Moving From The UK To Australia

In recent years, many people from the United Kingdom have gotten themselves an Australian visa and have moved into the country. This is not really that surprising, since it was the British who began the modern exploration of Australia more than a hundred fifty years ago. However, those moving in today might be quite surprised as how different Australia is from what you might expect. 

One of the most common notion that many British have is that Australians are very much laid back. This is true, but to an extent. Though the country is often presented outside as the idyllic vacation place, with plenty of sunshine and palm trees, it is actually more varied than that. And with regards to being laid back, the Australians are, but only on holidays, as they are also hard working.

The Australian's penchant (or, as some British see it, obsession) with the barbecue is also another point that many people coming from the UK are often confused with. Australians do love the barbecue (or the “barbie”) and will usually organize one with friends during the weekends. However, contrary to the notion of “barbecued burnt bacon for breakfast, barbecued burnt sausage for lunch”, Australians do, in fact, have a large menu apart from this.

Apart from these two, another common image of the Australian seen by many people for the UK (or the West for that matter) is the rugged outdoor enthusiast. This was popularized by such media personalities as the late Steve Irwin and Paul Hogan (known for his role as Crocodile Dundee). However, though this usually has a positive connotation to many, it also has evoked a negative picture of Australians as being backwards and not adept with city life. But, as many British who have been living in the country for several years have come to know, many Australians are, in fact, very comfortable with life in the city as is with the outback.

Some British also see Australians as being quite a loud mouth. However, once they get to talk to them, this notion can actually fade quite fast. Also, though Brits might struggle a bit with Australian English, this will usually not last for long. 

However, even with all the above perceived differences between Australia and the United Kingdom, many British still prefer moving into the country. This is mainly due to the fact that British and Australian culture are not really that much different. In fact, most of the Australian culture actually has its roots from the British that came to the country some two hundred years ago. Thus, for those who are going to the country, adjusting will actually be easy.

Sources:
Values Australia (Humor Site)
http://valuesaustralia.com/
Convict Creations
http://www.convictcreations.com/research/australianstereotypes.html
Up from Australia
http://www.upfromaustralia.com/sterausmal.html  

Image Sources 

http://1stmove.net/images/House_Moving.jpg

The Australian Holiday Calendar

When planning to visit Australia, holiday visa holders would surely want to know when the holidays really are supposed to be. After all, they are supposed to be in a holiday vacation. Here are some of the days that you need to watch out for when in the country. 

Aside from the regular holidays that the country celebrates along with other countries around the world, such as Christmas, Australia also celebrates many holidays unique to the country. In fact, the week between Christmas and the New Year is still very much packed with holiday activities.

After Christmas on the 25^th, Boxing Day follows immediately on the 26^th. Though the name might remind tourists of two guys duking it out on the ring, it is actually different from that. Boxing day refers to the tradition of giving gifts to people, hence the “box”. And since it's all about gifts, many Australians also consider Boxing Day as Shopping Day, as many commercial establishments in the country go on sale during this day, with very large discounts on most stores.

The first month of 2010 also has several holidays in line. Aside from the New Year, Australians will also look forward to the 26^th of January, as this is is celebrated as the country's Foundation day. There will be many celebrations held in the various parts of the country. And since this is a public holiday in Australia, many people will likely be just relaxing and enjoying all the activities out there, so this will also definitely be a good time for tourists as well.

Aside from nationwide holidays, each state also has its own set of holidays. For those going to Tasmania, it would be a good idea to visit Hobart on the second Monday of February since this is the end of the Royal Hobart Regatta. This is actually a public holiday in the state and is often marked by celebrations held throughout the island, with many events being held at Hobart itself.

On the other hand, the country's capital, Canberra, celebrates the official date of the city's naming on the 2^nd Monday of March. As with any of the public holidays that are held in the country, there is a lot of events taking place during this day. This is also the same date when the famed Adelaide Cup is held in Adelaide, so horse racing enthusiasts would definitely want to book a trip to the city during this date.

An interesting thing about holidays in Australia is that, when a holiday falls on a weekend, the succeeding Monday (and sometimes Tuesday) is often given as a day off. Thus, worker will definitely have a longer time to celebrate. This has also earned the country the popular nickname “the land of long weekends”. 

Sources:
Public Holidays in Australia, Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Australia
IOL Travel
http://www.ioltravel.co.za/article/view/3551845   

A Look Into Human Rights In Australia

For those planning to move into Australia, migration issues are definitely important things to think about. And one of the major issues that visa applicants need to look into is that of human rights in the country. This one is very important in order to be sure that you will be able to settle in easily in the country. 

For the most part, Australia currently has a good track record with regards to human rights. Even if it is the only western democratic country which has no written bill of rights, plenty of laws were enacted in order to protect people's rights. And the idea of human rights and equality has also been deeply ingrained in the population as a whole, which is why they are rather very reactive with regards to such issues.

However, contrary to what many people might think, this has not always been the case in the country. In fact, Australia's history chronicles many instances of intense struggle to attain individual rights. The country was initially started as a penal colony for convicts from Britain in the 1700's. Here, they were often treated as second class citizens in contrast to the freemen that arrived with them. This often led to conflict between the two groups. Interestingly, about 22 percent of Australia's current population claims descent from the prisoner settlers.

The arrival of white settlers to the country during those periods also triggered another major human rights issue that is still relevant to Australian society up to this point, that of the discrimination against indigenous Australians or the Aborigines. One major point of contention was the displacement of the indigenous people from their native lands. These were often conducted through military campaigns which had resulted in the death of many Aborigines. Though the Aborigine population has already made a comeback in the twentieth century and has in fact now become fully integrated into Australian society, this one is still a very much studied topic on the issue of human rights. 

Another thing of particular interest in the matter of human rights in Australia is that of the so called Stolen Generations. The Stolen Generations were an estimated 100,000 Aboriginal children forcibly taken away from their families by the Australian government during the period from 1880 to 1969, supposedly for the purpose of rescuing and giving them a more decent life. This policy has been heatedly questioned by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups. These groups have vigorously campaigned in years to return the children to their families, to which the government has positively responded. In 2008, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made history when he issued a public apology on behalf of the government to the affected families. This was overwhelmingly received by many people in the country.

