Local environment
and culture

Students who want to study in an English speaking country have several choices, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA and Canada. However many students choose Australia because of our quality education system which is recognised worldwide, our low cost of living and high living standards, and our closeness to Asia. Our educational system is regulated by the government to ensure quality is consistently maintained by all institutions. Also, institutions that enrol international students must comply with additional requirements, to ensure that the students are accurately informed about their course of study, and that their financial investment is protected.

Australia consists of six states, two major mainland territories, and other minor territories. The states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. The two major mainland territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.

Queensland is one of the largest states in Australia, by population and size. It has an idyllic sub-tropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The population and economy are growing strongly, as large numbers of people from overseas, as well as other Australian states such as New South Wales and Victoria, move to the ‘Sunshine State’ for the better weather and lifestyle, and lower cost of living.

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, with over one million residents. The city is built around the Brisbane River, which provides a scenic backdrop for markets, restaurants, and many entertainment activities. There are a wide range of attractions which are free for all to enjoy, including Southbank parklands (featuring a man-made beach in the centre of the city!), a large museum and contemporary art gallery. Brisbane is less than one hour from some of the best beaches in the world on the Sunshine Coast (Noosa, Mooloolaba) and the Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach). Well known theme parks, including Dreamworld, Seaworld and Movieworld, are all located close to Brisbane.

Brisbane is located in Southern Queensland, about half-way up Australia’s east coast. This central location makes Brisbane a great base from which to explore the many tourist attractions located throughout Queensland and Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest to the north, the Australian Outback to the west, and Byron Bay and Sydney to the South. Studying in Brisbane gives students an excellent opportunity to see much of our great country.

Brisbane is a very safe city, home to thousands of international students. Accommodation is affordable by Australian and many international standards, with a range of options available. The public transport system includes electric train and extensive bus networks, and taxi cabs are readily available.

Brisbane is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city. Brisbane’s ‘China Town’ is located close to the city, and throughout the Brisbane area there are many restaurants specialising in foods from different countries, so students can get a taste of home as well as experiencing Australian cuisine.

Australian College of Technology and Business is located on the famous Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley, the cultural hub of Brisbane. The Valley, about 1 km from Brisbane’s CBD, is now one of Brisbane’s most popular destinations. It is arts, music, food, shopping and friends, all in one lovable suburb commonly referred to as the ‘Valley’.

With its thriving Chinatown, multicultural cuisine, Asian grocery stores, fabulous restaurants, popular nightclubs and bars and The Judith Wright Centre, it’s easy to see why young people especially are flocking to live in Fortitude Valley.

The Valley Markets, which sprawl through the Brunswick and Chinatown Malls every weekend until 4pm, are a unique Brisbane shopping experience. Chinatown’s traditional Chinese supermarkets are the perfect place to find Asian ingredients, utensils and merchandise. Enjoy strolling in the car-free, open-air zone that is the Chinatown Mall. Brisbane’s Chinatown Mall in Duncan Street, Fortitude Valley, has been a hub of Asian commercial and cultural activity since its official opening on 29 January 1987.

You will love studying at the ACTB campus right in the middle of trendy Fortitude Valley.

Australians are generally friendly, easy-going people who work hard during the week and enjoy a relaxed laid-back lifestyle during the weekend. Australian people enjoy outdoor activities, such as sport, beach activities, backyard barbecues and family picnics. Young people like spending time with their friends. Going for sporting events, music festivals, concerts, live performances, night clubs and restaurants are quite common forms of socialising.

Newly arrived students and professionals are encouraged to join our bolt-on “Professional Business English” course to get an in-depth understanding of the business culture in Australia and improve their professional business English skills at he same time.