Adapting to the country you've chosen as your exchange destination goes beyond the climate, time zone and food. Understanding and adapting to the education system and class format of local institutions is also part of the experience of living abroad.
In Australia, for example, classes in both higher education institutions and vocational courses are based on the "self study" method, i.e. the student is largely responsible for researching and developing their learning.
This is due to the aim of schools and universities, which is to prepare and equip students for the job market, where initiative and independence are required.
O Kirana Colleges is an example of this system. The school, which has units in several states across the country, offers vocational courses in health, education, business and technology, such as Aged Care, Counselling, Disability, Child Care, Business, IT, Community Services and others.
According to the institution's International Recruitment Manager, Juliane Gold, certificates III and IV in Aged Care offer eight hours a week of theory, six hours a week of seminars and workshops and six hours a week of online study. In addition, students must also complete internship hours.
Unlike in Brazil, where theory dominates most of the classroom time, Down Under, practice is the most important thing. "Our students are subjected to a lot of group work and practical activities so that they can share ideas and knowledge, as many come from different backgrounds in the health sector or at least have a strong interest in the area," explains Gold.
"Our teachers are all from the industry, so they can easily incorporate new subjects as the students need them. There is a curriculum to follow, but extra information can be provided especially in workshops and seminars as the class needs it," he adds.
The assessment process also differs between countries. Preparing for a single, decisive test is no longer something that students have to worry about. In Australia, exchange students are assessed on their progress in assignments, class attendance and, in some cases, internship performance.
She explains that the final assignments, known as "assessments", are set by the Australian government and classify the student as "competent" or "not competent" in the subjects. In the Aged Care course, for example, in order to obtain the diploma, in addition to being classified as competent in all the subjects, it is necessary to be successful in the internship.
"The students are put to work in a care home and complete the hours they need, depending on the program they are studying. Kirana Colleges is responsible for helping the students get their jobs, which are generally unpaid but allow for very good experiences," says Gold.
This is also one of the school's differentials, as it helps students in their first contact with the job market and supports them at the start of their careers, thus guaranteeing a standard of care and professional quality.
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See also:
- Qualification in mental health is highlighted in Australia;
- In Australia, health students learn in practice;
- A word from an expert: understand the field and the "Mental Health" course;
- Mental Health: a career for those who love people.
And if you want to know more about exchange and education in Australia, get in touch with us!
