STUDYING IN AUSTRALIA

A few years back, I had the chance to visit Sydney.  And yes, I somehow fell in love with the city.  Why?  It is now the home of most of my relatives from my mom's side. I liked the vibe urban-rural vibe... where there are several parks and greeneries within the city that you can just stroll and relax. I heard, government benefits are good, for permanent residents and citizens.  Honestly, I had a BIG dream back then to migrate.

Unfortunately, I have a job that is NOT in demand in Australia. So the dream slowly vanished. But it was rekindled lately -- with my two teens in senior high school. The new goal is to save up, and "fingers-crossed" give them the opportunity to study there.

I had the chance to attend this very informative seminar given by Global Negosyo. Its president Ms. Judity Mereria, organized an afternoon for OFW families and those interested in migrating to Australia.  Global Negosyo is a series of local and international event that aims to equip OFW with the information, resources and support to create their own business plan for their families here in the Philippines.  Find more info on Global Negosyo 

HERE 

QUEENSLAND ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY

If you are a parent like me, who believes in the value of education, and would like to send their kids abroad to study --- or you are an OFW, who wants to further improve on your skills -- then its noteworthy to check on Queensland Academy of Technology.  It has a strong international profile with a proven reputation for creating careers and pathways for further education

I was very much interested to learn about the courses they offer, specifically:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery
• Diploma of Hospitality
• Diploma Leadership and Management

Of course, the next question that will come to your mind are the tuition fees. With Ph Peso to AUD exchange rate averages for Php40 to 1Aud -- this is quite a challenge. To me, it is really a BIG investment to risk.

To give you an idea, Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma will cost you around $13,000 + $500 (materials) for the duration of 92 weeks.

The Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery that will run for 76 weeks, will cost you $14,000 + $600 (workbook) + $580 (uniform and toolkits). 

Why did I mention these two courses?  Because according to Mr. Sinn Chew, Executive Director of QAT -- these are the two courses that have the largest opportunity for work engagement. Australia now needs a LOT of chefs. And highly equipped workers in the child care category.

When you invest a lot on tuition -- its very important to know the working opportunities after you finish the courses right?

The good thing though -- studying in QAT offers doors to endless possibilities. Mr. Chew explained, that their graduates always find a good job after. Sometimes, while studies are ongoing, students are given opportunities to work. Australia allows holders of student visa to work for a maximum of 20 hours a week.

MRS.WISE LEARNING:

I am a very practical mother. I may or may not realize my dream of sending my children to Australia to study. But I will always be open to workshops like this, to learn more about the "possibilities".  If there are seminars like this, that thankfully its for free -- I will always grab the opportunity to learn.

Having the chance to talk to Mr. Chew, I learned that graduates of engineering and the medical courses are still very much welcomed in Australia. 

I was also quite surprised when he mentioned that Australia recognizes two schools from the Philippines -- UP and UST. A graduate of a 4 year course from these two universities will still NEED additional units to be at par with Australia's graduates.  But am quite happy, because my teen is now in UST.