Keeping Safe

Your Health & Safety

You have access to a safe and healthy learning environment as a student at Sydney International and your well-being is paramount to us while you are living and studying here in Australia.

At the Beach

As great as it is, Australian sun rays can get extremely hot during summer. Severe sun-burn and heat-stroke can be a genuine issue. Avoid getting sun-burnt by wearing a hat, sunscreen, and not spending more than 20 minutes at a time in direct, midday, summer sun.
Only swim at beaches patrolled by surf life savers, and swim in the areas marked by red and yellow flags. Be careful of strong currents and riptides. If you need help, stay calm and attract the attention of a life saver by waving your arm.
For more information on beach safety check out this website and consider downloading the ‘Beach Safe app‘ as well.
Check out this video on Water Safety when swimming in Australia.
Australia has some very interesting, but dangerous sea-life that you should be aware of when entering the ocean, lakes, and rivers, such as jellyfish, sharks and crocodiles. If you are told to get out of the water because something has been identified, get out immediately!
If you plan on going bushwalking, it is a good idea to talk to a park ranger or visitor information staff first. Make sure you tell someone where you are going, what time you should be returning, research the area, bring water, wear the right kind of clothing for the activity and area. Check if any dangerous conditions such as steep, slippery tracks, poisonous snakes, spiders, or potential fires could be expected and make sure you bring the correct kind of equipment.
A significant number of lethal snakes and spiders live in Australia. Never attempt to touch one unless you are being supervised by an experienced professional, who says it is safe to do so. A bite from the wrong snake or spider can be fatal, so if you get bitten by a snake or spider, take a picture of them and go to the nearest medical facility AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Although Australian wild-life such as koalas, kangaroos, and platypus look cute and can be friendly, they can also get very aggressive and have sharp claws. Or in the case of the male platypus, have a venomous gland on their hind spur. To be safe, just do not try and touch the wild-life, without supervision.

On the Road

Drive on the left side of the road
Learn & adhere to road, traffic, pedestrian and parking rules
Always wear seatbelts – both in the front and rear seats of cars
Do not drink and drive – the limit is 0.05 and police are tough on offenders
Do not use your phone whilst driving
Be careful about picking up hitch-hikers
Watch out for animals and wildlife
In the countryside, drive with lights on low beam during the day

Online Scams

Be careful of online scams often sent to you in the form of scare tactic e-mails impersonating the government, phishing e-mails that aim to get your details, rental scams that want you to transfer direct bond money before even viewing the apartment and many more.

To make sure you do not fall victim to a scam, always approach e-mails like this or anything that seems too good to be true with hesitancy, scepticism, and caution before following any links, filling in any forms, giving any private details or transferring any money.

To get more information on the kinds of scams to look out for and also what to do if you get scammed, check out this website.

Drinking & Party Culture

Check out this short-video from ‘Insider Guides‘ that discusses Australian ‘drinking culture’.