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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Australia/NZ is very popular but I hear it is expensive to study there? This is incorrect. Australia/NZ compares quite favourably with most traditional study abroad destinations. The lower Australian/NZ dollar against the US dollar is also very attractive for North American students as the overall cost of studying in Australia/NZ is quite low. Remember also, that being an English speaking country and providing international students opportunities to work (students can work up to 20 hrs a week while studying and this is not restricted to any type of work or only on campus work) means that the overall benefit of studying in Australia/NZ if far higher than traditional destinations because students can return not just with transferable credits but some work experience to! What is the greatest benefit of dealing with the AEC? Why shouldn't I deal direct with the Australian/NZ university? The greatest benefit with managing your enrolment through the AEC is that you save time, energy and have peace of mind! Check out the services we offer against the cost and compare this with other US based programs. You also deal with an organisation that is focused ONLY on Australia/NZ and has counselling staff that have lived, worked and/or studied in Australia/NZ so we know all about studying, working, travelling and living in Australia/NZ! It is not just enough to admit you into a program, we need to have the expertise to give you support to truly engage with Australia/NZ at all levels i.e. to integrate into student life, to know where to go and what to see, to know what the local customs are and what travel and tours are of good value for students. When you apply to an Australian/NZ university direct, remember you are one of thousands applying to the university. So you need to wait to hear from them; you need to pursue matters long distance yourself and often the cost and time of doing this from afar is just too much for students to handle. Remember, you're not crossing state borders, you are proposing to travel to a far a way destination for a study abroad experience - you need a competent organisation to handle all the small and large details besides admission. There is also much to do such as credit transfer and subject selection, arranging the best possible housing package, etc. Importantly, the AEC has an office in Australia - not just representatives but an actual office; the AEC also provides all its students in Australia/NZ a cell phone 24 hr emergency contact besides the 9-5 office contacts. The AEC is not a large conglomerate - it has a small staff and offers a very personalized service. There are so many US based programs, so why should I choose the AEC? There are many programs offering study abroad programs to Australia/NZ. The AEC is the ONLY U.S. based program that:
CLICK HERE to read "Facts About the AEC" My home university already offers programs to Australia/NZ. How can I convince my school to let me enroll through the AEC? Take your time to research the opportunities that your school and the AEC offer you. Perhaps what your school offers is worth exploring particularly if overall services are included and the price is right. If however, after undertaking the research you believe that the AEC program is of interest to you and would better serve your needs, your budget and overall objectives then remember this is YOUR study abroad experience which you intend to fund through personal or financial aid funds so take the time to talk to your home school advisers. If necessary, provide the AEC with their contact details (name, telephone, email address) and the AEC would make contact on your behalf. Remember, some advisers don't know us; others tend to favour a select number of programs and support these because of their own personal knowledge or association with these organizations - all we ask is that we are given an opportunity to present our program to these advisers so talk to them about why you believe our program is a good one. We believe we offer a top quality service at a good price. If you are told that another program offers a service that is better than ours, take the time to investigate - talk to us! CLICK HERE to read "Facts About the AEC" What happens if I want to pay by payment plan? We provide payment plans and we also work in with financial aid disbursement dates in order to facilitate the student's enrolment wherever possible. Please note however, that we need to know about your plans at the very beginning of your application process. In the past we have had some students take up payment plans or financial aid with late disbursement dates but then return back because they are failing and then not pay the AEC. The AEC needs to safeguard its financial interests and therefore, whilst it can assist with payment plans there are a number of procedures that need to be followed and complied with. Study abroad costs money - is it worth while? Study abroad equips you to take on additional challenges. It makes you more marketable in terms of employment prospects. These days it takes more than simply a good academic record to get you into a good job. You need to consider the investment in study abroad against the overall advantage to your academic and professional career. Furthermore, don't forget the personal experience you are gaining along the way. It is well worth the price! What do I need to enrol in my Australian/NZ program through the AEC? How simple is this process? All you need to do is make use of the resources you are provided on our web site - you should also begin dialogue about your specific needs through emailing advisers at AEC. Simply send an email to enquiries@mystudyaustralia.com and you can start your online "chat" with a dedicated AEC adviser that knows Australia/NZ - by this we mean someone that has worked, lived and studied in Australia/NZ and yet is fully acquainted with the US education system and knows of the specific needs of North American students. The AEC also does not charge application fees. All we ask is for your transcript and a program deposit of $50 which is refundable if we do not place you. We then work with you all the way, guiding you through every step of the application, admission and arrival process. Those students that are not computer literate or do not have access to a computer should not despair. Contact the AEC on its toll free number at 1-800-565-9553. Why do I need to pay an application deposit with my application? The program deposit safeguards the AEC from non-genuine applicants who apply at random to as many institutions and places as possible with little hope of taking up a place abroad. As you will appreciate the process of applying for admission is complex; at the AEC and university end, the process of arranging admission is also complex. It takes up much time and resources. The AEC and its Australian/New Zealand universities work very hard with processing of applications. The program deposit is a small price to discourage non-genuine applications. It is not an application fee by the AEC. It is fully refundable to you if we are not able to place you at the university or your application is rejected. On the other hand, if your application is approved and you take up the offer, the program deposit is credited to your tuition account at the Australian or New Zealand university. Only in cases where you withdraw your application after lodgement or you decide not to take up an offer after you have been made an offer, will the program deposit be forfeited and used towards some of the costs associated with your enrolment process. This is a fair arrangement that protects the AEC and Australian/NZ university interests. When is the best time to apply through the AEC? We will accept applications throughout the year. Remember with the exception of Bond University (which offers semesters in January, May and September each year) all universities in Australia/NZ offer two semesters a year, beginning in February and July so you need to apply at least 3 months ahead of time for study abroad programs. For full degree programs, please allow more time for processing. Remember also, that for study abroad, the sooner you apply the better it is to get the best possible housing option because the best housing often is taken up by early applicants. Does the AEC have support staff in Australia/NZ? Yes. The AEC has 3 staff in Australia working out of the office in Canberra (Australia's capital city). Can the AEC guarantee housing? For all AEC programs, there will be guaranteed housing offered. However, some students require preferred housing i.e. on campus dorms. In places like Sydney, due to the low volume of dorm housing versus the large numbers of students who study in Sydney, this is sometimes impossible, the AEC therefore, has been considering apartments on the fringe of universities or near by. Sometimes, however, it is not possible for AEC to guarantee on campus housing but it will most definitely guarantee housing in one form or the other ranging from off campus dorm/hostels to full furnished rooms in family homes with all meals. Remember, for guaranteed housing, the student must apply at least 3 months ahead of time however, up to this point in time there has been no student left without housing while on an AEC program! |
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