How to Study in Australia

The following is some advice and tips to make sure you have the best time in the sunburnt countryClass styleClasses are usually a combination of lectures and tutorials. The lectures are meant to be the time in which you learn the material, and the tutorials are where you apply what you've learned. While lectures usually do not require attendance, tutorials are often mandatory.Tutorials offer a good way of getting a better grip on study material. While your class could have anywhere from 50-200 (and sometimes more), students, your tutorial will most likely have around 20 students. This allows for more one-on-one time with your instructor, and more opportunities to become familiar with the study material.As with American schools, final grades are based on a combination of project grades, exam grades, and (occasionally) attendance, and participation. Most universities put a greater emphasis on final exams. Though, some universities in Australia have been known to spread out the grades more evenly amongst projects and homework.Syllabus/Unit OutlineIn Australia a syllabus is known as a "Unit Outline." Like in America these are given out at on the first day of class. This can seam jarring and intimidating at first if you are not accustomed to it, but it actually offers many advantages.Firstly, you do not spend your entire semesters trying to both complete frivolous projects and study for random tests, all overlapping. Instead, you spend most of your time working on a few quizzes and projects, but mostly studying for the exams that do not come until several months down the road.And, as the majority of schools give you a week off before exams week, you will have that time before final exams to lock yourself in the library and hone your knowledge of the course material. As long as you go to your classes and keep up with your assignments, you should be well prepared for your exams.StudyingTalk to Other StudentsEvery university is different, and so is every professor. To figure out the best way to study, talk to other students who have been there for a while. They will be able to give you a clearer picture of what to expect, and can give you useful tips.Studying TrapsThere are traps that student often get into while studying abroad that can cause them unnecessary stress. Some stress can be healthy, but you should not let it control you.Here are some common traps to avoid.Believing You are on VacationA classic trap students travelling aboard get themselves into is getting in to the mindset that they are on vacation and neglect their classes. While you should by all means enjoy yourself, you should also spend time making sure that you are doing well in your classes. Try to get your work knocked out first so you can go on all the adventures you wish with your mind free.Don't miss classes, especially not at the beginning of the semester. When students first get to another country, they often get so caught up in the fun that they start skipping classes at the very beginning, miss important information, and quickly fall behind. If you lined up your classes correctly, the stress should stay manageable.Not CommunicatingWhile it is always a good idea to Study in Austria communicate with your instructor, in Australia this is even more important.