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Top Careers In 2017: Which Jobs You Should Apply For?

Posted on by Queensford College

Before you start studying it is vital to understand; what job opportunities and vacancies are out there, what the highest paid jobs are, what the employment prospects are like and if your career has the potential for growth.

One of the fastest growing job recruitment sites Glassdoor released a report ranking the 50 best jobs of 2017. These jobs were ranked on three combining factors; number of job openings, salary and overall job satisfaction.

The results found that the information and technology sector had continued to increase along with healthcare, accounting and human resources areas. This is important to know, as choosing to study is a major investment in your future and it picking the right degree is essential.

Below is a summary of 8 popular graduate careers that have the greatest opportunity for employment in 2017! Take a look and see what jobs you could apply for this year:

8. Early Childhood Educator

An early childhood educator helps and assists in the development of many things including; a child’s social, emotional and physical skills, personal well-being and growth, educational needs and learning. These talented individuals also work towards creating a supportive network and safe environment for young children and infants in day care centres across Australia.

A job in early childhood education and care is rewarding because you get to deliver quality learning resources and engaging activities to young children in preschools everyday to help nurture their educational development.

Job Score: 3.9

Job Satisfaction Rating: 5

Number of Job Openings: 3,600

Median Base Salary: $49,000

 

Jumpstart your career by learning more on the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

7. Dental Assistant

A job as a dental assistant is more than just all smiles and piles of glossy dental floss!

A dental assistant is healthcare professional who offers assistance and support to dentists. They are responsible for many tasks including preparing patients for small operations, sterilising dental instruments, taking X-rays and record keeping.

A career opportunity with great employment prospects means being a dental assistant is a great way to gain a foot in the door in the health industry.

Job Score: 4.0

Job Satisfaction Rating: 4.1

Number of Job Openings: 1,050

Median Base Salary: $66,000

 

6. Information Security Specialist

Do you consider yourself as an Information Communications Technologies (ICT) genius?

An information security specialist is someone who focuses on understanding risks to the security of data. Each day they repair, strengthen or prevent security breaches from happening on classified information belonging to global organisations. A career in information security means you must manage company systems and networks and ensure information is secure.

Many employment opportunities in this field could see you working in the government, the military or in a bank. You can also apply for jobs that tackle cybercrime and work alongside police and other security enforcement agencies. As an information security specialist you would be in charge of recovering deleted files, analysing data records e.g: mobile phone records/GPS tracking systems and collecting data linked to crimes.

Job Score: 4.1

Job Satisfaction Rating: 3.7

Number of Job Openings: 1,247

Median Base Salary: $100,000

 

4. Finance Manager

Finance managers, also known as insurance managers, credit managers or finance officers, are in charge of developing strategies and plans to help organisations reach long-term financial goals.

Responsible for the financial ‘health and wellbeing’ of an organisation, a career in financial managing will see you preparing financial statements and reports, monitoring budgets, analysing market trends, and developing strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of a company. This role may also require you to review company reports and investigate alternative ways to reduce costs.

Job opportunities and employment vacancies for this career exist in banks and insurance companies.

Job Score: 4.3

Job Satisfaction Rating: 3.6

Number of Job Openings: 3,142

Median Base Salary: $116,000

 

4. Aged Care Worker

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is predicting at least 1 in every 5 people in Australia will be aged 65 or older in just a few decades, so a career in aged care has a lot of job opportunities and room for industry growth.

A career opportunity with great employment prospects for someone with a big heart and supportive attitude, aged care is quickly becoming one of the most popular areas of study across Australia.

An aged care worker is someone who provides professional health care and support to the disabled and elderly. Aged care workers make a valuable contribution to their daily lives those in need by offering constant personal, physical and emotional support and round-the-clock care. To be successful in this role you must be passionate about empowering the rights of those who feel powerless, providing unconditional support and facilitating the rights of others.

Job score: 4.3

Job Satisfaction Rating: 4

Number of job openings: 5,217

Median base salary: $38 599

 

Discover a rewarding career in Aged Care with our Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing).

3. Digital Marketing Manager

It is no surprise a career in digital marketing has been ranked so highly by Glassdoor. This is because a large amount of consumers have moved online to shop and buy. Companies are seeing this potential and investing large amounts in digital media marketing through online channels.

As a digital marketing manager, you would be responsible for running online campaigns across numerous digital channels including Google, social media platforms, email and websites. Some of the tactics you may use to promote your online campaign and drive traffic include search engine optimisation (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing and pay-per-click (PPP).

Job Score: 4.4

Job Satisfaction Rating: 3.7

Number of Job Openings: 3,875

Median Base Salary: $80,000

 

2. Restaurant Manager

A respectable restaurant manager is someone who shows great leadership and communication skills.

The role of a restaurant manager is quite complex. In charge of overseeing food preparation, ordering stock, managing staff, rostering, restaurant maintenance and adhering to health and safety regulations, a restaurant manager must also handle regular health inspections and resolve any customer service issues.

Typically a restaurant manager’s role is vast that they are supported by up to several other assistant managers who help run “back of house” (made of up of chefs, cooks, dishwashers and extra staff) or “front of house” (consisting of waitstaff, hosts, baristas and bartenders). To become a restaurant manager requires a lot of up-to-date industry training and experience.

Job Score: 4.6

Job Satisfaction Rating: 3.8

Number of Job Openings: 4,339

Median Base Salary: $85,000

 

1. Tax Manager

A career in accounting isn’t just a sea of numbers and excel spreadsheets.

A tax manager is someone who takes care of several different taxes including corporate income, sales, property and payroll at many different levels like international, federal, state and local tax.

A career as a tax manager could see you working for either a public accounting firm, a private company or even for yourself! Preparing company tax, or even tax for individuals, businesses and real estate requires a lot of time crunching numbers to prepare and review tax returns, meeting with new clients, hitting production goals, and training staff members.

Job score: 4.7

Job Satisfaction Rating: 4.0

Number of Job Openings: 3,317

Median Base Salary: $110,000

 

Your pathway to become a Tax Manager begins with an Advanced Diploma of Accounting.

Job information sourced from Glassdoor and the information is specific to the general industry.

 

Are you looking for a course that will help you launch your dream career? View our full course list here. Email info@queensford.edu.au for any enquiries or if you prefer to talk our Course and Career Advisors are available on 1300 236 364.

Top 6 Reasons You Should Study In Sydney

Posted on by Queensford College

Studying abroad at an Australian Registered Training Organisation and embarking on a life changing, unforgettable adventure ‘down under’ is a popular decision more and more international students are boldly choosing to make.

Rising in popularity, the Australian Trade and Investment commission released a report that showed over half a million international students from nearly two hundred countries had chosen to study in Australia in 2016. Australian Government, International Student Data 2016

This is no surprise as Australia is one of the world’s most popular study destinations. Although Melbourne takes the cake as Australia’s leading student city, Sydney remains a strong competitor for its inclusive diverse community, thriving city streets, breathtaking scenery, perfect weather, food culture and relaxed lifestyle. 

