Australia is the most welcoming of countries; a multi-cultural soup that has developed over the last 200 years. The place is highly modern, effectively crime free, has no serious social problems, no poverty, a very high standard of living, physically about half the size of the US but with only 20 million people, warm weather, little rain, vast open countryside (bush), superb surf, skiing, climbing and paddling, excellent mobile communication systems and infrastructure ...and is cheap to live in.
Au$ exchange rates are excellent for overseas visitors and student visas are easy to arrange through our specific overseas department. Accommodation is readily available but is not completely necessary in such a pleasant climate; many of our students camp together in vehicles or tents. The course is held over such a wide-ranging geographical area that we become nomadic.

The Australian climate is generally warm to hot. The temperate south is cooler than the tropical north: the high country is cooler than the lowlands but generally the summer daytime temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius (80F) in the South and warmer in the North. Rain is rare except in the tropical North where it is seasonal. Due to the hole in the Ozone over the South Pole the sun is very strong; care must be taken to avoid burning; sunscreen is available in every corner shop. There are no hurricanes or tornadoes. 

The wildlife is just that, wild. There are dangerous creatures living with us but we stay away from their local habitats as much as possible and always treat them with due respect and caution. Snakes are common but shy, the same with spiders. Shark incidents are so rare as to be effectively non-existent. Kangaroos are not particularly dangerous and are abundant, as are Wallabies, Echidnas, Wombats, Parrots, Ostriches, Koala Bears and Brumbies (wild horses). There are no Lions, Tigers, Grizzly Bears, Anacondas or Hippos. 

Medical facilities are second to none. Excellent Air/Sea rescue and hospital services operate throughout the country. Individuals should gain personal travel and sickness insurance and investigate reciprocal medical rights for their particular country of origin. (obviously you will be covered under The Alpine Institute's insurance policy when directly under our care)