Introduction Australia is oldest continent on earth and has one
of the most fragile and least fertile soils. Other than
Antarctica, Australia is the driest continent on this planet,
with over 80% of our land arid and infertile. It has one of the
least understood ecological systems in the developed world and
there are new species of plants and animals discovered every
year in Australia. Yet for over 150 years we have been using
“European Style” farming techniques with little regard to the
fact that European soils are far more fertile and are often silt
based, providing fertile soils every year. Since the Second
World War, the state of agricultural decay has increased
dramatically with the “Great Agricultural Push in Australia”, in
areas that were simply not suited for long-term agricultural
use. Mechanisation, fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides as well
as push to standardise products in order to increase yields
(productivity) has led to extensive environmental catastrophes.
One example that clearly comes to mind is the vast lands in SW
Australia (East of Perth), where people were fooled to believe
that they could run agricultural operations over a long period
of time. Our land is still being deforested at a rapid rate
leading to high levels of salinity, over-grazed leading to
desertification and land degradation through bad soil management
techniques. Its water courses altered, dammed drained
straightened etc. Whilst 95% of Victorian rivers lie in some
state of decay, with fish breeding grounds lost, flows reduced,
swamps drained etc. Our water management practices have in the
past been inadequate. Just take a look at our open channel
irrigation systems, which stretch across a vast reach of
Australia. It loses a third of its volume through evaporation.
In 1983 during our last water restrictions the government
promised that once the Thompson and Dartmouth Dams were finished
that we would never have water restrictions again. Twenty years
later it’s happening again. What has happened to our vision?
These are just simple examples of where our ignorance and lack
of foresight has let us astray. There has been and still is an
irresponsible approach to water, soil and forestry management.
Today Australia faces many environmental issues of which the
most important are: 1.Water management 2.Land Degradation and
poor soil management 3.Deforestation 4.Overgrazing Yet very
little has been addressed. For over 100 years we couldn’t even
get Victoria South Australia and NSW to sign an agreement for a
management plan for the Murray River. These mistakes have led us
to a more contemporary approach to agriculture. No longer are
farmers just simply doing what “their fathers did”. It simply
doesn’t work and is a time bomb ready to explode. The explosion
being total desertification and degradation of our land within
our lifetime! This has pushed us to a “big picture” approach to
Agriculture, which has made us stop for a moment and think about
what we are doing. Over the last 30 years there has been a push
into sustainable agricultural practices leading us to better
resource management with a long-term view. Sustainable
Agriculture can be described as resource management based
agricultural system that minimises the impact of agriculture
produce and practices whilst providing a profitable output or
produce at minimal impact to the surrounding environment, both
short and long-term, whilst maximising biodiversity.

Biodiversity So what is so important about biodiversity?
Biodiversity gives us the “quality of life” that enables us to
survive and enjoy life. Life’s wonderful choices! Many choices
provide many solutions especially in the random changing realm
of Darwin’s Natural Selection. We must maintain biodiversity if
the human species is to survive.

Farm Management Plan An integral part of any Sustainable
Agricultural venture is to have a Farm Management Plan. This
analyses all the resource to minimise inputs, and provides a
suitable output with view to long-term sustainability. Inputs
These inputs could be but are not limited to the following:
•Water •Soil •Fertilisers •Seeds •Chemicals including
pesticides, herbicides, fungicides •Labour •Machinery including
fuel

