I want to go to school in Perth, WA, but I live in the U.S. What do I need to do?

Question

I live in TN and plan on getting my LPN license here in the states and then going to a university in Perth. I do NOT plan on coming back through the semesters as it would cost a lot of money with plane tickets. I want to live in Perth throughout my college career (4 Years), but I'm not sure on what to start doing.

I've never been out of the country and I'd like to keep my American citizenship if possible.

I want to know:

-What do I need so I can work there

-What do I need so I can rent out an apartment there

-What could I do for health insurance?

-If I have my LPN license (Licensed Practical Nurse) can I used in AU if I somehow transfer it or something if that is even how it works?

Sorry, know that's a lot, but I'm very clueless and freaking out about it. Thank you so much to anyone who can help me!

Answer 1

I have worked and studied abroad, and I have worked with many students hoping to study abroad. First, I would ask myself what the specific reason is that you want to study in Perth. Do you have family there? You just want to live there? You've visited and you love Perth? Your motivation for choosing Perth is very important because you do not want to get there and find out you do not like it.

Second, costs for students from abroad are typically higher than they are for domestic students. Foreign student tuition is often used to help universities' bottom line. Also, costs in Australia for daily expenses--food, housing, etc. will be much higher than they are in Tennessee. (I am from Tennessee, and I have lived in Japan and traveled throughout the South Pacific.)

Practically speaking, it would be more financially feasible to choose an American university that has an exchange program with a university in Australia so that you do not have to commit to four years of study. Another option would be to complete your nursing degree in the United States and then take the nursing exams in Australia in order to work there.

I hope these answers help!