An Education with A Difference..... FAIR DINKUM!

By world standards, Australia is a young country and this "youthfulness" is reflected in the lifestyle that is enjoyed by its small population of about 18 million. A land of many contrasts - from the European-like mountains and snow, to the South Pacific image of beaches and tropical palms, to the deserts of the Dead Centre - International language students are getting more than just a Certificate of Achievement on completion of their education.

The "G’day Mate" culture as portrayed by "Crocodile Dundee" is not too far from the truth - certainly in Queensland, Australia’s "Sunshine State".

On-site language learning must be about the most exciting experience an international student can have. Taking what is learnt in the classroom and being able to apply that knowledge immediately in day -to -day activities surely takes the boredom out of education and replaces it with enthusiasm.

It helps, too, when your place of learning is a small college, located in a small city, surrounded by magnificent natural attractions and wonderful all-year-round weather.

Approximately 80 kilometers north of Brisbane, Queensland’s Capital City, the Sunshine coast beaches extend for over 100 kilometers and include Noosa, a favorite for some of the world’s rich and famous.

Surfing, swimming, snorkeling and diving are just some of the recreational activities available to Sunshine Coasters. The hinterland, about 30 kilometers inland, provides the lush rainforests of the Blackall Range and the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains.

It also provides numerous art and craft shops and a wide range of cafes and restaurants for those suffering from hunger pains.

For the more adventurous, there is abseiling, go-kart racing and the Bungy Bullet - a variation of New Zealand’s famous Bungy Jump.

One of Australia’s best known "playgrounds", the Gold Coast, is within easy train or coach travel. A weekend , or two, at the Gold Coast gives students the opportunity to visit the major attractions of the area - Dreamworld , Seaworld and Warner Brothers Film Studios.

Although a vast country, internal travel costs are relatively cheap compared to many other countries. The Asian financial "meltdown" has brought about a reduction in air travel costs which allow students to visit our more famous cities, Sydney and Melbourne, at an affordable price.

Cairns and Townsville in North Queensland - homes to the Great Barrier Reef- can be reached in a matter of hours.

For those who wish to do things more leisurely, coach travel is a pleasant alternative which also provides greater sightseeing opportunities.

Australia, the land of plenty, has plenty to provide the international student.

The Sunshine Coast provides a comfortable base for students to become familiar with the customs and idioms of Australia before setting out on a backpacking or working holiday.

Most of all, they learn to say , "Fair Dinkum, Mate" - and know what it means!

Author: Joe Quinn, Managing Director, Queensland International College , Caloundra Queensland)

This article first appeared in Studying Abroad magazine