ICTE-UQ. Pre-departure and Orientation Information for Participants BRISBANE

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1 ICTE-UQ Pre-departure and Orientation Information for Participants BRISBANE Is the capital city of Queensland and is located in the southeast corner of the state Has a population of 2 million Is spread-out with low-density housing Has a sub-tropical climate The average maximum temperature is 25.2 C (77.3 F) The average minimum temperature is 15.7C (60.2 F) Autumn (March May) has cooler days and nights with some rain at the beginning of the season. Temperatures range between 15C 25C. Winter (June August) has temperatures between 10C 22 C. Lightweight clothing is suitable but you will require a sweater or warm jacket, as it can get cold at night. For example, 5 C. The days are usually fine and sunny. Most Brisbane homes do not have central heating, so please bring warm clothing to wear inside and for sleeping. Spring (September November) the weather is ideal with warm and sunny days with temperatures between 13C 25C. Summer (December February) Has temperatures between 18C 30 C, so lightweight clothing is suitable to wear, as these months have some very hot and humid days. Some homes have airconditioning to assist with comfort during the heat. Brisbane experiences electrical storms with lightning, thunder, rain and sometimes hail. Brisbane has a relaxed, outdoors lifestyle and residents participate in outdoor activities. For example, sport and BBQ s. Two popular beach areas are: The Gold Coast (one hour south of Brisbane) The Sunshine Coast (one and a half hours north of Brisbane). For more information about Brisbane visit: For more information about Queensland visit: Copyright 2013, Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland. 1

2 TRANSPORT General Information Brisbane s public transport system includes buses, trains, CityCats and CityFerries (river boats) which you can use to travel to the UQ campus The average weekly cost for transport is AUD$45.00, which varies according to the number of zones travelled. Translink zones in Brisbane are on page four of this document. Gocard Recommended for public transport (buses, trains, CityCat and CityFerries) in Brisbane Fares are 30% cheaper for a single journey with a gocard You can apply for a refund of unused credit in accordance with the gocard guide to balance transfers and refunds (See gocard Terms and Conditions on Translink s website) Touch your gocard to a card reader on buses, trains, CityCat and CityFerries at the beginning and end of your journey and it will automatically calculate the fare. For more informaiton on gocards, please view the following link: Where can I buy and add credit to gocard? Selected newsagents (For example, UQ Campus News at St Lucia) 7-Eleven stores Train stations where you see the top up symbol At fare machines on train stations and some busway stations Onboard buses (except Brisbane Transport services), CityCats and CityFerries (cash only). How much do I pay? You can purchase adult tickets (not student concession tickets). It is not possible to receive a discount (concession) for bus, train, CityCat and CityFerry fares with an ICTE-UQ student card. This is a government policy for international students studying English in Queensland. Make nine (9) paid gocard journeys in a week (Monday to Sunday) and travel free for the rest of the week, regardless of the zones travelled. If you are travelling for free, make sure you still use your card to touch on and touch off to a card reader. Fares are calculated on the number of zones that you travel and are below*. Number of Zones Peak Travel: from 3am to 8:30am and 3:30pm to 7:00pm weekdays (except public holidays). go Card fare Single paper Single go Card journey Off Peak Travel: from 8:30am to 3:30pm and 7:00pm to 3:00am weekdays. All day weekends and public holidays. Single go Card journey 1 $5.20 $3.53 $ $6.10 $4.14 $ $7.20 $4.91 $ $8.10 $5.52 $ $9.20 $6.28 $5.03 *Correct at time of printing. Fares may change. Copyright 2013, Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland. 2

3 For more information on public transport in Brisbane visit: Copyright 2013, Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland. 3

