Campuses> Sydney >Melbourne

MELBOURNE CAMPUS

With its cosmopolitan and culturally diverse origins, Melbourne offers students a relaxed city lifestyle and an opportunity to experience some of the best cultural attractions and events in Australia.

Melbourne is a sports lover's paradise hosting the Australian Tennis Open, the Formula One Grand Prix, Melbourne Cup Racing Carnival and the famous Australian Rules football matches.

Located in the heart of Melbourne's Central Business District, The Meridian International School, Melbourne Campus is close to Melbourne's world famous China Town precinct.

The Meridian International School, Melbourne Campus offers:

• Professionally qualified and experienced teachers
  
• Broad educational pathway programs
  
• Quality student counselling service
  
• Free e-mail and internet services in the well-equipped computer laboratory
  
• Student ID card
  
• On campus academic counselling
  
• Competitive costs of living in one of Australia's most affordable cities
  
• Accommodation and airport pick up service
  

Students from all over the world come to Australia to take advantage of our world-class education and enjoy our friendly hospitality and cultural diversity Melbourne also offers a world-class education system. Australia has become a top preference for parents to send their children to obtain high a standard of education and ranks highly on the list in safety, affordability, geographically proximate compared to, say, European countries.

A Good Choice for Study
There are more than 50,000 overseas students studying in Australia and each year approximately 15,000 students from the Asia Pacific region arrive in Australia to continue their education. They have chosen Australia for several reasons:

• Australia has a high quality education system, the equal of any country in the world
  
• Australia offers traditional education in reputable schools, colleges and universities
  
• Awards from Australian institutions of higher education are recognized internationally
  
• Australian universities, colleges and schools have established networks of support to help overseas students
  
• The Australian education system includes informality and accessibility of academic staff, the availability of computers, small group tutorials and close supervision
  
• Living costs and tuition costs compare well with other countries and most overseas students are permitted to work part-time.
  
• Australia is a safe, stable country with a pleasant climate.
  
• Australia welcomes overseas students

Australia has a long history of involvement in international education development, staff and student exchange programs and scholarships.

Study Methods
In Australia, much emphasis is placed upon private (individual) study along the lines of assignments, on research and learning to analyse data and present arguments about subject matter, and on being willing to defend one's argument. All these involve heavy use of libraries, intensive note taking in lectures, and active participation in the learning process (as opposed to passive listening and rote learning).

To be a successful student in Australia, you will need to adapt to these methods of learning, but most education institutions in Australia are very willing to help as they offer counselling services and assistance to develop effective study skills. Many lecturers in Australia have vast experience teaching overseas students, they understand the difficulties in getting used to different study methods and they will be patient in helping you to develop new skills.

More about Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital of the State of Victoria. It is situated on the Yarra River and around Port Phillip Bay with its beautiful beaches and water sports facilities. It is a beautiful spacious city with all the parks, gardens, sporting venues and scenic places that Australian space and natural resources allow.

Melbourne is a world-renowned cultural, artistic, financial and communications centre served by an international airport, a cargo and passenger seaport, and rail links to neighbouring States.
It is also voted as the world's 'most liveable city'. Covering an area of 7,280 sq kilometres, it is home to approximately 4 million people from diverse backgrounds and interests.

One quarter of Melbourne's population was born overseas making it one of the world's most multicultural cities. There are now people from 140 nations living harmoniously together. This broad ethnic mix has brought many benefits to the city including a wide range of cuisines and over 2,300 elegant restaurants, bistros and cafes. Melbourne has an excellent public transport system with trams, trains and buses providing an extensive network throughout the city and suburbs.

Melbourne's economic and political centre is located within the municipal boundaries of the City of Melbourne, an area of 36.5 sq kilometres, which encompasses the Central Business District, some of Melbourne most historic suburbs, as well as most of Melbourne's famous sporting venues and its world famous parks and gardens.

The City of Melbourne, working in conjunction with other local municipalities, is committed to ensuring that this Melbourne is one of the safest, healthiest, and cleanest in the world. It supports Melbourne's position as Australia's pre-eminent centre for arts and culture, education, fine food and dining and exciting shopping experiences.

It is considered to be the shopping capital of Australia and offers some of Australia's biggest shopping complexes as well as sophisticated, exclusive boutiques and a host of lively and popular markets.

Climate
Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons in the year - spring, summer, winter and autumn. Below is a guide to the average daily temperatures.

Melbourne does not have a specific wet season - it can rain at any time of the year.

Sports and recreation
Australians are very keen on sport and outdoor activities and have gained a worldwide reputation, both as individuals and as teams. Hosting the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, the Australian Open Tennis Championship and the Grand Prix Motor Race highlights Australia as a leading destination for international events.

