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Top 5 Reasons To Live and Study In Perth

Deciding where in Australia you should live and study? Here are 5 reasons why Perth should be at the top of your list.

1. Cost of living

Not only is Perth a great place to live, but it’s also affordable too!

When compared to Perth, consumer prices in Sydney are 7.95% higher (this includes items like clothing and electronics), grocery prices are 4.82% higher, and rent prices are a whopping 91.32% higher. To put these numbers into perspective, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney outside the city centre will set you back $1956.54 a month. In Perth, it will cost you just $1028.86 a month. While not as expensive, by moving to Melbourne you can expect to pay rent prices 33.56% higher than in Perth.

2. One of the world’s most liveable cities

Paying substantially less for everyday items and rent doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from a great quality of life. Perth was ranked in the top 15 most liveable cities in the world in 2018 by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which ranks cities across five major categories including infrastructure, stability, education, healthcare and culture and environment.

Perth was also ranked the number two city in Australia in an annual survey on liveability and community values by realestate.com.au and market research group Ipsos. Residents ranked safety as the most important factor in determining a great place to live. This was followed by housing, high-quality health services and future job prospects.

3. Mediterranean climate

Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. With more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia (70% of the year you’ll experience clear blue skies), you’ll get to enjoy more time outside exploring your new home.

In summer, Perth residents cool down by heading to one of our 19 beaches, including the world-famous Cottesloe Beach, which was voted Australia’s number 1 beach in 2019. In spring, you can head a few hours north to check out the incredible wildflowers, in one of the most spectacular flower displays in the world.

4. Cosmopolitan culture

While we’re known as the more chilled out city when compared to our east coast rivals, Perth has experienced a cultural renaissance in recent years.

This includes the opening of Elizabeth Quay, a new waterfront precinct on the banks of the Swan River featuring a water park and numerous world-class restaurants and bars, the 60,000-seater Optus Stadium that has hosted everything from the Big Bash League and AFL finals to Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, and the $650 expansion of Crown Perth to construct Crown Towers.

Some of the must-visit dining and entertainment precincts include Northbridge, which has finally been reconnected to the CBD as part of the new Perth City Link development (highlights include Palace Arcade, Hummus Club, Long Chim, Petition, The Flour Factory, and Market Grounds); the vibrant port city of Fremantle (Little Creatures Brewery, Sweetwater Rooftop Bar, Propeller, and Bread in Common); bustling Oxford Street in Leederville (Low Key Chow House, Pinchos, Kitsch, Bill’s Bar and Bites); and trendy Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley (El Publico, Zeus Street Greek, The Flying Scotsman, and Si Paradiso).

5. Travel Opportunities

By choosing to live and study in Perth, you’ll be based in one of the most biodiverse and picturesque states in Australia. With over 12,000km of coastline, world-renowned food and wine regions and more than 100 national parks, there’s plenty to see and do.

You can head south to visit the Margaret River region, named the top destination to visit in the Asia Pacific Region in 2019 by Lonely Planet; west to visit the quokkas at Rottnest Island like Chris Hemsworth; or north to snorkel with whale sharks at Exmouth, explore the ancient landscapes of Karijini National Park, or ride camels on the beach in Broome.

If you’re keen on exploring the rest of Australia, Perth is just a 3.5-hour flight from Melbourne and a 4-hour flight from Sydney. Perth is also the perfect destination to explore South East Asia. We’re just 3.5 hours from Bali, and 5.5 from both Singapore and Kula Lumpa.

Ready to take on your next big adventure? Learn more about becoming a student at Murdoch University, one of the top 100 universities in the world under 50.

Article written by Steph Jojart, International Marketing Coordinator at Murdoch University.

5 Books All Aspiring Medical Students Should Read

Medical students are the unsung heroes of many healthcare industries around the world. They are fresh eyes and new ideas in an ever-challenging world of medicine. Whether in developing countries or developed, the experiences of these inspirational individuals make for some incredible reading. You may laugh, cry or some combination of the two. But if you want to become a medical professional, here are five top picks to keep you entertained on the journey.

Your Life In My Hands – Rachel Clarke

Formerly a television journalist, Briton Rachel Clarke decided to switch careers aged 29. For many doctors, medicine has been their only career. But for Clarke, she had thought that the experiences she had on the ground as a journalist would make another role pale in comparison. Hours “under fire in Congo’s killing fields”? They’d make medicine seem a walk in the park, right? Wrong. From the start of her engaging and charming book she makes it clear that the real challenges she has faced began in the wards of her training hospital.