Today, Australia still faces many human rights issues as it deals with modern matters such as terrorism and globalization. However, the country is handling this pretty well, not only for those living 8in the country, but also for those wanting to move in. 

Sources:
Human Rights in Australia, Wikipeda article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_australia
Stolen Generations, Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_Generations
Culture Wars
http://www.culturewars.org.uk/2002-12/stolengeneration.htm 
Image Sources:
hrea.org
newsroom.uts.edu.au 

What To Expect in Australia

Once they get into Australia, visa holders will definitely be thinking, what's next? Luckily there are plenty of opportunities waiting for would be migrants to the country. And these opportunities will definitely guarantee that you will be able to get a good life going in the country.

For those looking for work, Australia is a bustling market. The country has a huge demand for workers and is currently hiring a large number yearly, and this worker demand covers a wide variety of industry, which means that you will be able to find the job of your choosing. By far, the most in demand in the country are medical practitioners, most specifically nurses. Skilled workers are also another section which draws a large amount of workers yearly.

Incoming workers will also be surely be delighted to know that Australia is one of the highest paying countries in terms of wages. Thus you are sure to earn a good deal during the period of your work. Also, there are plenty of benefits that Australian (both foreign and local) workers are entitled to, which is further secured by a strong presence of workers' unions in the country.

And if you are planning to permanently establish yourself during your work, the country also has many things to offer. Residence is perhaps the most crucial one that you would think about at this point. For those just starting, the country is known as one of those having the most affordable rental rates today. And with the current boom in the number of houses for rent being build (tied with more demand for it), you are sure to find one easily. On the other hand, if you are planning to get your own house, the country's mortgage rates are also well within reach of many workers, and you have many options to choose from.

Becoming a permanent resident, and eventually a citizen of Australia, will definitely be an opportunity that you will surely want. Applying for permanent residency is actually quite fast and you will be able to get one in no more than two years. Becoming a citizen will be a bit longer. However, once you get it, you will entitled to more benefits, such as a pension.

And once you have settled yourself in the country, you will probably be thinking how to get your love ones to join you. Since you are already a citizen, the petition process for your your relatives is going to be fast and you will see them in no time at all.

Looking For Aussie Adventure

One of the places that many tourists would want to go is Australia. The country has plenty wonderful places to go to and things to do. And there are things that will suit every adventurer's wants. Thus, one will surely have a great time exploring the country.
So what does Australia has to offer? Well, for starter (or for those who don't want to get out in the sun) the major cities have plenty of places to visit. Sydney, in particular, has the has the breath taking Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge, and if you want to have a bit of adrenaline rush, you can actually try to scale the bridge.
For those who are more into art and sight seeing, there are plenty of galleries and museums that you can visit. These cover anything from high class art to those made by indigenous artists. And there are plenty of monuments to visit, each chronicling a part of Australia' wonderful history. To witness these Aussie Adventure, apply for Australia tourist visa. However, Australia's true allure for tourists is not in its cities. Rather, you need to get out (and a bit dirty) to experience the Australian outdoors. And luckily, there are plenty of things to do here that will surely satisfy your craving for adventure.
For starters, the country has plenty of nature parks that you can visit. In fact, most of the major cities have at least one nature park near it. And they are quite accessible too, this means that you really don't have to go far to get in touch with nature. Here, there are plenty of things that you can do in one day, from having a picnic to actually hiking up the numerous trails scattered in the parks. One such park worth visiting is Blue Mountains National Park near Sydney. One thing that hikers will definitely like about the park is that it has plenty of camp sites for them to stop in.
And speaking of hikers and backpackers, Australia is definitely one of the best places for them to go to. One of the most popular adventures that they can try here is traveling the whole country on foot. The best thing about doing it this way is that you have greater freedom in exploring Australia as you like. And this will surely be an interesting trip, as it will take you to many places. You will also be able to encounter some interesting wildlife along the way, like kangaroos and camels (yup, the country does have plenty of camels). One of the trails worth trying out for this one is the Bibbulmun Track near Perth. This is a thousand kilometer trip that will take you across the continent.
And lastly, no Australian adventure will be complete without taking a dip in the country's waters. Fishing is one recreational activity you can try out first, the many rivers and the surrounding seas have plenty of game fish that you can target. And if you really want to get a little closer with the marine wildlife, then you can get on your wetsuit and go diving to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
As you can see, Australia has many things to offer the adventure seeker. All you have to do is look and you will surely find one that will surely fit your taste. 

Sources:
100 Things You Can Do In Australia
http://www.australia.com/campaigns/100_things/aus-traveller/index.html
Tourism in Australia, Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Australia 
Image Source:
http://www.fishquest.com 

The Heart And Soul Of Australia

When going to Australia, tourist visa holders frequently would want to get to Central Australia. The region is indeed packed with attractions, making it an interesting place for tourists. In fact, it has become very popular now that many people have dubbed it “the heart and soul of Australia”.

One thing that you might not know is that there is, in fact, no area in the country officially called Central Australia. Rather, it is a common designation used by locals in referring to the city of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory and its surrounding areas. Oddly enough, recent calculations have shown that the exact center of the Australian continent lies some 200 kilometers off the south of Alice Springs, making the name still pretty much appropriate. In fact, Alice Springs residents often refer to themselves as Cetralians, further referencing this one.

So what is there to see in Alice Springs? As have been said, there are a lot of attractions that tourists can go and activities that they can get their hands on. The city itself offers many places that you can go to. The Aboriginal Art and Culture Center is the best one to start if you want to appreciate the aboriginal people more. In fact, aside from the center, aboriginal culture is very much celebrated in the city (as is in all of Australia). There are numerous festivals celebrated each year in commemoration of the Aboriginal people.