Australia has more than 120 national sporting organisations and thousands of state, regional and club bodies. It is estimated that 6.5 million people, about a third of the population, are registered sports participants. While there are over 120 sporting organisations, Australians also take part in bushwalking, fishing, boating and water sports.
Melbourne is also home to many international sporting events including:
The Australian Open (tennis)
Formula One Grand Prix (car racing)
The Melbourne Cup (horseracing)
Rip Curl Surfing Pro
Australian International Airshow
Heineken Classic (golf)

Cost Of Living
In addition to paying the full cost of their courses, full-fee students must meet all their own travel and living expenses, plus any student association fees or administrative charges made by the institution. A single person studying in Australia will need A$10,000 - A$12,000 each year in addition to the tuition fees. This amount also depends on the kind of accommodation a student chooses. For a married person with a dependent, he/she will need another A$4,000 each year. If there are children, the living expenses needed will be approximately A$3,000 for each child.

Transport
Australia has an efficient public transport system (buses, trains and trams) in all cities. Many students ride bicycles on campus and some even have their own car for longer travel. There are also train, bus and air services between cities and towns.

• Public Transport Costs
  
• Melbourne Train Map
  
• Melbourne Tram Map

Accommodation
The following types of accommodation are available for International students:

For further information on costs please click here.

This accommodation can be booked prior to arrival. Two weeks advance notice is required before you depart for Australia. Further details can be obtained from the International Student Welfare Officer.

Electricity & Gas:
Origin electricity and gas 131 260
AGL electricity and gas 131 245
TXU electricity and gas 133 466
See www.yellowpages.com.au

Water:
City West Water 13 16 91

Phone & Internet:
Telstra: 13 22 00 http://www.telstra.com.au
Optus: 13 30 66 http://www.optus.com.au
iPrimus: 1300 858 585 http://www.iprimus.com.au

Clean, Safe, Cosmopolitan
Australia has low crime rates and strict gun control laws providing a safe environment in which to learn and travel. With one of the highest standards of living in the world, Australia offers modern transport systems, convenient telecommunications, cosmopolitan shopping complexes and excellent health services.

Visitors from many parts of the world are attracted by Australia’s spectacular natural environment and the distinctive personality and friendliness of the Australian people. Australia is rich in the arts and is keen to preserve and display its diverse cultural heritage.

Australians are also environmentally conscious and keen to preserve the country's natural beauty and scenery.

Health Care
Australia has a very good health care system. All Australians pay a Medicare levy (additional tax) to fund the public health system and ensure everyone gets access to public system doctors, hospitals and other health care services. People who pay extra into a private health insurance fund receive certain privileges when they use private health care services. As well as the usual services available in just about any Australian suburb or town, most Australian institutions also provide special health care services and advice for students.

International students studying in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student visa. International students may choose from four OSHC providers. Check the Department of Health and Ageing web site for details and conditions: www.health.gov.au/privatehealth/providers/oscover.htm

Food
Australia has a fantastic variety of food. Our top quality meat, fish, fruits and vegetables are exported to markets all around the globe. There is a large range of fruit and vegetables available at Australian produce markets. You should have no difficulty in finding the foods that you are used to at home.
You can sample almost every type of cuisine available throughout the world in our many restaurants. There are elegant restaurants or typical Aussie pubs. Ethnic restaurants offer cuisines from all around the world. Good food at reasonable prices can be found at bistros or cafes. And for those who like takeaway, most of the major global fast food chains are well represented.

Markets

Communication & Technology

Mobile Phones
If you do wish to use your existing handset and service provider in Australia ('international roaming'), you will need to contact your home provider to determine the necessary steps in making this arrangement. Alternatively, you may wish to use your current handset whilst in Australia, but connect to a local service provider. There are a variety of mobile phone services operating in Australia which offer short-term (pre-paid) or long-term (contract) plans.
You should be aware, however, that because different countries operate under different cellular systems it is possible that your existing handset may not be compatible locally. In this instance you may be required to purchase a local handset.

Public Telephones & Post
There are many public telephones available throughout Melbourne and Victoria. For home phones, there are many service providers in Australia. You can buy local and international calling cards from many newsagents, convenience stores and grocers. An Australia Post’s office branch is located across Australia.
Australia has a modern telecommunications system with mobile and Internet access generally available at low cost. Public telephones are available at all Post Offices, shopping centres and are often situated on street corners. Public pay phones accept a variety of coins and Phonecards.

Phonecards are pre-paid for use in public pay phones and can be bought at a large number of retail outlets in denominations of $A5, $A10, $A20 and $A50. Credit phones take most major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diners International and can be found at international and domestic airports, central city locations and hotels.
Mobile phones are very popular and can be purchased from a number of retailers.