The Farm Management Plan should also incorporate a vision for
what you want to achieve, assess the inherent risks and provide
contingency plans to minimise all the exposure to risks as part
of the plan. It also provide solutions through an Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) Plan A Farm Management Plan should look at
all aspects of the current state of the venture and provide any
solutions, generally organic based, to rectify any inherent
problems occurring or to provide practices that will not lead to
long-term problems. Many of the problems in intensive
(monoculture) agriculture can be reversed if all the parameters
are understood. The problem in the past has been we have not
taken the time to analyse and understand our soils and
ecological systems that support us until it is too late. In the
past, (and still happening today) there has been a push by big
corporations, such as Monsanto, DuPont etc. to buy…buy….buy
their agricultural products, whilst their consultants, provided
us with the wrong, often biased information leading us to make
bad choices over time. Whilst Sustainable Agriculture is the
right step in our approach to resource management we still have
a long way to go to change people’s habits and provide them with
a greater understanding of our ecological systems which is
blocked by our ignorance and apathy from distractions such as
terrorism, boat people and war on Iraq. The real issue is
resource management, which we alone must take control of and not
rely on external states or systems to determine our destiny or
freedom of choice.

Australia has fast overtaken other countries as the destination of choice for students from Commonwealth Countries like South Africa and Canada who want to work and/or study overseas. Ten years ago, it had become the norm for young adults to leave the country for the UK as soon as they had completed their final year at senior high school. There, they would pluck chickens, tend bar or peel potatoes while experiencing life in the UK and Europe.

Living and working in the UK was, and still is, an expensive venture and it is the cost of living, as well as many other areas, where Australia wins the pros versus cons debate each and every time.

The good news for world travelers or students wanting to study in Australia is that there are positions available in many different fields to help fund their stay – including the meat industry. Though this may not be the most attractive option, the meat industry is an excellent way to fund your travels or start a new life in Australia. At present numerous 457 Visa vacancies exist for experienced meat processing employees – across most functional areas in the meat processing industry.

The Australian meat industry is a thriving one, the pay is good and it offers many young visitors the opportunity to financially support their studies and/or lifestyles during their stay in the country.

Australia has exported meat for more than a century and today production is tailored to the packing needs of customers in more than 120 countries worldwide (source: Meat & Livestock Australia). The Australian meat packing industry is the state of the art in beef and lamb dressing and fabrication. Australian packing facilities employ the latest technology to ensure efficient production without loss of quality. The way in which red meat is packed is crucial to the overall quality and shelf life of the product, which ultimately leads to customer satisfaction.

Though the student level job opportunities bear similarities in all countries, Australia offers many other attractions to international visitors.

For one thing, the country has garnered a well-deserved reputation for playing host to many of the world’s best educational institutions and thousands of international students choose to study there each year.

Another appealing factor to living in Australia is the environment. With a brilliant range of climates and locations to choose from, Australia has much to offer. From the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef to snow covered mountains and lush rain forests, visitors will have no trouble finding a location that suits them. And, to top it off, the country has still managed to build a broad, diverse array of business focused areas offering many work opportunities to one and all.

Most notably, Australia offers a high standard of living at a competitive price when compared to other first world destinations; so it’s not surprising that many people, bitten by the travel bug, make it their destination of choice.

Copyright reserved by Mike Stowe, Oz-LifeStyle.com, 2007. The author provides permission for this article to be republished under condition that no alterations are allowed. Should you wish to make any alterations please contact the author in advance to clear said alterations.

Studying in Australia offers international students more than academic achievement and a globally recognised qualification.  It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience through which a student can develop independence, maturity, an understanding of other cultures, and the ability to see issues from different perspectives.  Study in Australia better prepares a student to work in today’s global marketplace. This is why several foreign companies recruit directly from Australian universities and vocational institutes.  Many international organisations and companies employ overseas students with Australian qualifications because their exposure to the outside world gives them greater independence and maturity.  With international trade barriers disappearing, great opportunities exist for those with the skills, experience and knowledge to seize them. In Australia, international students can gain this experience in a safe, friendly environment and at an affordable cost.

Education in Australia

Australia is the third most popular study destination in the English-speaking world, with more than 200,000 international students in Australian institutions across all education sectors: higher education, vocational education and training, English Language colleges, and schools.

Australia’s universities have made important breakthroughs in modern technology and science while Australia’s vocational training system, which is based on industry standards, is used as a model for other Asia-Pacific countries.

