Interview mit der Australian Catholic University

COLLEGE CONTACT: Please tell us a little bit about ACU – what kind of institution is it and what is its reputation within Australia?

LOUISE HOWIE: ACU is a National University with 6 campuses located on the Eastern seaboard of Australia. You can choose to study at 1 or more of our campuses in Brisbane, Sydney (2), Canberra, Melbourne and Ballarat. For example, a student may start their course in Sydney and then transfer to Melbourne mid way through, therefore experiencing more of Australia.

The student population is 17,000 across all 6 campuses. This means that the individual campuses have a boutique feel where students are treated as individuals and have easy access to lecturing staff and other support staff on campus.

ACU is the fastest growing University in Australia. It enjoys a good reputation as graduates have excellent employment outcomes. Graduates are recognised within industry as being job ready.


COLLEGE CONTACT: ACU is a Catholic university – how does this make ACU different from other universities in Australia and what influence does this have on the learning experience international students will have at ACU?

LOUISE HOWIE: ACU is a Government Funded University with a Catholic history and tradition. ACU is open to students of all faiths. As a student of ACU, no matter which area of study, there is a strong essence of ethics, community awareness and social justice in all the courses.


COLLEGE CONTACT: What subject areas / degree programmes does ACU offer? Which of these programmes would you rate as being rather ‘unique’ to ACU?

LOUISE HOWIE:

Accounting
Business Information Systems
Commerce
Education (Teaching)
Environmental Science
Exercise Science
Liberal Arts
MBA
Music
Nursing
Psychological Science
Social Work
Social Science
Theology
Visual Arts & Design

In 2010, ACU has introduced Double Masters Degrees in the Business Faculty. Masters Degrees such as an MBA or a Master of Marketing are 1.5 years in duration. However, by combining an MBA with a specialisation Masters such as Marketing, students will be able to qualify for 2 Masters Degrees in 2 years.

The courses in Education and Teacher Training are rather special. ACU has the largest Education Faculty of any Australian University. Graduates have 100% employment prospects and are eligible to work as teachers in Independent, Government and Catholic Schools.

Exercise Science is very popular with International Students. Some subjects included in the course are Sailing, Cricket and Outdoor Recreation. Of course these subjects require field trips to many beautiful Australian outdoor locations.

Social Science includes studies in the area of Counselling and Youth Work. The degrees require practical work in these areas.


COLLEGE CONTACT: What would you say are the particular strengths of ACU - why should students choose to study at your institution?

LOUISE HOWIE: There is a choice of campuses in different Australian cities. There is a relatively low ratio of International students to Australian students. The tuition fees are very competitive. Academic staff are highly qualified in their fields and are dedicated to the learning needs of the students.


COLLEGE CONTACT: I know that ACU has quite a few campuses – Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney and Strathfield. How do they differ and are there any students for whom a certain campus would be a better fit than another?

LOUISE HOWIE: The cost of living varies in the different cities, so a student’s financial ability could be more suited to a regional city rather than a major metro such as Sydney. The campuses in Melbourne and North Sydney are downtown so are in very vibrant locations. Brisbane is located on the edge of the metropolitan area and is surrounded by Australian bush. The grounds are expansive and kangaroos have been seen hopping around the campus.


COLLEGE CONTACT: At the moment, how many international students are enrolled at ACU and where do they come from? How many German students do you have? How easy or difficult is it for international students to get in contact with local Australian students?

LOUISE HOWIE: International students make up approximately 15% of the student population which means that there are more than 2,000 international students. Most international students at ACU and in fact at all Australian Universities are from various Asian countries. There are also students from South America, North America and Europe.

There are currently around 30 German students at ACU including Exchange students. Most of the German students choose the Sydney and Melbourne campuses.

Given the campuses have high proportions of Australian students it is relatively easy for International students to intermingle. The Orientation program encourages cross cultural interaction. Classes include group activities and lecturers ensure that International students are included in groups with Australian students.


COLLEGE CONTACT: What kind of activities and services does ACU offer to (international) students?

LOUISE HOWIE: All International students can access the following services and activities:

Academic Skills Support
Each campus has an Academic Skills Unit with advisers who can help you to study successfully at university. They will help you to develop learning, writing, and language strategies.

Accommodation
Most Australian students living away from their families share apartments or houses with other students. The International Student Advisers at ACU can assist you to find accommodation suitable for your needs.

Airport Pick-Up
We will make sure someone is there to welcome you on your very first day in Australia.

Career Development and Employment Service
Careers Advisers are available on each campus of ACU to assist students with making career decisions, identifying personal career goals, developing employability skills, searching for employment and preparing employment applications.

Counsellors
Qualified counsellors are available at each campus to offer free, confidential advice on study, finance and university procedures. Where necessary, they can also help with stress management, grief, depression and relationship difficulties.

International Orientation
International students receive a comprehensive orientation program to familiarise them with university procedures, Australian study methods and social customs and culture. Campus tours and "welcome events" are also part of the international student induction.

International Student Advisers
Our philosophy of pastoral care ensures students feel confident and secure in Australia. International Student Advisers provide advice on enrolment and course selection, assistance with visas, accommodation and finance.

Sporting Clubs and Committees
Every ACU campus provides basic student recreational facilities such as common rooms and outdoor sporting and passive leisure areas. Sporting teams are often formed on campus and your involvement is welcome.

Student Associations
The Student Associations on each campus promote the welfare of students and encourage broad participation in university life.


COLLEGE CONTACT: Where can international students live while they are enrolled at ACU? What are the typical costs for accommodation and living expenses per month?

LOUISE HOWIE: The most common accommodation options for international students include:

Private rentals
You may choose to live in private rental accommodation near your campus. If necessary your International Student Adviser will assist you to find a suitable property. You should budget approximately AUD$100 - $150 per week to rent a property shared with others. Utilities and food are not included.

Student accommodation
Specialised apartment accommodation is available near most campuses.

Homestay
Homestay offers international students the opportunity to live in a local home while studying in Australia. Homestay is suitable for stays ranging from a few weeks to many months. By living with an Australian family you will improve your English and get a closer understanding of Australian life. Students should budget approximately AUD$220 - $250 per week for Homestay which includes utilities and most meals.

Homestay organised through the university will incur a placement fee of AUD$220 for all locations. The cost per week varies in each city:

• Brisbane $230 / week
• Sydney $250 / week
• Melbourne $240 / week

The cost of living varies from city to city. You will need between $A13,000 - $A18,000 per year to cover your living expenses. This amount does not allow for luxuries, entertainment or the expenses involved in having a car.


COLLEGE CONTACT: Thank you for your assistance!

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