Australia is now open for Business!

The most awaited announcement of the year is finally here – The Australian government announced the opening of borders for Fully vaccinated Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible visa holders. 

Eligible visa holders can travel to and from Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption starting 1 December 2021. The big move opens the door for tourists, backpackers, international students, and skilled migrants to fly in for summer.  

A full list of the 28 eligible visa holders is available on the Home Affairs website.

Anyone planning to visit Australia must be fully vaccinated and return a negative PCR test within three days of departing for Australia. There are different rules in each state and territory, with New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory allowing travellers to fly in without quarantining.

 

Be fast to lodge a visa application as demand will be very high, act now and pursue your international study and/or career in Australia! Contact MEI for expert, trustworthy overseas study and migration advice now!

Apply for a student visa using our google form link below,  no resume needed!

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSexyRcAlA3…/viewform…

 

Study Diploma of Nursing at Fox Education

Make a difference as an enrolled nurse in a skills shortage area, with the nationally accredited Diploma of Nursing. This qualification reflects the role of an enrolled nurse working under the supervision of a registered nurse. You will train in anatomy and physiology, infection control, and medication administration and be ready to work in a range of health care settings including acute, aged care, rehabilitation, and mental health.

Career Pathways
This qualification is a professional pathway into Nursing and then further exemplary streams of practise ie. Advanced Diploma and/or Undergraduate Degree.

THE TARGET CLIENT GROUPS ARE:
-Existing workers in the care service industry
-Mature aged including health workers from fields other than those with a previous nursing qualification and nursing lapsed registration.
-School leavers
-Trainees

The course is delivered by local, qualified industry professionals, who understand the context of practice and embrace the principles of cultural safety in their teaching.

Study Diploma of Nursing at Fox Education and get nationally certified and undertake work placement while you study, and launch the international career of your dreams!

MEI can help you lodge your student visa using our google form link below. No resumes needed! Apply now!
Resume Google Form

Pursue a career in Hospitality in Darwin Australia!

Looking for a career change with long-term prospects?
Wanting to get qualified and land a hospitality job?
Darwin has great demand for all types of hospitality staff! Check out the interview with Martin the Chef and owner at Phat Mango to get some insights on Darwin’s hospitality industry and tips for landing a hospitality job! At ICAE you get nationally certified, undertake Work Placement, and launch the hospitality career of your dreams!
Apply for a student visa using our google form link below. No resumes needed!
Or get in touch with us using any of the following contact details-
Australia:
Email: info@visas.org.au
Tel: +61 8941 5959
Philippines:
Email: info@visas.org.au
Mobile: +63 917 717 8060

For international students COVID-19 provides surprising migration opportunities

The effects from the closure of Australia’s external and internal state borders are deeply felt and widely understood throughout the entire Australian community. There has, however, been a surprising upside for many in-country international students looking for study/migration pathways. The lack of working holiday makers and backpackers has led to acute labour shortages in the tourism and  hospitality industry, most particularly in destinations with low/no COVID-19 issues and high tourist demand. One such destination is the Northern Territory, in which exists a unique set of circumstances of particular interest to international students looking for migration opportunities:

  1. No cases ever of community transmission of COVID-19
  2. No community lockdown ever due to COVID-19
  3. The busiest tourist season ever is underway right now
  4. More than 7,000 vacancies in the NT hospitality industry, an industry sector historically reliant on backpackers and very experienced in recruiting overseas workers and sponsoring graduate international students  
  5. Unlimited working hours in hospitality available for international students
  6. International College of Advanced Education, Darwin offering two-year hospitality, cookery and bakery courses, with graduates eligible for a range of NT migration pathways
  7. NT offering Australia’s most favourable migration opportunities for international students 

If you are an international student looking for migration opportunities and you are not studying and working in hospitality/cookery/bakery, you may be doing yourself a disservice. The migration opportunities and pathways available to ICAE graduates in the NT are amongst the most favourable in the country, and given the demand for skilled hospitality/cookery and bakery graduates, these courses possibly present the best migration conditions in a generation.

