The Gold Coast is a metropolitan region located just a short drive south of Brisbane, on Australia s East Coast. The Gold Coast is famous for its long sandy beaches such as Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. A favourite pastime for locals is surfing and the Gold Coast is home to some world class breaks. Elaborate systems of inland canals and waterways are also present in the city. It is Australia s home of theme parks including Sea World, Dreamworld, Movie World and Wet n Wild. The Gold Cost is preparing to be the next host of the Commonwealth Games, which is set to hit the shores in 2018. Major sporting, wine, food, fashion and music events and exhibitions fill the calendar, while Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are entertainment playgrounds. STATE: Queensland POPULATION: 546,067 BORN OVERSEAS: 27.9% CLIMATE: Subtropical climate with warm, hot summers and mild winters VIBE: Open, creative and culturally diverse residents COST OF LIVING: $512/week; $26,650/year PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Train, bus, tram (http://www.translink.com.au) DREAMWORLD Dreamworld is Australia's biggest theme park for family fun, live shows and entertainment. The theme park which boasts over 50 rides and attractions is built to suit everyone from toddlers to thrill seekers and beyond. It is famous for having the fastest, highest and most impressive rides in the country. CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to check out Australian native wildlife. You will have the opportunity to cuddle a koala, hang out with kangaroos and see the Tasmanian Devil. If you are interested in challenging yourself, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has the supplementary bonus of a high ropes course, which is included in the entry fee. LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK - O'REILLY'S TREE TOP WALK If you are interested in rainforests, the Tree Top Walkway in Lamington National Park will be your niche. You will be able to explore nature from different angles as you stroll through the rainforest 15 metres above ground! The Tree Top Walkway includes nine suspension bridges and puts you right in the midst of the canopy, where you ll be surrounded by flowers, birds and once you reach the 30mhigh Observation Deck the sky. SURFERS PARADISE BEACHFRONT MARKETS Surfers Paradise market stalls include a variety of premium products, including jewellery, fashion, accessories, artworks, photographs, beauty products and homewares. Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night, bargain spotters, treasure hunters and after-dinner strollers make their way along the 100 plus market stalls located right on the beach, while live entertainers set the mood. Q1 SKYPOINT OBSERVATION DECK As the world's tallest residential tower, the Q1 is also the only observation deck in Australia located by the beach. It is easily recognisable among the Gold Coast's many high rises. Q1 is a Gold Coast landmark and a great starting point for tourists. You will be dazzled at the length of the coastline, which stretches out as far as the eye can see in both directions.
Finding comfortable accommodation, in a convenient location with the right people is important and may take time. Factors such as budget, length of stay and whether you want to live alone or with others will influence your decision. Research all available housing options before you arrive for your internship so you can establish a realistic expectation and budget for accommodation (including the cost of utilities) and living expenses. Australian Internships arranges a variety of accommodation options for different budgets and needs. Our team will help you to find the most suitable option for you! HOMESTAY Homestay is a safe and adorable. Typically, you will have your own bedroom and two or three meals with the family per day. Living or boarding in a home with a local family can be a great way to know more about daily Australian life and improve your English skills. Note: Australia is a widespread country and it isn t unusual to travel up to 1 hour to and from work. All accommodation prices are per person, per week in $AUD and are subject to change without notice. Please note these accommodation booking options are subject to availability.
HOMESTAY - OPTION 1 OPTIONS A B C TYPE OF BOARD PRICE 1 1- There is a one off placement fee of $250 for all accommodation 2- Minimum stay is 4 weeks ADDITIONAL OPTIONS Internet: From $10/ week, to be organised with Host Family. Transport: From $30/ week for the Host Family to drive students/interns to and from place of study. To be organised with Host Family. WHAT IF I WANT TO CANCEL MY HOMESTAY? More than 2 weeks before your arrival: you will be charged $100 to cover administration costs, but your Homestay Placement Fee and Accommodation Fees will be refunded (minus the $100 administration costs). Less than 2 weeks before your arrival: you will be charged $100 to cover Administration costs. Your Accommodation Fee will be refunded but not your Placement Fee. Less than 48 hours before your arrival: you will be charged $100 to cover administration costs and 2 weeks Accommodation Fee (to compensate the host family) and the Placement Fee will not be refunded. WHAT IF I WANT TO LEAVE MY HOMESTAY? A minimum of 2 weeks stay in Homestay Accommodation is required. If you choose to depart homestay (after the 2 week minimum stay), either you or Australian Internships must give your service provider at least 2 weeks notice to depart, so we can advise the host family and the balance can be refunded to your nominated bank account.
HOMESTAY - OPTION 2 OPTIONS A B C D TYPE OF BOARD PRICE 1 1- There is a one off placement fee of $280 for all accommodation WHAT IF I WANT TO CANCEL MY HOMESTAY? More than 2 weeks before your arrival: 100% of the accommodation fee and placement fee will be refunded Less than 2 weeks before your arrival: you will be charged 2 weeks Accommodation Fee (to compensate the host family). The Placement Fee will not be refunded. WHAT IF I WANT TO LEAVE MY HOMESTAY? A minimum of 4 weeks stay in Homestay Accommodation is required. If you choose to depart homestay (after the 4 week minimum stay), either you or Australian Internships must give your service provider at least 2 weeks notice to depart, so we can advise the host family and the balance can be refunded to your nominated bank account.
COMPARISON TABLE HOMESTAY (TYPE OF BOARD) ROOM + FULL BOARD ROOM + 2 MEALS (MON-FRI) 3 MEALS (SAT-SUN) ROOM DINNER ONLY ROOM, NO MEALS OPTION 1 OPTION 2