There are universities in all major Australian cities and throughout regional areas of the country ranging in size from around 3,000 students to 50,000 students. About 20 percent of students enrolled in Australian universities are from overseas.

Many international students also study in vocational education and training colleges and institutes across Australia.  These institutes offer qualifications that recognised in the workplace.

The Australian Government ensures the quality of Australian institutions and courses in a number of ways.  Institutions must be accredited and courses offered to international students must be approved and listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).  Qualifications offered to students must fit the Australian Qualifications Framework The staff at Australian institutions is also very experienced in helping students from other countries, and there are well-established support systems in place for international students.

In a nut shell Australia is a dynamic and vibrant country with a great deal to offer students looking for international education. Australia has:

Dynamic and progressive education programs with a reputation for excellence
Globally-recognised courses and qualifications
A relaxed, enjoyable and safe lifestyle
Cheaper study and living expenses compared to many other countries
Vibrant, appealing and multicultural cities
Great weather
Amazing and diverse landscapes and scenery
Unique and wonderful flora and fauna.
Great employment opportunities in International Companies after passing out from any Australian University.

South Australia is one of the eight states of Australia and itâ??s located in the south. It has four seasons; summer (Dec-Feb) thatâ??s warm & sunny for enjoying lazy days, spring and autumn that are mild for discovering nature, while winter (Jun-Aug) is not too cold.  In summer, it doesnâ??t get dark until around 8 pm in Adelaide.

 

There are many attractions in SA. The Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula, Murrayland, Kangaroo Island and Yorke Peninsula have magnificent beaches with various water sports activities; accessible in 20 minutes by the efficient public transport of Adelaide. Whatâ??s worth visiting will be the historic towns with shipwrecks in Fleurieu Peninsula, the mountain ranges and mysterious deserts of Flinders Range, Kangaroo Island with marine life and wildlife, the caves of Limestone Coast such as the Naracoorte Caves, Murraylandsâ?? riverside pub and houseboats for a splendid holiday.

 

The 12 regions of SA with its main attractions are:-

 

1.      Adelaide â?? capital of arts & cuisine, sport & shopping, beach e.g. Glenelg with dolphin cruises, The Cedars which was home of the legendary painter Sir Hans Heysen

 

2.      Adelaide Hills â??serene landscapes & farmsland

 

3.      Barossa â?? renowned as the wine capital of Australia

 

4.      Clare Valley â?? countryside where traditions remain

 

5.      Eyre Peninsula â?? 2,000 kilometers of coastline with national parks, ancient caves and the famous Nullarbor

 

6.      Fleurieu Peninsula â?? beach with activities such as diving, snorkeling, surfing and trailing, as well as historic towns with shipwrecks

 

7.      Flinders Ranges â?? vast mountain ranges and mysterious deserts

 

8.      Kangaroo Island â?? beaches, marine life, wildlife, vineyards & farms

 

9.      Limestone Coast â?? magnificent coastline, national parks, caves e.g. Naracoorte Caves

 

10. Murraylands â?? water sports, riverside pub and houseboats along Murray River

 

11. Riverland â?? abundant citrus fruit harvests, the world class wines & the majestic Murray River

 

12. Yorke Peninsula â?? the splendid place for holiday with beaches & national parks

 

Adelaide, is the capital city of SA and was named after Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV. This city was designed by Colonel William Light in 1837 with a central business district (CBD) surrounded by open parklands. Adelaide has been declared as one of the worldâ??s most livable cities, offering diverse job opportunities and unparalleled business advantages. Itâ??s one of the worldâ??s least expensive cities with cost of living and price of homes that is much less than of cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Adelaide is also not a crowded city thus has abundant space for living.

