Job Discussion Forums

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

I've been thinking about pursuing a postgrad degree with Griffith in Queensland. Does it have a good reputation?

IreneM · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 19 Location: washington, dc

i lived in the gold coast for a while and met tons students at griffith, it seems to have a good name down in australia

erinyes · Joined: 02 Oct 2005 Posts: 272 Location: GuangDong, GaoZhou

It's probably the 3rd most popular Uni.

First UQ for theory
then QUT for practical
the Griffith for everyone who didn't get into either of the other two, or for visual arts or music.

The thing with Australian Universities is that most are strictly controlled by the government, so all have a similar reputation and all have high quality.

To find the best post grad I would think about the kinds of things you want to learn and then check out the subject overviews for the course. They are all good quality, but they don't all teach the same courses.

grwit · Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 329 Location: Dagobah

I did my undergraduate in education and Griffith. It was great. facilities are all good and the staff were very helpful.

I have heard some rumors about the Gold Coast campus not having as good a reputation as the brisbane campuses though. The story goes that employers see Griffith - Gold Coast on resumes and think that the student probably spent most of his/her time at the beach getting a tan or surfing rather than studying and going to class.

I live on the Gold Coast (although I am now living in China) and I went to the Griffith - Logan campus simply because Gold Coast wasn't offering IT in Education as a major. It was during my years at logan that I heard these rumors. Maybe it was just envy talking - everyone wants to live on the Gold Coast dont they? hehehe But some people are stuck in places like Logan.

Sorry y'all no offence intended to loganites or beach bummin' surfies.

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

I've been thinking more about the Nathan Campus, but thought I'd look for a house to rent in Logan. I haven't researched all my options but got the general feeling that rental prices in Logan would be cheaper than in Brisbane. Is this a fair assumption?

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Yes, that would be a fair assumption. Take a look at www.realestate.com.au for rental prices. Logan is deep suburbia, so there's not as much to do as in Brisbane central, but its only 30 minutes up the freeway (provided you have a car) and you're in the city. 30 minutes the other way, and you're at the beach! Cool

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

Thanks to everyone who has provided responses to this thread so far.

But actually, I've recently been leaning towards living in Cairns and studying at JCU. The main purpose is because of the immigration point system, where I'd be eligible for an additional 5 points for living in a "regional" area. Because of my age, I think I'll need the extra points in order to reach the required 120points in order to obtain PR status.

I have a feeling that there would be more opporunities in and around Brisbane, simply because of the population difference between the two areas, but under the circumstances it looks like northern qld. would be more appropriate for us.

I'd love to hear any thoughts about JCU and their teacher education programs.

Also, any idea what the TEFL industry is like in Cairns?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Moot, what is making you consider immigrating to Oz? Can't say I haven't had the same thoughts.

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

Hey Gordon. It has better weather than Canada, for one! I'm also thinking about it from a number of angles; livability, education for my kids, access to Asia, its ethnic diversity, etc.

By the way, folks, I just received my letter of acceptance from Griffith today. Thanks for all your input.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Woo hoo! Congrats to you Mr or Mrs Point!

Do a search here for NEAS, in the past I've posted some links to accrediting bodies that have lists of TEFL schools in Oz.

Good luck, and say hi to BrisVegas for me!
Lozwich.

grwit · Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 329 Location: Dagobah

Be wary of picking logan for your home!!!

It is cheaper than brisbane but there are reasons for that. If you do deside to move there try to find a place on the west side of the pacific highway. The east side can get pretty rough.

Unless you enjoy having junkies alcoholics and biker gang members as your neighbors.

Of course not every one in logan is like this but the general area has a bad rep for attracting Australias lower class citizens.

Sorry to all those decent folks living there that might read this post but I'm sure you know what I mean.

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

Thanks grwit for the heads up on Logan. Are you familiar with the Gravatt area? Would you recommend one suburb over another which would be suitable for a young family?

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Moot point,

Mt Gravatt and surrounds are fine. I believe that Grwit was talking about the Beenleigh and Woodridge areas.

There are plenty of young families in Mt Gravatt, and is fairly established as such. You will have no trouble finding schools and so forth either.

Good luck,
Lozwich.

773 · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 213

Has anyone done the Masters in Appl. Linguistics at Griffith? I heard that one or two of the compulsory courses requires students to teach on Saturday mornings! Is this true? Or standard of unis offering the same degree? Thanks!

cjuno · Joined: 23 Aug 2004 Posts: 11 Location: Japan

moot point
i remember a while back you were considering New Zealand. What made you change your mind to Australia?
i am only asking cause i am also thinking of making the move from Japan to NZ or OZ to study for a teaching license.
i'm an american with a MA looking to settle down with my jp wife and hopefully kid(s) in the near future.