Written with inimitable candidness, her honesty jumps off the page. You can’t help but like the narrator, and get drawn in to the story of her journey. From conversations with Prime Ministers about ‘water closets’ to letters to the national press decrying the state of affairs in the NHS that prompted national protests, the links between her current and past careers is undeniable. Perhaps because of this her voice is strong, her passion infectious and her perspective refreshing.

A must-read memoir for those wanting to switch up the monotony of the day job for the challenge of a lifetime: working in medicine.

The Real Doctor Will See You Now – Matt McCarthy

Skipping across the pond, Matt McCarthy‘s first year of med school is underlined with humour from the outset. His first line: “It started with a banana peel.” shows his bemusement at some of the experiences he had when starting out at Columbia University Medical Centre, New York.

He details his supportive relationships with his second-year adviser Baio, the trials and tribulations of night shifts and the fear associated with being ‘on call’. More importantly, though, he talks about what he has learned. Not from his university studies or even his supervisors…from the patients he cares for. Of course, like all of the books recommended here, there is a disclaimer at the start. It’s along the lines that whilst the stories are based upon clinical experience, in order to maintain the integrity of the Hippocratic oath sworn by doctors around the world, details have been changed to anonymise patients’ information. However, there is a reality to the words McCarthy writes, and a tenderness without saccharine sweetness in the manner in which he reveres his charges. In particular, the relationship with Benny who had taken up residence in the hospital waiting for a heart transplant is a pull on the heart-strings.

Definitely worth a read, and good for raising aspirations too – with his humble beginnings Matt is now an associate professor in medicine as well as serving on the Ethics Committee at a top NY hospital.

When Breath Becomes Air – Paul Kalanithi

The topic of this tome – death – is one that makes many uncomfortable. It is, however, a daily colleague of medical staff. As someone with a conflicted relationship with medicine – a tone of disappointment in an absent father who was brilliant as a physician and lacking in consistency as a parent runs throughout this book – Kalanithi introduces himself as someone who wanted to be a writer rather than a doctor from an early age. This would clearly have been a great career path, evidenced by his careful craftsmanship as his challenging yet compassionate tale unfolds.

Paul, it turns out, has passed away and this book is his last foray into the world: an examination of his experiences from both sides of the table as a neurosurgeon and a cancer patient. In his own words, “Life isn’t about avoiding suffering.” By turns delighting and devastating, this tale speaks of humanity and the search for knowledge and joy regardless of an insurmountable illness.

Harsh but true, doctors must grow used to death. What better way to learn than through the words of one who’s experienced both?

This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor – Adam Kay

Adam Kay is no longer a doctor. After many expensive years of training, and eye-watering experiences to last a lifetime, he hung up his stethoscope in 2010. What remains of his medical career are an assortment of tidbits and anecdotes hastily scribbled down during his time as a Junior Doctor working for the NHS.

A rallying cry for his comrades who were still under the cosh from political attacks, Kay sees himself as a counterbalance to the negativity published about the health service. From the absurd to the sublime, this book beggars belief and will leave you with no questions where the phrase, “It takes all sorts to make the world go round.” comes from.

Witty footnotes and translations of jargon mean that Kay’s book is informative as well as compelling. Contrasts of days filled with filing and night shifts that would make your hair curl (or straight-up fall out) are intertwined. His conclusion? A very heavily worded letter to the Secretary of State for Health that, if you’ve made it thus far, you’ll be vehemently agreeing with and echoing with your own shortly after. See him read from his book here.

Life as a Medical Student: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly: A dose of reality from 30 medical students – Sihame Benmira

Catchy title, but it does exactly what it says on the tin. This book is aimed at the multitude of young people who know they want to become medical doctors but have little understanding of what the training entails. The provenance of many medical tomes is clear through the authors’ prominence – and yet, who better to hear from than those who have walked the path before you?

Benmira successfully tracks the changing emotions and experiences of those pursuing long years of study to achieve that coveted title: Doctor ____. The chapters are organised for first to fifth years, and one for those who are intercalating in a specified area. Sleepless nights and high workloads are common themes, but this is a gem for people requiring a dose of reality…or reassurance that it’s not just you going through it!