One place that you would definitely want to go to here, especially if you are bringing the kids along, is the Alice Springs Reptile Center. The sanctuary features the largest reptile collection in the Northern Territory. You will be able to see familiar types here, likes snakes, some unusual ones such as horny devils or the gigantic perentie goanna.

However, the true allure of Central Australia lies in the outskirts of the towns. Here, the large open plains serves as an inviting attractions for tourists to explore. Hiking is the preferred way of travel when going out to see Alice Spring's natural wonders. One of the most popular attractions here is Ayers Rock, located some 300 kilometers from the city. It is frequented by visitors yearly, who tour around with the help of Aboriginal guides. Another famous attraction nearby is the famous Devil's Marbles, with its vast amount of boulder formations.

For car enthusiasts, the Finke George National Park will be your right stop. Here, you will be able to hone your driving as you take on the various off road tracks located in the park. You might also be lucky enough to catch the Finke Desert Race held annually in the region.

And there is yet more to discover in Alice Springs. And after having a great time, you will certainly agree that it indeed is the heart and soul of Australia. 

Sources:
Central Australia Tourism
WikiPedia
Image Sources:
www.wayfaring.info
www.australiantouristpublications.com.au

 

Australia's Past and Present Sporting Greats

Aussies are known as sports lovers. And when the hosting of Olympic games was first awarded to Australia in 1956, people just went crazy. Also, many nationals acquired visa for Australia to witness the world's premier competition. Because of people's support for sports, they again hosted the Olympics in 2000. Most people go to many game arenas to hoot for their favorite teams. And people doesn't just concentrate on single sport. In fact, each type of sports have their fair share of popularity. Some of the famous of Australian sports are football, baseball, cricket, golf, horse racing, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, swimming, tennis and basketball. And from this sports, many Australians excelled and gave Australia the honor and recognition in their own fields. They are now called the Greatest Australian Sports Legend.

• Sir Donald George Bradman is considered as the greatest cricket player of Australia. Bradman is a batsman and achieved an incredible batting average of 99.94 in Test matches for Australia. This number is hailed as the greatest achievement in any sports. His first Test match debut against England in 1928. In recognition of his contribution on sports, in 2001, Australia's PM John Howard called him “the greatest living Australia”. His image appeared on many postage stamps and coins. And on that time, he was the only living person to have a museum dedicated to his life.
• Cathy Freeman is an Olympian, a sprinter, who bagged home the gold medal in the 400m of the 2000 Sydney games. Before the Olympic event, she was already a two-time World Champion in the same category. She was an aborigine and was the first aboriginal to win an Olympic gold. She retired in 2003.
• Edward Trickett is a rower and the very first Australian to be recognized as the world champion in any sport. He won the World Sculling Championship in 1876 and held it for another four years. After he died, several streets at Surfers Paradise was named after him.
• Dawn Fraser is another Olympian who won a gold medal, this time, for swimming. She is one of the only two swimmers to win the same Olympic event thrice, the 100 meters freestyle. She participated and won on four Olympic games held at different cities. She was named Australian of the year in 1964. She was also named Female Athlete of the Century by the Sport Australian Hall of Fame.
• Evonne Goolagong Cawley is an Australian who earned international fame because of his excellence in tennis. She won 14 grand slam titles in 1970s and 1980s. In 1988, she made it to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• Lionel Rose is a boxing international superstar. He was the first aboriginal to win a world title in boxing history. He was the Australian of the year in 1968, first aboriginal to get that honor. A tribute for him was a documentary film in 2008, shown at the Melbourne International Film Festival.

Image Sources:
GraphicsLib
WaToday
RadioAustralia
World-Guides

Good Colleges/Universities In Australia

Studying in a foreign country is definitely an opportunity any student would not want to pass. And this is especially true if the country you are considering is Australia. After all, it has some of the best educational institutions in the world.

However, with all the myriad of schools in Australia, it can be quite hard to choose where you will actually study. This is actually the first thing that you need to consider even before you get your Australian student visa. In fact, you need to plan out well if you want to get into a good school.

So where do you start your search? You begin with deciding on what you are actually going to study. This is very important, as it will help you to narrow down your choices. If you plan on taking up advanced studies, then it would be a good idea to get application forms from universities, like the Australian National University (ANU) or Curtin. However, if you are bent on taking up vocational or short technical courses, then you have a wider choice. You can either go for programs sponsored by the universities and colleges or enroll in an independent school.

For those planning to take up higher level studies, another thing that is worth considering is whether schools offer the course of your choice. ANU, for instance, covers most of the major disciplines, including engineering, the sciences and law, as well as offering advanced courses on such topics as astrophysics. On the other hand, Curtin primarily focuses on technical courses, though they do offer some subjects relating to other fields as well.

Another major factor in choosing the school to go to is cost. Luckily for you, Australian education is actually quite affordable compared to other countries. One thing to note, however, is that you, as a foreign student, would actually pay a higher rate than local students. You can also cut down your fees by trying to get a scholarship.

Looking for information about schools can be quite easy. Brochures and flyers are readily available from the school, as well as other materials which can give you a good idea of the courses they offer. Also you can check out the schools' websites for more information, as well as updates regarding their courses.

Another way that you can go is by checking out sites that serve as databases for various universities and college. These are quite good, since they give very detailed info on the schools of your choice. Some also have added functionality, like a cost calculator, which can give you a rough estimate of how much you are going to spend during your term in Australia. This will be quite helpful in assessing whether you can actually afford to study there.

Lastly, you yourself should whether you are indeed qualified to study in the school. Remember that no matter how good the school is, it would be totally useless unless you are able to enroll in it. Thus, be sure to check the qualifications that you have for the school you are gunning for. Remember to also take the necessary exams in order for you to qualify for enrollment.  

Sources:
StudyLink
The Good Universities Guide 

Get a Student Visa and Study in Australia

Living and studying in a country is very different from being a tourist, you have to deal with the day to day and adapt yourself with their culture. Life isn't the same from country to country, it may differ to the culture and social factors. This is true even within a single country and going somewhere with a different language and values changes it even more. But most people have tried it and they are very happy with their choice. They value experiencing a new culture, being in new situations and learning to adapt and thrive.

