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THE MEETING POINT
Please note that the 3-days Arcadia Orientation is mandatory for you to attend.
THE MEETING POINT
Please note that the 3-days Arcadia Orientation is mandatory for you to attend.
The Australian Arcadia Team will meet you at the Sydney International Airport. After you have collected your luggage and cleared customs, we will be waiting for you at 'The Meeting Point,' located between Arrival Halls A and B. Our team will be easily identifiable in Navy Blue Arcadia polo shirts (Spring) or Green Hooded sweatshirts (Fall).
Delayed Flight?
If your flight is delayed or there is a change to your flight, we will be aware and will wait for you.
Please message your coordinator and let them know about changes to your flight details!
If the delay is substantial, please see the 'Arriving Guide' sent to your email.
Arriving a day or more early to Australia?
If you are arriving in Sydney a day or more early, you must meet us at the Sydney International Airport before 10:00 AM at the 'Meeting Point'.
Please make sure that you read through the Arcadia Student Handbook as it has helpful information during your time here in Australia.
Orientation Draft Schedule
Orientation is mandatory, which will address key topics such as housing, health, and safety. It also delves into the student experience in Australia and provides an opportunity for you to meet our staff.
We will be taking you to our Arcadia Orientation at the 'Tops' Wollongong over the three days. This location was selected to offer you a taste of the Australian bush and provide an opportunity to get to know our staff and fellow Arcadia program students.
Day 1
Day 1
Orientation in Wollongong and get to know your fellow Arcadia students & Staff!
Please keep in mind that you will be away from your housing for the next three days, so you will need to pack items accordingly.
Day 2
Day 2
Take a fun surf lesson in Wollongong and embark on a hiking adventure.
Day 3
Day 3
Visit the iconic sight of Sydney Opera House & Off to your housing!
FLIGHT DELAYED or CANCELLED?
Flight delays/cancellations are an expected part of travel and will not impact your participation in your program!
Don’t Panic
The important thing is to remain calm. Make sure you connect with your student coordinator and let them know ahead of time if your current status changes.
Make a Plan
Be prepared to book a hotel if your flight does not depart the same day, and be prepared to arrange your own travel/accommodation arrangements upon arrival to your destination.
Keep us updated!
Inform the Arcadia Australian Team of your new flight information via WhatsApp!
Please take the time to thoroughly read this page, as it contains essential information to help you prepare for your arrival in Australia. It outlines where to meet, what steps to take in case of flight delays or cancellations, and provides important departure and arrival instructions.
We recommend sharing this guide with your family, as it includes emergency contact numbers and the address of your housing for the Arcadia orientation. Also, we strongly encourage you to use the free Wi-Fi available at the airport to contact your family and let them know you’ve arrived safely. This ensures everyone is informed and can reach out if needed.
In the weeks before you go…
Upload your flight forms to your student portal
Ensure that you have all applicable visa materials
Make a plan for phone provider coverage while you are abroad
Consider pre-ordering some cash in local currency for travel
On the day of your departure…
Arrive to the airport at least 3 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight
Double check that you have your passport and immigration paperwork
Make sure you have ‘Important Contacts’ numbers below the page.
During your flight you will receive an Incoming Passenger Card. Please complete the card honestly and present it with your passport during Immigration Control.
The Immigration official will keep your Incoming Passenger Card.
Sydney International Airport has implemented a self-service passport control system that you can use called SmartGate. Once at Border Control simply use the Smartgate machines to receive your customs clearance. If this does not work, simply proceed to customs with your passport and visa. If you experience serious problems during the immigration process, please call the Arcadia Australia team.
Proceed to the baggage claim and collect your luggage. Then proceed to Border Control and the Department of Agriculture checkpoint.
At the customs gates you will have the choice of going through one of two color channels.
If you have any questions regarding arrival procedures and what you may bring into Australia, please read the Guide for Travellers document.
