Sydney is one of the most famous destinations when it comes to exchange in Australia. This is because the climate is very similar to Brazil's, it combines the bustle of a big city with the beauty of the coast, it has a booming economy and is home to people from all over the world.
Want to know more about the capital of New South Wales? See our guide to Sydney below!
Demographics
Sydney is Australia's largest city, with a population of over 5 million people. According to the country's census, it is extremely diverse, bringing together a large number of ethnic and cultural groups. The five main ancestries for people in the region are Australian, English, Irish, Scottish and Chinese. The five main languages spoken (apart from English) are Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Greek.
Weather
The seasons in Sydney are well defined. With its Mediterranean-style climate, summer (December to February) has an average temperature of 26ºC and average humidity of 65 percent, and winter (June to August) has an average of 16ºC. The heaviest rainfall occurs between March and June.
Time zone
Sydney is 13 hours ahead of Brasilia time.
Minimum wage
The current minimum wage in Australia is AUD $19.49 (information updated in July/2019).
Job market
O Sydney's job market is quite varied and offers opportunities in many different areas. The most common positions for students who have just arrived in the country and who don't yet have developed English are waiter, barista, cleaner, delivery man, construction worker, among others. It's important to remember that exchange students shouldn't limit themselves to just these areas, but should try out and try activities in the area in which he worked in Brazil or in a new profession.
Cost of living
Sydney has a slightly higher cost of livingbut it's also the champion of job offers and good opportunities. The rent for a shared room ranges from AUD $150 to AUD $220 per week. The price of a private room ranges from AUD $220 to AUD $450 per week. On the other hand, the average weekly spend in the market, considering someone who cooks and makes meals at home, is AUD $70 per week.
Public transportation
In Sydney and the metropolitan area, international students enrolled in an English language course (ELICOS), a Vocational Course (VET) or a higher education course can only use the Adult Opal Card, which calculates the fare according to the type of transport and the distance traveled.
The Opal Card can be recharged online, via the app, at specific machines in train stations or at authorized outlets such as 7Eleven.
Using this card, you will never pay more than $15.80 per day, $63.20 per week or $2.70 on Sundays. If you use the Opal card for eight journeys in a week (Monday to Sunday), you will be charged half price for the rest of the journeys. Off-peak journeys also have different fares.
The city's most popular beach is also home to the most photographed swimming pool in the world!
Facts about Sydney
- People who live in Sydney are colloquially known as "Sydneysiders";
- Sydney is not the capital of Australia. The capital is Canberra;
- Sydney's most famous icon, the Sydney Opera House, was completed in 1973, taking 14 years and employing 10,000 construction workers, with a final total cost of US$$ 102 million - more than 14 times the original target price;
- The Sydney Tower is the tallest building in Sydney and the third tallest building in Australia;
- Sydney was the site of the first British colony in Australia, established in 1788.
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Have you fallen in love with Sydney too? To find out more about this and other exchange destinations in Australia, talk to us!