 

Adelaide is a 20 minute city where one can leave for work later and arrive home earlier. Public transport is well-organized and managed efficiently to provide accessibility to various suburbs and regions all over South Australia as well as other states of Australia.  Car hires and other tour facilities are available all over for business traveling and holiday purposes. There are free transports such as the tram between North Terrace and South Terrace or the 99C Bus, and the Adelaide Connector Free Bus Service that connects the major facilities (universities, schools and shopping areas) within North Adelaide and Adelaide city centre. Other public transport available is the Tindo (the worldâ??s first solar powered electric bus to complement the Adelaide Connector Free Bus Service. AdelaideMetro is the alternative public transport that connects the greater metropolitan region with trains, buses and trams for a fee. Adelaideâ??s International Airport, located only 5 km from the city centre, and is the newest and most efficient airport in Australia.

 

There is a wide range of venues and attractions in Adelaide, such as historical and cultural venues (SA Museum in North Terrace, Australian Aboriginal Cultural Gallery and Adelaide Festival Centre); recreational and national park (Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Zoo, Belair National Park) and various sports clubs. Late night shopping in large shopping mallâ??s like the Rundle Mall (with 800 over stores) and movies theatres, pubs and entertainment complexes are the hotspots of Adelaide. Other major shopping malls are Burnside Village (on the east); Westfield, Marion and West Lakes (on the west); Tea Tree Plaza and Modbury (on the north); and Colonnades and Noarlunga (on the south). The Marion Megaplex is the largest cinema complex in the Southern Hemisphere. 

 

Other activities include beach activities at the famous Glenelg with dolphin cruises and Hel-A-Va Jet Boats at Marine Pier. It would an exciting experience to cuddle a Koala or feed a kangaroo at the award-winning Cleland Wildlife Park, having 130 species of Australian wildlife. Other wildlife activities include Rodney Fox Shark Experience at Moseley Square. SA has more than 400 festivals a year, therefore it is known as the Festival State. Festivals that would interest me and my partner are the biennial Adelaide Festival, Feast Festival, Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts, Bay to Birdwood Run and Classic Adelaide Rally.

 

The food of SA is of world-class standards and there are various Central Markets to enjoy some of the best gourmet food. Rundle Mall offers a variety of foods and cuisine with Italian-style cafes, Asian food as well as seafood. The Adelaide Central Market is located in the middle of the CBD and it has existed since 1869. Wine industry is widespread in South Australia and vineyards are located mainly in Barossa and Riverland. Food industry research and quality control ensures a huge market for the produce of Australia worldwide.

 

SA has world-class education system for various industries mainly automotive, bioscience, defense, resources, electronics, healthcare, information technology and wine. There are many research organizations such as the Commonwealth Scientific Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), International Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Management (ICEWaRM) and the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) that provide career opportunities for those keen in research and monitoring activities. In terms of healthcare facilities, there are 9 metropolitan and 25 private hospitals in SA providing world-leading clinical and research skills

 

There are many professional clubs and societies, such as Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, to help expand networking in certain areas of interest, as well as building professional relationships and understanding the Aussie way of life. However for a better networking with the community of SA, it is good to join the social clubs.

 

Hence, South Australia could be home for a rewarding career, a safe and healthy environment and quality lifestyle.

References on useful websites :

1) http://www.southaustralia.com/sg/ – a website on tons of information on the culture, attractions, activities, travel, holiday and much more in South Australia

2) http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/routes/timetableM.html – information on public transport in Adelaide and surrounding areas (with routes and schedule information etc)

3) http://www.immigration.sa.gov.au/ – website on migration to South Australia

 

Foreign education is a booming business today as students from many lands dream and aspire to pursue higher education abroad. The United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand happen to be the most popular destinations.

Why Study Abroad?

Some Good Reasons to Study Abroad.

Multilingual and Multicultural Environment :

Studying abroad gives you a golden opportunity to be a part of the multicultural environment and also learning new foreign languages. It gives you a first hand feeling of different cultures and its origin.

Makes you more Techno Savy :

The education system abroad happens to be very different than what prevails in India. It lays lot of emphasis on the practical aspects of education thus making the students techno savy and more practical.

Value of Degree :

A foreign degree enhances your chances of employment and gives you the returns on your investments. This is one good reason why you should not take it as an expense but an investment.

