Month: December 2018

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MEGA /

14/12/2018

Australian high schools are bustling centres of education, social interaction and extra-curricular activities. Understanding how they operate, and what to expect when you attend an Australian high school will help you with your own self-confidence and education journey.

That’s why high school preparation courses are so useful. They are perfect for helping international students prepare for what daily and academic life looks like here in Australia.

Here are 10 things international students need to successfully complete a high school preparation course.

1. Improved English language skills
Applying your understanding of English through speaking the language and practising your listening skills every day will improve your communication skills. Reading a range of English publications from books through to newspapers will also help.

2. High school specific terminology and grammar
Like any industry or institution, high schools in Australia have their own specific terminology. A high school preparation course has this terminology built into the subjects covered and course so international students are familiar with it before they start high school.

3. Understanding of Australia’s history
You can always get a strong understanding of why the people of a certain country behave the way they do, and speak the words they speak by learning about the history of that country. A country’s identity is heavily tied to its history.

4. Cultural education
Visits to museums, festivals and galleries provide people new to Australia with an understanding of the types of activities and events Australians like to get involved with. This cultural awareness will help students assimilate and understand what makes their school community tick.

5. Cost of living
Life isn’t all about attending classes and studying when you’re at high school! You will need to know how daily life operates in Australia. That includes knowing how to get around on public transport, how much it costs to go out for dinner, the movies and other social activities.

6. Academic writing skills
Comprehension of how to use the English language in an academic environment will help international students integrate into the educational landscape. Essay writing skills, a knowledge of paragraphing and how to format and write more complex documents are vital.

7. Knowledge of how to research and reference
Its important students are armed with how to conduct research when given a project or task at high school. You must be able to find references from a wide range of sources, integrate it into an essay or project and then correctly document the research in a bibliography.

8. Connection with other international students and Australian citizens
Social interaction is vital for the mental and emotional wellbeing of anyone, especially someone preparing to start high school in a different country. Joining in with organised team sports or activities will connect students with other international students and Australians. This creates networks that provide friendship and the chance to relax and have fun.

9. Knowledge of the Australian education curriculum
What students study at home in their country will be different to what they will study in Australia. A high school preparation course provides international students with subject-specific content to prepare students for the subjects they will encounter at high school – mathematics, science, geography etc.

10. Understanding of the Australian education system
Every country has different educational systems and Australia is no different. It’s good to understand how the schooling system works. Information around when the school year starts and stops, when holidays are taken, how many years are spent in primary school and high school and entry requirements to college or university level.

Moving to Australia to attend high school can be challenging, but preparing yourself and becoming proficient in these ten areas will help you immerse yourself in the Australian way of life while getting a quality education.

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by admin /

MEGA /

14/12/2018

Well, this is exciting! Moving to a new country to continue your high school education. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the Australian way of life while getting a quality education.

But it can also be a little challenging as you adjust to daily life as a high school student in Australia. Language, vocabulary, the curriculum, writing essays….it’s all a little different to back home.

Here are some ways international students can prepare to study in an Australian high school.

1. Improve English language skills
There’s no better way to improve language skills than to live and breathe the English language every day. Having opportunities to practise your communication every day will improve your speaking skills, but also your listening skills. Reading a broad range of publications – from fiction through to magazines and newspapers – will improve reading comprehension. This will also give you an understanding of slang or terminology that only Australians use.

2. Getting up to speed on subject knowledge
Every country has different curriculums that educational institutions work to. It’s good to get an understanding of what specific knowledge is required for subjects such as Geography, the Visual Arts, History, Mathematics, Science etc. What is taught at what level and at what year? This will allow you to plug any knowledge gaps you may have before you start school.

3. Academic skills
Getting on the front foot with academic language and how to use it will help any international students looking to study in Australia, whether it’s as high school or university level. Understanding elements such as essay writing, how to reference correctly, how to use grammar and vocabulary correctly when answering exam questions, or researching skills is vital to your academic self-confidence and success.

4. Cultural awareness
Life is different here in Australia! And that’s why you want to study here so you can experience that for yourself. Half the fun is immersing yourself in a new culture and understanding what makes a nation the way it is. Attending sporting events or joining an organised sporting team, signing up for creative workshops, attending national days, visiting museums and galleries, and just getting to know what daily life is like here in Australia will give you that cultural awareness. Who knows? Maybe you will like life so much in Australia, you will want to stay!