Australia is the perfect place to Live, Learn and Grow. It is one of the best places in the world to live while you learn. Studying in Australia gives strong education and international reputation for excellence. You will receive a quality academic that will form a strong foundation for your future success, whether you study at a university, school, vocational or English language institute. Your stay in Australia will give you the best platform to succeed in your career and prepare you for the challenges of the future work place. So if you want to live abroad and you have the opportunity to do so, then grab and take it. Remember the saying "The grass is always greener on the other side", so go for it if that is what you want to do. Make your future bright in Australia.

If you are not an Australian citizen, but want to take advantage to study in Australia for quality education and training, you may apply visa Australia for student. To be granted a student visa you must satisfy the visa requirements and comply with a number of visa conditions for attendance and academic performance which come into effect after you have entered Australia. Your student visa will list the conditions that apply specifically to you. It is important to comply with your visa conditions to avoid visa cancellation. Generally, you will be issued with a multiple entry visa for the duration of your study course in Australia. This allows you to travel in and out of Australia within the period for which it has been granted. If you wish to extend your stay in Australia for further study you will need to lodge an application for a further visa.  

Join the thousands of satisfied international students studying in Australia and experience the quality education to form a strong foundation for you future success. If you're still undecided for what course is best suits for you, then PrincipalVisas Australian Education Wizard will help you to find courses and institutions that best meet your needs and provides assistance for course admission and to receive the COE (Confirmation of Enrollment) letter which is an essential student visa requirement. This service is completely Free of Charge starting from finding courses right up until getting the COE letter. So if you want a quality education and a good lifestyle, Australia is the BEST place to be.

Image Source: IndiaMart

What is an Australia Electronic Visa?

Australia migration is achievable only if you will apply for an Australian visa. This is to secure their country and government from some unlawful acts. To do the application, you have to actually visit the diplomatic of the travel agency and submit your requirements. This is the process that everyone who wish to be in Australia meets. This may take time and a lot effort before coming up with your own visa. But this was all before.

Today is the computer age, that are many time consuming tasks being reduced via technology. Applying for an Australia visa is made easier because of the internet. Australia Electronic Visa is now introduced to future travelers by the Australian government. An electronic visa is obtainable by applying for it online. Applicants will fill the visa form online. To become eligible, applicants must have a current passport valid for a minimum of six months. If you are applying for a Long-Stay Temporary Business Visa, details of sponsor or the associated nomination approval number or transaction reference number is required. But on top of this, applicants should have a credit card.

You are qualified to apply for an Australian Electronic visa if you are outside Australia. Electronic visa is also called ETA or Electronic Travel Authority. It is the equivalent of visa. But with Australia ETA, there is no need for stamp or label in your passport. Even more, you don't need to visit Australia's diplomatic office to submit your application. ETA is issued electronically by a computer system from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship of Australia.

Australia Electronic Visa is giving its customers limitless questions regarding their application. They can ask several questions about the visa form and their eligibility for free and effortlessly. It also acts as your guide throughout their application. Applicants can also directly check out the terms on the conditions abide the visa form. They have to read first the terms and conditions and agree with it before continuing with the form.

Validity and availability of applicants' current passport, details of travel documents and details of Australian visa are among the required information that is asked by the Electronic Visa form. You also have to give your name and detailed residential address, postal and e-mail address, and self declaration of health and character.

Electronic Visa in Australia comes in different forms. You can choose a business visa if its for business purposes, tourist visa if its plainly for traveling or student visa if you wish to have a short-course on one of Australia's schools and training grounds. Required information varies depending on the visa you are applying for.

Applying for your Australia visa online is safe and easier. Whether online or not, just as long you took the proper application, you can come to Australia. Just make sure that you are doing a transaction with a credible and recognized visa and immigration service provider.

What to Expect From Cities of Australia

The Land of Oz is a big island. If you are to visit a certain Australian state, without even a knowledge about it, your Australia tourist visa just might end up a disappointment.


Australia has 8 states and territories. They are Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory. Having enough information about these states will make your escapade at least close to perfect. It will make prepare you on what to encounter/expect once you set a foot on each state.


First is the Australian Capital Territory whose capital is Canberra. You will witness on this state the Floriade Festival that fashions lovely flowers, celebrated during the months of October and November in Canberra. On this place you will get passed or walk by the country's Parliament House. But every 9am to 5pm, there is a part of the building that is open to the public. Other towns that are worth visiting are Braidwood, Gold Creek, Bungendore and Tharwa.


New South Wales is the home of country's infamous city, Sydney. It is actually the country's most populous city. Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House is their pride. It also promotes the Snowy Mountains that offers skiing, bushwalking and wide array of wildflowers.


Victoria is the country's smallest state and yet, home of the world class national parks. You will find here the city of Melbourne, Australia's second largest city. The city offers visitors plenty of action and nightlife scene. The Great Ocean Road found in their territory is described as one of the world's most impressive coastal routes. Generally, climate in Victoria is cooler than any other state in Australia.


Queensland is the holiday capital of the country. It holds a lot of activities on their perfect holiday destinations like Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef which is an ideal place for divers who want to see how beautiful underwater world is. November/December and April/May is hot but wet season while the remaining months are cooler and drier.


What you will find in South Australia are deserts in the far outback. Adelaide is its capital and called the city of churches. They also have a festival of arts and well known for their wineries. Their natural landscapes are also perfect for holiday getaways.


Western Australia is the largest state in terms of geographic size. It is a great place for romance because of its white-sand beaches. Perth is its capital. The Ningaloo Marine Park is compare to the Great Barrier Reef. You can closely see Whale Sharks and Greenback Turtles.


Tasmania is an island in the south of Australia with Hobart as its capital. There are plenty of national parks and various outdoor activities. The Overland Track and Southwest National Park are among Tasmania's most visited places.


