Student Life

Avondale’s 1100 students include around 130 international students from some 22 countries. You can expect that the study program and fellow students will provide a stimulating and very enjoyable environment in which to learn. It is likely that managing the blend of academic and social pressures along with cultural adjustments can be a little more demanding than life on campus would be in your home country, but we can promise that studying and living abroad will be a positive life-changing experience.

Avondale has developed an integrated program to help new students adjust smoothly to life and study in a new culture.

• The Director of Student Services is the International Student Contact Officer who coordinates support services for international students. The Contact Officer and Student Services staff assist with issues to do with orientation, accommodation, local transport, telephone and Internet access, banking, taxation and other financial matters, careers information, counselling and other student support services. Social and cultural support is available to students from different countries and ethnic backgrounds. Briefing sessions on these issues are held during the orientation program at the beginning of each semester. The Academic Office provides advice on visa and immigration matters.
• At beginning of the semester the Academic Registrar and Faculty Deans coordinate advice to international students on subject selection and timetable issues. During the semester, Faculty Deans, lecturers, and Academic Office personnel provide counselling on academic matters, including further study. A tutorial service is available to students requiring help with English language, essay writing, numeracy and other study skills. International students may expect some differences in teaching and assessment methods and should feel free to discuss these with their academic advisers.
• A professional counsellor is available on campus to help with relationship issues, loneliness, depression, homesickness, etc. Consultations are free but by appointment only. Advice and guidance on personal issues is available from residence directors and the Director of Student Services. Spiritual counselling may be obtained from the chaplain, residence directors, student residence assistants and lecturers. Medical services are available within three minutes drive of the residences.

Cultural, Recreational and Service Acuities on Campus

A student’s experience at Avondale is, of course, not limited to the pursuit of academic excellence. We encourage students' personal development by providing opportunities to become involved in a range of service, cultural and recreational activities. These activities are generally run by students and provide great opportunities to get to know people outside classes and to develop leadership skills. The international club and faculty hosts often provide opportunities for international students to celebrate special national days. Transport is provided to some major cultural events in Sydney including concerts at the marvellous Sydney Opera House.

Travel and The Australian Lifestyle

International students who enjoy life at Avondale the best will try to mix with students from other countries, apply themselves to study and on weekends and during vacations make plans to explore the richness of Australia and our culture. Many international students plan trips together or take vacations with Australian friends. If you have the money you may choose to buy a motor vehicle. An older car can be purchased from about $2000 AUD upward. It is important to take out some form of insurance too. Petrol costs between 120c AUD and 140c AUD per litre. Having a vehicle would enable you to be more independent, but you may make friends with another student who has a vehicle and costs can be shared. Beaches, forests and major shopping malls are just 20-40 minutes away by car. Many students go surfing early in the morning before classes and on Sundays. The College 23-seater bus is also used occasionally for beach trips.