VISA
VISA
Please make sure to keep a copy of your visa details and any associated documents for your records. It's essential to stay aware of the visa conditions, including the duration of your stay, work rights as an international student and any restrictions that may apply.
You can check your visa status through VEVO, which provides the following information:
The type of visa you hold
The expiry date of your visa
The "must not arrive after" date
The duration of your stay (how long you can remain in the country)
Visa conditions (what you are allowed and not allowed to do)
This is a helpful tool to stay informed about your visa details and ensure compliance with its conditions.
If your visa is approved, upload your visa grant notification to the Arcadia Portal. Even though your visa is electronically attached to your passport, you must print a copy of the visa grant notification and your CoE to carry with you while traveling to Australia.
Important Contacts
Important Contacts
Nick Dowd
Country Director of Australia - Melbourne University
Email: dowdn@arcadia.edu
Contact: +61 414 262 214
Demi Henry
Student Services, Senior Coordinator - All of Queensland & University of New South Wales Sydney
Email: henryd@arcadia.edu
Contact: +61 499 326 144
Sarah Stockton
Student Services, Senior Coordinator - University of Sydney
Email: stocktons@arcadia.edu
Contact: +61 499 076 038
Patricia Tortosa
Student Services Coordinator & Internship Manager - University of Technology, Sydney, University of Wollongong & University of Macquarie
Email: tortosap@arcadia.edu
Contact: +61 097 013 613
Student Right to Privacy
Student Right to Privacy
Arcadia Abroad is required by Australian law to comply with the Privacy Act 1988. This Act provides students with certain rights regarding their personal information. As part of this, Arcadia Abroad staff are prohibited from sharing specific details without student consent. Protected information includes, but is not limited to: enrolment status, grades, disciplinary records, visa status, financial information, health disclosures, housing assignments, and mailing addresses. If you wish to access any of this information, we recommend having a conversation with your student coordinators.
Upon your arrival in Australia, you will need to list us as your emergency contact for any urgent matters that may arise. This includes any necessary emergency documents you may need to complete, such as those related to housing, doctor’s appointments, or other essential services. Having us as your contact ensures that we can quickly assist you in case of an emergency or if you need support with any official procedures. If you have any questions or need assistance with this, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Communication
Communication
As you make plans to study abroad, we want you to feel empowered to make this journey your own. Study abroad also requires significant independence and self-reliance.
Information is shared with you gradually to avoid overwhelming you. You can expect to receive updates through WhatsApp, email, and the pre-departure orientation program via Zoom. If you have questions about a specific topic, don’t hesitate to reach out.
However, we encourage you to contact them directly before you do. This allows you to advocate for yourselves and be part of the process - an important part of your growth and learning experience as you prepare for your time in Australia!
Frequently ask questions (FAQ's)
Does the venue offer Kosher meals?
Does the venue offer Kosher meals?
Unfortunately, orientation at Tops Wollongong does not offer Kosher meals, however we offer vegetarian as an option.
If you require further assitance on the matter, please reach out to Arcadia Health and Safety or Australia Team.
What does orientation looks like?
What does orientation looks like?
Orientation details and the schedule are typically discussed during our Pre-Departure Zoom meetings, so please make sure to watch the video.
You can also have a look at the subpage called 'Arrival Guide' outlining a draft schedule what the next few days will entail.
Please note that orientation schedules may differ, so we do not have an exact schedule. Rest assured, you will have a great time, meet other Arcadia students, and get to know your roommates during orientation!
Orientation is mandatory, and all students are required to attend. Please ensure that you select the correct flight details to arrive on time.
What to pack during the 3 days orientation?
What to pack during the 3 days orientation?
Orientation will run over three days upon your arrival. Since each orientation may vary, please be prepared to pack your bags and bring the following items below:
Walking shoes
Summer: Shorts/T-shirts, Pants, Hat, Sunscreen, Walking shoes, Swimmerwear
Winter: Pants, Jacket, Hat, Sunscreen, Walking shoes, Swimmerwear
Please note that we will not be taking you directly to your housing accommodation.
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