So you are interested in coming to Australia - the land downunder, the land of sun, surf and endless beaches, kangaroos, koalas and echidnas, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Ayres Rock (Uluru - the traditional indigenous name) and the Great Barrier Reef. Don't stop there: Australia is far more than the obvious.

Are you aware that Australia has a thriving and exciting snow skiing season, is a paradise for bush walkers and bird watchers, has a sophisticated music and theater culture, has a vibrant and unique film-making business, has the most superb food in the world, and the mangoes are "to die for", and a standard of living that makes back-packing almost unnecessary (especially if you are converting US dollars into Australian dollars)?

Australians characteristically are much more direct than people from the United States -- we say what we mean and we mean what we say. Our humor is dry and witty and we excel at keeping people from becoming too haughty. We like to "cut them off at the socks," so to speak -- to remedy the tall poppy syndrome, as it is known here.

Making Plans

You are sold on coming to Australia, so where do you begin?

Maybe you are an undergraduate student and want to undertake a one- or two-semester exchange program. Or, perhaps you are considering completing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree as a full fee-paying international student. You might prefer to participate in a volunteer program. In this article, I will provide you with ideas and resources for each of these possibilities.

So you also have a disability? "No worries," as we say downunder. Now, that is not altogether true. There will be hassles, but they are not insurmountable.

First, allow me to address the issues for a university student exchange program. If you decide you would like to spend one or two semesters at a university in Australia, the first thing you must do is contact your home university's study abroad office. There you will learn the general arrangements that need to be considered for any program. The study abroad office will have information about overseas study opportunities at Australian universities, including Australian institutions that may be linked to your home institution. From this list you will choose a university that offers coursework that most closely matches your course of study and interests.

After establishing the possibilities and the costs of the exchange, you then need to consider the accommodations that you may require for your disability so that you can successfully access your study and living environments. Please note that Australia has a Disability Discrimination Act much like your Americans with Disabilities Act; hence, while you are in Australia, you will be protected against discrimination. Even so, because you will not be an enrolled Australian university student, the costs of specific kinds of disability-related accommodations, such as attendant services, will not be covered by the host university. You will need to make arrangements through your home university and the state and/or local agencies that fund the services you use in your community.

If you have high support needs and require accessible and supported lodging, or if you are Deaf and use a sign interpreter, there will be other considerations you need to take into account. There are a small, but increasing number of Australian universities that can offer accessible residential lodging. Please make direct contact with the Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) at your chosen university to discuss this issue. The most efficient method would be via e-mail. E-mail addresses for all Australian university DLOs can be obtained from Mobility International USA in Eugene, Oregon or via the directory on the website of your chosen university.

If you are a signing Deaf student you will need to be aware that AUSLAN and Signed English are the sign languages used in Australia. Seriously consider learning to use one of these languages - preferably AUSLAN - to ensure that your stay in Australia is as productive and successful as possible. Contact Gallaudet University and ask if it offers classes in AUSLAN; or, arrive in Australia a little earlier and undertake a "crash" course in AUSLAN at a pre-arranged facility. There are a small number of interpreters in Australia with American Sign Language (ASL) skills but, because they are few and far between, please don't rely on one being available to you.

If you are considering completing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at an Australian university as a full-fee paying student, you will need to contact your local university international student office or the Council on International Educational Exchange office to get information about universities, courses, fees and living accommodations. You can also try the Australian International Education Foundation located within all Australian Consulates for the same information. As a full-fee paying student with a disability, you will be entitled to have the cost of your academic accommodations met by the enrolling institution. All international recruiting staff should be aware of their obligations under the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and you should discuss your study requirements openly and honestly. Documentation of your disability and required accommodations may be requested. The international staff will pass your enrollment details on to the university DLO, but it would be wise to make contact as soon as possible to ensure that services are in place at the beginning of your course.

Volunteering Abroad

Maybe you are not considering an educational program but would rather come to Australia and undertake a volunteer program. If you would like general and comprehensive information directly from Australia, then contact the Australian Council for Volunteering, with offices located in each of the six states and two territories. This is a community-based organization that promotes and supports volunteering. Volunteers work in many areas of community life from dog walking for animal shelters, tutoring migrants in English and firefighting. There is an expectation that you will commit yourself for at least three months to the organization of your choice, and an interview will be required prior to the beginning of any program or project.

The following organizations provide more specific volunteering programs.

The Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers (ATCV) is a non-profit, non-political, community-based organization that performs practical tasks that benefit the environment. ATVC aims to assist local groups in management projects on public lands, linking the landholder or management authority with volunteers in conservation-oriented projects. It also develops training programs that enable volunteers to acquire practical skills in ecological management. ATCV is currently establishing a regular international exchange program with contacts in California, Wisconsin, Montana, Alaska, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. 

Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) has listings of farming properties on which people can work voluntarily. Earthwatch is an international non-profit scientific research organization whose volunteers pay to participate in short expeditions. Overseas Service Bureau and the Australian Council for Overseas Aid sometimes have volunteer and paid positions for people with particular skills and are willing to work in remote aboriginal communities. You could also try World Vision, Community Aid Abroad, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Amnesty International.

The choices are endless and whether you come as a student, a volunteer or as a tourist, you will find Australia and the Aussies open and welcoming. You establish the pace and the agenda and I am sure we can find a way to make it happen.  Good luck with your choices and let me assure you that you will have a "bonza" time here in Oz.