ICAE is offering very favourable CoE and tuition payment plans, its courses have been designed to meet as many migration requirements as possible, and has places available for its July intake. 

Contact MEI today to plan your future, ICAE has enrolment places available for their July intake, but you’ll need to be quick!

Guide for international students who will study in Australia

If you’re considering studying in Australia, it’s important to do some research about the culture, food, history, and social norms. International Students in Australia can expect to be immersed in diverse cultures, rich traditions, and innovative ideas.

We have listed some important things you should know about Australia before you hop on a plane to “the land down under”.

 

  1. You Need a Visa

To study in Australia, you will need to have a student visa. The process for applying for a visa is convenient and easy as it is completely done online, no need for embassy visits or queuing in lines. 

 

  1. Get Health Insurance

All international students need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). It is a condition of student visa to have continuous OSHC for the duration of stay in Australia. OSHC allows international students to access Australia’s excellent health care system without experiencing financial hardship.

 

  1. The Seasons

Given the size of the country, the climate in Australia varies greatly from one region to the next. Generally speaking, there are four seasons across most of the country, while the Top End (including Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land), Broome, the Kimberley and Tropical North Queensland (Cairns, the Whitsundays and the Daintree Rainforest) experience a ‘wet season’ (November to April) and a ‘dry season’ (May to October).

 

  1. Australia is Huge!

The “Travel goals” for many include the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and the Outback, the Sydney Opera House, and so much more. If you are planning to see all this, you’ll need plenty of time as it’s such a big country! But wherever you are studying, there are surely plenty of amazing things nearby. Check out this article to know places great to visit near you: A Bucket List of places you should go while studying in Australia

 

  1. The Grading System is Different

If you’re going to be receiving Australian grades, it’s worth looking into what they mean. A “D” is in fact a pretty good grade! Most Australian universities use HD (High Distinction), D (Distinction), C (Credit), P (Pass), and F (Fail) as their grading system. 

 

  1. Working while studying

The typical study visa in Oz will allow you to work up to 40 hours every two weeks while you are and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. Australia has a considerably wide range of industries with part-time work available, including retail, hospitality, agricultural, sales, and administration. In response to labour shortages due to the absence of working holiday makers, the Australian Government has recently permitted students to work unlimited hours in Tourism and Hospitality!

 

  1. Open a Bank Account

If you’re spending a semester or more in Australia, it is well worth opening an Australian bank account. You can avoid the ridiculous fees you would likely face drawing out money with your home bank (and anywhere you can save a little bit of money is worth it!), and some Australian bank accounts actually have a decent interest rate on savings. This would be especially useful if you did decide to take on some part-time work.

 

We will guide you to prepare and start your study in Australia. Contact us at MEI to start planning your future down under!

What to expect when moving to another country

Moving abroad has plenty of benefits such as having the opportunity to experience a new country and culture while traveling and meeting new people, as well as learning a new language, with the most significant aspects being reflected on you as an individual. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that many people are considering a move abroad. 


Here’s what to expect and consider when you’re off to live in a foreign country:

 

  1. Language.

What language does the country speak that you are moving to? You’ll want to study and practice the language as much as possible before you go. Also, taking intensive language lessons once you arrive is a great way to meet people and ease the language transition.

 

  1. Where to go?

There are many factors that go into your choice of a new home country: climate, political stability, crime, cost, language and customs, etc. In choosing a country or place where you want to spend a significant amount of your time living and studying, do some research so you choose the best destination for your lifestyle.

 

  1. Work and money

How will you support yourself when you move abroad? Will you have a job, or do you have enough savings or passive income to support yourself and possibly your family? Thinking about your income should be one of the most important aspects to consider before you move, so doing research into the cost of living and job prospects is essential.