Aside from its warm beaches, clear blue skies and friendly local vibe, below are 6 reasons why studying abroad in Sydney will be the best decision you’ve ever made!

 

1. Receive World Class Education

Rated as the 13th best student city in the world, Sydney is obviously a great place to receive world-class education, by QS Best Student Cities of 2017.

Filled to the brim with globally recognised educational institutes, Sydney is home to a number of prestigious universities and colleges that continue to grow each year.

This March, Queensford College is proud to increase that number by one, opening a Sydney based campus offering nationally accredited courses in Business, Accounting, Social Media Marketing, Hospitality, Aged Care, Early Childhood Education and Care and English.

Specialising in a blend of in-depth theoretical concepts and the practical applications of vocational study Queensford College’s Sydney campus offers world-class teaching methods aimed to equip each student with globally-competitive skills and industry standard experience; all of which can be immediately applied in the workforce.

Studying in Australia at an Australian Registered Training Organisation like Queensford College will ensure you receive a qualification that is nationally recognised and sought after in Australia.

But choosing the right course for you can sometimes be hard, and there are many things to think about including course outline, course fees and employment opportunities. Don’t miss a thing by downloading the free “Find My Dream Course” checklist to assess your desired qualification to see if it ticks all the right boxes.

2. Celebrate A Diverse And Multi-Cultural Society

Sydney is known for being a diverse and culturally accepting city with a resident population of 180 nationalities and more than 140 languages. If that wasn’t diverse enough for you, the 2011 Census, revealed that a third of Sydney’s population was born overseas (exactly 1.4 million Sydney residents coming from a different ethnic background, as recorded by ABS).

To celebrate their multi-cultural community Sydney often hosts events and festivals that promote cultural awareness and respect diversity! These kinds of festivals, which normally run for a few days all year round, celebrate a selected countries music, food, film, comedy, art and dance. E.g: Living in Harmony is a popular Sydney festival that celebrates a number of nationalities including Chinese, Indian, Greek, Lebanese, Serbian, Egyptian, Japanese, Burmese and Thai for an entire month!

In addition, Sydney is dedicated to celebrating and promoting the rights of all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) people by creating a safe and welcoming environment. If you choose to study abroad in Sydney you may be lucky enough to watch the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras which features a parade of dancers, singers and people dressed up in colourful costumes.

Truly a city filled with love and compassion for anyone regardless of age, gender, culture, ethnicity, background, religious belief or sexual orientation Sydney is the perfect place to study abroad.

 

3. Enjoy Unique Experiences

Sydney is a massive playground for those who seek all kinds of adventure.

As an international student studying in Australia what better place to experience all of what the country has to offer! Whether you enjoy surfing massive waves, wandering the streets of Old China Town or finishing a 6km trek across the Australian coastline, Sydney has you sorted!

Check out this list of unique things you can do in your study break in Sydney:

  • Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Watch the Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House
  • Catch the ferry to Manly beach for the day
  • Go Kayaking on the Harbour
  • Take a swim in the most photographed ocean pool in the world (Bondi Icebergs)
  • Take the 6km Bondi to Coogee walk on a Sunday morning
  • Go surfing at Bondi Beach
  • Jump on a roller coaster at Luna Park
  • Take a hike through the Blue Mountains
  • Spend all your money at Paddington Markets
  • Have a picnic in the botanic gardens
  • Watch the fireworks in Darling Harbour on Saturday night
  • See an AFL game at the Sydney Cricket Grounds

4. Taste Its Vibrant Food Scene

Home to a mouth-watering line-up of restaurants, cafes, dessert bars and gourmet bistros Sydney is a front runner in modern Australian cuisine – and we all know studying uses up large amounts of energy that can only be refuelled by plenty of brain food!

Parramatta, a popular food hub located in Sydney west is home to over 180 bustling restaurants. It is here you can find the infamous ‘Eat Street’ precinct and join in the buzz of people enjoying a wide selection of international dishes like wood fire pizzas, Peking duck and Penang curry! Walk a little further and you will find Bourke Street Bakery; a quaint bakery café offering gourmet beef pies, fresh breads, pastries and homemade quiches.

So, whether you are into bizarre ice cream flavours like the ones offered at Aqua S (Sea Salt, Lychee, Pandan, Rose, Tofu), lasagne burgers at Bertoni café or expensive weather based dessert creations like the Snow Egg offered at the Quay; Sydney is a place for you to live out all your food based dreams.

 

5. Perfect Weather

Sydney has warm summers and mild winters; so you won’t waste any time sweating through shirts or freezing on your way to the bus stop. For international students, this means you also won’t have to worry about spending extra money on clothing like snow jackets, or woollen mittens since it never gets icy cold!

According to Weather and Science Facts Australia, Sydney’s boasts “a perfect sunny climate 236 days a year!”  Celebrate this by adventuring outdoors with a day trip to one of New South Wales many national parks or reserves. Filled with hundreds of bushw alks and hiking trails, take a break from studying and enjoy the fresh, clean air in the Blue Mountains!

You could also spend a day relaxing in the sun at one of Sydney’s popular beachers! Grab your towel, sunscreen and floppy hat and head to Bondi Beach for a quick dip. If you’re looking for somewhere a little less crowded, try packing a picnic and heading to Balmoral or Redleaf beach.

6. Earn And Learn

If you’re an international student studying abroad in Australia you are eligible to work up to 20 hours a week on your Student Visa. This is to boost your personal living expenses and provide some income to pay for any extra study costs. Learn more about your student visa here.

Studying and working abroad in Sydney will give you incredible opportunities to experience working life in Australia. Known for its quaint coffee houses, lively bars and gourmet cafes many international students find themselves interested in gaining casual employment and balancing study at the same time.

This is also a great way to earn a little extra money to travel to nearby tourist hot spots or to enjoy a Sydney lifestyle without stress.

 

CHOOSING YOUR COURSE

Many colleges and universities in Sydney offer a wide array of courses to choose from. International students have the advantage of finding a program that will fit their skills and career path through the help of their chosen institution.

Queensford College is here to help. Queensford College is a nationally recognised registered training organisation (RTO) and is an emerging choice of students abroad in helping them succeed academically and professionally. It is a gateway to what quality education in Sydney can offer. Here are some of the courses offered:

  • English
  • Accounting and Business
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Information Technology
  • Hospitality and Commercial Cookery
  • Child Care and Aged Care

For more course information visit our course page or you can read more about our International Student Program here.

 

Become a qualified chef, aged care worker, business manager or accountant at our Queensford College Sydney Campus today! Take a look at our range of courses here. Or if you prefer to speak to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364.

