Sydney: No Worries for Bastian Ortner in Australia

Before students start their semester abroad, various destination-based requirements and logistics must be addressed. Among others, Bastian had to apply for a student visa to Australia in advance. Bastian described the process as very bureaucratic, as many documents were required, but once everything had been submitted in full, the visa was approved very quickly. This meant that nothing stood in the way of his semester abroad.

Land and life

The starting signal was given in mid-July 2023. “The Australians welcomed me with extraordinary friendliness and helpfulness, which made it much easier for me to settle in and make new friends,” Bastian enthused in retrospect. In general, he found the Australian way of life reflected in the serenity and relaxed attitude of the people. “The famous ‘no worries’ is not just a saying but a philosophy of life that I learned to appreciate during my stay and was ultimately able to adopt.” The uncomplicated and open nature of the Australians helped Bastian quickly feel at home in Sydney.

The Australian Catholic University

“The campus of the Australian Catholic University (ACU) in North Sydney is very centrally located and is reminiscent of the campus of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol with its landscaped garden and seating areas,” said the student, describing the university. The surrounding high-rises and the university building, along with the park and terrace, create an appealing environment for studying. “Right at the beginning, the ACU organized an orientation day, which gave the students a comprehensive insight into the university, the campus and the courses on offer.” As there are generally few lectures at Australian universities (but a lot of self-study), there was plenty of time during the semester to explore the beauty of the city and the country. After a total of twelve weeks of lectures, the examination phase and all the deadlines for submissions began. The semester ended in November.

Culture, beach and nature

“Sydney turned out to be a melting pot of cultures,” said Bastian. “The diversity of the city ranged from numerous beaches in the vicinity, especially Bondi and Manly Beach, to a wide variety of shopping opportunities in the Central Business District and hiking trails in the nearby Blue Mountains. Throughout the semester, I explored Sydney and the surrounding area without ever doing the same thing twice. It is difficult for me to name a single highlight, as the entire semester was full of exciting experiences. However, the daily view of the Opera House, one of the most photographed buildings in the world, and the walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the way to the university, to name just one highlight, were particularly special.”

Scholarship was helpful

“The Erasmus+ scholarship (KA171 - International Credit Mobility) I was awarded was of great value. The cost of accommodation in Australia is exceptionally high and almost impossible to manage as a student without a fixed income,” Bastian reported on the financial challenges. “The scholarship enabled me to manage my semester abroad financially and concentrate fully on my academic achievements. It took a considerable burden off my shoulders in this respect, for which I was very grateful. I would also like to emphasize the excellent support I received from the International Relation Office at FH Kufstein Tirol, which was quick and proactive in answering all my questions and concerns.”

Conclusion

“All in all, my semester abroad in Australia provided an unforgettable time full of new experiences, impressive nature, and cultural diversity. I am saying goodbye to Down Under with a smile and a tear in my eye. I am incredibly grateful for the many impressions and the opportunity to have studied in this fascinating country. Looking back, I can say that my semester abroad in Australia was one of the best decisions I made during my studies.”

Tip

Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. The Australian motto means wear clothes, use sunscreen, wear headgear, seek shade, wear sunglasses.

Links

• Bachelor Industrial Engineering Management
• Australian Catholic University 
• Information for Outgoing Students