.au/
https://scoutjobs.com.au/
https://www.coffeejobs.com/
https://au.jora.com/

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Australian Movies and Chill?

The article is written by Rebecca Todesco

It’s winter and nothing sounds better than snuggling in with a bunch of pals with some popcorn and a movie. We’re a long way from Hollywood but we do make our fair share of quality films Down Under.
There’s a long list of Australian movies and if we were to sit here and go through them all we would be here for longer than we want. So instead I’ve got a list of my favourites (don’t worry: no spoilers are included).

Gallipoli (1981):

IMDB: 7.5
Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Gallipoli is a war drama that follows two young sprinters after they enlist during World War I.

Although not entirely historically accurate, the film does provide some insight into the events surrounding the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli.

Some may argue that the film has a slow start, but I urge you to stick with it: you won’t regret it.

The Babadook (2014):

IMDB rating: 6.8
Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
This psychological thriller follows the story of an exhausted widow as she tries to raise her six-year-old son alone.

While she’s busy convincing her son there are no monsters in the house she becomes aware of a sinister presence, seemingly stemming from a mysterious book her son finds.

The Babadook has just enough suspense and jump scares to keep you wide awake and glued to your screen (and have you checking under your bed before you go to sleep).

Muriel’s Wedding (1994):

IMDB rating: 7.2
Running time: 1 hour, 46 minutes

Most little girls dream of getting married and what their wedding day will be like but few will go as far as the daggy and slightly desperate Muriel Heslop to make it happen.

Muriel will stop at nothing to get what she wants and, accompanied by a cracking soundtrack, she’ll learn a bit about friendship and herself along the way.

Get together with a few of your girls and have a good laugh at Muriel’s antics throughout this feel-good comedy. You’ll be saying “you’re terrible, Muriel” in no time!

The Castle (1997):
IMDB rating: 7.7
Running time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

When an Aussie family, the Kerrigans, are told they need to sell their house and leave, they decide to take on city hall to keep their home.

They team up with a loveable bunch of neighbours and a shoddy lawyer in court in the battle of a century to protect their castle.

The Castle is a wholesome family movie and well worth the watch.

Australia (2008):

IMDB rating: 6.6

Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes

What could be more Australian than Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman together in the Australian desert?

The main thing I took away from this movie was the beautiful shots of the Australian scenery: it’s enough to convince anyone to tour the country.

Australia is set before World War II and sees a British aristocrat move to Australia when she inherits a ranch. There’s plenty happening in the movie to keep you entertained, including an agreement with a stockman and the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese forces.

Take a deep breath, grab some food and make sure you hit the toilet before starting this movie: it’s a long one.

Crocodile Dundee (1986):
IMDB rating: 6.5
Running time: 1 hour, 37 minutes

An American reporter travels to the Australian outback to meet a famous crocodile hunter and comes face to face with the most stereotypical, over the top Aussie bloke that ever existed.

When she invites him back to New York with her you’re in for plenty of entertainment.

If nothing else, this film beautifully showcases some of Australia’s spectacular scenery.

In all of my travels, this was the movie most people spoke to me about when they found out I was Australian.

Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975):
IMDB rating: 7.6
Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

A school trip to Hanging Rock by an elite girls school goes horribly wrong when three students and a teacher vanish without a trace.

The remaining classmates are haunted by the events surrounding their missing peers, especially as time goes by and new information comes to light.

The school and the town begin to unravel in the subsequent weeks as searches for the missing girls continue.

Although the events depicted in the film are false, the author of the original book was deliberately cryptic about whether the events actually took place.

If you’re left wanting more, there is a television series which aired in May 2018 on Foxtel’s Showcase based on the book and film. Or if you’re in Victoria, you can make the journey to Hanging Rock yourself. Just make sure you don’t stray too far from your group.

Strictly Ballroom (1992):

IMDB rating: 7.2
Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Strictly Ballroom follows Scott, a ballroom dancer, as he fights to dance his own personal way in competition.
Just when it looks like Scott is out of luck an unlikely hero swoops in to help Scott two-step his way to his dream.

With enough fake tan, glitter and flashy dance routines to make everyone happy, Strictly Ballroom will have you hurrying to the nearest phonebook to look up ballroom dancing lessons.

Wolf Creek (1995):

IMDB rating: 6.3
Running time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

What do you get when you cross three backpackers stranded in the outback with a deranged and sadistic local? A whole lot of terror!

The film is not for the faint hearted and includes a healthy dose of torture, screams and scares.

I wouldn’t recommend watching this before embarking on any hitchhiking or backpacking tours of the country because there’s a good chance you’ll be permanently scared off the idea.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994):

IMDB rating: 7.5

Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes

A Sydney-based drag queen is set to perform at a casino in a rural town in Central Australia. He manages to rope his friends – a fellow drag performer and a transgender woman – into accompanying him and the three set out on a road trip.

