WA is in the same time zone as many Asian regions and only a short flight from many capital cities in Asia, the sub-continent, and the Gulf States. This makes many students feel closer to home.
When you arrive in WA, you will notice the great weather, with blue skies and sunny days, making it possible to live a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. For many this means more opportunity to enjoy water sports, beaches and barbecues. For others it means an active arts scene. And for most, it means a fantastic way of life with street cafes, restaurants and cuisine from around the world.
WA is also great value, with work opportunities and the cost of living being much better than other Australian cities. Did you know that Western Australia has 10% of Australia's population but offers 16% of Australia's job vacancies (WA Business News, 22 April 2009) meaning that you are more likely to obtain a job in Perth than any other Australian city. People in Western Australia are amongst the highest paid in the country, with average full time earnings of A$68,609 per year (Nov 2008). This is well ahead of the national average of A$60,658. Did you know that WA has the strongest economy in Australia - with just 10% of the national population, it generates an impressive 30% of Australia's exports. Also Perth has the highest number of millionaires in Australia and also the highest number of cafes (per capita)!
For students interested in working part-time to support their studies, Perth is certainly the number one place to go with average part-time wages the highest in Australia with most students earning $17-20 per hour. By gaining valuable skills through their studies at TAFEWA, many students have ultimately been able to settle permanently in Perth.
Western Australia has a strong reputation for producing successful businessmen, scientists, sportsmen and entertainers. In 2005 Prof Barry Marshall and Dr Robin Warren were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine, Aurelio Costarella is a WA designer regularly featured at New York Fashion Week, Eamon Sullivan became the fastest swimmer in history after he broke the 50m freestyle world record and 16 year old Gemma Ward was the youngest model to be listed by American Vogue as one of its "It Girls" in the modelling world. Some world famous entertainers from WA are Heath Ledger, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher and Melissa George. A full list of famous West Australians can be found here.
Perth is WA's rapidly growing capital city. With a population nearing 2 million it has a youthful character that is ideally suited to student life! Fremantle, the port suburb of Perth, is just as colourful with artists, street markets and a lively café society.
There is much to explore in WA including famous holiday resorts like Rottnest Island and Monkey Mia where dolphins come every day to play with visitors. There are spectacular outback deserts, with sights that can't be found anywhere else in the world.
WA is known as the friendly state... so wherever you travel, there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to practise your English. WA can offer you much to see, much to do... and great value for your student dollar while you're doing it.
For more information about Perth and Western Australia;
http://www.westernaustralia.com
http://www.lookatwa.com.au
http://www.pertheducationcity.com.au
http://www.gowestnow.com
http://www.westernaustralia.tv