| Here in Newcastle the student card is called the Magic Card as it
has so many different functions; it gives us access to the computers on
campus, discounts in university shops, on public transport and allows us
to borrow books from the library. It deserves to be called magic,
doesn't it?
(Eny)
| At Newcastle University, Australia, some
lectures are offered twice at different times. If we can't attend
the morning class we have the opportunity to attend in the evening so it's
quite flexible.
(Sitti Sahraeny, University of Newcastle)
|
I am doing an MSc. in Geotechnical Engineering. All of my coursework
so far has taken the form of reports and technical case studies.
I think EAP students should learn how to present results/data if they will
be doing an engineering course.
(Syawal Satibi, Uni of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne)
| I have found the use of abbreviations very common here. For
example, B2B and B2C (which I eventually discovered means business to business
and business to consumer). I suppose this is to make it easier for
students to remember jargon, but it had the opposite effect on me!
(Indrabayu, Intech Faculty, Monash)
|
Because there are so many overseas students in Australia, there are
many societies, associations and organizations which international students
can join. In Hobart, for example, we have The Indonesian Student's
Association which organizes events such as multi-cultural weeks, sporting
events, bush walking parties and day trips. I know many Indonesian
students are good at singing, dancing, cooking etc, so be ready to participate.
It's a good idea to bring a traditional costume with you - if you have
one, so you don't miss out on the dressing-up competitions!
(Rafael, ex-ADS student)
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In Australia the centre of social activity is the bar (that is,
the pub). The words ‘pub' and ‘bar' might have negative connotations,
but in Australia these are the places where friends meet and new friends
are made. Not only do people go to the uni bar for a drink but also
to socialise, listen to live music, play pool or video games, and sometimes
to study! Most uni bars have an outdoor area where people can enjoy
their lunch in the sun. So if you ever come to Australia, don't be
shy .... check out the bar!
(Sarah Wood, IALF exchange teacher)
| In contrast to Indonesian students, Australian students are used
to giving their opinions and discussing things with their lecturers.
Disagreeing with their lecturer will not affect their marks (as it might
in Indonesia). It took me some time to get used to this and what
I did was go away and think carefully and then go back and discuss the
point with my lecturer. I found that if your argument is convincing
enough, your ideas will be accepted. So, don't be afraid to give
your opinion as it will encourage you to develop valuable skills.
(Frans Sahureka, The Uni of Newcastle)
|
Debating is a new activity for me. Each group of 6 students
has to choose one of the given topics and then 3 argue the case FOR and
3 AGAINST. You don't have to say what you believe about the subject,
the important thing is to present and communicate the arguments, and if
possible to ‘win' by persuading the others. This made me very nervous
as I had never done it before.
(Vivia ex ADS student)
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