What should I expect (PDF, 35kb)

Here are Useful facts and Helpful hints for international students preparing to study in Australia

Expectation 1

Useful fact:

For university study in Australia proficiency in both spoken and written English is expected.

Useful hint:

In Australia, you will find that formal, academic English is required for written and some spoken tasks. Therefore, it is important to continue to develop your English language skills both in and out of the classroom. Talk to an Academic Skills Adviser on your campus about ongoing strategies you can use to develop your English language skills.

Expectation 2

Useful fact:

Units (subjects) in Australian universities require students to read key readings, chapters and journal articles before most classes.

Helpful hint:

You will need a dictionary to help you when you are reading to prepare for your lectures and tutorials (classes). Many international students buy a high-quality, bilingual electronic dictionary before leaving home. If you decide to do this, make sure that a whole dictionary has been loaded into the electronic dictionary, rather than a small number of key words.

Students from non-English speaking backgrounds may be allowed to bring a print, direct word to word translation English/foreign language dictionary into an examination. Please refer to the Policies and Procedures for Central Examinations for more information.

Expectation 3

Useful fact:

Textbooks will not be the only resources used in the teaching and learning process. Information will come from many different sources. In many courses, the textbook will be used to introduce information and ideas. In all units, you will read chapters from other books, journal articles, and various resources from the internet.

Helpful hint:

Be prepared to read extensively. Read as much as you can in English to prepare for study, not only from academic books.

Expectation 4

Useful fact:

In Australia, students are expected to participate in discussion and debate about the issues raised in the readings.

Helpful hint:

Be prepared for diverse styles of university teaching and learning. You will participate in classes in which students listen and take notes (lectures), as well as classes in which students discuss their unit materials (tutorials or tutes). Even though you might feel a little shy and lack confidence when you begin, try to ask a question or make a comment in class. This will not only help you to become a member of the class, but will also help you to learn more quickly. Speaking and participating shows your tutors that you have read and thought about the material.

Expectation 5

Useful fact:

Assessment includes not only examinations, but essays and other different written tasks. In some units, oral presentations using PowerPoint will form part of the assessment.

Helpful hint:

Expect to participate in various forms of assessment. You will need to use many different books and journal articles, not just your textbook, to prepare your work. Expect to give oral presentations either individually, or as part of a group.

Expectation 6

Useful fact:

There are large numbers of both local and international students enrolled in courses in Australian universities.

Helpful hint:

Expect to make friends with both local, Australian students and international students from other countries, cultures, and language groups.

Expectation 7

Useful fact:

In Australia, the relationships between lecturers and students are a little less formal than they are in many countries. It is often appropriate to call a lecturer or a tutor by his or her first name.

Helpful hint:

Expect to have both formal and informal relationships with lecturers and students in Australia. If you are more comfortable using the family name of your lecturer or tutor, please do so. If you are unsure how to address your lecturers, ask for their preference.

Expectation 8

Useful fact:

Many lecturers will be both friendly and accessible. University staff members are ready to advise students about units, reading, and assessment tasks.

Helpful hint:

You will be able to make comments and speak in many classes. You will also be able to ask lecturers questions about your work during and/or after the smaller classes (tutorials). Be prepared to email lecturers or make individual appointments to discuss your academic reading, assessment tasks, and progress with them.

Expectation 9

Useful fact:

Australian lecturers use many forms of face-to-face teaching and interaction. You will also engage in learning using electronic forms of communication, such as Blackboard.

Helpful hint:

Expect to be given an email account as soon as you enrol. You will use email to communicate with both lecturers and other students in your courses. Information sessions on Blackboard are held during Orientation week.

Expectation 10

Useful fact:

Universities in Australia make computers available to students, but many students also have their own laptop computer. Some international students bring a laptop computer with them when they come to study in Australia. Lecturers will expect the written work to be presented in a formal manner. In general, assignments need to be wordprocessed rather than handwritten.

Helpful hint:

You may want to develop your computer skills including the use of Word and PowerPoint, before you begin your course.