Northern Territory is the least populous state. Majority of its soil is red. Having a top view of the city is a great idea. Kings Canyon and Kakadu National Park are among their numerous tourist attractions.

Australian Slang

Australian slang is becoming a normal part of the Australian English language. This kind of language is unique among Australians. It is now widely spoken across the country, with some of them being adopted by larger part of the English-speaking community. Tourists who perform Australia tour try to learn the Australian slang as part of the fun. Most of the times, the Aussie slang is used to entertain and project humor to people.

However, Australian slang may confuse people who haven't experience any forms of communication in Australia. They might foresee positive words as a form of mockery or the other way. Since Australian slang is exclusively heard in Australia, it will be difficult for newcomers to understand and use some words and phrases. Communicating with others will be paralyzed because of the fear that what they might say is offensive. And if this happens, the expected joyful visit will become a disaster.

To avoid confusion on the Australian slang, try to learn the language. Focus on the most basic words. Words that you need on the beginning part of your Australian tour. To spark up your Australian slang learning, here are some basic Australian slang words found on the web.

G'day is the term used by typical Australians to greet their fellowmen. It means hi or hello. Instead of lady, they call woman as “Sheila”. Mate is their word for buddy or friend. If you're given an instruction to travel “20 clicks”, that means you have to go 20 kilometers. If they say you only have a Buckley's chance, you've got no chance at all. Blue is always known as sad or lonely, in Australia, it conveys argument and mistakes.

They also use a very unique language in sports. When somebody ask “Who do you barrack for?”, he/she wants you to know who are you cheering for. In Britain, barrack means to hoot against something, which is completely opposite to its usage in Australia. Rooted for them means tired. To cream is to defeat the opponent with a very large margin. They call football as “footy”. But on each state, the term is used differently.

If it's about food and drinks, Australia's language is more related to British than the Americans. They call their snacks as biscuits instead of cookies or crackers. Served coffee beverages are given unique descriptive names such as flat white, for an espresso with milk. and short black, (espresso) or long black. McDonald Restaurants are referred to as Maccas. Cheap and non-branded wines are called “cleanskins”.

In transportation, they call utility vehicles as “ute”. Police vehicles or panel vans used by policemen are called black marias in some parts of Australia. Some police vans are also called as dog box.

This are just samplers of the Australian slang. There's still more of it once you set a foot in the country. So you better study more of the Australian English to make your visit or stay more convenient.

Safety Check in Australian Airports

All people who qualified for an Australian migration are subjected for rigorous inspections. This is to make sure that everyone entering or already in the country are safe. The Australian government wants to make sure that the whole country is protected against any threats. Threats can come in any form, can ruin anything. It is not always about security threat, there can also be threats on the agriculture, economy, business and trades. And so, visitors or immigrants are required for strict compliance on the laws being imposed by Australian airports.

Australia's quarantine regulation is very strict. It is conducted by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service or AQIS. Thousands of people are entering and leaving Australia everyday. To make their inspection task easier, sniffing/detector dogs and x-ray machines are present. They also do physical inspection, questioning and profiling to those who come and out of the country.

Just because you worked hard for your Australia visa, doesn't mean you are free to bring anything you want. Upon arrival, you must declare all your baggage to the authorities including food, plant material and animal products. It will be assessed to make sure that they are free of pests or diseases. If you wish not to declare them, you can surrender them on quarantine bins in the airport terminal. To make them safe, they will be treated through fumigation. If they are not treated, it will be destroyed by the quarantine team. After the inspection, the baggage will be returned to you if it is negative of threats.

Items that you must declare when you land to Australia are commercially prepared foods, cooked and raw food and ingredients, dairy and egg products, animal products, seeds and nuts, fresh fruits or vegetables, live animals and animal products. This does not mean that you can't bring in this item, they are just subjected for further infections. Other items that you must declare are plant materials, used freshwater watercraft, sporting or fishing equipment and other goods like biological specimens including tissue culture.

If you make a false declaration chances are: you will be caught, be fined on the spot by $220 or be prosecuted, fine $60,000 or spend 10 years in jail.

Even if you carried threat, which you honestly didn't know, you wouldn't penalized because you declared them. Just present a clear proof that the items are for personal use. Proofs can be a receipt that says items are safe and of Australia's origin.

And on the time you are leaving Australia, there is also a requirement of what items you can bring with you. Not all items are allowed to be imported. This is to make sure that their original products are not abused or pirated overseas.

Useful Information About Australia

Before you think of Australian migration, ask yourself first if you can survive in the country down south. There is so much at stake when you travel to another country. Australia is not a typical nation. It has a diversified culture and nature. And so, you need to collect a bunch of information about the country. Doing this will make your travel easier. Basic information will reduce all your worries about living an Australian life. Traveling is not just a quick choice, it is decided after a series of relevant thinking and researches.

You should have a background of what might go on or what is waiting for you in Australia. Being knowledgeable of the country that you aspires will make that dream reachable. Burdens and troubles throughout your stay will be lessen. Here are some useful basic information about the country.

Australian culture is somewhat a product of the American pop culture. You can see it in the shows on TV and radio. Other forms of entertainment were also inspired by the lifestyle of the Western countries. What made Australia a diverse culture is the massive Australian immigration. It has received cultural influences from the foreign culture entering the country. Most of them are non-English-speaking countries from Asia.

On your travel, you will meet Australians who uses slang words. Australian slang is unique and widely spoken across the country. Typical words and phrases are used differently. They are exclusive in Australia. It is hard to understand. Often times, it sounds humorous to travelers. Like when an Australian said flick your partner, it means dump him/her. Learning the Australian slang has become a part of the fun. Maybe you can teach yourself a bit of the language to experience the merriment.

The climate in major cities are typically warm and temperate. They also have seasons when they experience dry weather and snow. This kind type of climate in Australia gives people a good time to enjoy the life outdoors.

The most common period that Australian will take leave from work is from December to some point between March and April. This is the time when most holidays are celebrated. Christmas season, New Year's Day, Australia Day happening every January 26, Boxing Day every 26th of December are among the special day in Australia.