Their journey is not without its complications but the film itself is chock-full of fantastic music and brilliant costumes.

And who exactly is Priscilla? You’ll have to watch the movie to find out that one.

Top 5 YouTube Vids By Expats About Life in Australia

The article is written by Bernadette Sanfilippo

They say experience is the greatest teacher of all so, in this list, we’re counting down 5 outstanding YouTube videos made by expats residing in Australia, that are certain to help prepare you for a move to the land down under.

#5. Adjustments as an American in Australia – Brittany Bryant

In this video, Brittany Bryant is a relatively new arrival to Australian shores. As she recounts her initial 12 days in the land down under, she exhibits that relatable twang of nervousness that typically accompanies any foreigner adjusting to life in a foreign land. Her observations about life in Australia are not necessarily atypical or groundbreaking, but her retellings are sympathetically honest and sentimental, and her skittish nature serves to remind us that, no matter how abnormal we may feel in an unfamiliar cultural setting, we are not alone.

#4. 6 Things I Wish I Knew About Australia Before Moving Here – Ashley Kristina

If what you’re seeking is the emotional realities of living abroad, then look no further. Ashley Kristina delivers a video that summarises a number of hard truths, coupling her worded experiences with the utmost of careful sensitivity. Choosing to steer away from debunking Australian stereotypes, she discusses the difficulties of living vast distances from family, carving out new interpersonal relationships in a contrasting culture and the hefty price tag that accompanies the Australian way of life. Be warned, Ashley shatters any illusions you may have of Australia’s iconic landmarks, kindly pointing out that most pictures are usually given the heavy Photoshop treatment.

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#3. 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving To Sydney, Australia! – Lauren Meisner

Lauren Meisner’s almost 17-minute long video offers highly detailed depictions on subjects such as the housing market, working conditions and the national health care system. While her advice is practical and noteworthy, it should be noted that, as the title of the video suggests, significant portions of the content are specific to the metropolitan areas of Sydney and do not necessarily reflect life in neighbouring states or wider Australia. This is particularly true of the rental price figures she quotes, as these really are only a reflection of what you could expect to pay living in the central suburbs of Sydney, not in the greater suburban areas. That being said, this is a wonderfully insightful, well-researched video, highly beneficial to anyone looking to live long-term in New South Wales.

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#2. 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before…Moving To Australia – Elizabeth Beemer

Elizabeth Beemer proves she is a well-versed, seasoned traveller in this humorously light-hearted, entertaining video. Elizabeth exhibits a relaxed, laid-back level of honesty as she provides practical guidance and cleverly debunks several Australian stereotypes. At one point, she ingeniously describes the country as the lovechild between the USA and UK and makes some compelling statements regarding weather, social habits and the general cost of living in the land down under. Though this video was filmed and uploaded on April 1^st, rest assured that the content is sincere, genuine and a highly reliable account of life in Australia!

#1. 11 things I didn’t expect about Australia – Mai’s Journey

Kicking things off with a brief dance number, Mai’s video tops this list, due primarily to its laugh-out-loud humour, honesty, integrity and Mai’s ability to capture the quintessential Australian spirit. While the content speaks specifically about Melbourne, the vast majority can easily be associated with surrounding states, broader Australia and the national way of living. Mai’s persona is fun and relatable and her counsel is offbeat, quirky and totally amusing. This video offers a fantastic insight into Australia’s worded slang, verbal anomalies, cultural diversity and daily realities, with a delightful dose of foreign observation and reflection.

Fun Indoor Activities to try in Sydney this Winter!

This article is written by Sachithri Kodagoda

Look, in all honesty, I am the biggest advocate for staying indoors and binge-watching cooking shows for all of winter, because let’s be honest winter really and truly is the worst. However, getting outside and being meeting your friends really is the better option for both your social life and your mental health. So here are 5 fun INDOOR activities that you can do during the winter time to try and stay warm, while also making sure your social calendar isn’t looking like a great big sandy desert with tumble-weed rolling across.

1. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq (Alexandria)

This cool little fun house is jam-packed with cool activities that’ll keep you and your buddies entertained for hours. It’s got bowling, dodgem cars, laser tag and all kinds of arcade games. Bonus there’s cute little cocktail bar that is designed after a carnival where you can get the most extravagant boozy milkshakes.

2. Sky Zone (Miranda and Alexandria)

Sky Zone will have you bouncing off its walls. Literally. This indoor trampoline park is filled with over 100 interconnected trampolines that’ll leap all over the place. It’s also got a pretty neat little climbing area, for you to live your mountaineering dreams. So, grab your bestie and bounce away!