4 INTERNET AND COMPUTER ACCESS You have free internet and computer access at UQ including: Multi-media labs The ICTE-UQ Learning Centre has three multi-media computer labs for students to use. Each multi-media lab has 18 computers with word processing, internet, CD/DVD, audio equipment and digital language learning software. Location: Rooms 414 and 415 ICTE-UQ Learning Centre Level 4, Sir Llew Edwards Building Opening Hours: Monday Thursday: 8.00am 5.00pm Friday: 8.00am 4.00pm Quick access terminals You can use quick-access internet and facilities at one of the Institute s 30 stand-up computer terminals. Quick-access terminals are for short internet/ sessions and have an automatic time limit of 15 minutes. Location: Level 3 and 4 Lobbies (15 terminals on each level) Sir Llew Edwards Building Opening Hours: Monday Friday: 7.00am 7.00pm. Wireless internet The Sir Llew Edwards Building is equipped with free wireless internet. You can access this service using a personal laptop or mobile telephone from anywhere in the building. Free wireless access is also available across the St Lucia campus for ICTE-UQ students. Download quota You are issued with a download quota of 3GB each month. This quota is automatically renewed on the first day of each month. You can purchase extra download quota from UQ Connect online or in person from the UQ Connect office, located next door to the Red Room bar in the Student Union complex, Building 21B, on the St Lucia campus. For more information on UQ Connect visit: Access to computers on campus You have acess to computers in the University of Queensland libraries which are open for extended hours. Internet Code of Practice When you use the internet at UQ you must abide by the UQ Internet Code of Practice. Off campus internet access All homestay families provide some level of Internet access. However, please ask them directly what arrangements are in place. For example, you may need to bring your own laptop in order to access the family s wireless internet, so please ask them directly. If you wish to have internet access off campus you can purchase pre-paid mobile broadband through internet service providers. Pre-paid mobile broadband works like a pre-paid mobile telephone, so you can purchase the desired amount of download quota. You can purchase pre-paid mobile broadband from UQ Campus News, stores in the city and suburbs close to UQ, like Indooroopilly and Toowong, as well as online. Some examples of pre-paid options are below: Optus Virgin mobile Modem cost $79.00* Modem cost $49.00* Quota 4GB Quota 4GB Terms Quota must be used within one month Terms Quota must be used within one month *Prices current at time of printing prices and terms subject to change without notice by providers. Copyright 2013, Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland. 4

5 There are many other options that you can purchase through stores such as Dick Smith Electronics (at Centro Shopping Centre, Indooroopilly). Alternatively, internet service providers detail their pre-paid mobile broadband options on their websites. Please check the provider s website, to ensure that there is coverage at your homestay or accommodation location, before purchasing any pre-paid mobile broadband. For a map showing free wifi access points throughout Brisbane city visit: MOBILE PHONE ACCESS Local SIM Card We suggest you purchase a local SIM Card soon after you arrive so that you can communicate with your family if you are staying in Homestay, with your fellow students and also be contacted in an emergency. By using a local SIM card you will also avoid incurring expensive International Roaming charges. The major SIM cards (Telstra/Optus/Virgin) can usually be purchased from outlets such as newsagents or mobile phone kiosks at major shopping centres. Your Homestay family may help you organise this after your arrival. Also some suppliers sell SIM cards over the internet. If you wish to purchase a SIM card over the internet and have it sent to your Homestay address prior to your arrival, please contact your Homestay family by FIRST to discuss this and make sure they agree to receive your mail. If you have requested an Airport transfer or are part of a group arrival please DO NOT purchase your SIM card on arrival in the Brisbane airport terminal building. Buying and activating a SIM card in Australia is not a quick process, and it may cause you to miss your coach/car transfer. If you wish to use the local SIM card to phone your home country you will need to check International Call access and International Call rates for any SIM card you intend to purchase. Some smaller suppliers provide excellent economical within-australia-only plans. By estimating your intended usage text, voice calls, within-australia-only or to overseas, and data you will be able to determine the most suitable pre-paid plan for your needs. You may find the mobile phone plan comparison website useful for this purpose. CAMPUS HEALTH SERVICES UQ Health Service If you need to see a Doctor on campus you can visit The University Health Service (UHS) but you must first make an appointment. In special cases the UHS will see students who have a health emergency without an appointment. The University Health Service is free for students who have an Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) card. Remember to take your card with you to your appointment or you will be charged a fee. The Health Centre is located at: Level One Gordon Greenwood Building (No 32) Union Road UQ St Lucia Campus To make an appointment telephone: For more information about the University Health Service, including opening hours, visit: Copyright 2013, Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland. 5

