Living in Australia
What are the average housing and living expenses in Sydney?
Most likely you will rent a room in an apartment or house with other teachers or with Aussies, and of course it depends on where you choose to live. A pleasant, small 2 to 3 bedroom house in Sydney is about AUD $2000 to AUD $5000 per month. Apartments are available for less. It’s possible to find rental accommodation for AUD$250 a week for a single room apartment within half an hour of the city, though AUD$350 to AUD$400 per week is more common.
How do I find housing subsequent to the program?
There are rental agencies in major suburban areas. If you plan to be in Sydney for at least 6 months, these agencies can help you. You can also find share accommodation by visiting Rent Room Sydney
What do I do if I get sick in Sydney?
If you find yourself requiring medical attention, Sydney has a number of very good medical centres and clinics with well-educated, helpful doctors. There are also pharmacies on every other corner. Please note that the system in Australia is to go to a medical centre for most things and only go to the emergency centre in hospitals if you believe your condition is life threatening. Even then, there is generally a queue, unless you call an ambulance. (An ambulance costs about AU$1000 without health cover. Private health cover is recommended. If you plan in living in Australia indefinitely, HCF has a good reputation. It does depend on the type of cover you need.)
Do I need any immunisations?
Not usually. If there is something you’re particularly concerned about or you have an allergy to something, it is best to consult with your doctor.
What’s the public transportation system like?
Lots of buses, trains, taxis and private cars that can take you almost everywhere in Sydney.
What do I do before departing for Australia?
How do I get to Sydney city?
Mascot International Airport has plenty of trains, buses, taxis and private hire cars available for you to help you get to where you wish to go. Trains cost about AU$18 per person to take you from Mascot airport to Town Hall station. Taxi’s cost about AU$40 to AU$60 depending on the time of day. There is only one bus from the airport to the city and it is difficult to find. The number 400 bus takes about an hour and, while the cheapest option, probably should be avoided.
If you require us to pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodation, please give details including flight number and time of arrival and we’ll organise a hire car to collect you and someone to wait for you to clear immigration. This service costs AU$120 per person one way and needs to be paid in advance here. If you would like to get someone to collect you from your accommodation at the end of your course and take you to the airport, that is an additional $120 which can be paid at Adult English School in Sydney. This service is available 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.
What documents do I need to bring?
Of course you’ll need your passport! When you secure work you will be asked to provide your original college degree if you have one, so if you plan to work immediately after the course, you’ll need to bring it with you or make arrangements for it to be sent on at a later date. You might also consider obtaining an international driving permit, should driving in a foreign country be necessary for you.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have other questions or concerns.
Thank you for choosing TEFL International.