Most settler in Australia are Christians. But anyone is free to practice any religion as long as the it doesn't violate the laws imposed by the Australian government.

Australia does not have a national dish. Instead, they enjoy their food influenced by Asians and Europeans. They've got a wide range of restaurants that offers the world's best cuisines. Chinese, Japanese, Thai, French, Italian and Greek restaurants are common in Australia.

Aside from these data, there are more of Australia that you should learn. Well, some of it will just come to you on the moment of your Australian travel. But nothing is better than learning Australia nature the time before you run out of Australian knowledge.

People in Australia

Adjusting in Australia is required in your Australia visa, though it was not specified. Of course, when you visit or stay in another country, nothing will be easy. It's like you are starting over again. It is impossible that the greater number of people will be the one adjusting for you. So when you come to Australia, you should know how people there behaves. Once you achieve this, everything else will be automatic.

Most Aussies live in urban areas, mainly on larger cities along the coast. They live in a cosmopolitan lifestyle. They love going out. They love parties and celebration. They like it being always involved in sports, spectators or participants. They usually sympathize with the underdog. Australians are also the hardest-working type of people in the world, owning the longest average working hour in the whole world.

You shouldn't get mad if you meet Aussies who are very frank. People in Australia are known to be vocal and informal. They will directly say what they mean.

People in Australia are defined with their cultural diversity. This means that they are different in many ways as a result of multiculturalism. Since Australia is a country of more than 40 culture, expect that they all vary when it comes to tradition, behavior and influences. But this does not mean that you need to forget your past. According to the laws in Australia, all residents have the right to express their culture and beliefs and all are free to participate in Australia's national life and celebrations.

The Australian government expect its people to uphold the principles and shared values of the country. They want people to have respect for equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual. Everyone has the freedom of speech and association and freedom of religion. The government also has a support for the parliamentary democracy and the rule of law. The equality under the law, between men and women and some opportunities are fully observed. Most of all, the country and its people is embracing the spirit of egalitarianism. They provide tolerance, mutual respect and compassion for those who are in need. They are very careful on the treatment of newcomers. They want them to be treated equally and shouldn't be judged using their country, cultural heritage, gender or religious belief as the basis.

To make your adjustments easier, you should learn the English language because it is what most Australian speak. This is the most important factor why Australians are united. However, Australian English is not the same as the English from Britain or America. There are terms that will indicate a different meaning as compared to what you know. You can check these words on some Australian English Books or dictionaries.

Living in Australia is not that difficult. Adjustments that you made are made easy by the government. The people are friendly and the lifestyle is common and simple.

Planning a Holiday Getaway in Australia

Your visa application in Australia can be very tiring. But it's all worth it once you arrive in the Land of Oz and get to see its wonders. All your hardships and long wait will be erased because from your very first step inside the country, you will witness the world at its best. A holiday getaway in Australia is a lifetime satisfaction. So when you get there, don't rush things. Enjoy every moment that you have. Remember, you worked hard for that Travel/Holiday Visa. Let your every minute recompense every sweat.

A holiday getaway in Australia is the best way to maximize what you can get from you Australia visa. It is useless if you will not use it to explore the dazzling scenarios in different parts of the country. Even if it's a short-stay visa, take time to travel around. Chill and relax, for just a short time, fly away from your business engagements.

There are many places where you can put away your worries. Choosing where to spend most of your holiday would be difficult for you, since there are hundreds to choose from, you might even say that you want to see all of them once the thoughts of their beauty come to you. To break down your your huge vague traveling preferences, here are some places where the greatest memories are sure for catch. Sydney can be a nice choice if you want to go romantic. The Australian outback are available for adventurers and backpackers. Beaches in Brisbane and Queensland are also appealing. If you want a wildlife experience, you can travel down to Tasmania and be amused by their natural wilderness, river views and contemporary architecture.

We don't have information of how much your getaway would cost. It depends on how far you will loosen yourself. Basic expenses that you need to pay for are accommodation, car expenses and of course, food. If you have relatives in Australia, maybe you can stay with them for a while, that would save you a lot. If you are planning to wander on the outback of Australia, you might need a car. You can rent one from major car rental companies in Australia. Public transportation will just take you on the roadside, and it's not really an outback adventure. By having your own car, you can see and feel the rainforests, mountain ranges and a lot of nature the closest that you can. Food is not a problem, there are cheap stores and hotels that offers the world's most delicious dishes.

Australian holiday getaway can take you out of your personal and business troubles. There is so much time for work, why not lend some of it in a vacation? For a short time, free yourself from that office and experience an Australian travel like no other.

Australian Outback

Most people who wants Australia migration choose the urban areas as their new habitat. Where 90 percent of the population, urban cities like Sydney, Melbourne are so alive and full of energy at any time of the day. This can be one reason why migrants rarely choose the Australian outback as a place where they can start a new life.

Australian outback is a term used to identify the places outside the urban areas. It can match the pleasures that urban areas offer to travelers and immigrants, in a very different way/setting. If the urban areas are proud of their modern tourist attraction, civilized cities and high-class lifestyle, the outback is famous for their natural landscapes and simple way of living. It shelters most of the Australian feral camel, donkey and dingo. The small fertile parts of its land are mainly used to raise cattle, sheep and other domestic animals.

As compared to the urban areas in Australia, the outback is richer in culture and natural resources. It is a gallery of multiple scenic landscapes that attracts tourists and backpackers from different parts of the world. Anywhere you drive inside the outback, you will find a place that your eyes cannot resist. There is the distinctive desert landscapes and oasis at the Silver City in New South Wales and sunset stroll at the Living Desert Sculptures. You can also explore the 350 million years old in Kununurra, Western Australia. Other in demand outback places are the Alice Springs, Kakadu National Park, Birdsville, Devils Marbles, Willandra Lakes Region and a whole lot more.