3 Highly Effective Ways To Study Childcare In Australia

Posted on by Queensford College

An Early Childhood Educator or Caregiver has, and always will, continue to play an important role in our society. As an Early Childhood Educator you must help and assist in the development of many things including; a child’s social, emotional and physical skills, personal well-being and growth, educational needs and learning.

Together in a team, these educators work towards creating a supportive network and safe environment for young children and infants in day-cares across Australia. By providing quality learning resources and engaging activities every day these educators help nurture the educational development of many young children in day-care and preschool nation-wide.

Ultimately, an Early Childhood Educator or Caregiver can be described in one word: role model. This is because they are responsible for helping shape the future; the next generation of leaders, doctors, teachers, engineers and inventors.

Does this sound like you? A child care qualification such as a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care may be the right course for you!

 

Find out how you can study an early child care course by exploring these three highly effective study options below:

1. Online

As a student with many personal commitments (e.g.: work, hobbies, carer responsibilities) studying a childcare course or early childhood education qualification online may be the best option for you. Studying online is also a popular option for many students who live long distances from major cities, universities and vocational training institutes. For this very reason, many distance learning courses are available to students Australia wide.

Studying online has many benefits. These include:

  • Lower costs

As a student studying online at an online college the costs are considerably reduced. This is because the college doesn’t have to pay rent or maintain college buildings, classrooms or common areas. This major saving cost is reflected in student’s tuition and course fees. Studying online also means you don’t have to fork out money for public transport fares or petrol to get yourself to and from a college campus.

  • More comfortable learning environment

Studying online means you can study anywhere. Literally anywhere. Study at home, in the park or at your favourite coffee shop! By enrolling in an online childcare course you can study in an environment that is best suited to our own learning (like on the couch in your pyjamas and fluffy slippers) and at your own pace.

  • It’s convenient and flexible

Enjoy the flexibility of online study and the convenience of tailoring your academic timetable to your daily routine. Instead of allowing study to control your life, you can control the study. Decide when and how you can study without interruptions to your personal commitments. This also means you can balance work, family and your social life without stress (and everything in-between).

  • Share your ideas easily

Depending on what kind of learner you are, studying a childcare course or early childhood education qualification online may help you participate in class discussions and the sharing of ideas. Being able to interact with teachers and other student’s online give students the confidence to join in-class debates and discussions. This results in a richer learning outcome and assists in the understanding of key subject ideas.

 

2. On Campus

Studying a childcare course or early childhood education qualification on campus is a very traditional, and a popular study method for many international and domestic students. Students who enjoy this study option are most likely linguistic learners or intrapersonal learners. According to human behaviour specialist Scott Black a linguistic learner “is someone who learns best through reading, writing and listening to someone speak” and an intrapersonal learner is “someone who learns by relating to others… shares stories, works in teams, compares ideas with other students.”

If you are a linguistic or intrapersonal learner, studying on campus may be an ideal study option for these reasons:

  • Interactive learning environment

As a student studying on campus at an Australian university or educational institute/college, you will have unlimited access to a wide range of campus facilities. This includes the use of a library and its learning resources, texts books, computers, research services and library assistants. This also includes athletic facilities like a gym, pool and running track. Oh, and don’t forget access to real-time learning resources like your peers! This all contributes to an improved learning environment for linguistic and intrapersonal learners.

  • Face-to-face communication with teachers and training staff

A massive benefit by choosing to study a childcare on campus instead of at an online college is that teachers are able to recognise your immediate learning strengths and weaknesses. This is because students and teachers are face-to-face almost every day and teachers are able to observe students in class. This creates a more personalised style of learning, aide’s communication and decreases any learning barriers.

  • Socialise with your classmates

Spread your social butterfly wings and make new friends by studying on campus. Students who choose to study childcare on campus will most likely live on campus through student housing and accommodation and make a bunch of new friends. In-between classes, you’ll also be able to bond with your classmates at lunch and talk about class topics and assignments.

  • Structure

For the complete opposite reasons to why a student may love studying a childcare course online, the structure of studying on campus requires a student to follow a timetable and attended pre-organised classes at certain times on certain days. If you are a student who finds this structure encouraging to help you stay on track of your learning journey, choosing to study on campus may be a great study option for you!

 

3. Blended Method

Blended learning is a new hybrid teaching method that combines a traditional classroom; modern technology and independent study. It is a new teaching method that is both face-to-face and online.

According to Mind Flash, a leading learning management service, blended learning has three primary components. These include: “in-person classroom activities lead by a trained educator, online learning materials (such as pre-recorded lectures and quizzes by the same educator) and structured independent study time.”

This method of studying has proven to be highly effective for all learners. Find out why:

  • Reversal of expectations

Choosing a blended method of studying a childcare course or early childhood education qualification opens the door to a unique and informal interactive learning journey. Blended learning means classroom time isn’t what you’d expect it to be. Instead of sitting and taking notes about childcare from a board, structured exercises around this topic are led by the facilitator. These activities, which emphasise the application of the course curriculum, are completed by students who enjoy being engaged and active during class.

It also flips homework expectations. With blended learning, students are expected to watch lectures for homework, and do their homework during class time. This is because class time is considered a time to complete activities that require direct interaction!

  • Emphasis of online content

This means childcare course materials is posted online by the course facilitator to empower students to make the most of their independent study time. Students may use these materials to work independently in the classroom or from home. Occasionally students may meet up with their facilitator to ask questions, discuss current work or review their academic progress.

  • Take charge of your learning

Be independent and in-charge of your own learning. Blended learning requires students to use their independent study time effectively. This means each student is able to work at their own pace, and in their own time – however, are still monitored by afar from course facilitators.

 

Do you have what it takes to become a qualified Early Childhood Educator? Request a brochure here. Or if you prefer to speak to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364.

How To: Choose your Dream Course!

Posted on by Queensford College

Choosing to study is a major investment in your future. It is, undoubtedly, a life changing decision that will most likely shape who are you as a person. Studying also requires a lot of time and money – all of which could be wasted on the wrong course. Choosing where and how to study is also another problem many students face, not to mention career outcomes, personal commitments and fear of failure. With endless study options out there it is easy to become overwhelmed or think choosing the right course is totally impossible.

Good news is you can stress less. Whether you are a school leaver looking to kick start a career or a professional seeking further qualifications in your industry this course study checklist will help you pick the perfect course that ticks all the right boxes.

Below is a guide to set you off in the right direction and right at the end you’ll find a free checklist download to use against your dream qualification!

1. Ask Yourself These 2 Questions

Before you even think about picking up a course guide you must ask yourself these 2 questions!

  • What am I passionate about?

Okay, so, pinpointing what you love to do is easier said than done. But it is absolutely, without a doubt, the single most important thing you need to know in order to begin a successful career. As Steve Jobs once explained “You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Start by making a list of all the things you find yourself doing in your free time. How do you spend your mornings before work? What do you do each evening? Where do you go most Friday nights? This will help you find where your passions lie.

