To help the sophomores of AU program to study abroad, the pre-departure guidance meeting of the "2+2" program with the University of Adelaide for the students from Grade 2020, International College of Guangzhou College of Commerce was successfully held on the afternoon of June 14 th in Room 401, International Building. Present at the meeting were Li Yan, Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, Wu Ang, head of the AU program, Rico, teacher of IDP International Education Group, and sophomores preparing to study abroad in the AU program.
In the meeting, the teachers mainly focused on four aspects: visa, entry, study and safety. To help students study in Australia more smoothly, the International College and IDP help students to apply for visas. Regarding visas, Rico introduced the materials required for Australian visas and the application time for students, as well as the notices for subsequent entry and exit. The list of luggage preparation are attached below for reference.
Suggestions on Luggage Preparation
· School admission documents such as offer or COE
· IELTS test report, transcripts, notarized highest academic qualifications etc. (remember to keep a copy)
· Passport - it is recommended to keep a copy/scanned copy for backup
· Visa by letter - electronic version
· Relevant documents related to COVID-19 prevention and quarantine
· Photos (on the size of passport specifications)
· Original copy or notarized copy of driver's license (if necessary)
· Clothes (personal protective equipment, masks, disinfection, etc.)
· Glasses
· Electronic devices such as computers and mobile phones
· Conversion plugs - Australian voltage is 240V
· Commonly used drugs (with English instructions, or description in simple English. Note: prescription drugs must be certified by a doctor)
· A small amount of cash - there are strict regulations on both exit and entry
· School-related information - Remember to download school Apps
· Accommodation address and contact telephone number
· Know in advance the requirements of entry-exit customs for epidemic prevention and quarantine, and the situations of the cities visited and their epidemic prevention measures, etc.
· Contact information of local Chinese Embassy
In terms of the guidance on learning, the teachers explained the situations of language classes and major courses. Under COVID-19, the University of Adelaide provides students with offline and online classes, and some students in AU program choose to take online classes in China temporarily. Teachers emphasized that the examinations of AU courses are strict so students should take them seriously, ensure the attendance rate, finish their homework, and avoid retaking the courses which will affect the time of getting the domestic diploma. As for safety precautions, the teachers also stressed the need to pay attention to personal prevention of epidemic and take on masks when going out. At the same time, students shall pay attention to their physical health during intensive study, so that their families won’t worry about them. In the guidance meeting, students also take the initiative to ask questions related to passports and visas, personal academic achievements, curriculum arrangement, etc., which showed a good interactive atmosphere.
In the pre-departure guidance meeting, the teachers also felt that the students were full of expectations for studying abroad in the second half of the year. The accompany and guidance from the teachers will surely help students solve problems and study abroad smoothly. Hereby, we suggest that students obtain professional knowledge, communicate more with their classmates and team members, collide with different cultures, communicate with their parents and teachers, broaden their horizons and pay attention to their personal and property safety when studying abroad. Finally, we wish all the students who are about to embark on the journey of studying abroad will brave the wind and waves, succeed in their studies and come back with great reputation!