As a whole, the Australian outback is made up of a well-adapted wildlife. It is a diversified community of different animals that are exclusively found in Australia. Kangaroos, koala, platypus, cockatoos, native dogs and dingos live are seen just alongside the road. Mountain Ranges and rainforests serves as barricades that protect these animals.

Australian outback is the place where you can witness the country's richness in culture and feasts. There are annual celebrations held inside the premises of the outback. There is the Quilpie & District Show & Rodeo that invites all the families to gather and be entertained while some guys are riding wild horses. The Alice Desert Festival is proud of its horse racing and the Red Center. Gourmet in Gundy is a feast in Australia that showcase finest food, wine, art and the best of the music.

Australian art is embellished by the culture of the Aboriginals. Aborigines, the term for its people, have been in Australia since 40,000 years B.C. They have their self customized jewelries, leather goods, emu oil, woodworks, toys gourmet and wine. They are highly recognized because of maintaining their culture despite numerous colonization in the country.

The outback in Australia is not a forgotten land. It is indeed richer than any states. With their natural resources, if maintained forever, they will be delighting people not only from Australia but all over the world.

Owning a property in Australia

One of the industry that has been greatly affected by massive Australian migration is the real estate business. Every settlers are looking for a home that can shed them. They want to secure themselves of a good location that can satisfy their everyday life in Australia. It seems like that the trend in Australia is to find and buy your own home. Doing this will guarantee every Australians of a less-burden life.

Buying your own property in Australia is not that difficult as compared to other countries. Sydney and Brisbane are the cities where property buyers are more likely to settle. The process of purchasing a property is straight forward. There are no hidden charges, no frauds and hassles.

For temporary residents of Australia, before you start your property hunting, you need to ask first a permission from the Foreign Investment Review Board. Their response will arrive after 40 days, but will extend to 130 days if there are undesirable circumstances. You need to comply with their requirements or else, you dream house will just fade away.

There are two main ways to purchase a property. First is by buying in auctions. You will have to deposit 10% of the property price on the very day that you won the bidding. That deposit is non-refundable if ever you had a change of heart about that certain property. So to become sure of what you are investing in, don't just look at a simple picture of the house. Try to actually visit the property and check each of its details that can satisfy the quality that you have set.

The second way that you can purchase a property is by buying conventionally. This is something that most aspirants are used of. What you are going to do is find the property by yourself, and pay a holding deposit once you created an offer and it was grabbed. But unlike in auctions, you can refund the money that you deposited if ever you will back out of the deal. You need to add 5% on your budget of the purchase price for some legal fees like mortgage arrangement fees, taxes and others.

You may prefer a new-build house or a resale property. If you choose a new-build house, it is less likely for you to ask permission from the FIRB. Resale properties on the other hand are cheaper and much easier to purchasing when it comes to buying process.

If you are interested, you can buy your own lot and build on it a home that is of your design. The only difficult part of this is that, you'll be mandated to have the building process within 12 months. This can be troublesome because of so many task you have to do like construction permission, commissioning architects and looking for skilled builders.

If you want to start a new life in Australia, do it with a decent home. When you have one, more probable than not, the next coming years will be all right.

Multiculturalism: A Product of Massive Australian Migration

Multiculturalism is one of the most notable effect of massive Australian migration. The term is used to define the coming of different cultures and traditions brought by settlers from many parts of the world. It means different nationalities bringing their culture into one nation. In Australia, it refers to the acceptance of various cultural divisions among people. There are different arts and customs from different race groups taking place in the Land of Oz. High percentage of residents of Australia came from more than 200 countries, about 40%. And this people have definitely brought their culture. Up to now, there is a battle to know if it is good or bad for the country.

Over all, the government has cultural policies that takes care of the rights of their migrants. Australian government committed itself to diversity by coming up with effective and helpful national multicultural policy that will provide a framework to strengthen harmony of the community and promote the economic, cultural and social benefits of Australia's cultural diversity for all Australians.

Australian multiculturalism promotes mutual respect and equality to enhance social cohesion and the country's capacity to withstand both external and domestic tension. It embraces the heritage of indigenous Australians, early European settlement and ready to welcome traditions and experiences of new migrants coming to the country. All Australians have the opportunity to become active and equal participants in society, and are all assured that they will maintain their religious and cultural traditions within Australian law.

Everyone has a place in the Land of Oz, long as they take the right process of immigration. With Australia's cultural policy, an individual or group are not compelled to give up or sacrifice their religion or culture. But this doesn't mean that they can do anything that they want. The government implements laws and chastisements who would conduct any activities that violates the law, like human trafficking, prostitution, honor killings, witchcraft, black magic and many more. Intermarriage is also legalized in the country.

The government is committed in diminishing or totally destroying racism among its people. This is just one of the threats that a migrant and the government will face. Ignorance and misunderstanding about others' religion is battled out. Terrorism on the other hand is an issue for every person coming to the country. It is a threat that anyone can bring that's why the government is tightening immigration policies.

Some Australian sees multiculturalism as a bad effect. They say migrants take jobs from them. These migrants may also bring racial tension to the country and create and settle in ghettos. But as a whole, multiculturalism brings cultural diversity to the society. It drives more force to the country's culture and economy.

Multiculturalism in Australia is about making its citizens feel that sense of belonging that they need to make a great nation. It is security to both original Australian and aspirant settlers from different parts of the world.

Some Things To Avoid When Touring Australia

Going to Australia is definitely one travel you will surely whether its for a trip or just for pleasure, you will still be able to find time to enjoy yourself. However, as in any of your travels, there are things that you need to avoid doing when in Australia.

Remembering the following tips will not only save you a lot of money, but will also save your face from some pretty embarrassing situations. And you definitely would not want to end up in those situations. So you better read up.

The first things that you need to remember under Australia tourist visa are points when traveling in Australia. One particular example is going around Sydney. Never take a trip on the subway during peak hours, unless you really need to. The stations and the trains can be expectedly crowded during those times, so definitely it wouldn't be a nice ride. Another thing that you need to work about when you take the risk (and make the mistake) of doing this are the many pickpockets and other thugs that frequent the area, searching for ignorant victims. It would be better for you to take a longer yet less crowded route inside the state.