  • Can I turn this into a career?

This is where it gets a little bit tough. Can you make money doing what you love? Can you turn your passion into a profession? A hobby into a career? Maybe your passion already exists within a professional industry e.g.: love to draw? Have you considered becoming an architect? Go to the gym every afternoon? Could you become a personal trainer? Enjoy looking after your Nana on the weekend? You might be great as an aged care worker.

This will help you identify a career you might be interested in – or already unknowingly love!

 

2. What Courses Exist?

Take this new found information and start searching!

Jump online and research any educational institutes you’re interested in, or know who offers the course you are interested in. Once you have found a course consider the course outline; content, semester outline, prerequisites, specialisations, learning outcomes and possible career options. Take a look at the courses offered at Queensford College here.

What do you like about it? What don’t you like about it? What could be better? Repeat this search again across different colleges. Do it as many times as you need until you find a course you 100 per cent love!

 

3. What Is The Study Load Like?

Consider your personal commitments. Do you work? Have to babysit your siblings? Play football every Wednesday? If so, is the course study load flexible? Is it offered as a full time or part time course? What if it’s an intensive fast-tracked course? Is that something you can see yourself doing? What is the course duration?

Understanding how much time you have to study is a simple but effective way of figuring out what pace you need to choose to study at. You need to be practical. In order for this step to be successful, you also need to be realistic about your time management and organisational skills.

4. How Will I Be Assessed?

Do you feel more confident taking exams or completing assignments? Will there be oral presentations, group projects or placements? Comparing course assessment structure is vital and shouldn’t be overlooked.

If the only summative assessments in a course are exams, which you know you don’t perform very well in, consider looking at different study options. Be sure to pick a course with an assessment structure that plays to your strengths not to your weaknesses.

5. What Are The Course Fees?

Deciding to study and achieve a qualification in any field is expensive.

But honestly, it’s worth it. Haven’t you heard – “knowledge is power.”  Sir Francis Bacon, 1957.

Most educational institutes have a number of options to assist students from all different financial situations to make course payments. Most course fees can be paid in person at the college, over the phone, automatic payments or credit card.

Be sure to also check out if the course is supported by government study loan schemes like HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, OS-HELP or VET Student Loan. These schemes are a part of the Higher Education Loan Program and are there to assist students with the cost of their fees.

Depending on your circumstances you might be eligible for one of these government supported places. For further information click here.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to enquire about the price of any additional study costs like textbooks or other learning materials and resources.

 

6. Do They Offer Student Service Support?

Student services are amazing.

Ever been stuck on a topic you just didn’t understand? Needed last minute help with an assessment? Or maybe just some career counselling or advice? Not to mention tips on managing stress, time and organisational skills. Student services are there to help every step of the way.

Known for enhancing student growth and development, student’s services is a great tool which is offered at most educational institutes. But just to be safe, make sure student services is 24/7 and available at your potential place of study.

7. Where Will This Qualification Take Me?

At the end of the day, above all, will this qualification land you your dream job? What are the career prospects after graduating? Is it enough training? Will you need to take more courses? Are you going to be certified?

Make sure you know the answer to this question before you invest in studying any course!

 

Are you looking for a course that will help you launch your dream career? View our full course list here. You can also call 1300 236 364 to speak with any of our Course and Career Consultants. Just in case you missed it download the “Find My Dream Course Checklist” to use against your dream qualification!

How Studying In Australia Will Change Your Life

Posted on by Queensford College

Choosing to study internationally at an Australian college or university will shape the way you look at the world forever.

Boasting some of the best educational facilities, online study courses and exchange programs in the world it is not hard to believe that the ABC just announced Australia was ranked within the top 10 Most International Universities for International students in 2017.

Deciding to take the plunge and study abroad in Australia is an exciting adventure not everyone gets to take. Here are 6 reasons why studying in Australia will be the best decision you ever made; and how it will give you a professional edge, a new sense of self-awareness and valuable life-long friends!

1. You’ll Become A Global Citizen

A global citizen is described as someone who “identifies with being part of an emerging world community and whose actions contribute to building this community’s values and practices” Ronald C. Israel, Kosmos Journal. Ultimately, it is someone who recognises, understands and respects global cultural diversity and equality.

The Human Rights Commission says Australia is known for its diverse, multi-cultural population with one in four of Australia’s 22 million people being born overseas. This rich, cultural diversity is considered one of Australia’s greatest strengths and is central to our national identity; values and way of life. Choosing to study in a multi-cultural society, such as Australia, will open your eyes to a range of different cultures, religions and beliefs (some you didn’t even know existed!)

In Australia, international celebrations like the Chinese New Year and Saint Patrick Day are recognized and celebrated each year. In addition, hundreds of different festivals celebrating Greek, Indian, African, European and South-East-Asian cultures are held nation-wide. All of these festivals showcase the countries local food, music and dancing and encourage everyone to come along. Emerging yourself in Australia’s national celebration of multiculturalism whilst studying at an Australian university will give you a perspective like no other. Studying internationally will help you become a more compassionate, understanding and culturally aware person.

2. You’ll Make Life-long Mates From All Over The World

Aussie mate ship is a real thing! Not only are Australians super friendly but they’re also always keen to make new friends!

Without a doubt, the new mates you make in class or whilst studying will become your new family! It’s not unlikely that you’ll end up settling into living, studying and potentially working in Australia together. Offering to help each other with advice and support is important – you’ll need it! Studying abroad isn’t easy to begin with but is well worth it.

Consolidating these friendships whilst studying internationally means you’ll have friends from all over the world. This means you could have a friend in New Zealand to take you skiing, a pal in Washington D.C to show you around the White House or a buddy to sip lattes with under the Eiffel Tower!

Know that if you ever return to Australia, the mates you made who live there will always be ready to host you and show you around the wider area or recommend places to visit.

 

3. Improve Your Written and Verbal Communication Skills

Master the English language by studying abroad!

What better way to learn or consolidate your English skills then by living in an English speaking country and having English speaking friends. Moving to Australia to study will enhance these written and verbal skills as you will come into contact with more English speaking people.

Freely communicating with other students, teachers, check-out staff, bus drivers and tourists will help you practice your English in a safe and understanding environment.

Being bi-lingual will also help open doors to different career opportunities. A proficiency in English along with good communication and team building skills are highly sought after in the workforce. According to FluentU, leaders in foreign language education, this is because many businesses have international offices and are in need of employees who can speak multiple languages and handle onhealthy.net different cultural expectations.

Give yourself a professional boost by taking an English language course for international students!

4. Learn How To Become Independent

The most overwhelming – life changing – lesson of all!

