Queensland Term Abroad

Survival Guide

Daily Life

What's my daily routine going to be? Click here or on the "Daily Life" menu entry for some thoughts on the routine in Brisbane and on the field trips, as well as some money saving tips and a few other thoughts.

Packing -- what should I bring?

What should you bring? That will vary a little depending on what you plan to do in your off time, but see this suggested equipment & clothing page for some general guidelines. Look to this page as well for some thoughts on bringing a laptop or bike.

There is a second equipment page with suggestions if you plan to spend more time trekking in New Zealand.

Time Difference

Like the US, Australia has a number of different time zones. Eastern Standard Time (EST) is observed in Queensland.   Geneva and Schenectady (NY) are 14 or 15 hours behind, depending on whether (US) Eastern Daylight Time or Eastern Standard Time is in effect.  In early September, here is how to figure out times: if it is 12:00 noon in New York, it is 02:00 am in Brisbane.  At 12:00 Noon in Brisbane on a Friday, it is 10:00 pm Thursday night back in New York.

All of New Zealand is two hours ahead of Brisbane, so at 12:00 Noon in NY, it is 02:00 am in Brisbane and 04:00 am in New Zealand (the next day, remember).  At 12:00 Noon in Auckland on a Friday, it is 8:00 pm Thursday night back in New York.

It may be easier to think of this way -- give or take an hour, depending on daylight/standard times, 8:00-10:00 am in Brisbane correlates with 6:00-8:00 pm in New York. Check out the table below for some possible times to talk.

Brisbane AM	New York PM		Brisbane PM	New York AM
8:00 am	6:00 pm		9:00 pm	7:00 am
9:00 am	7:00 pm		10:00 pm	8:00 am
10:00 am	8:00 pm		11:00 pm	9:00 am

Still confused?  Go to Timeanddate.com.

Phone

Many of you may choose to subscribe to cell service while we're in Australia. Coverage in Brisbane is good; however, once you move away from the cities on the coast (or are even in between them sometimes), you can forget it. Many students simply purchase a cheap phone ($30-$40) and pay-per call or minute plans while in country. A recent returnee told me she spent $150 to $200 (US$ or AUD$ doesn't matter, 'cause they're about the same right now) on her phone service, including the phone. You might be able to use the phone you already have by buying a SIM card instead of a whole new phone. Contact your current provider and grill them about the possibilities. Sometimes students go in as a pair on service to save a little money. If your current plan allows international roaming, you might try that, too; however, I'd be VERY careful about this, because it could easily cost you an arm and a leg. I've also heard that if you've got Verizon, just plan on getting a phone and using a different service down under -- Verizon won't work.

New -- another option: HWS and Union have contracted with a company called Piccell to offer phone and SIM card rental while abroad on the trip. The links will be in the handbook. In the meantime, the link for HWS students is Piccellwireless for HWS. Union students should have their own link and I will post it when I know it. The programs and rates are the same whether you're a Union or HWS student. Investigate this as well. HWS has used this service previously for two abroad programs; it is being expanded to others, like the OZ/NZ trip.

NOTE: If you use your homestay family's phone for calling, note that local phone calls are not free in Australia; please discuss this with your homestay family ahead of time and come to some arrangement about how you will pay for calls you make.

Local Transportation

The Brisbane City Council provides services for travelling about the city: bus and the high speed catamaran ferries -- the "CityCat". UQ, University of Queensland, is a large campus with about 30,000 students. You will be, like most of the students there, commuting to and from class, most likely by bus. Some of you may need to ride two separate lines. The bus system in Brisbane is extensive, efficient, clean, and safe. Because many busses travel along parts of the same route, it is important to know the particular route number(s) that will take you to your destination. You must hail the bus; they do not automatically stop, even if people are waiting.

The city is divided into 5 zones (concentric rings). A pdf map of the TransLink zones is available here. The fare is determined by the number of zones you travel through. This may well be confusing initially, but soon begins to make sense. Bus schedules are available at the information kiosk in the Queen Street Mall in downtown Brisbane, in the Brisbane City Hall building, and at many local libraries. The most economical course is to buy 10-trip saver tickets. A 3-zone 10 trip saver costs AU$ 25.60 and a 2-zone 10-trip saver costs AU$21.60. They are widely available at many convenience stores ("newsagents"), but may not be purchased on a bus. As students will be in homestays in the suburbs around campus, they can expect to ride the bus to and from campus. You need to include your transport costs as part of your expenses.

Tickets for Queensland Rail services may be purchased at train stations.

The TransLink website offers lots more information about the bus, train, and ferry service.

Taxis

Meter operated taxicabs are found in all major cities and towns. Taxis can be a reasonably inexpensive and convenient option when travelling in groups of 3 or so. Tipping is not expected.