6 Campus Pharmacy The Campus Pharmacy is located in Union Arcade and sells: Prescription and non-prescription medication General medical supplies Has a Kodak Mini-lab and passport photograph services. Telephone: Hours: Monday Friday 8.00am 6.00pm Dentist A Dental Clinic is located in Union Court and offers: General, orthodontic and emergency dental services Students are required to pay for their appointment. Telephone: Hours: Monday Friday 8.30am 5.00pm Optometrist The OPSM Optometrist is located in Union Court and provides: Eye checks and sells prescription glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses. Telephone: Hours: Monday Friday 9.00am 5.00pm OTHER MEDICAL CARE There are major public hospitals, private hospitals and medical centres in Brisbane. You do not have access to Australia s national public health care system called Medicare. It is highly recommended that all visitors take out suitable health and travel insurance. For further information visit: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age entering Australia within six days of staying overnight or longer in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. It is desirable that people coming to Australia should have had the normal childhood and other age appropriate vaccinations as recommended by their national health authorities. Details of three local medical centres are: Indooroopilly Day and Night Medical Centre 5/66 Station Road Indooroopilly Telephone: Taringa 7 Day Medical Practice 15 Morrow Street Taringa Telephone: Toowong Village Medical Centre Ground Floor Toowong Village 9 Sherwood Road Toowong Village Telephone: MONEY Money Matters Australia uses decimal currency where 100 cents equals one Australian dollar. Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2 Notes: $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, $50.00, $ Major credit cards accepted are: Visa, Bankcard, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Copyright 2013, Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland. 6

7 Exchange facilities: Available at international airports. Most banks and major hotels exchange travellers cheques. There are also money changers and ATM s available. We recommend that you change money at the airport on arrival or in your home country. For example, AUD$ This will provide you with spending money for the first few days until you become familiar with local banks. SHOPPING Trading Hours* Banks 9.30am 4.00pm* 9.30am 5.00pm* Monday Thursday Friday only Australia Post 9.00am 5.00pm* Monday Friday Suburban Shopping Centres (for example, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre) *Trading hours vary from place to place. 9.00am 5.30pm* 9.00am 9.00pm* 9.00am 5.30pm* 9.00am 5.00pm* 10.00am 4.00pm* Monday Wednesday Thursday (large centres) Friday Saturday Sunday Cost of Living The following are approximate prices: Public telephone call $ 0.50 Newspaper $ 1.20 $2.00 Can of soft drink $ Bottled water $ 3.00 Cup of coffee $ Litre of milk $ 1.90 Loaf of bread $ 3.50 McDonald s hamburger $ 2.00 $ 6.95 Toothpaste $ 3.15 Shampoo $ 2.00 $13.00 Movie ticket $ $21.00 Petrol Between $1.35 cents per litre and $1.60 cents per litre, as the cost is changeable. Telephone cards A large selection of discounted domestic and international telephone cards are available from newsagents and retail outlets in Brisbane. Prices vary widely amongst operators and most cards are available for values between $10.00 and $ Time Brisbane remains on Australian Eastern Standard Time throughout the year. Queensland does not change to daylight saving time in the summer months. Electricity Australia uses 240 volt electricity. You will require an adaptor to convert your personal appliances such as a hairdryer and electric shaver. Sun Protection Sun protection is a must. Enjoy Queensland s activities without the risk of harmful exposure to the sun by: Wearing a broad brimmed hat and a shirt with a collar and sleeves Using SPF15+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen on exposed skin Avoiding the sun during the middle of the day from 10.00am 2.00pm when the ultraviolet rays are at their strongest. Copyright 2013, Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland. 7

8 Beach Safety South East Queensland has some of Australia s best beaches. Surf Life Savers patrol the main swimming beaches throughout Queensland, to assist with beach safety and you will recognise them wearing their red and yellow caps. For your own safety and to minimise risks, please observe the following recommendations: Always swim or surf at places patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards Always swim between the red and yellow flags as they mark the safest area to swim Always swim under supervision or with a friend Read and obey signs Don t swim immediately after eating If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard Never run and dive into the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change If you get into trouble in the water, don t panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance Float with the current; don t try to swim against it. For further information about Surf Life Saving Queensland visit: Emergency Contacts In the event of an emergency, please contact the following ICTE-UQ Accommodation Officers: Ms Liz Caverswall and Ms Jane Clarke ICTE-UQ Accommodation Officers Room 525, Level 5 Sir Llew Edwards Building (Number 14) Telephone: and Mobile telephone: (Liz) and (Jane) homestay@icte.uq.edu.au Copyright 2013, Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland. 8