Leaving your home and moving halfway across the world is the ultimate test of self-reliance and independence, but living and working abroad whilst studying at an Australian university or college will give you the confidence to tackle anything life has to throw at you.

Like anyone, once you start living in a new country you will be faced with many changes that will take time to adjust to. It may take some time to get used to cooking, cleaning and picking up after yourself, or learning how to navigate around your new host city.

Even making new friends might be hard. All of this may be very daunting – and a times you might feel like you want to give up – but if you keep going you’ll find out a lot of cool stuff about yourself, and how you handle difficult situations. Many students find they return home more mature after learning how to be on their own for the first time.

A major test in self-prevalence, studying at an Australia university is a time to reflect on the person you are, and who you’d like to become.

 

5. Develop An Acquired Taste For Some Odd Flavours

It’s no secret Australian food is like no other! Known to disgust most foreigners, Australia has quite a few foods that only Australians seem to like….

Vegemite, milo, kangaroo snags, Anzac biscuits, burgers with beetroot and Chiko rolls are just a few of the foods you’ll be encouraged to taste at least once during your time in Australia (especially since the Chiko roll – a deep fried cabbage roll found at every take away store – is an Australian student staple).

Milo – chocolate malt mixed with milk – and vegemite – a thick black paste made from yeast extract; are national treasures. Many Australians refuse to leave the country without them. Trust us, they’ll definitely change your life!

Aside from these unique – and widely talked about popular Australian snacks – you will also be able to indulge in some gloriously delicious Australian favourites like: Tim tams, Bowen mangos, Arnott’s shapes, smashed avocado on toast, fresh prawns and Pavlovas!

6. You’ll Receive The Best Education

As previously mentioned by the ABC, Australia was officially ranked within the Top 10 Most International Universities in the world – ACT’s Australian National University (ANU) coming 7th (in between the UK’s prestigious Oxford and Cambridge universities which came 6th and 8th). Australian universities and online colleges are considered world class – and international students know it!

The most recent report by the Australian Education Department, Higher Education and Research Facts and Figures, showed that 400,000 foreign students undertook courses in Australian Universities in 2015. This accumulated to 28% of the total student population! The report found that currently there are over 32,000 international students studying in Adelaide. This is hoped to reach over 64,500 international students by the end of 2017 after the introduction of educational programs that; link students to local businesses for internships and a campaign that explains the benefits of employing an international graduate.

In Sydney, international education has grown by more than 30,000 students in just two years earning a third of Australia’s total educational earnings which is estimated to be around $21 billion per year. Finally, Brisbane is Australia’s most inclusive study destination – known for its warm welcome to international students, low-crime rates, safety, beautiful weather and cheap cost of living. Receiving the best quality education at an Australian educational institution will open your career options and kick-start your professional journey.

 

Become a qualified chef, aged care worker, business manager or accountant at Queensford College. Take a look at our range of courses here. For more information, email us at info@queensford.edu.au. Or if you prefer to speak to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364.

Introducing The New VET Student Loan Program

Posted on by Queensford College

If you are familiar with the old VET-FEE HELP scheme, you should know that a new program is in place which had already been implemented right on the very first day of the new year. The start of 2017 welcomed the new VET Student Loan program, a government initiative that gives eligible students the access to quality higher level VET (Vocational Education and Training) qualifications, most especially to those who are unable to finance their own studies.

It is said to be more student-centred and is much focused on employment outcomes. How? The government will reduce the number of courses that can be subsidised under the new program and will instead concentrate on industry-led qualifications or those that are related to science, technology, engineering, and math, collectively known as STEM courses. You can now take on higher level qualifications with bigger chances of getting employed after as these are the courses that are aligned to what employers and booming industries in Australia are searching for.

The new VET Student Loan is also designed to protect students from unscrupulous marketing promotions that are being made by some educational providers to lure students like you into enrolling into a course that is not a suitable match to your skills or educational background; as well as into undertaking a loan without the proper information materials to help you decide. This new program will also have a stricter compliance and filtering system that will ensure that all educational providers are capable of delivering quality courses to their students so that they will eventually graduate satisfactorily and will be able to meet the standards set by potential employers.

Who are eligible to access the new VET Student Loan?

A potential student should be either:

  • Be an Australian citizen
  • Hold a permanent humanitarian visa and usually reside in Australia, or
  • Be a qualifying New Zealand citizen (SCV subclass 444) who meets the loan

On top of that, a candidate will also be assessed if he or she is academically fit to undertake the eligible course. Their FEE-HELP balance must also be greater than zero.

What are the approved courses?

Unlike the old VET-FEE HELP scheme, there will now be a formal list of approved courses that can be subsidised under the new program. Thus, many courses from before will no longer be available. The ones that this new program will focus on are courses that have high national priority, meet industry needs,

Furthermore, the VET Student Loan program will let students aim for higher qualifications like:

  • Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Graduate Certificate, and
  • Graduate Diploma.

What are student loan caps?

The new VET Student Loan will now enforce a loan cap or a limit of up to how much a student can borrow for his or her approved course whether it is delivered face-to-face, online, or via mixed delivery methods. There will be three loan cap bands:

  • $5,000
  • $10,000
  • $15,000

In some cases, educational providers may charge above the cap for a certain approved course. If the student still wishes to pursue this course, he or she is expected to shoulder the balance on top of the loan cap.

What if I am already a VET-FEE HELP student?

The government understands that many students are currently on the old VET-FEE HELP scheme and so a transition stage will be enforced to minimise any disruption on their ongoing studies. These students will be contacted through email or post by the Department of Education and Training and will be given instructions to opt-in if they still wish to continue under their current loan program. Those that are eligible to opt-in are those who:

  • Are enrolled in VET courses prior to January 1, 2017;
  • Have already received VET-FEE HELP assistance for units of those courses; and
  • Remain enrolled in those courses with their original provider.

If you think you want to stay under the old VET-FEE HELP scheme and may need some assistance with opting in, please feel free to get in touch by calling 1300 236 364 or by emailing us at info@queensford.edu.au.

What if I have already enrolled into a course that is yet to start this year?

The old VET-FEE HELP scheme had immediately been superseded by the new VET Student Loan program effective January 1st, 2017. You will no longer be able to use it for your course that is yet to start this year. What you need to do is to apply for a VET Student loan, find out if your desired course is an approved course under the new program, and look for an accredited educational provider.

New government initiatives like this 2017 VET Student Loan program is usually a bit confusing at first. Many will find lots of differences between the new program and the old scheme and this can be a cause for worries for existing students, and a major obstacle for those who are still new to student loans.

At Queensford College, our aim is to guide our students, their families, and the communities around us in understanding legislations like this for we want to ensure the efficient delivery of education that is high quality and compliant to government standards. We wish to help those who are interested to know more about this new student loan program and to guide them towards the correct resource and approved course to be able to successfully access a loan. Our course consultants are available to answer your VET Student Loan queries during business hours from 9 am to 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays. Contact us here if you want to find out more information on accessing a student loan for a course with us.