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MEGA /

14/12/2018

Studying while working part time (and maybe you can squeeze a holiday in there too) is a flexible and balanced approach to improving your skills and experience, all at the same time! And it’s fantastic to get paid while you study.

1. What do you want to study?
This is the exciting part! You get to choose an area of study you’ve always been interested in and you’re keen to turn into a career. Maybe business and accounting is your thing, or the world of social media and marketing looks exciting, or perhaps you recognise that studying travel and tourism management could literally open up a whole new world for you!

See the many vocational courses on offer from MEGA Education here.

2. Do you need to improve your English to help with your study and getting a job?
English Language Programs that help you build on your current language skills are a good idea. This will help you perform better in the course you have chosen to study and also at any job you take on. MEGA’s English Language Programs include elective subjects such as Business English which focuses on improving interview skills, how to write a cover letter and a resume. The English for Academic Purposes course helps students who are studying to improve their research and essay writing skills, exam techniques and referencing skills, and encourages critical thinking.

MEGA also runs a FREE job placement workshop for those students who are ready to study while working part time.

3. How can I do it all? Study, work AND travel?
The MEGA Flexi Working Holiday Pass was created to assist students to learn English while they work and travel in Australia. The course includes English language programs, job training in hospitality courses and paid intern placement.

The English language programs start at elementary level and progress through five modules to advanced level. Hospitality courses you can choose from include the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) – essential for anyone in Australia working in a bar, restaurant, hotel or event service – Food Safety, Coffee Course, Barista Coffee Art.

Once you’ve completed your English and hospitality courses to a satisfactory level, MEGA will arrange for paid intern placement for students in hotels, restaurants and other places in the hospitality industry. You then have the opportunity to work for six months in the internship placement or travel around Australia before returning to MEGA to complete your remaining English course.

A great option for someone wanting to learn new skills and discover Australia at the same time!

There are so many options available to students who want to improve their career prospects by gaining experience on the job and studying. MEGA Education can make this happen with a flexible approach to learning and living!

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MEGA /

14/12/2018

Are you looking to study in Australia as an international student but you’re not sure what International Student Visa options are best for you, your situation and your future plans? Here are some options to consider when making your decision before applying:

Student Visa for Vocational Education and Training Sector
This is for students studying vocational programs from Certificate level through to Advanced Diploma level. With this Student Visa you can stay and study full-time in a recognised educational institution in Australia for up to five years. You must have been accepted to study at an educational institution before you apply for the visa and have current health insurance. MEGA Education operates as part of this sector. For more information about visa requirements and courses, contact MEGA Education on +61 2 9299 6788 or [email protected].

Student Visa for Higher Education Sector
If you are looking to apply for and have been accepted into an Australian university, the same Student Visa as described above is what you’ll need.

Student Visa for ELICOS
ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students. Student visa applicants can apply to study ELICOS in Australia. If you are intending to study standalone ELICOS for more than 12 months, you should provide lots of information with your application showing how you meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. There is flexibility to extend the length of ELICOS where it is needed. This will be determined on a case by case basis.

Visa for Postgraduate Research
If you are undertaking research in Australia, attach a copy of your research (thesis/project) topic and your curriculum vitae or résumé when applying for the Student Visa.

Study Abroad
The NSW Education Department offer a Study Abroad program which is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to study in a NSW government school, staying with a family and experiencing a unique Australian lifestyle. Click here for more information.

Working Holiday Visa
If you’re looking for something more short-term, the Working Holiday Visa was designed to allow overseas visitors aged 18 to 30 to enjoy extended holidays in Australia. This visa allows holders to stay for up to 12 months from the date of first entry to Australia, regardless of where they spend the whole time in Australia.

As part of this visa, you can work for a maximum of twelve months (maximum of six months with one employer) and are allowed to study for 17 weeks. This is a great way to balance learning with exploring a new country, and improving English language skills. Or if you’re keen to gain work and qualifications in the hospitality field, MEGA Education have some fantastic, flexible options.