3. Ice Zoo (Alexandria)

Okay, this one is a little cold. But get yourself all rugged up because it’s definitely worth a visit. This indoor skating is open 7 days a week and focuses on entertainment, fun and safety. You can choose to go for a full-on ice skating class or join in during the public skating hours. Bonus tip makes sure to check the timetable to see when the ‘Ice Disco’ sessions are on to have a fun boogie with your pals on the ice.

4. Break the Code Escape Room (Sydney CBD)

This venue has 4 super cool themed rooms to choose from so you and your buddies can play detective. You and your team are locked in a room with just 60 minutes to figure out all the clues to find your escape, so channel your inner Indiana Jones and set the clock, you got this!
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5. Spitfire – Indoor Paintball & Go Karts (Concord West)

If you’re an adrenaline junkie this is the perfect indoor activity for you. Fire up some healthy competition and race against your mates, through wide lanes, long straights and tight bends. This venue also has some epic paintball fields to plan strategic attacks with state of the art equipment, so get you and your pals a session to get that blood pumping!

The Weekender: Crescent Head

The article is written by Maddison Reynolds

The New South Wales coastline is full of beautiful, hidden-gems often disregarded by the typical traveller. While many opt to undertake the famous east coast road-trip during their time here, much of the coast can be explored on weekend trips from Sydney.

This June long weekend, I grabbed a bunch of mates and headed north to the small, coastal town of Crescent Head. My boyfriend, an avid surfer, had visited here many times before and had raved to me about the beautiful beaches, spectacular surf and piquant pies from the local bakery. Packing in Sydney on Thursday night, the weather report looked grim, so I prepared my study notes in the event that this would be a fairly average weekend spent indoors. To my surprise, Crescent Head had plenty to deliver (even unseasonable sunshine).

The Drive

Crescent Head is located 440km north of Sydney. The best way to get there is, of course, by car.

The drive can take anywhere between 5 and 6 ½ hours, depending on Sydney’s (very unpredictable) traffic. Be wary of peak travel times and try and avoid travelling during school holidays and long-weekend periods.

If you’ve ever travelled up the east coast before, you’d know that there are plenty of places to veer off the highway, grab a bite to eat (Heatherbrae pies are my personal favourite) and stretch your legs.

Once you reach the Kempsey turn-off, pass the Crescent Head signs and follow the road into the main street of Kempsey. Be sure to take advantage of the shops here and grab all the food and drinks you’ll need for your stay. Crescent Head only has one convenience store so this is your last option to grab that 1kg tub of hummus you’ll no doubt be needing after a day of long-boarding.

Accommodation

The Crescent Head Holiday Park is located right on Crescent’s famous main beach, home to one of the best right-hand breaks in the world. The park offers cabins as well as camping options and is situated in the middle of town. It is a convenient walk to cafes, shops and restaurants.

Alternatively, Crescent Head is home to plenty of rental properties, depending on the size of your group. We chose a property just out of the main town centre that housed a group of 6. The property was secluded and private, making it perfect for impromptu dance parties in the early hours and quiet bonfire sessions.

For those feeling a little more adventurous, beach camping is available in the Goolawah National Park. Visit the Visit NSW website for more details.

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Things to Do

If you’re going to Crescent Head, chances are you’re already a keen surfer or you’re at least keen to give it a try. Crescent Head is world-renowned as one of Australia’s best breaks and is perfect for beginners and those more experienced. It is also the perfect place for longboarding and stand-up paddle boarding if these are your chosen crafts. The best thing of all about Crescent Head is that even in the early weeks of winter, the water is still warm enough to surf in without a full wetsuit. There really is an almost endless summer on the mid-north coast.

Crescent Head is also home to beautiful national park land. If you’re in a 4WD, head into Hat Head National Park, Goolowah National Park and Lime Burners National Park. There are ample amounts of secluded beaches and picture-perfect lookout points to be discovered. The best advice in this region is to head out and explore. Pack an esky full of snacks and beers, grab your surfboard and get out there!

Some of the roads in this region are unsealed so be sure to check the Visit NSW site before heading out.

Places to Eat

Crescent Head is a small town so there are a limited amount of options when it comes to dining.

Barnett’s Bakery is famous for its pies and pastries. Expect to see queues of locals lined out the door if you visit between morning and late afternoon rush. Australian’s know good pies, so a pie shop as busy as Barnett’s is generally worth your wait.

If you’re after a coffee or café brunch, head to Blackfish Café or Green Room Café. Blackfish Café is also home to one of the friendliest cattle dogs I’ve ever met and there’s plenty of time for canine cuddles while you’re waiting for your coffee.

The Crescent Head Country Club is a great option for a pub-feed and beers after a long day of exploring. In peak periods the Country Club fills up quickly so be sure to arrive early to grab a table.

Despite my original misgivings, Crescent Head turned out to be the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This quiet, and secluded town had so much to offer for those willing to look for it. And even though I left covered in surfing bruises, Crescent Head was truly the perfect place to get salty, have a laugh and recharge with friends.

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