8 Reasons For International Students to Study In Brisbane

Posted on by Queensford College

Brisbane has been regarded as a popular city where international students go to for quality education and this has since contributed to making Australia’s global competitiveness in education, strong and stable. According to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, there are about 72,316 international students that are currently enrolled in Queensland and a big chunk of that population is based here in Brisbane. The numbers are even expected to grow in the next few years as the government and top educational institutions are making an effort to make education and accommodation significantly accommodating.

But as an international student do you wonder, what would make you choose Brisbane as your learning destination? What are the advantages of choosing this city as your home for the next couple of years? What will make you stay and actually finish your study here? Thousands of other international students will definitely have thousands of reasons to encourage you to pick Brisbane but here are the top 8 reasons why:

1. Brisbane is Australia’s New World City

Brisbane’s 2022 New World Action Plan is a massive developmental effort to make the city an excellent centre for business, trade, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and education. The plan took effect in 2009 and both local and international students that are living and visiting Brisbane are already beginning to experience the wonderful benefits of this action plan.

This could only mean one thing for international students – the quality of life in Brisbane is suited for young individuals like you and diverse enough to accommodate non-citizens who are still yet to discovery Australia as a host country. Each university, college, and other educational institutions are poised to be centres of learning excellence – at par with what other leading educational institutions from the rest of the world are offering.

2. Affordable Student Accommodation

Depending on your budget, there are five options that you can choose from when studying and living in Brisbane:

On Campus Accommodation – Some universities and colleges offer apartments or dormitories within their campuses and this is the best choice if you wish to live near where you study. This also gives you the convenience of staying on campus to be active with extracurricular activities or to be close to other students like you.

International Residence – This is a housing option specially built for students; usually with a single study bedroom with meals provided in a shared dining hall.

Independent Renting of a House or a Flat – Some students choose to rent an entire house, which they can occupy alone or share with their other students or friends.

Home Stay – This is the best way to fully adapt to the Australian way of living as this option lets you stay with an Australian family in their own home. Your host family should meet the minimum Australian home stay standards.

Youth Hostels and Backpackers Inn – This is one of your most budget-friendly options as the costs are way lower compared to the four options mentioned above. The reason behind the low cost is because almost all the in-home facilities are shared – bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Most international students stay in a hostel temporarily whilst looking for a more permanent option.

Visit the Study Brisbane’s Student Accommodation portal to find out available student options best suited for you.

3. Home of World-Ranked Educational Providers

There are about two Brisbane-based universities that made it to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 Best Global Universities Ranking. In fact, other leading institutions are in Brisbane as well. Again this is the result of the ongoing New World City action plan, which directs universities, colleges, vocational institutions, and schools to continuously upgrade and innovate so as to maintain Brisbane’s reputation as a centre for educational excellence. Brisbane also gives extra attention to its international students with comprehensive programs that are being offered by hundreds of internationally registered educational institutions within the city.

4. Reliable Network of Public Transport

Public transport is the best way to get around the city. Students can use the Translink go card, which will allow you to travel by train, bus, and ferry. Students can enquire about the green student Go card for discounts. At the same time, there is also an option for free bus rides via the City Loop and Spring Hill Loop bus services within the CBD and Spring Hill areas.

5. The Sunshine State

The city has one of the best climates in the whole of Australia – sunny and warm for the most part of the year. Those who enjoy being under the sun flock to the city to also enjoy Brisbane’s wonderful coastal areas and other interesting tourist spots. Queensland (where Brisbane is located) is generally known as Australia’s “Sunshine State”.

6. Explore some of Brisbane’s Best Places

It is entirely up to you – whatever your choice is to: be it travelling, attending events, dining out, and visiting parks, museums, and other places of interest. Brisbane offers a wide range of options to let you enjoy the city even more which is a good supplement to your busy days at school. Relax, unwind, or invite your families over during vacation, as Brisbane is a gateway to many leisure and recreational activities.

Places to Visit:

  • Cultural Centre
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
  • Story Bridge
  • Lockyer Valley
  • Moreton Island
  • Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
  • City Botanic Gardens

 

Annual Events:

  • Ekka or the Royal Queensland Exhibition (August)
  • River Festival (September)
  • Warana (September)
  • Brisbane International Film Festival (July/August)
  • Paniyiri, a Greek cultural festival (May)
  • Brisbane Medieval Fayre and Tournament (June)
  • Valley Fiesta
  • Bridge to Brisbane
  • Caxton Street Seafood and Wine Festival
  • Buddha Birth Day Festival

And not to forgot a range of international student events that includes the City Welcome Festival and the series of Lord Mayor’s International Student Friendship Ceremonies.

 

7. A Multicultural Diverse City

International students will definitely feel at home in Brisbane, as there are a lot of migrants who live and study here. The welcoming and friendly attitude of locals make it very easy to adapt and adjust to newcomers. In fact, according to the Brisbane City Council Community Profiles, about a quarter of Brisbane’s population are of those who were born outside Australia and more than 17% of households speak languages other than English.

8. Work While You Study

Most international students choose to work to help finance their study and stay in the city. Brisbane, as with any other Australian city supports this option. The first stop is to know your rights as a student visa holder looking for work. Most commonly students are eligible to work up to 40 hours per fortnight while school is in session and unlimited number of hours during breaks.

CHOOSING YOUR COURSE

Many colleges and universities in Brisbane offer a wide array of courses to choose from. International students have the advantage of finding a program that will fit their skills and career path through the help of their chosen institution.

Queensford College is here to help. Queensford College is a nationally recognised registered training organisation (RTO) and is an emerging choice of students abroad in helping them succeed academically and professionally. It is a gateway to what quality education in Brisbane can offer. Here are some of the courses offered:

  • English
  • Accounting and Business
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Hospitality and Commercial Cookery
  • Child Care and Aged Care

For more course information visit our course page or you can read more about our International Student Program here.

 

You can also take a tour of our campus located at Level 2, 359 Queen Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia, by calling Queensford College on +61-7-3221 1626 or email at info@queensford.edu.au.

The 8 Biggest Challenges For New Start-Up Business Owners

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You may have probably heard these lines or have uttered them yourself:

“I want to be my own boss!”

“I have a brilliant business idea and I know it’s going to be a hit!”

“I must start now or else I will regret it later.”

“I will follow my dreams no matter what!”

Such wonderful thoughts, right? A lot of conviction and fighting spirit too. And for many business owners, conviction and fighting spirit are two traits that led them and their start-up to success. Now, there are a lot of other positive thoughts surrounding a business owner’s desire to finally launch a business but don’t let your mind be shrouded with too many fantasies and daydreaming. Setting up a business requires a lot of analysis, planning, testing, and learning. You will uncover some major truths along the way and encounter the hard truths that will be quite difficult, soul-crushing or physically draining at times to accept. Be aware that at these moments not only exist for new start-up business owners but even for those who are already experienced at running their own business.

