Tag Archive for: live in Australia

Students it’s entirely possible…

Students it’s entirely possible…

 

Some 20 odd years ago (I refuse to be specific and divulge my age), I embarked on the journey of being an international student in Australia, much like many of you are contemplating doing. It helped that I always knew what I wanted to do, which was to become a hotelier, and had supportive parents who were after all going to fund my chosen path with fingers crossed. I hadn’t always been an ace student in school, but in my high school years, being able to choose my subjects changed that record and I found myself faring better than ever before. So here I was choosing once again and hoping for the same outcome. 

 

What’s different today is the number of available career choices. What’s also different today is the number of Covid-19 imposed life restrictions. But let’s not give it any more importance than the restrictions and challenges we’ve faced at any other time or place in our lives. We stumble, we learn, we rise. May not always be in that order, but learn we do and learn we must! My parents made me speak to many hotel industry veterans who tried their hardest to convince me that it wasn’t the career I wanted to be in or would be able to last in as it is “overworked and underpaid”. There was also no place for a “pudding son” like me, which was of course a clear reference to me being out of shape though we all know round is a shape too! So anyway, 20 something years later, I’ve been in leading roles with hotels in Australia and overseas despite the challenges, or should I say opportunities you encounter along the way.

 

If you’re anything like me, then you don’t want to hear another word about what you can’t do due to Covid-19. Let’s get on with it I say! Life must go on…

 

So here’s me telling you what you can do. And then I’ll tell you what’s entirely possible too!

 

What you can do is start or continue your studies. You can head to the Northern Territory where you’ll be well received by at least 4 colleges. Whether you fancy yourself as a future chef, a hotelier, a leader and manager or an electrical tradesman, a social media guru, a child care worker or an alcohol and drugs specialist, there’s a course with a seat that has your name on it.

 

It’s not just me but the numbers and the people of the Northern Territory leading the most normal of all lives that should tell you it is the place to be! They envy us in the Northern Territory not just from the rest of Australia but from the rest of the world!

 

What’s holding you back? If it’s the fees, speak to us and we can advise you of the best payment plans you may be able to avail of. We understand times are tough. But lets all come out of this together and we’ll be tougher. And you’ll also be qualified! So while the rest of the world is waiting for borders to open and restrictions to ease, we’re telling you that you don’t need to wait!

 

Now about the entirely possible. No, I didn’t forget. If you’re outside Australia and finding the international travel restrictions causing hurdles and delays in your study plans, well what I’m telling you is that it need not be that way. As I write this, the first chartered flight with international students coming to the Northern Territory will be arriving in less than a week! Now you could be on the next chartered flight into Australia studying at a Northern Territory college of repute which we’re planning to have depart from Manila in the Philippines in March 2021. So put aside your fears, choose your course, take the necessary action and start your career! And for anyone who’s wondering…you can be round. It’s still a shape and we won’t hold it against you!

 

To find out how we can help you get your studies off the ground and in the air, please contact our MEI student counselors on info@visas.org.au, mobile number & WhatsApp +63 917 717 8060, and Skype: MEI Manila for a no-obligation consultation. Don’t let the next plane take off without you!

 

Written by Alok Kedar, General Manager of International College of Advanced Education

 

How MEI helped me in my School Application in Australia

I came here to Australia to pursue my studies in Master of Accounting in Uni, and unfortunately, things turned bad for what I have expected. I’ve struggled with my academics and lost hope of continuing. Uni only gave me a month to stay in Australia and my visa will be canceled. I thought of giving up and going back to my country as I thought that there would be no chances for me to stay.  My previous employer recommends me to check the ICAE school and they are telling me good things about it. At first, I have hesitations but when I checked the school’s website, I thought that maybe I should give it a try. I applied online and I was impress that I immediately got a response. They emailed me everything that I needed to do and helped me accomplish it as soon as possible. Mr. Sean Mahoney also let me come to class even though my application is still on process cause he wants me to catch up and learn lots of things. He always keeps me updated on my visa processing and provides me useful information. He also addressed any of my concerns and assured me of my Visa.

During my studies, I thought that it would be hard for me cause I have no idea what is Hospitality here in Australia is all about. But I am impressed with all of the ICAE’s teachers as they help us become successful. They focused on our weaknesses so that they can help us improve it and see our strengths as our great asset. They keep on encouraging us to learn and boost our confidence. Also, they provide us with very useful materials that we could use for our future reference. The school facilities are also great for us to explore our talents and improve them.

I must say that my experience here in Australia is unforgettable and I am very thankful to the ICAE MEI for giving me the opportunity. I am now halfway through to finish my studies and I wouldn’t be able to achieve this without the help of the school and for everyone working there. I am honored and grateful.

 

Working in Australia on a Student Visa

As an international student, you can work for 40 hours per fortnight (two week period) during each semester of teaching. For a small number of programmes (on Industry Placement and research at high levels), students are able to work additional hours, depending on the program.

You are able to start work as soon as your course starts, and are able to work unlimited hours during your holiday breaks (between semesters).

International students are paid the same salary as an Australian doing the same work, at the same level. The minimum adult wage in Australia is around AUD$18.30 per hour.

Australian employers have to comply with various laws to ensure that workers are safe, are paid according to the Industry standards, and that you get time off.

Before you start work, you will need to get a Tax File Number (TFN) as all workers in Australia have to pay tax. You will also join a Superannuation (pension) fund, as it is the law in Australia that Employers pay a proportion of your salary (in addition to your rate of pay!) into this fund.

Working in Australia enables you to earn some money, expands your contacts in Australia, and enables you to make new friends that will last a lifetime.

There is lots of work available in most parts of Australia if you have the right skills and attitude. In some cases you may need a particular qualification, or licence depending on the job.

Rates of pay are internationally very competitive and in many cases, far higher than comparable salaries in your home country.

For more information about working in Australia on a student visa, contact our professional staff at MEI here.