 

  1. Blending into the local community.

Assimilating to the local culture can be a long-term project, and also a constant source of beauty, humor and fascination. Be naturally curious and open to being outside of your comfort zone. Say hello and show respect to everyone, learn the local sayings, the customs, celebrate the holidays, make local friends, and always get along with police and officials. Attending religious services and volunteering to do charity work can be great ways to foster goodwill and positive karma.

 

  1. Residency and Visas.

Before moving abroad, always make sure you legally can enter the country, and get expert advice about whether you need a residency visa, work permit, or something else to allow you to stay. In some countries, there are schemes where you can live and work in a country for 1-2 years to experience that country. 

 

We hope this helps! Feel free to contact MEI any time for advice or tell us about your plans to live abroad!

 

By: Jane Balaong

The Most Affordable Way to Study Hospitality in Australia + Get a Bonus Year to Just Work!

Australia is home to several reputed Hospitality colleges. It is also a place where great work experience can be gained that is recognised all over the world. Combine your Australian Hospitality qualifications with Australian work experience and get your Hospitality career off to a flying start!

Read the word Hospitality too many times above and are still reading this? Good. You’re in the right place. If you’re a student looking for the perfect Hospitality college and haven’t yet taken the leap because of fee stress, be assured that what you’re going to read will take the weight off your shoulders.

Darwin, located in the Northern Territory of Australia is not just the gateway from Asia into Australia, a tropical paradise and a melting pot of multiculturalism, but also home to one of the most reputed Hospitality colleges in Australia. 

The Northern Territory is currently experiencing an unprecedented demand for Hospitality staff. To this end, the Australian government has now permitted international students to work unlimited hours in Hospitality roles while studying. That means you’ll have the opportunity to work and earn money towards your college fees and living costs. We’re now telling you that the International College of Advanced education (ICAE), one of the fine colleges we represent, is also offering tailor made fee instalment plans to international students when they enrol in qualifying courses. Whether your desire is to work in restaurants, bars, kitchens or bakeries, there is a course with your name on it.

If the above wasn’t music to your ears, the Australian government is now also allowing international students who graduate from Hospitality courses to change over to another visa that entitles up to one year of unlimited working hours in Hospitality roles! So after you complete your Hospitality studies, you get to earn and gain further Australian work experience for an entire year! Add to this the very favourable migration opportunities open to ICAE graduates, and studying Hospitality, Cookery or Baking and studying with ICAE becomes an easy choice.

Aren’t you glad you read this article until the end? If so, act fast and act now! Contact the team at MEI to find out more about available courses, fee instalment options and your eligibility NOW!

Written by Alok Kedar on behalf of Migration Education International

Working while studying abroad

Ever dream of studying abroad? Sounds exciting, and being able to work while you study can really help cover the costs of tuition, travel, housing, and living expenses. As a matter of fact, there are countries that allow international students to work part-time while attending school.

Students engaging in part-time jobs are very common everywhere and many students are doing it.  Working while studying is a smart decision because it will add that much-needed extra money to your bank account and will also provide a unique experience at the same time. This is worth doing as it can help complement your overall international experience. You will also start to realize the benefits of being completely independent. You will also feel more confident as you meet new people, all while building the connections and experience that could make you stand out when you look for employment in the future.

Check out our article “Tips on how to balance your studies and work opportunities” to have an in-depth view of how to juggle both working and studying without sacrificing any of the two.

Read on to learn about some countries where you can work while studying abroad!

Australia

If Australia is your study abroad destination, you will be allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks while you are and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. Australia has a considerably wide range of industries with part-time work available, including retail, hospitality, agricultural, sales, and administration. 

Canada

Most international students in Canada can work for up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during scheduled breaks, without a work permit. International students in Canada with a study permit who are enrolled full-time in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), can work off-campus without a work permit. This means you can work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada. International students can also work on campus if they wish.