Top 5 Government Funded Scholarships for International Students

For many international students, government funding in the form of grants, bursaries and scholarships is the only way they can pursue their dream of studying abroad. So before you apply to your dream university overseas, find out what types of funding are available to you. Here are our top 5 government-funded scholarships for international students 2021/22.

Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Starting in 1983, Chevening has provided scholarships and fellowships to more than 50,000 people from around the world. Their aim is to provide outstanding scholars with the opportunity to study a one-year masters degree qualification at any UK university. 

What’s included?

  • Payment of tuition fees
  • Economy travel (flights) to and from your country of residence 
  • An arrival allowance
  • The cost of an entry clearance (visa) application 
  • A departure allowance
  • A contribution of up to £75 for TB testing, where is required
  • A travel top-up allowance
  • A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses. The monthly stipend will depend on whether you are studying inside or outside London. These rates are subject to annual review.

Applications open in August and close in November each year. If successful, you will be asked to attend an interview in June and be given an offer in July. Studies will start soon after in September/ October. Find out more.

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia is one of the best destinations for international students. It has a high standard of higher education, multicultural and welcoming student communities and some of the “most liveable” cities in the world (The Global Liveability Index 2021). 

Each year, Australia Awards Scholarships provides students from participating countries with full-time undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities. To be eligible, you must live in Asia, the Pacific, Africa or the Middle East. A full list of participating countries can be found here.

What’s included?

  • Full tuition fees
  • Return air travel to and from Australia
  • Contribution towards accommodation expenses, textbooks and study materials
  • Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) 
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Pre-course English (PCE) fees

Application opening and closing dates depend on your country of residence. Find a full list here. Find out more.

Fulbright Foreign Students Program (USA)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides international students with the opportunity to study at a master’s or PhD level in America. Approximately 4,000 students receive these scholarships each year. Like other government-funded scholarships, Fulbright scholars are required to return to their home country after studying. Find out more.

Applications are processed by bi-nation Fulbright Commissions or U.S Embassies so foreign students must apply through the Embassies in their home countries. A full list of these countries and bodies can be found here

What’s included?

  • Tuition fees 
  • Living expenses 
  • Return economy flights 
  • Health insurance 

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (EU)

The Erasmus Programme is an international student exchange programme, established in 1987. It’s a well known and supported scheme funded by the European Union. There are a wide range of opportunities available with Erasmus, including:

Each program has a different set of key selection criteria which are available in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide. Make sure you read through the guide carefully and allow enough time to prepare your application. 

What’s included?

  • Full tuition fees 
  • Monthly stipend for living expenses 
  • Participant costs 
  • Travel 
  • Health insurance  

Open and close dates for applications depend on each program. Find out more.

New Zealand Aid Programme Scholarships

New Zealand offers a wide range of scholarships for international students looking to study at bachelors, masters or PhD level. These scholarships are fully-funded and for students living in commonwealth countries.

These scholarships give international students a chance to improve their knowledge and help their country of origin to grow its talents. Priority will be given to students looking to study subjects that are most relevant to the developmental needs of their home country. 

What’s included?

  • Full tuition fees and a living allowance (NZ$491 per week)
  • An establishment allowance (NZ$3000)
  • Medical insurance when you are in New Zealand
  • Travel to and from your own country
  • Travel insurance

Applications close in Feb/March each year. Find out more.

Why Study Chemistry in Australia?

There are many reasons why you should study Chemistry in Australia. Let’s take a closer look.

Why Chemistry?

As the science of matter, chemistry is often what links other fields of science. Being the central science, chemistry plays a key role in medicine, food science, forensics, materials engineering and environmental science, to name only a few. Among other things, chemistry students learn about transformations of energy, the structure and behaviour of atoms and molecules, and the processes involved in the making and breaking of chemical bonds.

In Australia, the academic syllabus is also often complemented by a robust laboratory component, in which students will gain hands-on experience and professional skills required of a practising chemist. Beyond developing fundamental knowledge of chemistry and chemical handling skills, performing experiments will hone skills such as problem-solving, project management, time management, collaboration and science communication.

Chemistry in Australia

The university chemistry experience in Australia is superb. Working alongside chemistry experts, students have the opportunity to apply their learning to a broad range of tasks and industry-relevant experiences. Australian universities are typically equipped with the latest scientific instrumentation – and these world-class facilities are open not only to researchers but undergraduate students too. 

The highly social Australian culture creates a warm and welcoming learning environment for everyone. Most institutions provide dedicated opportunities to welcome and assist international students. There will be many opportunities to connect with other students, both domestic and international, to access extra support, and to learn additional skills which may be useful in a graduate’s future employment.

