Frequently Asked Questions

Where is my program going to be?

English and Cultural Tour – Brisbane.
Please fly into and out of Brisbane International Airport.

Tertiary Familiarisation Tour – Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney.
Please fly into Melbourne International Airport and depart from Sydney International Airport.

Aussie Artist Tour – Brisbane.
Please fly into and out of Brisbane International Airport.

Farmstay Immersion Program – near Gympie.
Please fly into and out of Brisbane International Airport.
Please refer to the map below.

What will the weather be like?

Being in the southern hemisphere Australia experiences Summer from December to February and Winter from June to August. Average city temperatures are as follows in degrees Celsius:

  • Brisbane Summer 22 - 38 Winter 12 - 26
  • Sydney Summer 17 - 32 Winter 10 - 22
  • Canberra Summer 14 – 29 Winter 0 – 12
  • Melbourne Summer 14 – 25 Winter 7 – 14

Please be aware that Australia is suffering from drought thus water conservation is a priority.

What visa should I get?

Tourists and students coming into Australia only need to apply for a tourist visa if they are staying for less than 3 months. As all of our programs are much shorter than 3 months you only need to apply for a tourist visa. Please check with your local Australian consulate if you require confirmation.

What should I bring?

Clothes:
Smart casual dress such as jeans, pants, tailored shorts, skirts and a t-shirt or blouse is acceptable within the classroom and on excursions. Bring casual clothes for weekend activities and one set of smart casual clothes to wear to dinner or an outing.

Toiletries:
Toothbrush, toothpaste, hair care products, sunscreen etc

Study materials:
Notepad, pen, any necessary books eg. dictionary etc

Money:
Program participants generally spend less than AUS$150 per week on souvenirs, gifts, personal items and snacks. Cash and travellers checks can easily be exchanged at banks or exchange offices. Depending on the account, cash can be usually withdrawn from international bank accounts using cards with an international facility such as cirrus, maestro or credit account. Check with your bank prior to departure.

What will my Homestay be like?

All homestay families offer a safe, clean environment for visiting students. Although homestay houses may differ in size, location and facilities, each student is ensured of a comfortable stay. Students will be provided with their own bed, bed linen, towels and a desk at which to study. They will also be provided with meals and be welcomed to share in their homestay family’s activities.

All homestay families have met Study Tours Australia’s requirements so that our visiting students are in a safe and friendly environment. Family members have had a criminal history check completed by the Australian government either through their place of work or by application of a Blue Card. If a conflict arises between the homestay family and the student, Study Tours Australia will mediate to try to solve the problem. Should a student feel in danger at any time, Study Tours Australia will remove them from the homestay family immediately.

How can I be contacted?

Visitors to Australia can purchase a SIM card from any leading mobile telephone company and place it into their own mobile phone. This allows them to make calls or text within or outside Australia and also accepts incoming local and international calls. Please note – the mobile number will change with the purchase of the SIM card.

Cheap international calling cards can be purchased from most news agencies. These can be used to make international calls from pay phones or home phones for the cost of a local call.

Participants can be contacted through their homestay families home phone but please respect the homestay family by not using their phone for too long and by calling at an appropriate time.

If I have a problem, what can I do?

Study Tours Australia is available at any time should a program member need assistance. Our 24 Hour Hotline number is (mobile phone) 0415 450 848.

Who do I call in an emergency?

The Australian emergency number for ambulance, fire and police services is 000. This number should only be used in the case of an extreme emergency.

Can I bring food into Australia?

If students wish to bring items such as wood or food into Australia, even sweets or chocolate, and particularly meat or cheese, please declare them to the customs officers. As people arriving in Australia go through customs their bags are x-rayed and checked by sniffer dogs. People who are caught bringing in natural goods and food without declaring them to customs receive large fines. Please be careful.

Can I get my prescription medicine in Australia?

We encourage students who are taking prescription medicines to bring enough with them for their stay. If required, you may visit a doctor in Australia (fees apply) for prescription assistance.

For more information please contact Study Tours Australia.