• Is situated on a part of land unlike any other on earth, offering access to landscapes as well plant and animal life that is only available here
• Has decidedly modern cityscapes mixed with classic Australian appeal dating back to the times of the Aboriginals This unique juxtaposition of unforgettable nature environments and important, exciting metropolises makes Australia the ideal higher education environment.

For one thing, there is the culture. Just like every country, Australia has borrowed heavily from the United States in terms of popular culture and entertainment. This will help make any foreign students feel instantly at home. After all, it will be a foreign country, but one that has adopted many American ways of life, just like yours most likely has. In addition to adopting American customs, Australia has also found its current voice through the large-scale immigration of people from non-English Speaking countries, most influential of which has been Asia, whose countries sit just a short distance away.

Of course, Australia is not just a sponge, and part of what makes the country such a wonderful study location is that it has its own perfect charm. From the friendly demeanor of the locals - highlighted by the irresistible accent - to the classic traditions, foods and environments, Australia truly offers an experience unlike any other on Earth. And its does its own deal of influencing as well. Hollywood superstars like Nicole Kidman and Mel Gibson originally hail from The Land Down Under.

Something For Any Major

While on the topic of films, a recent movie called The Proposition showed audiences what Australia was like in the 1800s, when Caucasians and Aboriginals lived in both harmony and war in a situation similar to that of early US settlers and Native Americans. For this reason, as well as many others, Australia offers terrific opportunities for history majors, or simply anyone interested in the past. It has over 40,000 years of history, with a fascinating story on how it developed from a world where people in different regions had different customs and spoke different languages, into one of the main players on the world's stage. And due to its abundance of distinctive plant and animal life, not to mention year-round comfortable weather, it would make an ideal location for anyone interested in becoming a scientist or environmentalist.

Of course, through globally vital cities like Sydney, it is also a place for business majors or any students interested in finance or economics. With skyscrapers pushing past the clouds and instantly recognizable buildings like the Sydney Opera house, Australia's metropolises rival the thrill and important of New York or Paris or Tokyo.

It's Just Plain Fun

While Australia packs a powerful educational punch with its combination of interesting history and exciting present, it is for an unflinching love of sports that the country is perhaps most famous. There is a belief that Spartans boys were taken from their homes at seven-years-old and trained to be soldiers. Australian boys aren't forced to do anything, and they certainly aren't trained to fight, but by the age of seven, it is almost guaranteed that they will have a love affair with one of the continent's many favorite activities. These include:

• Surfing
• Wind surfing
• Rugby
• Cricket
• Hockey
• Netball
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Football
• Soccer
• Motor racing