Another travel route that you need to avoid is going to Alice Springs from Adelaide via bus. Sure, the rates are cheaper than taking a plane, but the whole trip is going to take you more than 19 hours. And this is definitely not going to be joyful t rip if you can't stand a bus ride for more than an hour. Unless you are planning on sightseeing you might just as well take the plane.

If you are planning to head to the beach, here's a tip. Never head to the Gold Coast (or any beach for that matter) during Schoolies' Week. This is the time when schools officially end and all the kids troop out to the beaches to celebrate. If you're planning of a relaxing day there, this isn't the right time because for sure, shores are going to be crowded and noisy.

Another important tip for tourists is to never attempt climbing at Ayers Rock. Climbing it isn't actually illegal. In fact, many have actually done it, albeit some injuries. However, more than the pain you will encounter, you will probably earn the ire of the local Ananga, who consider the rock sacred. Remember that you are here for a pleasant trip, so you should learn to respect the beliefs of indigenous people in order to maintain it and for you to stay safe.

Respecting the sensibilities of other people, whether indigenous or city dweller is definitely a tourist rule. In that case, you should be reminded to never ever say anything praising Melbourne out loud when you are in Sydney. You see, both cities are in a bit of a rivalry with each other, and they can be easily agitated. So if you like one more after the other better keep it to yourself to avoid confrontations.

As a last tip to tourist, you should be aware of the do's and don'ts even before you land to Australia. You will definite have an easier time that way.

Getting A Marriage Visa

One of the most common methods of entry to a foreign country is through marriage. However, it is by no means the easiest way to enter. In fact, getting a marriage visa for Australia  is one of the toughest visa application processes offered. And the process is definitely on the heavy side with regards to application fees.

The marriage visa application is usually filed by either a citizen seeking for his or her partner to be recognized as an immigrant. In some cases, like that of Australia, citizens can also petition their would be partners even if they have yet to marry. As with any other visa types, several requirements have to be met in order to be entitled for approval. These are to be submitted along with the general visa requirements.

The first thing required is that the petitioner must be a permanent citizen of the country he wants his partner to go to. Note that both natural born and naturalized citizens are eligible to apply for this one. This can be easily be proven by the petitioner by providing either a birth certificate (for natural born citizens) or naturalization papers.

The next thing is definitely the most difficult part applying for a marriage visa, since you actually have to prove that you are indeed married to the one you are petitioning for. Expect a thorough scrutiny from the embassy officials on this one since many are know for abusing it. First of all, you need to have proof that your partner is indeed of legal age. Marrying ages vary from country to country, so you should be aware of the legal age in your country. Also, you need to be able to show that you were married in a ceremony required by your home country, or the country of your spouse's origin. You will have to present records certifying your marriage as valid or have witness stand in for proof.

Petitioning a fiance is definitely much harder than petitioning a spouse. One main problem with this one is you don't have any legal proof (such as documents) that you are indeed in a relationship. Engaged couples who have already put forth initial wedding preparations will have an easier time with this since they have the much needed proof in the form of documents such as purchase receipts. On the other hand, couples planning on marrying after arriving in the other country will be placed under tighter restrictions. One such restriction requires the couple to be married within nine months after the visa is granted.

After having submitted the documentary proofs, you will then be scheduled for an interview with the consul. Here, you will be further probed, along with your partner. You will be asked to further elaborate on the details of your relationship. Afterward, you will be granted a spouse visa. If you are not yet married, you will be granted a fiance visa and be required to fulfill the above condition. Once completed, you will then required to apply for a spouse temporary visa and finally a permanent visa.

The Emergency Brought by Illegal Immigrants

People who didn't undergo a proper immigration to Australia are called illegal immigrants. They go aboard, without a due process. This has been one of the problems that Australian government is facing. The mere fact that they are illegal is already a crime. It also open doors for smugglers, plus the threat of terrorism is undeniably high.

To be in Australia, one must hold an Australia visa. No one is allowed to stay in the territory without undergoing a visa system.

A person becomes an illegal immigrant either because he/she does not hold any visa, or the visa has expired or canceled. There are a lot of terms used to define illegal settlers like prohibited non-citizens, illegal aliens, unlawful citizens, illegal immigrants, asylum seekers and the newest, boat people. No matter what name should we call them, they are all subjected to deportation, detention or grant of visa, upon the observance of the Australian law.

Asylum seekers are immigrants who never hesitate to migrate to Australia without even thinking of the future consequences, instead, they assume themselves with an asylum that will make them a legal Australian citizen.

Boat people are foreign nationals who perceives immigration laws of Australia weak, trying to enter Australia illegally. A wave of boat arrivals has the highest record in 1999 with a total of 3000, 1200 of them arrived in November, the largest to reach Australia, in the shortest time. Though there have been steps to send back these desperate refugees, some are welcomed compassionately, through responsive actions considering their human rights. Most of its passengers are people from China, Afghanistan and Iraq. Levels of desire and need to move from poor and war-torn countries have intensified, as opportunities for legal entry, even to traditional immigration countries, have diminished.

These illegal immigration have caused concern to the government and as well to its people. They take the jobs intended for legal residents. Not only that, their status is exposing them to abuse and exploitation by their employers or smugglers who organized their entry.

Boat people causes alarm. They brought a question mark to the Australian government whether they are capable or not to control who has the right to enter their borders. National security is also on the edge of disturbance. Population is also hard to control. The safety of these immigrants is on a risk. Illegal immigration is a man-made crisis.

But the Australian government is making policies that can minimize or completely eliminate illegal immigration. One is by putting the aliens in detention, a policy that have been criticized not only by some Australian analyst, but also by the United Nations. There are also suggestions that there should have full monitoring of the boundaries of the country to see illegal immigrants before they arrive at the shores.

Getting to Australia doesn't have to be burdensome, just take the legal steps. If you are afraid of responsibilities, you may hire an immigration service provider for further visa assistance for Australia.