Free eSIM + 7 day plan
In the interest of safety and convenience you can apply for a free eSIM and a free 7 day 500/Mday plan. Internet access is available on arrival in Australia when activated.
Luggage Limit
Students are requested to limit their luggage to one suitcase and one carry on piece of hand luggage. In some cases where this limit is exceeded it may result in the transport company or homestay being unable to provide transport. It could be very expensive for you if we need to arrange other emergency transport. Additional items will also incur additional charges.
First Day at AICOL
Arrive with a pen/pencil, notebook and your passport. Your homestay family will bring you to our school on your first day. If you are not in homestay you need to arrive by 08:30. You will be given a short placement test, an inside orientation and an outside orientation. You will then be show to your class.
Internet
Internet is provided at AICOL and is available in the homestay but is not to be used for gaming or video downloading or any other form of excessive usage.
AICOL provides students with an opportunity for real-life interaction away from social media. Teachers for High School Preparation, Primary School Preparation and Young Learner classes will collect all mobile phones every morning. Mobiles will be available for collection after classes.
High School Preparation (HSP) students will need to bring a scientific calculator or purchase one for around $15 after arrival. Mobile phones will not be available during class times and may be required some weeks when considering when considering more complicated Math concepts.
Bullying and Helicopter parents are becoming a problem worldwide. Bullying will not be tolerated at AICOL. Our Principals know the difference between bullying and kids being kids. Parents enrolling children at AICOL are requested to read our News item on this link dealing with Bullying & Helicopter Parents.
Lift
Students are not to use the lift. Only students with a disability who cannot use stairs are permitted to use the lift.
Food
There are many food shops at the Australian Fair shopping centre just 3 minutes walk from AICOL providing local and international cuisine. Fresh fruit and vegetables are readily available at reasonable prices. There is a small kiosk at AICOL where students are able to purchase hot cup noodles, cold drinks, chips, chocolates etc. Fridges and microwaves are provided for student use.
Clothes
Bring enough clothes because homestay clothes washing is usually done once a week. If you are coming in winter – June, July, August – make sure you bring something warm. In summer – January, February, March – something cool. Host families will not provide clothes so if you don’t have enough clothes you will need to buy some.
Accommodation
Most AICOL students choose Homestay arranged by our own homestay staff.
Homestay availability is very limited since covid. Even if arranged it can be cancelled by a host family without notice. The Gold Coast offers a wide range of accommodation choices including hotels and short term rental apartments.
Activities
Swimming and Surfing are very popular particularly October to May. The Gold Coast offers many different activities:
More water sports: paddle-boarding, wind-surfing, scuba-diving, swimming, snorkelling. More sports: tennis, golf, mini-golf, volleyball, skate-boarding, trampoline, bowling, indoor sky diving etc. Theme Parks. Zoos, whale watching and nature based activities.
No Photos of Students Provided
Please understand that we do not take photos of students in class or on activities to send to parents or agents. Large numbers attend our English classes and camp programs. If parents/agents would like photos they should ensure the student has a camera so the student can ask someone to take their photo.
Outdoor Class
From time to time a class may be taken to the Southport library or