Accreditation

Chemistry courses in Australia are accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). When a course is accredited by the RACI, this affirms that the course addresses several broad outcomes for the student, including (but not limited to) understanding scientific thinking, investigating and solving qualitative and quantitative problems in chemical sciences, and also taking personal and social responsibility. The objective of accreditation is to ensure that graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a practising chemist. 

As the professional society for chemists in Australia, the RACI’s connections between academic, research, government and industry employers ensure that RACI accredited courses give a solid start to any career in chemistry. 

Job opportunities

 A degree in chemistry allows graduates to develop a wide range of competencies, opening the door to an array of careers. A chemistry graduate may choose to seek work directly in the field of chemistry. This can involve work in commercial laboratories or research & development positions. Many chemistry graduates choose to step outside of the laboratory, taking up positions in areas such as consultancy, sales and teaching. Science writing, intellectual property law and government policy are among other areas in which a chemistry degree will be useful.

We would like to give special thanks to Associate Professor Chris Thompson, Associate Professor Gwen Lawrie and Associate Professor Daniel Southam for their invaluable contributions to this article. Enjoyed this article? Read these next:

University Accommodation Guide

Going to university is one of the most exciting things you can do as a young adult. Whether you’re moving country, city or simply just moving out of your parents’ house, you’ll be sure to love your newfound freedom and independence. But with so many different types of university accommodation to choose from, how do you know what’s right for you? Should you choose an en-suite, shared kitchen or catered halls? It all comes down to personal opinion, but to help you decide we’ve created this university accommodation guide.

Things to consider when making your decision:

  • Location – how far do you want to live from your university or college? Do you want to live in a town/city or a more suburban/rural setting? Where do other students at your university live?
  • Housemates – Who do you live with? Do you want to live in a shared house, with one other person or on your own? Do you have any friends you can live with, or do you want to meet new people and join a new house share?
  • Rent and Bills – What can you afford to pay for your rent and bills? What’s your budget? Are your bills included in the cost of your accommodation? Will you be able to get a reduction on your rent and bills for being a student or single occupant?
  • Social life – What is there to do at your university? How far do you want to be from your local shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, beach, train station etc? Do you have any sports clubs or hobbies that you want to live close to?
  • Support – What support is there on offer at your university? Is there a housing office that can help you to make a decision, or find the right type of accommodation?

University Halls of Residence:

Most universities will try and house their first-year students in university-owned accommodation. This is to help most students make friends and get settled at the university, without having to travel too far to classes. The size and quality of university-owned accommodation varies for each university, but you will usually be allocated a room in a shared flat with other students. You may have the option to choose an en-suite bathroom or a shared bathroom. You may have the option to choose catered halls, or non-catered if you want your own kitchen facilities.

Pros:

  • Bills are usually included
  • Close to class (usually on campus)
  • Living with people in the same boat as you
  • More sociable/party scene
  • Lots of options for different prices/budgets

Cons:

  • Party culture (which is great for some, but not for others)
  • Quality can vary
  • Living with strangers

Private Halls of Residence/Private Halls/Communal Blocks:

Private halls are not owned by the university but may appear to be similar to the traditional halls of residence. They are usually laid out in shared flats and studio apartments with excellent quality accommodation and communal facilities.

Pros:

  • A little more independence than being on campus
  • Can choose to live with your friends
  • Bills are usually included
  • Tend to be better quality
  • Can choose to live alone

Cons:

  • Can be expensive
  • Not on campus
  • Can be less sociable

Private Renting:

Pros:

  • Independence
  • Choose the location
  • Choose how much you want to spend
  • Great practise for when you are older
  • Choose who you live with

Cons:

  • Dealing with letting agencies/landlords can be unreliable
  • Sometimes bad quality – you get what you pay for
  • Bills are typically not included
  • You have to pay council tax

Stay at home:

Financially, this may be the only option available to you, in which case, you will certainly save a lot of money compared to your friends.

Pros:

  • Cheaper
  • Good support network
  • Possibly quieter so can focus on studying

Cons:

  • Less sociable
  • Less independence
  • Public transport fees

Whatever you decide, make sure it is the right choice for you. Your parents may want you to stay at home so you can be safe and study more, and your friends may want you to live on campus so that you can party more. Make sure it is ultimately your choice.