Are you looking to start your own business? Download this cheat sheet of the 8 biggest challenges for new start-up business owners.

Don’t be discouraged from taking on the very challenging and yet at the same time very rewarding path to owning your own business. Read ahead to learn the biggest challenges that are rarely mentioned and discussed to those who are in the beginning stages of planning and building their own business.

1. Earning money fast and easy won’t come at once

A business of your own will not immediately equate to profit. Sometimes, you will feel that you shouldn’t have left your full-time job but hold out, as it takes time and in the end it will be worthwhile. What equates to profit are sacrifice and hard work. The amount of effort that you put into the business to make it grow and stable are what’s going to give you a fair chance to first, realise the return of your seed money or capital, and then actually gain profit later on.

Never expect that cash will come flowing in right away though there are a few breakthrough stories and we applaud those who are able to accomplish this. Let’s hope that your business story will be the same but in reality, please don’t expect to become rich instantly just by launching a new business.

2. Not every advice will apply to your business

Your business may be quite similar to someone else’s business especially if you compete in the same industry or operate within the same sector. You will have to remember that all businesses are identified by their own unique characteristics. These are things like a business model, financial model, service and product offerings, pricing, target market, organisational structure, resources, marketing strategy, and a whole lot more. This is the reason why you should know that not all advice from other people and not all articles you will read would be directly applied to your business.

Be sure to keep an eye out and an open mind by researching and reading along with networking with people on what businesses have done to become successful in the past. Being proactive and resourceful are two amazing traits any business owner should possess. Your capability to assess relevant information obtained and ability to formulate your own strategy will mould you into a more analytical and logical business owner.

 

3. Train yourself in all aspects of your business

You don’t have to be a pro in everything – in marketing, accounting, operations, customer service, recruitment, or IT. Actually, it is best to acknowledge your weak areas and to seek guidance from qualified individuals. Identifying areas that you have least knowledge in and being honest that you need to update your skills and knowledge will be beneficial to your business. Pretending to be an expert and not actively learning will be detrimental to the success of your business.

How can you train yourself to be a pro? To be a business owner with a sharp eagle eye – keeping a very close look at everything that is happening in and around your business? How can you have that 360 degree perspective and knowledge across all areas of a business and spend less time and resources on hiring people. There are many courses that you can enrol yourself in, particularly specialising in business that will help fill in the gaps in your knowledge.

4. Less time for rest and leisure

As you will be very busy managing your newly launched business, be mindful that you will have less time for rest and leisure. Some might even find themselves having limited time for family and friends. Most first-time business owners go through this predicament and it can be such a heart-breaking experience.

Family, relationships or your health do not need to suffer. But there are ways to find the right balance to accommodate time for rest and leisure with your family and friends and it’s all in how you manage your time and how you stay organised As a business owner, you will find yourself wearing many hats and knowing how to determine which tasks need attention and at what time to schedule it will make a difference.

 

5. It is essential to be extremely patient

Entrepreneurs are known for being notoriously impatient. All those ideas, passion, and ambition cause most first-time business owners to instantly want results to happen right away. Remember success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a cliché but it is very true.

Business plans take some time to be implemented and their results take a much longer time to see profit. Be mindful that your target customers may not instantly notice and connect with your business. Sometimes, you will even have to fail first and start all over again. Being extremely patient is absolutely one essential trait that will help you through the challenges that you will encounter in your journey to growing a business.

6. Expect competition to be tough

Your business is one of many to be competing for customer attention. You then need to put a significant amount of effort to make your business stand out. The areas you should be questing to be looking at to stand out and make an impact are in the following:

  • Does your business offer a great product or service? How different are they from what other businesses are offering? How can you improve them?
  • Do you follow a marketing strategy that actually appeals to your customers? Do you get feedback that they are profit-centric and is this annoying? How can you make your marketing more customer-centric?
  • Finally, are you providing good after-sales service? Does your company’s customer care department really provide quality care?

Having addressed these areas will again, give you a fair chance of making it onto your target customer’s roadmap. By tackling these questions in your business, hopefully you start to get noticed!

 

7. Time challenges your business to alter aspects, open a new one, or quit

There are times when challenges will come your way and this will make you start looking into other options like altering your original business plan, downsizing, hiring an expensive consultant, or just to close down shop and quit.

There is nothing wrong in doing any of these. But before making huge decisions like the ones mentioned above, you need to first make sure that you have carefully assessed your business’ situation. Big decisions are never easy to make and you will really have to go through a tremendous amount of thinking and planning.

8. You will experience failure

Lastly, failure will come in many forms like failure to close a deal, failure to secure permits and other legal documents, failure to meet a very important investor, failure to match your desired candidate’s expected salary, or failure to do proper bookkeeping and accounting. The list could go on and you know what? Almost every entrepreneur most especially newbies go through it. It’s normal so don’t be dishearten.

Failure should not be the end of everything. Failure is an opportunity for you to learn. You should then get up and try all over again. Whether with the same business or with a different one. And if you get to realise too that business isn’t what you want after all, it’s alright. At least you were able to discover something about yourself. The key take-away from these experiences is to make use of the lessons that you have learned to improve or change.

 

Are you looking into starting your own business? Equip yourself with some of the most essential principles that are being applied in business. Enrol now in any of these courses from Queensford College.

Why Adelaide Is The Destination Of Choice For International Students

Posted on by Queensford College

Adelaide is a vibrant, beautiful, and developing city in South Australia and visitors just can’t get enough of everything about “The City”, as locals refer to it as. A lot has been happening in Adelaide lately and all are aimed at making the region a premier hub for economy, culture, and most especially education.

The City of Adelaide is targeting to transform itself into a “Ten Gigabit City” which will deliver high-speed internet services across the Central Business District and North Adelaide areas. Once implemented this transformation will upgrade how students learn and conduct research, as well as boost business services, tech and manufacturing industries, connectivity, and innovation.

Education has always been one of the key drivers of how Adelaide design and plans its city development. Why? Adelaide has a growing reputation for being “Australia’s Education Hub” and is being marketed internationally as a “Learning City”. True enough, Adelaide Now has recorded it was able to attract about 32,000 international students this year alone which equates to $1.1 billion contributions to the state’s economy. There is just no stopping this great city in revolutionising their system of education and attracting many international students.

Here are six reasons why Adelaide is a top choice for international students who are looking to study in Australia:

1. Fifth Most Liveable City in the World

Adelaide has been consistently making it to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Top Ten Liveable Cities Report. Adelaide ranked fifth with scored 96.6 together with Calgary (Canada), by receiving top scores for stability, healthcare, and again, education plus very good grades for infrastructure, culture, and environment.

