<I>Country Director, IDP Education Australia Mauritius</I>

● <B>On February 23 the IDP launched an open day at the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel on “Higher Education in Australia”. Teachers and staff from Australian universities met students and answered their questions on how to proceed with studies there. What was the outcome?</B>

We had more than 500 school leavers who came. Considering the cyclone warning, it was quite a surprise! A second day on the 24th was canceled but we had during the following week a regular flow of students who visited our premises, which shows the ongoing interest of Mauritians in studies in Australia.

● <B>What attracts Mauritians to Australian Universities ? </B>

They carry a tradition of excellence that appeals to Mauritians. Good climatic conditions, a good standard of living, and close links with home are also favorable factors.

But above all we have wide opportunities for students to work and finance their studies there, especially on a part-time basis.

Australian law allows students to work up to 20 hours per week and full time during holidays. With the economic boom that is going on there (in Perth for example there is sustained growth of 15 % per year), there is a good market for part time employment. It is a very flexible arrangement.

● <B>Which universities were represented on that open day?</B>

There were 17 visiting institutions from South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland. Among them, Le Cordon Bleu (in Adelaide), a world famous school of management in the hospitality field and the William Angliss Institute of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) in Melbourne which also specialises in hospitality and food science.

● <B>What shape did the open day take ?</B>

It was conducted in a very face-to-face style. Students would pass from one table to the next and speak to each university representative. For a first contact, it is an excellent way for a student to get an idea of the different possibilities open to him.

As I explained, some institutions specialise in specific fields but we also have various options at the same university. For example, at the Curtin University of Technology, found in Perth and reputed for health sciences, one can also follow humanities, or information technology courses.

● <B>How do you do the follow-up ? </B>

We either contact students or are contacted by them for further counseling: we help them identify the course that best fits their aspirations, and advise them on where to study.

Once they are settled, we help them to process the application.

● <B> Are there any fees ?</B>

When we do the visa procedures, the student has to pay half the application fees to the university. He has also to present a guarantee from a responsible party.

IDP actually does not charge for its services.

● <B>Are candidates bound to pass the IELTS exam before going for their studies?</B>

We organize those exams for students with a French Baccalaureate. It is not compulsory for other students, except for those who choose fields which require high levels of English.

● <B>Will there be any other opportunities for Mauritians to meet Australian teachers ?</B>

The next exhibition is scheduled for September. But we host regularly invited teachers during the year at the IDP premises.

We represent the 41 universities of Australia and some private institutions.