7 Speeches That Will Motivate You To Study

Looking for motivation to study? If you’re feeling unspired and unmotivated, here’s a selection of our favourite talks and speeches to keep you going. TedTalks, for those who don’t know, are presentations given by experts and industry leaders. They’re short, fascinating speeches that are easy to follow and understand. There are TedTalks about everything; from understanding schizophrenia, to study tips, to climate change, to economics. When it comes to learning, there are topics on everything from how to learn, the best techniques for learning and motivation. Here are our favourites.

1. Learning How To Learn – Barbara Oakley

Dr. Oakley flunked her way through high school, before enlisting in the U.S. Army immediately after graduation. When she saw how her lack of mathematical and technical savvy severely limited her options she returned to school with a newfound determination to re-tool her brain to master learning.

2. Learning Styles & The Importance of Critical Self-reflection – Tesia Marshik

Teachers are told that in order to be effective educators, they must identify and cater to individual students’ learning styles; it is estimated that around 90% of students believe that they have a specific learning style.

3. Teaching Methods for Inspiring the Students of the Future – Joe Ruhl

Collaboration. Communication. Critical thinking. Creativity. These should be present in all classrooms.

4. The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything – Josh Kaufman

Kaufman specialises in teaching people how to master practical knowledge and skills. In his talk, he shares how having his first child inspired him to approach learning in a whole new way.

5. Techniques to Enhance Learning and Memory – Nancy D. Chiaravalloti

Dr. Chiaravalloti discusses the learning process and techniques that have been shown to improve learning and memory in healthy persons.

6. Why Learning Is Awesome – John Green

Some people learn best in a classroom, but some thrive better in other environments. Either way, we all love to learn, and don’t let bad classroom experiences make you feel otherwise!

7. The Puzzle of Motivation – Dan Pink

Want to feel motivated to study, but can’t seem to get yourself going? Three words for you: watch this video.

Why Study Social Work in Australia?

Social work is a complex and wide-ranging profession, covering a variety of roles, environments and issues. However, all of these roles have one thing in common: they maximise the wellbeing of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole. Social workers consider that individual and societal wellbeing is underpinned by socially inclusive communities that emphasise principles of social justice and respect for human dignity and human rights.

Why Study Social Work in Australia?

With a high demand for social workers, Australia offers a variety of social work courses across the country. Thirty Australian universities offer four-year bachelor degrees in social work, with some universities also covering social work in postgraduate qualifying, advanced and doctorate courses.

What Will You Study?

A social work degree is great for students wanting a balance between academic study and practical work. You will study social and behavioural sciences, with modules in psychology, sociology and mental health. Australian universities also have fantastic opportunities for placement and fieldwork, giving students the chance to gain first-hand experience in social work.

Degree Requirements

Most universities do not ask for qualifications in a specific subject, just that you have recent secondary education qualifications. Universities will also ask for English speaking abilities, with most accepting results from IELTS and TOEFL. There are also options to study a masters degree in social work if you have an undergraduate degree, either in social work or in a related discipline.

Choosing the Right Course

When choosing your course, it is vital that you choose one that is recognised and accredited. The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is responsible for accrediting university degrees in social work. The AASW is a body nominated by members, Universities and Higher Education Providers and the broader professional community, to set and maintain standards of professional conduct for social workers educated and/or seeking to work in Australia.

The Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) set out the principles, standards and graduate attributes for social work education in Australia. The standards are used as the criteria for the accreditation of a professional social work course with the AASW. By studying an accredited program, students are eligible for student membership of the AASW. Once graduated from an accredited program, students will be eligible for full membership including the new graduate membership category. A list of AASW-accredited social work courses can be found on our website by clicking here.

Career Prospects

A career in social work can be extremely rewarding, with opportunities to change lives on individual and systemic levels. These are just some of the fields you could go into with a social work degree from Australia:

  • Mental health
  • Child protection
  • Family violence
  • Education settings
  • Hospital settings
  • Aged care
  • Disability
  • Refugees and asylum seekers

Enjoyed this article? Read these next:

Our essential guide to studying in Australia

Student Visas to study in Australia

5 Books For Students To Read Before Graduating

If you enjoy reading, you’ll love university. It’s where you’ll learn the importance and power of thinking, knowledge, and education. Learning to think critically about what you read is a key skill that you’ll develop during your time as a student, and it’s a great skill to have for life. Here are some of our favourite books about the power of knowledge and understanding your place in the world. They’re our top books for students to read before they graduate.

1. Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury wanted readers to understand the importance of reading and thinking. One of his quotes that I think sums up much of what he was saying is, “You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” Through the novel, he asserts that passive lifestyles consumed with modern conveniences such as TVs and cars can erode culture, critical thinking, emotional fulfilment, and happiness. Find out more.

2. Lord of the Flies – William Golding

What happens when a group of young schoolboys are stranded on an island? Chaos. Golding wants to teach his readers that thinking, laws, and culture are what separate us from our animalistic tribalistic instincts. Education and knowledge allow a healthy and happy society to function. Find out more.

3. This is Going to Hurt – Adam Kay

The most recent book on this list, Adam Kay’s book is a collection of notes secretly taken during his time as a junior doctor. The reason why this book is important is that it gives an amazing insight into medical school, the workings of the NHS, and how doctors are not trained to deal with the emotional side of hospital life. Find out more.

4. Brave New World – Aldous Huxley

The entire novel describes a dystopia in which intimate relationships, the ability to choose one’s destiny, and the importance of family are strictly opposed. In Huxley’s mind, however, these three principles are highly regarded as necessary for a meaningful and fulfilling existence. Huxley has a humanistic, deep and enlightened view of how society should be, and of what constitutes true happiness. Every student needs to read this book and explore the question of whether it is more important to accept things as they have always been or to fight for the things that will make you happy. Find out more.

5. This Side of Paradise – F. Scott Fitzgerald

If the author’s name sounds familiar to you, it is probably because you heard of his famous novel ‘The Great Gatsby’. One of the books that every single college student should make a point of reading before they graduate is ‘This Side of Paradise’. The classic novel is witty and romantic as it tells the story of a Princeton student who becomes disillusioned with life after graduation. It’s hard to tell whether Amory learns more from his life inside of school or his life outside of it. Find out more.

USA – Essential Guide for International Students

General Information

Currency: United States Dollar (USD) – this is approx. 1.26USD to every 1GBP
National language: English
Geography: Made up of 50 states and various territories
Time in Capital City: GMT -4
Climate: the USA is so huge so there are frozen wastelands, scorching deserts, non-stop rain or perfect sun depending on where you go.
Population: 327 million

Annual Costs (approx.):

  • University Cost (USD): $24,914
  • Living Costs (USD): $11,658
  • Total Cost (USD): $36,564

Top Universities:

Click on the University name to be taken to their website.

  1. Princeton University, NJ
  2. Harvard University, MA
  3. Columbia University, NY
  4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), MA
  5. The University of Chicago, IL
  6. Yale University, CT
  7. Stanford University, CA
  8. Duke University, NC
  9. The University of Pennsylvania, PA
  10. John Hopkins University, MD

Applying to Universities and Visas

Most universities in the US require foreign applicants to take an English as a second language test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), these are to be completed around a year before you study.

For all other universities, the application deadline is often in January – seven months before you intend to start university.

There are three types of visas for international students in the US: F1 for academic studies; J1 for practical training not available in your home country; and M1 for vocational studies.

Things You HAVE To Do:

  • Route 66 – the most famous and iconic road trip in the entire world. Route 66 takes around 2 weeks to do, including rests. It takes you from Chicago to LA, and you will see some amazing sites such as the painted desert and even a meteor crater!
  • Statue of Liberty – no trip to America would be complete without a trip to Lady Liberty herself. You can get a boat ride around the statue to see her in all of her glory.
  • Disneyland Florida – the most magical place on Earth, Disneyland does not disappoint. Fun for all the family, fun activities, and beautiful Floridian weather.
  • Hollywood sign – an absolute icon, the Hollywood sign is a must see. There is a beautiful hike you can go up to the sign, and you get an excellent view of tinsel town from the top.
  • Yellowstone National Park – or any of America’s national parks. They boast some of the most stunning scenery in the entire world. Gorgeous trails, amazing views, and endless wildlife.

Quick tips:

  • 911 is the emergency number in the US
  • Tipping is required and is seen as rude not to do it. 15-20% is the standard for tipping in restaurants.
  • Make sure you have health and travel insurance before your visit – health care costs are some of the highest in the world here.
  • The prices shown for items in shops are excluding the tax, so estimate that your item will cost 10% more than it appears
  • The US is one of only a few countries to still use the Imperial system. So, think of height in feet, distance in miles, the temperature in Fahrenheit, and weight in pounds

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