[originaltext]M: Thank you, Alexandra.I: You know, Mr. Malcolm, there are more

M: Thank you, Alexandra.
I: You know, Mr. Malcolm, there are more and more overseas students who apply for further study in Australia. What should they pay most attention to?
M: Money, of course. In the mid-1990s, it is estimated that a student living alone requires an average of 12,000 Australian dollars in living expenses for each year of study. Of course, these costs increase with time.
I: Then what about shared accommodation on campus? Is it cheaper?
M: This kind of accommodation requires an average of 10,000 per year. But it may not be suitable for all. I think it is preferable for overseas students whose English is in need of practice to take advantage of live-in situations with native speakers whenever possible. However, sharing with friends who are easy to communicate with is probably more sensible at first. Also, it can save money.
I: Then how about transportation? Should students buy a car when they arrive there?
M: Well, owning and maintaining a motor vehicle is quite expensive in Australia. Insurance is compulsory and costly, and parking both on and off campus can be a problem requiring additional expense. Therefore it is not advisable for a student to hold a car unless it is absolutely necessary. Even second-hand cars are quite expensive. They can cost in excess of 4,000 Australian dollars.
I: Then how can students go to school without a car?
M: Most educational institutions are serviced by reliable public transport. The university and college campuses within the major cities are well served by public buses. In addition, the larger cities have extensive subway systems. For example, in Sydney, most college and university campuses are only 10 or 20 minutes from a rail station.
I: That sounds reasonable. Then let’s come to study necessities. I mean textbooks and stationery items. How much do they cost per year?
I: Well, I don’t think students should rush into buying expensive textbooks. It is advisable to wait until your first lectures and tutorial, and then ask academic staff which are the essential purchases. There is usually a second-hand bookshop on campus, and used books are also advertised on faculty notice boards. As for stationery, the Students’ Union coordinates a number of outlets on the various university campuses that provide stationery items and other essential study equipment at reasonable prices. Some courses require specialized equipment which can be quite costly, and it is wise to check any additional costs involved with the course of your choice. In general, those practically orientated courses tend to incur higher additional costs. Expenses for books, stationery, and equipment vary greatly, but you should allow approximately 500 to 1,000 Australian dollars a year.
I: Oh, I see. Students really have to prepare a lot of money. But can they have part-time jobs during study so that they can ease the tension?
M: Well, under present immigration regulations, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours during term time and full-time during vacation.
1. How much was estimated living cost each year in Australia in the mid-1990s?
2. What is the benefit of living in shared accommodation on campus?
3. What transportation students are suggested to take while studying in Sydney according to Mr. Malcolm’s suggestion?
4. According to Mr. Malcolm, how can overseas students get textbooks?
5. How many hours international students are allowed to work during school time?