Currency

Australian currency is decimal based, with the Australian dollar as the basic unit. Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5 denominations. Coins are minted in $2, $1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, and 5¢ denominations. There are no pennies. The terms "nickel" or "dime" are not used, and of course, there are no "quarters."  In May 2008, 1 USD =  1.0567 AUD and 0.946 USD = 1 AUD.  The New Zealand system is virtually identical, but the NZ dollar is currently lower than the Aussie Dollar. In May 2008, 1 USD =  1.274 NZD and 0.785 USD = 1 NZD.   You can get the latest exchange rates using the Universal Currency Converter.

Passport

Bring it. Keep a photocopy of it separate from your passport. THIS IS IMPORTANT!

Weather

As spring advances, it will be "hotting up" in Brisbane:

Brisbane Temperatures	Sept	Oct	Nov
Average Max Temperatures	76 F	80 F	82 F
Average Min Temperatures	55 F	60 F	64 F
Average Rainfall (inches)	1.9	2.5	3.7

Link to the Bureau of Meteorology's Queensland page.

In New Zealand, temperatures will be variable, but on average much cooler than in Australia.  On the North Island it will be between 50 and 70 F during the day, and on the South Island, expect temperatures between 40 and 65 F.  On both islands, we will encounter cool rain.

Homestay Gift

It is usually a nice gesture to bring a little something from home to share with your home stay family. Gifts should not be expensive but should be representative of your home or region. For example, a student from Vermont might want to bring maple syrup (only in a can, not a bottle), a student from upstate NY a ”regional” memento from Niagara Falls or the Adirondacks or Finger Lakes, etc. Books are expensive in Australia, so your favorite author or something about your home region might be another option.

Do keep in mind that Australia strictly prohibits the import of most agricultural products, so things like NY apples or Vermont Cheddar will be confiscated upon arrival. See the Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service and the Australian Customs info for incoming travelers web sites for more information. FYI -- there is an "amnesty bin" for deplaning travellers where you can dispose of such material (like apples you brought on the plane for snacks) before you go through customs. Ditto for New Zealand.

Medical

Standards of medical care are quite high in Australia and New Zealand: socialized medicine with universal coverage. We will have access to the U of Q Infirmary. You will have to pay any fees up front and be reimbursed by your insurance later. From the Office of Off-Campus Programs: "We do, as a matter of policy, strongly urge students to secure the ISIC. The card discounts are handy and in particular it provides some insurance coverage that is very important to have. The coverage includes evacuation, repatriation and some additional medical/accident protection. It can be issued to HWS students at the registrar's office, and is billed to the student's account. The cost is approximately $22 for the ISIC and about $8 for the photo." These cards are also available at the Union TA Office. It takes only about 5 minutes.

Electrical issues

Australian (and New Zealand) electrical power is 240v, 50Hz using a flat 3-pin plug (different from the US). Unless you have equipment that can handle 240v, do not bring it (US is 110v, 60 hz). There are two kinds of adapters. Plug adapters can be bought for about AU$10, but these simply allow you to plug a US-type cord into an OZ/NA type outlet. They do not alter the voltage. The second kind of adapter, the voltage converter, will convert 240v to US 110v, but they are more expensive. What you need will depend on what you want to do. Most laptops can handle the difference in power, meaning that you might only need the plug adapter, not the voltage converter (But make sure you check first!). Cameras or other electronics might not be as flexible. On the other hand, it doesn't make sense to waste packing space with a hair dryer from home along with a converter - just buy a dryer there. 

Travel Expenses

In previous years, students reported that the average amount of money spent in Australia, not counting travel at the end of the program, was $2800. (US).

Plane Travel and Arrival

If you chose the optional group flight, you can expect to receive your plane tickets (or e-ticket reservation) shortly before departure. This flight is scheduled to depart U.S. on August 21 from Los Angeles and arrive in Brisbane via Auckland on August 23, where you will be met at the airport, just outside the baggage claim area. A van/shuttle bus will transport you to your orientation site. If you are arriving independently, you MUST schedule your arrival to get into Brisbane airport ahead of the group in order to join the bus transfer to the orientation.

The flight over is not too bad; you will be over the Pacific at night time. Get sleep if you can, it will help reduce jet lag. Avoid consumption of alcohol as this will exacerbate both dehydration and jet lag. Stick together and watch out for each other. You will want to pack a few simple toiletries in your carry-on bag -- toothbrush and the like. A backpack as a carry-on bag works well. A book and music help pass the time.

It is very important that you get up and walk every few hours to keep your circulation going. Women who use oral contraceptives in particular should be aware that they are at greater risk of blood clots if they do not make sure that they stand up and move around the cabin periodically, but we suggest that ALL of you get up and move around frequently. Plane travel can also be very dehydrating. Bring a water bottle on the plane and try to drink 2 liters of water during the flight. Walking about and staying hydrated will make you much more comfortable while traveling and reduce unpleasant side-effects when the trip is over.

