Australia is one of the most alluring countries in the world, and as such is a focal destination for travellers and students. Natural beauty, magnificent architecture and a hugely diverse array of nature and wildlife. As an international student studying abroad in Australia, you will not only enjoy the vibrant city life, but venture from the urban neighbourhoods and you will be met with a wonderfully eclectic mix of environments - from sun-drenched horizons, to the rugged wilderness of the Outback; the majestic underwater world that is the Great Barrier Reef, to the surfers' paradise beaches of the Gold Coast. Students who are considering studying abroad in The Land Down Under, there are a number of factors that can help make your decision easier. First and foremost is the culture: Australia has the benefit of being both exotic and recognizable: "The primary basis of Australian culture up until the mid-20th century was Anglo-Celtic, although distinctive Australian features had been evolving from the environment and indigenous culture. Over the past 50 years, Australian culture has been strongly influenced by American popular culture (particularly television and cinema), large-scale immigration from non-English-speaking countries, and Australia's Asian neighbours" In this sense, then, living in Australia is both brand new and comfortingly familiar