The MEGA Flexi Working Holiday Pass has been designed by MEGA Education to offer maximum flexibility to Working Holiday Visa holders while working and travelling in Australia. The MEGA Flexi Pass includes English Language Programs, Job Training Hospitality Courses, and paid internship placement opportunities for students in hotels, restaurants, and other places in the hospitality industry.

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by admin /

MEGA /

14/12/2018

You just want to study English, right? Improve your communication skills, enhance the basic understanding you already have, and get yourself on the front foot because you’re coming to Australia for a working holiday, you’re enrolling in a school or university, or you want to work here.

So you start looking into what English language courses are out there and wow! There are so many!

We want to make things easy for you, so we’ve put together some information about how to choose the right English language course for you.

The first question you need to answer is why do you want to study English in Australia?

I want to go to university in Australia
Many schools and universities in Australia have a minimum English language requirement for enrolment. If you want to improve your language skills so you can be accepted into a university or private higher education provider, the following language courses are required:

EAP: English for Academic Programs
You will develop independent learning and research skills, cooperative learning, reflective and critical thinking. Subjects include how to write an essay, understanding academic vocabulary and presentation skills.

IELTS Preparation Course
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who want to study or work in a country where English is the first language. The IELTS Preparation Course focuses on reading, speaking, listening and writing skills and gives students lots of practice and the confidence to take the IELTS test.

Cambridge Preparation Course
The Cambridge exams are internationally recognised and useful for students enrolling in university or diploma programs. The Cambridge Advanced Exam Preparation Course is recommended for those wishing to attend university.

I have moved to Australia to complete my primary and high school education
The Primary School Preparation course and High School Preparation course is perfect for students who are in the process of or have moved to Australia and will be continuing their education at primary school level (Years 1 – 6) and / or high school (Years 7 – 12).

The Primary School Preparation (PSP) Course helps young learners transition linguistically and culturally into all Australian primary schools. The course focuses on enhancing communication skills and also includes history, maths and arts subjects.

The High School Preparation (HSP) course prepares students for entry into an Australian high school by focusing on school relevant vocabulary, academic language, essay writing skills and geography, mathematics and visual arts subjects.

I want to work in Australia
You might be wanting to come to Australia for your career or perhaps you are going to embark on a working holiday. MEGA Education’s English Language Programs are perfect for enhancing your language skills and provide a variety of electives to choose from including Survival English (for our travellers!) and Business English for students keen to study business courses and work while they study.

The MEGA Flexi Working Holiday Pass was created to assist students to learn English while they work and travel in Australia. The course includes English language programs, job training in hospitality courses and paid intern placement. A great option for someone wanting to learn new skills and discover Australia at the same time!

The Cambridge First Certificate in English Preparation (FCE) is useful for those who need to use English in their workplace. The course improves skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening and the use of English.

MEGA Education offers direct articulation to many reputable Australian universities, private higher education providers, vocational training institutions and elite high schools. We will have an English language course to suit you.

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by admin /

MEGA /

14/12/2018

So you’ve decided to look further afield than your home country to start, continue or complete your studies, and you’re keen to experience what it’s like to live in another country and soak up a new, exciting culture.

You’re ready to gain valuable qualifications that provide you with opportunities for further study or employment, and improve your English while discovering, exploring and experiencing living in one of the most beautiful and vast countries in the world.

Sounds great! So where do you start?

The first thing you need to know is how to get a Student Visa in Australia.

What is a Student Visa?
A Student Visa allows you to stay and study full-time in a recognised institution in Australia for up to five years. You must have been accepted to study at an educational institution before you apply for the visa and have current health insurance.

What do you need to apply for a Student Visa?
There is quite a list of documents that you will need to gather when applying for a Student Visa. It’s important to understand requirements will change depending on your country of origin, and the course or educational institution you will be attending.

Here are some examples of documents and forms you’ll need to complete and supply as part of the application process:

Confirmation of enrolment at the educational institution
Confirmation of suitable accommodation
Proof of sufficient funds (e.g. bank statements) showing you have the capacity to financially support yourself while studying on a Student Visa in Australia
Evidence of current health insurance
Evidence of English speaking skills if requested
Employment history if applicable
Go to www.homeaffairs.gov.au for more information or contact the MEGA Education Team on +61 2 9299 6788 or [email protected].