9 THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND The University of Queensland (UQ) was founded in 1909 and enrolled its first students in The main campus, situated in the suburb of St Lucia, is set in 114 hectares of riverside parkland, only seven kilometres from the city centre of Brisbane. The University s St Lucia campus is renowned as one of Australia s most attractive campuses. UQ is a leader among Australia s 39 universities, recognised internationally as a premier teaching and research institution. It is ranked amongst the top 1% of universities worldwide including top 50 by the QS World Rankings ( ), top 100 by the Times Higher Education (2013) and top 100 by the Academic Rankings of World Universities (2013). It is also ranked above world standard in more fields of research than any other Australian university by the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) survey It is a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8) a leading group of Australian universities that collectively enrols one-third of all university students and conducts 70% of all university research in Australia. The University is one of only three Australian institutional members of Universitas 21 a select international network of comprehensive, research-intensive universities committed to world-best quality and practice. As Queensland s largest and oldest university, UQ attracts world-class students and staff and has numerous notable alumni and has won more Australian Learning and Teaching Council awards than any other university. In 2013 the University offered a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses to over 45,000 students through its six faculties, 34 academic schools and numerous centres and institutes on four campuses. The University is highly proactive in international education with a current enrolment of more than 11,300 international students from over 130 countries. The University also offers extensive Study Abroad and short course Continuing Professional/Vocational/Technical Education programs across a wide diversity of disciplines. The University of Queensland has an international reputation for high quality teaching, research and student services. It is international in outlook, actively building its international student numbers and global institutional links as evidenced by the University s numerous exchange agreements and memoranda of understanding with overseas institutions that facilitate student and staff exchange. For more information visit: UQnav is a free mobile phone application which can help you find buildings and services on the St Lucia campus. The application can be downloaded from your app store. Copyright 2013, Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland. 9

10 INSTITUTE OF CONTINUING & TESOL EDUCATION (ICTE-UQ) The University s Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education (ICTE-UQ) was established in 1981 and is located on the University s St Lucia campus. The Institute has held full accreditation under the National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) Ltd since 1981, is a government registered ELICOS provider, a member of the ELICOS Association English Australia since its establishment in 1983 and a registered IELTS and TKT test administration centre. ICTE-UQ is also an approved centre for the Cambridge ESOL CELTA and the World Learning SIT (WL-SIT) Graduate Institute TESOL Certificate, and a partner with Cambridge ESOL and WL-SIT for the mixed-mode (face-to-face and on-line) International Diploma in Language Teaching Management (IDLTM). ICTE-UQ celebrated 30 years of operation in 2011 and was named as Australia s leading education and training exporter winning two of Australia s most prestigious export awards the Premier of Queensland s Export Award (Education and Training) and the Australian Export Award (Education and Training). ICTE-UQ has significant experience in the design, development, delivery and management of programs in English for General, Academic, Business and Special Purposes and in pre-service and in-service TESOL teacher training and teacher professional development. The Institute also has wide experience in the area of customised short-term programs designed to meet the training and ongoing development needs of international government, corporate and educational organisations. ICTE-UQ programs have been delivered for a diverse range of client organisations, including national and provincial ministries and bureaus of education, municipal education authorities, professional teaching associations and international education institutions from developing and developed countries including, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Chile and Mexico. ICTE-UQ has also established offshore English language training institutions in Danang, Vietnam, and Antofagasta, Chile. In 2013 ICTE-UQ delivered training to over 6,600 participants across its range of programming streams and administered in excess of 8,000+ IELTS/TKT tests. The Institute has strong and established administrative systems with a highly qualified and experienced management, administration and teaching/training core staff of more than 120 people, with a further consultancy staff of over 100 people. For more information visit: We hope that you find this information helpful and look forward to welcoming you to ICTE-UQ in C.M. Bundesen AM Director, Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education The University of Queensland Updated Nov 2013 Copyright 2013, Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, The University of Queensland. 10