2. One of the Most Affordable Australian Cities for Students

The cost of living in a city is a major factor for international students to consider and luckily for those who are planning to study in Adelaide; it is the third least expensive cities to live in Australia. Student Cities research has revealed that students only need a minimum of $508 budget per week for rent, food, public transportation, electricity, phone, internet, and spare money.

 

3. A Rich Heritage of Quality Education from Preschool to University

Adelaide is home to one of the oldest universities in Australia, tracing its establishment to the 1800’s. The City has since put emphasis on education and learning and is continually paving the way for a more enhanced educational system.

Children at a young age are given a good opportunity to practice their social and basic skills through child care and preschool. Primary and secondary education, on the other hand, encourage students to strive to achieve their best and be ranked against the Australian standards. After that, students can continue their education learning journey through or either university or vocational training.

4. International Students Can Work Part-Time

Many international students aim to look for work while studying. This gives them the chance to financially support their stay in Australia while enjoying study life. A student visa allows part-time work provided that a student will only work for a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight while his or her course is in session and then unlimited hours when on break, as been defined by Australian Government – Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Adelaide is a great city for international students to pursue part-time work. Most of the educational institutions here offer assistance in helping students look for a job, drafting their resume, and matching their skills with the jobs available in the market.

 

5. Known as the “20-Minute City”

Adelaide comprises of excellent infrastructure and transportation system which makes getting around very easy. Travelling from one point to another will only take on average 20 minutes and accessing major establishments are always hassle-free.

International students benefit from the city’s public transportation concession, which offer fares beginning at 92 cents for a one-way trip. There are also many options for free transportation like the 99C City Loop, Centre tram service, Jetty Road Glenelg, and the Adelaide Connector Bus.

6. The World-Class Reputation of Adelaide as “Festival City”

Adelaide’s title has been recognised internationally as a top destination for many entertainment and cultural events alongside Barcelona, Montreal, New York, and Rio de Janeiro. Some of the events that are being organised annually are the Adelaide Festival of Arts, Adelaide Film Festival, Writers’ Week, the Royal Adelaide Show, and the Adelaide Christmas Pageant.

Adelaide is a bustling venue for locals and tourists to have fun, relax, and unwind. There is a long list of activities that one can do around the city like going on a gastronomical adventure, discovering historical places, visiting museums and art galleries, checking out our famous beaches, and getting up close to wildlife. Tourists and international students will surely never run out of places to visit and ideas of what to do in this lovely city.

CHOOSING YOUR COURSE

Many colleges and universities in Adelaide offer a wide array of courses to choose from. International students have the advantage of finding a program that will fit their skills and career path through the help of their chosen institution.

Queensford College is here to help. Queensford College is a nationally recognised registered training organisation (RTO) and is an emerging choice of students abroad in helping them succeed academically and professionally. It is a gateway to what quality education in Adelaide can offer. Here are some of the courses offered:

  • English
  • Accounting and Business
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Hospitality and Commercial Cookery
  • Child Care and Aged Care

For more course information visit our course page or you can read more about our International Student Program here.

 

Take a tour of our Adelaide campus located at Level 11, 90 King William Street, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia by booking an appointment on +61-8-8410 4605 or email at sa@queensford.edu.au

How To Decide If Online Study Is Right For You

Posted on by Queensford College

Worldwide students are choosing to study online and statistics show that it increases year by year across all areas in each country. This trend is yielding significant benefits not only to tertiary students but also to professionals who either aim to seek professional development or shift to a new career. As there are so many positive responses coming from the online learning market, many educators predict the steady growth of digital learning materials in the next few years.

Online learning has truly revolutionised the education industry. High school and college degree graduates, working professionals, business owners, and parents at home comprise of a large number of online learning students. But why do they prefer to study online? Here are the top reasons to help you decide whether online study is just the right fit for you.

1. Enjoy the Flexibility of Study and Personal Life Commitments

For most students, flexibility is the number one influencer on their list. They enjoy the advantage of being able to check their lessons, do their assessments, research, and interact with others in their class at their own pace and time. There is no need for any major adjustments whether they are working, taking care of their children, or running a business as they can definitely combine these with studying. Online learning according to them is easier to balance and convenient, which is why most are also able to complete their courses on time or even earlier.

2. Study When and Where it Suits Your Lifestyle

The convenience of studying anywhere at anytime is an advantage in itself. Students can basically launch a study session or a virtual classroom from a coffee shop, one’s own office pantry, a park, or at the comfort of his or her own home. The only requirement is a computer or a smart device and of course, a stable internet connection. There is no need to travel or drive, reducing any discomfort and stress that come from the vehicle commute in traffic.

 

3. Choose From a Range of Courses

The current success of online learning has encouraged many colleges and universities, even independent learning platforms and groups, to digitise traditional learning materials for courses and training programs. This has also prompted the need to make available a broad range of courses, allowing students to choose from diverse course areas and qualifications. They can now pick from formal degree courses to non-formal vocational courses or certificate programs in areas like business, accounting, community services, hospitality and social media marketing to just name a few.

4. Access to International Educational Institutions

Many top colleges and universities from around the globe have opened their doors to remote international students. Just imagine taking a course from a university in Europe or in Australia. The requirements are also less formal which makes it easier for students to enter an educational institution of their choice. Along with studying from a prestigious college or university is the opportunity to be mentored by world-class professors or subject matter experts.

 

5. Multi-language Options

Online learning programs are usually in English but some are also being converted in other languages to accommodate non-English speaking students. This is helpful for those who are still in the process of learning the language but want to advance in their chosen course through their chosen course provider.

6. Student Support Access

Many colleges and universities offer a student support program where a dedicated team of tutors and student support staff provide assistance to remote students. Services may range from giving advice to students about their studies, reminding them of upcoming assessments and deliverables, administrative matters, and more. Assistance may come in the form of phone calls, emails, and chat. Some find this benefit very motivating and helpful as they get extra aide for them to stay on track for them to be able to finally finish their course.

 

7. Keeping Up With Technology

Since computers are the main channel for online learning, students develop the capability to operate various software and to get around many platforms through which a course is being delivered. The courses are also usually designed to make students utilise other computer programs to look for more resources online. You will soon discover that you’ll be keeping up-to-date with new technologies, trends and tools in this ever-changing digital field.

8. Career Networking Opportunities

Studying online enables you to broaden your professional network on a whole new global platform. Online courses are designed for students to group, collaborate on projects together, and frequently interact via online chat, forums, live class sessions and email. You will even get the opportunity to connect with students from different cities and cultures around the world. Being able to grow a diverse network with professionals in your chosen field creates an opportune moment to gain career advice and counselling.

 

Are you looking for a course that will help you launch your dream career? View our full course list here. You can also call 1300 236 364 to speak with any of our career consultants.