New Zealand

New Zealand student visas usually allow full-time students to work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and up to 40 hours a week during the summer break. This applies to both secondary school and tertiary students. Research master’s and Ph.D. students can work 40 hours a week all year round. 

It is no doubt that working while Studying abroad definitely helps you greatly during your stay.  It is important also to know some specific rules for that specific country. You also have to understand your right as an employee and be aware of how to find paid work. Now, if you are ready to experience both working while studying abroad. Talk to us! MEI can guide you through your International study journey. 

 

By: Jane Balaong

 

A Bucket List of places you should go while studying in New Zealand

New Zealand is a stunning, clean, green, natural playground, a place to admire unspoiled natural landscapes, incredible national parks, and monumental adventure-filled destinations. Or, perhaps you watched Frodo and friends go from the adorable rolling green hills of the Shire to larger-than-life landscapes of majestic mountains and wondered if the vistas were too beautiful to be real. With so many choices at your fingertips, it might be hard to decide what to check out first. But don’t worry we’re here to help you with that: just take a look at our pick of the country’s must-visit attractions.

Hike the Tongariro National Park

If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, hiking the Tongariro Crossing might feel a little familiar. It was used to film the scenes of Mount Doom in the epic fantasy series. You can follow in Frodo’s footsteps and hike through Mordor, marveling at the rugged, barren volcanic landscapes and strangely colored lakes. You can see why this foreboding and otherworldly part of New Zealand was chosen as the stand-in for the stronghold of the great and powerful Lord Sauron. 

 

Fulfill your Hobbit dreams at Hobbiton

If you are also a Lord of the Rings fan, you will love visiting Hobbiton itself – the movie set still looks exactly as it did in the films. It is located near Matamata on the North Island and you can take a guided tour of the set to learn about how Tolkien’s novel was brought to life. This is one of the top attractions not to miss in New Zealand.

 

Cruise at Bay of Islands

The turquoise waters and peaceful islands of this bay are one of the most popular tourists draws in New Zealand. This area is popular for sailing and fishing and it also has a significant history. Around 700 years ago it was where one of the large Maori migration canoes journeyed to New Zealand from Hawaiki. The Maori people settled throughout the bay and on several of the islands, establishing various tribes. The settlements that were established here played important roles in the development of New Zealand. You can

 

Drink wine at Waiheke Island

If you like wine, you’ll love Waiheke Island. Located only a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, this gorgeous spot is where you can spend a lazy, sunny day sipping wine and admiring views of olive groves and beaches. You can also wander along the white sand at Oneroa and Onetangi beaches, swimming in the sheltered waters there. Waiheke also has a thriving arts scene and a very cool sculpture park and hosts regular cultural events.

Relax at Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo is a mind-boggling expanse of water – almost the size of Singapore. It was created over two thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption that was so big it made the skies dark as far away as China and Europe. These days it is a tranquil lake, warmed by geothermal currents and perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. You can visit the spectacular Craters of the Moon, where you can see evidence of the geothermal birth of the lake in the boiling mud pools and steaming craters. This is a very popular spot to stop when driving the North Island, as it offers a chance to get out and stretch your legs while admiring the peaceful waters.

 

Museum of New Zealand

The Museum of New Zealand in Wellington, also known as Te Papa, is an innovative cultural institution that is recognized as a world leader in interactive visitor experiences. At this museum, located in a great location on the waterfront, you can learn about Maori history, New Zealand’s nature, and much more. Te Papa also hosts a create event program which features performances, lectures, and much more. It also hosts traveling art exhibitions from all over the world.

 

Marvel at Waitomo Glowworm Caves

As you float through this cave, look above you on the ceilings and walls. You will see a glowing galaxy of tiny pinpoints of light, looking like stars twinkling in the blackness. This is one of the most well-known attractions not to miss in New Zealand and visitors have been marveling at the glowworms since the late 1880s. The cave is around two hours south of Auckland on the North Island and several tours will take you on a boat through these surreal and magical caves.