How much money will I need?
The cost of an application for a Student Visa starts from AU$575.

Remember that as a Student Visa holder you will be required to have approximately AU $20,290 per person per year for living expenses (this doesn’t include your tuition fees). However, the actual cost depends on your individual lifestyle and ability to budget.

Can I work and travel with a Student Visa?
Student Visa holders in Australia can take a study break which means more opportunities to travel. You can also work 40 hours per fortnight during the teaching term and full-time during the school holidays.

How long will the application process take?
This can vary depending on which country you are coming from, the complexity of your application and what level of education you are applying for. For example, for those applying for a Student Visa in the Educational and Vocational sector, 90% of applications are processed within 48 days.

It’s an exciting opportunity to study, live, work and play on a Student Visa in Australia. While there will be some hurdles to jump when applying for a Student Visa, it’s absolutely worth it.

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MEGA /

14/12/2018

One of many happily graduated Smarter Pathway MEGA students. Tanat from Thailand is progressing to Torrens University Australia in Semester 1, 2019, with 1 full year credit exemption for his Bachelor of Business!

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by admin /

MEGA /

14/12/2018

Merry Christmas to Team MEGA! Another great year, ending on a great note tonight! Not an easy task to manage 60+ staff, 2300+ international students from 49 countries, and 53 education agents… but we did it! Time for a good rest for 3 weeks…. see you in 2019!

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MEGA /

14/12/2018

St Catherine’s School has expressed their appreciation for MEGA via a nice Christmas card. MEGA has set itself up to be the English language school for High School Preparation and Primary School Preparation courses in 2019.

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by admin /

MEGA /

14/12/2018

World Avenue, our Japanese agent, has visited today and gave us a Christmas present! And their confirmed strong support for 2019! Thank you!

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by admin /

MEGA /

13/12/2018

Prime Minister’s right hand man, Special Minister of State, Alex has remembered to send a Christmas card to us… Merry Christmas to you and your family too!

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MEGA /

13/12/2018

David from Norwest Christian College has visited MEGA today. He was very impressed with MEGA’s operation, our High School and Primary School Preparation courses. David also represents another 4 high schools, all of which will be shortly connected to MEGA via our Smarter Pathways! This will bring our high school and primary school pathways to a total tally of 24!

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MEGA /

12/12/2018

Did you know MEGA’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course can gain direct entry into University of Wollongong’s Bachelor of Nursing, with an English entry requirement of IELTS 7.0? Another Japanese student has just signed up our Smarter Pathway course today!

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MEGA /

12/12/2018

Student BBQ at MEGA’s Penthouse Terrace today! Tomorrow we will continue to celebrate our last school day of 2018 by taking students to the Manly Beach!

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by admin /

MEGA /

12/12/2018

Thank you Chiway (Kevin, Ying and Brian) for your very thoughtful Christmas present! We look forward to assisting your ambitious project in 2019!

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MEGA /

12/12/2018

Our Academic Manager for MEGA Vocational will not be able to join our staff Christmas party this Friday, hence our surprise presentation of his ‘Batman Return’ 2018 Award and his Christmas present this afternoon! Why Batman Return? Because he resigned from MEGA in early 2018 and accepted the CEO position in Indian Link Media Group, one of the largest Indian media company in Australia, but returned to MEGA again, 3 months later.

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MEGA /

12/12/2018

We will let our High School Preparation (HSP) students do our marketing job this time… And yes, they are not kidding, we are the best.

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MEGA /

12/12/2018

12 reasons why MEGA’s pathway is The Smarter Pathway: http://www.mega.edu.au/why/

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MEGA /

10/12/2018

Why is MEGA one of the most preferred study institution for international students in Sydney? Because we ask students what they want and think about us…. and we constantly evolve!

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MEGA /

10/12/2018

MEGA’s first Diploma of Social Media Marketing intake will be launched on 7 January 2019. We are very excited to join Trainers’ Training today, seeing this project finally coming to fruition. Moreover, we are proud to see MEGA is able to attract the top social media marketing lecturer from UTS as our lead trainer. More superstars are joining our team.

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