How do I prepare for my overseas study experience?

Thorough preparation for your overseas study experience involves more than packing your bag and organising your plane ticket, student visa and health insurance.  To ensure you get the most out of your time abroad, make an effort to learn about the country you will be living in, the goals you would like to achieve while you are there and the academic style of your course, before leaving home.
Learning about the country can include basic history and facts about the city you will be living in and information on the country’s culture.  It can also include reading the local or national news and reading novels written by nationals of the country you will be going to. 

To prepare for your studies, be sure you read through different sections of the institution’s website.  Find out about the services they offer to international students and the types of academic and language support available on campus. 

Some institutions offer free, short workshops at the beginning of the semester and these can help you learn more about what will be expected of you academically at the specific institution.  While some courses and institutions might focus on specific texts and memorisation, others will expect you to do independent research and challenge existing theories.  Before your first assessment, find out about how you will be assessed and what type of results most students achieve. 

While the main focus of your time abroad will be your studies, we suggest that you think about your other goals.  These could be cultural, personal, and/or professional.  Do you want to try and focus on meeting local people or are you more interested in meeting other internationals?  Will this be the first time you have lived away from your family and friends?  Would you like to find out about relevant professional organisations in the country?  Are there specific sports, cultural, religious, or community activities that you want to learn about or get involved in?  These are just some ideas about things you might want to think about and research before leaving your current residence.  Being involved in local activities will help you to make new friends and get through the adjustment period. 

Remember, the better you prepare for your time overseas, the more rewarding the experience will be.  The international office at your institution should be able to help you with these things and you can also contact us with any questions. 

Don’t miss out on studying in 2006

Australia – If you have an offer to start studying in Australia in February or March 2006 (first semester), you should currently be accepting your offer to confirm your place and applying for your student visa.  Keep in mind that these processes can take time and you will need to start early.  Procedures vary depending on your citizenship. Contact a counsellor with information on your offer and we will happily help you with the next step. 

If you would like to start studying in Australia in July or August 2006 (second semester), we encourage you to apply early for best consideration. Contact us for assistance with selecting a course or completing your application.

USA – If you would like to start studying in the USA in January 2006, you should submit your application soon. Deadlines vary and it can take a while for the visa application process. Contact us or the institution with any questions.

UK – Applications for most areas of study for the semester starting in August or September 2006 are now being accepted. Complete your application by early January for best consideration. Contact us to discuss your study plans and get help selecting a course. 

Applications have closed for 2006 entry into medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science.   Consider applying for 2007 or applying for a different course starting in 2006. Contact a counsellor for assistance in selecting a course.

Graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Australia, receives international recognition.

Le Cordon Bleu Master of Arts (Gastronomy) graduate, Amy Reiley, was one of five finalists in the professional category of the International Wine Women Awards held in Paris earlier this year. These prestigious awards are aimed at recognising and rewarding the efforts of women in the wine industry.

Ms Reilly studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Australia, which is part of the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu School in Paris.  The school, with campuses in Sydney and Adelaide, services the needs of the international hospitality industry by offering a range of courses from diplomas to post graduate qualifications. 

To find a hospitality program that suits your needs Contact us.