You will be met at the airport outside the baggage claim, but remember, traffic travels on the left!  No matter how tired you are, WATCH TRAFFIC CLOSELY, it comes from the opposite direction!!!  Look BOTH ways before crossing any street after you arrive in Australia.

MONEY

Among the larger banks in Australia are the ANZ, Commonwealth and National Bank of Australia. All have branches on the University of Queensland campus. Banking Hours are similar to those in the US. Most banks have automatic teller machines.

Though traveller's checks are a safe way to carry funds, they are often inconvenient and the rate of exchange is sometimes unfavorable. Some banks require a passport to cash them and then charged a substantial fee to exchange them to Australian dollars. If it is possible to obtain traveller's checks denominated in Australian dollars, then do so.

Potentially the cheapest method to obtain Australian currency is by using an ATM debit card. A more expensive alternative is using the cash advance feature on credit card. The differences are:

1. If your bank card shows the Cirrus symbol (or if you know that it has the Cirrus encoding), then you can use this card at any of the ATM machines of the ANZ and the Commonwealth banks. This gives you direct access to the funds in your checking account. There is usually a minimal fee for accessing your own funds this way. If you have a bank card that shows the Plus symbol (or if you know that it has the Plus encoding), then you can use this card at any of the ATM machines of the ANZ bank. Again, any transfer fees are minimal. Make sure you keep track of any funds withdrawn this way, taking into account the exchange rate; otherwise you may overdraw your checking account.

2. If you have a bank card that is actually a debit card and it shows a MasterCard or Visa logo, you can use it at most ATM machines to access funds from your bank account. Again, any transfer fees involved are minimal. (Debit cards are not credit cards; the amount of a "charge" is immediately deducted from your checking account. Debit cards are less common in the US than credit cards.) Again, keep track of any funds withdrawn this way, taking into account the exchange rate; otherwise you may overdraw your checking account.

3. If you have a credit card, (MasterCard or Visa), then you can use it in most ATM machines to get a cash advance. There can be substantial fees involved to do this! Usually there is a transaction fee plus interest charges that will appear on your next credit card statement. You are essentially taking out a small loan. This differs from the transactions in 1 or 2 where you are simply accessing your existing checking account funds. This is the least preferred method of getting money. It less expensive for you to use your credit card to actually make the purchases you require than it is to get "cash advances".

4. Any card showing the MasterCard or Visa logo can be used inside almost any bank at a teller to get cash. It will be either a debit transaction (see 2) or a cash advance transaction (see 3) depending on whether you are using a debit or a credit card. Note: An ordinary US bank card (showing no Visa or MasterCard logo) cannot be used to get cash from a bank teller, even if it has the Cirrus or Plus encoding.

Books

You will each be assigned a book to read with a partner; you and your partner will report to the rest of the group on that book. We will be compiling the list and assigning titles during the summer. Stand by for more details.

Summer Videos

Tim — Mel Gibson's film debut, playing a simpleminded young adult who falls in love with an older woman (Piper Laurie).

Picnic at Hanging Rock — Directed by Peter Weir, this suspense story revolves about the mysterious disappearance of a group of students from an all-girls boarding school in the turn of the century Australia.

Sunday too far Away — Jack Thompson as a champion sheepshearer circa 1956.

My Brilliant Career — A woman born before her time. Set in the late nineteenth century, it tells the story of a young woman who lives with her family in the bush country and does not want to marry.

The Man From Snowy River — An Australian Western about the coming of age of a mountain man (Tom Burlinson). Also stars Kirk Douglas and Jack Thompson. Good scenery.

Breaker Morant — Rates five stars in many books; great character study and high adventure rolled into one film.

Bliss — Black comedy about a business executive who survives a heart-attack only to find himself in a hellish version of the life he once had.

Malcolm — An emotionally immature young man loses his job with a rapid transit company after he builds his own tram with spare parts. He falls in with thieves and loves it.

Lighthorsemen — WWI encounter between Australian and Turkish forces in Beersheba and a young recruit who can't bring himself to kill in battle.

Caddie — A woman struggling to support herself and her children in Australia in the 1920s.

The Club — A highly paid rookie joins an Australian football (rugby) team whose last championship was a generation ago. Winning, losing, loyalty, and determination...

Strictly Ballroom

The Dish — Nostalgic look at small town life surrounding the excitement of the 1969 moon landing.

Oscar and Lucinda — Gamblers take a glass church up a river....

Lantana

The Castle — Hilarious piece about a man fighting to keep his house from being made into the neighboring airport's new runway.