Importance of Hiring Foreign Higher Education Consultants :

Foreign education consultants play a vital role in fulfilling your dreams. They act as navigators to the whole process. There are lot of complexities involved in the whole process of studying abroad. Hiring a good consultant becomes very very important here. They are the ones who make your dreams turn into reality. In depth knowledge is absolutely essential while taking such vital decisions. A good higher education consultant would not only help you accomplish the task but also see that it is being accomplished in the right direction. It is about the students’ future and that is the reason utmost care and awareness is required from the beginning.

Selection of the right kind of schools plays the most important role in the whole process. Selecting a good and accredited school ensures your future prospects of recruitment and also the value of your degree.

Why Study in USA ?

Introduction to the country :

Multi-cultural population

World’s largest economy

Less than 5%unemployment ratio

Largest number of MNCs

Highly technical and flexible education system

Strong links between educational institutions and corporate world

The unique OPT feature providing stay back options

More than 300 courses to choose from

States with well developed education system-PA, NY, NJ, MA, CA, IL, TX, AZ, MI and FL

Types of Student Visas :

F1 Visas-Given for Full time degrees M1 Visas-Given for Part time courses and vocational degrees

Thus the student should fix a budget and look for Universities according.

Three main areas to be proved for bagging the student visas :

Serious academic student

Intention of return

Financial Capability

The Unique OPT Feature :

You can get legal work permit called the OPT for upto 1 year after the course competition. The company can than sponsor your H1 B visa which is a legal work permit visa. It is to be held for 6 years in order to apply for a greencard.

The break even is attained by availing the OPT feature. It also gives a platform for gathering exposure and experience of an international market.

Why Study in UK ?

Britain has long been a popular destination for Indian students to study in UK. With more than 150 institutes of higher education to choose from. U.K. is one of the few countries that allows international students to work even outside the campus. Students can work upto 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during vacations.

Various Postgraduate and Graduate Program offered by UK educational institutes :

Bachelors degree- It is for a duration of 3-4 years.

Sandwich Courses-This gives an option to the students to do one year of commercial training after first 2 years of bachelors degree and then returning to the third year.

HND-is awarded by Vocational and technical Educational Councils. The duration is 2 years.

Postgraduate degree-They are normally for a duration of one year thus saving costs and living expenses.

Why Study in Australia ?

Australia is one of the best places to live. It is a young, vibrant and friendly country. It also has a unique kind of education system which offers and provides paths to suit particular academic requirements.

In 2000, Australia introduced the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. ESOS ensures that, in order to enroll international students, institutions must first meet requirements for registration. All institutions which meet registration requirements are listed on the publicly available Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

The ESOS legislation provides consumer protection. This means you will receive the tuition for which you have paid, and your fees are protected by law.

Under the skilled migration program , international students get an opportunity to stay back in Australia thus giving them the returns on their investments and also assuring a better lifestyle.

Why study in New Zealand?

Perhaps the most important reason to study in New Zealand is the absolute guarantee of getting a student visa if you are a genuine student and the great student policies that are friendly and very, very helpful. If you have the above you will be termed a ‘Positive Profile’ student by the student visa team of Immigration New Zealand. All these visa officers make rational judgments rather than whimsical decisions based on ‘mood’.

Tips For Choosing The Right University

Location :

The location should be selected keeping in mind various factors like cost of living, safety , placements, weather, etc. For ex. London happens to have the highest cost of living. So if funds are important to a student, he might not select a school based in London.

Accreditation and Ranking :

The universities in UK are ranked by various bodies .The rankings are based on the quality of education provided, student satisfaction etc.

Course Accreditation : It is also important to check how accredited is the degree with the particular university that you want to pursue your education from. There are certain courses which are accredited by certain bodies in the UK which should be considered.

Bursaries and Scholarships : Different universities offer different scholarships which in turn helps in reducing the cost of education for international students.

Research Facilities : The research facilities and the laboratory facilities should also be kept in mind while selecting the correct university.