HI Homun
I'm Steph - one of the tutor's at Better English. Firstly, let me say congratulations. It's not an easy thing to decide you are going to take up the offer of studying and living as an international student.
There are lots of things, besides studying that you will have to cope with in a different country. But don't worry - I mentor a number of international students from Korea, China, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam and although they all had reservations about coming, they are all very happy now, settling into their studies well and enjoying all Australia has to offer!
And studying in Australia really DOES have a lot to offer.
You are doing the right thing by asking questions about as much as you can... you can't learn if you don't ask, right?
Check out the help menu on the left hand side of this site... the link is
Studying and Living in Australia. There's lots of useful information on everyything from the history of Australia, to studying in Australia, Australian Culture, The Aussie weather, Australian People, information on work and study while on a student visa in Australia; and other facts that you may need to know such as emergency numbers, telephone and internet access, and getting aroung in Sydney.
Some quick tips are:
1) I agree with Jason. Check out Strathfield as a place to live in Sydney. Strathfield, Burwood and Ashfield are only 15 minutes from the town centre and the university of Sydney (this is also where CET is situated!)
There are lots of Korean students and migrants in Strathfield. Look around for share rental properties as they are much cheaper
2) Join clubs - look into the Korean Student's Club at Sydney university, as well as any sporting clubs you may be interested in...
3) look into international student personal mentoring. The programs at Better English are designed specifically to increase chances of academic success for all international students, but also to assist in making the transisiton to study and life in Australia as postive as possible.
While universities do have many good mentoring programs, none are as specific, intensive and all encompassing(or in my opinion- as good) as what you will get at Better English - and I should know- I mentor international students from Korea, Japan, South East Asia and the Middle East. All programs are tailor-made and I have done a number of things to help out international students in addition to English Support, Tuition and Correction. I have helped students find accommodation once in Sydney, I have assisted students with setting up bank accounts, finding jobs, going for internviews, getting a tax file number - stuff a university student advisor or counsellor just doesn't have time to do!!!
It's something to think about anyway.
Lastly - register on this website. Tutors regularly log in for free advice - both on the forum and on Skype. So if you see the Skype icon on the Better English site - don't be afraid to click it to contact a tutor directly! You may even get to talk with me!
Better English (and me, because I work for them) are totally committed to doing what it takes to make your experince of living and studying in Australia the best it can possibly be!!!
Cheers
Stephi XXX
