Before Departure

(1) Customs

You should be aware that Australia's quarantine laws are very strict. Food and many foodstuffs, plants and animal products, some medicines, drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife are strictly prohibited from entry into Australia. Some goods must be declared in order to enter Australia. If you do not declare, you may be fined.

(2) Cash

There is no restriction on the amount of cash you carry into Australia, but you should declare for any amount over AUD $10,000 or equivalent in foreign currency (not including traveler checks or bank draft).

(3) Important Documents

Before you head off to the airport, check that the following important documents are with you:

• Air ticket, passport with student visa
• Hong Kong identity card, birth certificate copy and passport photos
• Tuition fee receipt, letter of offer, confirmation of enrolment from institution
• HKCEE / HKAL results, school reports (original and photocopy)
• Medical prescription and medical record
• Address, telephone and name of school, accommodation and person of contact
• Address and telephone of relatives and friends.

IMPORTANT: Please put the passport, air ticket, cash, valuables and contact telephone numbers in your hand carry bag. Also put all the things that are required to be declared together for the checking by customs.

Arrival in Australia

(1) On arrival

You should contact your parents or relatives advising them you have arrived safe.

(2) Bank account

Open a bank account with your bank draft or cash as soon as you arrive in Australia. Bank drafts will take up to about 10 days to clear. Money can be transferred by telegraphic transfer (TT) from overseas for payment of tuition and living expense once the account is opened.

(3) Student visa

Students MUST comply with the following student visa conditions, otherwise the visa will be cancelled and you will be required to leave Australia:

• Students must NOT overstay in Australia, so make sure you remember the visa expiry date.
• Attend at least 80% of your classes.
• Achieve satisfactory academic results.
• Notify your original education provider within 7 days if you change to a new education provider.
• Maintain adequate health insurance every year while you are in Australia.
• Make necessary arrangement for the payment of tuition in time.
• Do not change education provider within the first 12 months of your Principal Course, or before the end of that course if it is for less than 12 months.

(4) Expiry date of passport

Renew your passport with the Embassy in Australia should it be expired soon. It is recommended that your parent should keep a copy of your passport and you should keep a copy of the passport and student visa in a safe place.

(5) Part time work

No more than 20 hours per week.

(6) Overseas Student Health Cover

It is an Australian Government regulation that all international students have health cover during their stay in Australia. Upon arrival students should register with the insurance company and get the OSHC membership card. The OSHC covers 80% of the medical service (exclude prescription pharmaceuticals), and 100% in-patient in public hospital. However, OSHC does not cover the services of dental, optical or physiotherapy.

Psychological adjustment

It normally takes three to six months for the students to adjust to living in a new country, and for parents to get used to not seeing the students at home. Students will surely meet a lot of challenges in the initial transition period.

How can one overcome such problems and adapt to the new challenges? AEC Education Consultants are happy to share with you the following:

Role of students - to fit in new way of living positively

• Be prepared to accept new changes and adapt to different culture. Do not look for "Hong Kong" in Australia.
• Be proactive and participate in social activities and make new friends.
• Always ask questions if you have difficulties with your study. Australians are in general very helpful people.
• Seek help from your friends, parents and Student Counsellors at times of confusion.
• Be flexible and try to resolve conflicts as much as you can. Remember that your primary goal to study in Australia is to achieve good results.

Role of parents - to provide advice and support continuously

• Parents should actively listen to students' feelings and care for their developments.
• Always keep in touch with the homestay family and the school so that you are fully aware of students' study progress and living conditions.
• Parents should give guidelines and encourage students to make their own decisions in their daily life so that students will become more independent.