Congratulations on being selected to participate in the Regents Semester Program in Newcastle, Australia. You are about to embark upon what may be one of the most formative and exciting experiences of your life! This handbook contains the most up-to- date information specific to the program in Newcastle. We expect you to read all of the information carefully and to take the handbook with you to Newcastle. One of the best ways to prepare for study abroad is to learn as much as possible about the program and Australia prior to your departure. You can do this by visiting the Office for Study Abroad, reading information about the program and the country, and talking to faculty and former students. However, there may be situations you will not have anticipated, and your flexibility will determine the kind of experience you will have while abroad. The UI Study Abroad is here to help you throughout your preparation and semester abroad. Please let us know if you have any questions. We can be reached at Study Abroad, 1111 University Capitol Centre, 319-335-0353. We wish you a successful and rewarding study abroad experience! Sterling Bacher Program Coordinator [email protected] 1 Table of Contents: 1: Study Abroad Mission Statement ..................................................................................... 4 2: Contact Information .............................................................................................................. 4 Newcastle Emergency/Contact Numbers ..................................................................................... 4 Emergency Contact Information ..................................................................................................... 5 3: History and Culture ............................................................................................................... 6 The History of Australia ..................................................................................................................... 6 The Government ................................................................................................................................... 6 The People and Culture ...................................................................................................................... 7 Australian Wildlife ............................................................................................................................... 7 4: Aussie Words and Pronunciations ................................................................................... 8 5:Before You Go ........................................................................................................................... 9 Calendar ................................................................................................................................................... 9 To Do Before Leaving .......................................................................................................................... 9 Applying for Your Student Visa ..................................................................................................... 10 Climate .................................................................................................................................................... 12 What to Pack ......................................................................................................................................... 12 6: Arriving in Australia ...........................................................................................................14 Immigration, Luggage, Customs .................................................................................................... 14 Getting to Newcastle .......................................................................................................................... 15 7: Academic Information........................................................................................................16 Orientation and Registration ......................................................................................................... 16 Class Selection...................................................................................................................................... 17 Australian Education System and Grading ................................................................................ 17 8: Living in Newcastle ..............................................................................................................19 The University of Newcastle ........................................................................................................... 19 Places to Visit ....................................................................................................................................... 20 Shopping and Entertainment ......................................................................................................... 20 Local Transportation ......................................................................................................................... 21 9: Accommodation, Communication and Computing ...................................................22 On-campus ............................................................................................................................................ 22 Edwards Hall ........................................................................................................................................ 23 International House ........................................................................................................................... 23 Evatt House ........................................................................................................................................... 23 Barahineban: ........................................................................................................................................ 23 Homestay ............................................................................................................................................... 24 Off Campus ............................................................................................................................................ 24 Some Off Campus Options - Rented as Individual Rooms .................................................... 25 Hostels in Newcastle .......................................................................................................................... 26 Real Estate Agents in Newcastle .................................................................................................... 26 Cell Phones and Internet Access.................................................................................................... 27 10: Money Matters ....................................................................................................................28 Expenses and Financial Aid ............................................................................................................. 28 Paying the Program Fee ................................................................................................................... 29 Exchange Rate ...................................................................................................................................... 29 Credit Cards, Travelers Checks, Bank Accounts ...................................................................... 29 Working Student Visa ....................................................................................................................... 30 11: Culture Shock ......................................................................................................................30 2 Symptoms of Culture Shock ............................................................................................................ 30 Prescription for Culture Shock ...................................................................................................... 31 Returning Home .................................................................................................................................. 31 12: Travel Destinations and Tips While Abroad............................................................33 General Hostel Information ............................................................................................................ 33 General Travel Planning .................................................................................................................. 33 Sydney ..................................................................................................................................................... 34 Katoomba .............................................................................................................................................. 35 Bathurst ................................................................................................................................................. 35 Hobart, Tasmania ............................................................................................................................... 35 Melbourne ............................................................................................................................................. 36 Perth ........................................................................................................................................................ 37 Adelaide ................................................................................................................................................