 

Get to know Downtown Auckland

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, as well as in all of Polynesia. Known as the “City of Sails” it offers a lot for visitors to enjoy, including world-class culture, excellent museums, an exciting nightlife scene, and lots of great restaurants. With all of these urban delights surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery, it’s not difficult to see why Auckland is regarded as one of the most livable spots in the world. With a huge variety of things to see and do and places to dine, shop, drink, and dance – you’ll find something for everyone here. Head to the Chancery district if you are interested in fashion or trendy cafes, or wander through the Viaduct Harbour where you can sit at a bar overlooking the water and watch the world go by.

 

Visit Rotorua

Rotorua is a town that is a lot prettier than it smells. You’ll catch a whiff of the “eggy-fart” sulfur smell as soon as you get close, but it doesn’t take too long to get used to. The strange aroma comes from the geothermal hot springs and geysers that have been attracting visitors for over 100 years. You can hike along boardwalks past the steaming cauldrons and bubbling mud pools and even see a 30-meter geyser shooting out of the earth. As well as geothermal wonders, Rotorua is also known for the spectacular cultural performances put on by its Maori population. While you are there, attend a huge traditional hangi feast in which the meat (pork, lamb, beef, or shellfish) is buried underground for hours with hot rocks to slowly cook while the tribes dance and perform the powerful Haka (a war chant).

 

Enjoy the wonders of Milford Sound

This jaw-dropping natural wonder is included on almost every brochure and tourism video for the South Island – and it’s easy to see why. As you drift through the fjord on a boat you will look upward at thousands of feet of cliffs rising from the ocean. Rudyard Kipling described it as the 8th wonder of the world and when it rains the waterfalls cascading down the sheer rock faces are even more impressive. Boat cruises will take you through these fjords, carved by ancient glaciers… or you can explore them by diving, sea kayaking, or flying over in a helicopter.

 

Kayak at Abel Tasman National Park

Named after the first European explorer to sight New Zealand, Abel Tasman National Park is located between Tasman Bay and Golden Bay in the north of the South Island. This is the only coastal national park in New Zealand and you’ll be in awe of the clear turquoise water and golden sandy beaches. There are many things to do here, including hiking the Abel Tasman Coast Track along the coastline through native bush, visiting the impressive “Split Apple Rock” (pictured above), taking tours through the park, and sea kayaking in the sheltered bays.

 

Feel the chill at Fox Glacier

Another one of the natural beauties of the South Island is Fox Glacier. It is located on the West Coast in what is known as “Glacier Country” and it can be reached within 4.5 hours by car from Queenstown. Visiting this remote and beautiful place gives you a rare opportunity to explore one of the few glaciers in the world that ends in a lush rainforest 300 meters above sea level. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world and it is even possible to walk to the terminal face, go on an ice hiking adventure or take a sightseeing flight. Don’t miss the chance to see this ancient river of ice close up!

 

Explore Queenstown

Queenstown is a picturesque town on the South Island, surrounded by the rugged peaks of The Remarkables and the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu. It’s hard to be bored here – the city itself has a thriving arts and culture scene, many lip-smacking restaurants, and a great nightlife. Plus, a nature playground is on your doorstep and you can enjoy every type of wild activity imaginable – from bungy jumping to skiing to snowboarding to hiking and much more. It is an essential stop on any tour of the South Island. You can even jump out of a plane and float down slowly, high above the shimmering lake and peaks tipped with patches of snow.

By: Antonette Garcia-Toñacao

A Bucket List of places you should go while studying in Australia

Moving to a different country is exciting, but is not an easy feat. Meeting tons of new faces and trying new things is normal when you’re an international student in a foreign land. Being away from your family, feeling scared while navigating through your new environment is also not a new thing for anyone starting out in a new environment. But once you have settled in, you can still enjoy your new home if you go outside your comfort zone and embrace new sights and experiences! Enjoy the wonders that Australia has to offer and make new memories while you work towards your dream career. 

