The Australian government introduced a program called ESOS in 2000 to protect international students and their rights. Any program that accepts international students must have student services and educational facilities that meet strict quality standards set by the government (see Reference 1). This could be the reason why in 2007 more than 400,000 international students chose Australia for their educational experience (Reference 2).
On school holidays, students studying abroad in Australia can choose to explore this amazing continent with cheap internal flights and endless tour options, or instead head to New Zealand or a nearby country in Southeast Asia.
Four of Australia's cities--Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide--have been featured in The Economist's top 10 list of the most livable cities in the world (Reference 2). With thriving sporting and cultural traditions, Australia has activities and events for everyone, including Aussie rules football, music festivals, cricket matches, art shows or just a fun barbie--that's a barbecue.
Australia has more than 10,000 beaches, the most of any nation in the world. Scientists also estimate that 80 percent of the marine life in the south of the country can only be found in Australia.
Australia has a population of almost 22 million. The people of Australia are warm, friendly, talkative, and many come from other countries, making Australia one of the most multicultural and welcoming places in the world.