To help get you started, here is a bucket list of places you should go while studying in Australia:

Sunset at Uluru

There are still many ways to enjoy the world’s largest single rock monolith in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre, however, one we absolutely recommend is watching the magnificent sunset at the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing platform.

Crocodiles in the Northern Territory

See these ancient reptiles safely at Nitmiluk National Park and World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, which both provided backdrops to the movie that made Paul Hogan an international star, Crocodile Dundee, or take one of the many river cruises available to see these prehistoric reptiles up close and personal.

 

The Southern Lights

Also known as the Aurora Australis, Australia’s answer to the Northern Lights is just as beautiful – if you can catch a glimpse of them. Your best chance of viewing the glowing phenomenon is to go as far south as possible, meaning the island of Tasmania. The island’s Freycinet National Park offers a front-row seat, with very little light pollution to get in the way of your experience.

The Great Barrier Reef

Off the coast of Queensland lies the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. Its 2,900 coral reefs are remarkable in their beauty and are the habitat of thousands of different species, including the threatened dugong (sea cow) and the large green turtle.

Sydney Harbour

Is there any more recognizable Australian sight than Sydney Harbour? The Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are both here, and the best way to see both is from the water. Catch a ferry for only a few dollars, or indulge in a dinner cruise, both are great ways to enjoy this natural wonder.

Wildflowers in Western Australia

Every July to October, Western Australia blooms with some of the most spectacular wildflowers displays the world has to offer; the area is one of only 34 global biodiversity hotspots and is listed by the WWF as one of the most ecologically significant areas in the world. Nicknamed The Profusion, much of the region turns into a patchwork carpet of color.

Meet the Three Sisters

The Blue Mountains lie two hours outside Sydney and is a popular natural spot. They’re also home to the Three Sisters, the three towering pillars of stone are one of the region’s best-known sights. They are believed ought to stand guard and watch over the land of the Darug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, and Dharawal Aboriginal peoples.

Quokkas on Rottnest Island

The smiling face of the quokka regularly goes viral. It is surely one of the world’s happiest animals. This cute critter is the only mammal native to Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth WA, which is home to around 10,000 of them. Quokkas aren’t smiling at you, of course, but are instead opening their mouths to pant, like dogs, when they get hot. They are wild animals so be careful to admire them from afar.

The Tiwi Islands

Floating in the Timor Sea, 50 miles north of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands comprise two main isles: Bathurst and Melville. This is one of the best places in Australia to experience Aboriginal culture, with most of the islands’ residents of Aboriginal descent. The islands are particularly famed for their love of football – a tournament is held every March – and art. Art centers can be found all over the island, as well as galleries and public pieces decorating schools, burial poles, and churches.

Coffee in Melbourne

The coastal capital of Victoria is well-known for its coffee culture, beating Rome, Vienna, and Sydney in 2014 to be named as the home of the best coffee in the world by travel website Booking.com. Melbourne’s flat whites in particular have become known and loved all over the world. Patricia on Little Bourke Street is regularly named one of the best cafes in the city, while the trendy neighborhoods of Fitzroy and Collingwood have a glut of good coffee spots.

Kangaroo Island

One of the world’s best destinations for nature lovers, Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the coast of mainland Australia and has a mammoth 300 miles of coastline. It’s also filled with a wide array of animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and sea lions. 

Surf Bondi Beach

The beautiful crescent of Bondi is one of Australia’s most recognizable beaches, and the surrounding suburb is one of Sydney’s trendiest, with relaxed cafes and health-conscious restaurants nearly always humming with cool Aussies and hip visitors. The reliable waves also draw a huge number of surfers to the area – lessons are regularly held for beginners too.

By: Antonette Garcia-Toñacao