'Fast track' to an Australian degree

'Fast track' to an Australian degree

Indonesia's economic crisis has affected all aspects of life.
The general cut in the purchasing power of Indonesians has forced
people to prioritize their spending, cutting out the
nonessentials in a nationwide time of belt-tightening.

However, no matter how much the economy pinches people's
pockets, quality education remains a priority for families who
want to provide their children all the available advantages and
opportunities. Education, as it always has been, is the key to
opening the doors of the future.

In recognition of this demand, the Melbourne Institute of
Business and Technology (MIBT) is now offering its courses in
Jakarta to provide an affordable option for students who want an
overseas education but do not want to pay overseas prices.

Fully endorsed and run in cooperation with the prestigious
Deakin University in Melbourne, one of Australia's leading
universities, MIBT Indonesia offers students the same high-
quality preuniversity certificate and university level diploma
courses as offered at MIBT in Australia at a fraction of the
cost.

Located on Jl. S. Parman in Slipi, MIBT Indonesia shares
resources with the English Education Center. The quality
facilities offered at MIBT provide students with all the
advantages they would receive in Australia.

Students at MIBT Indonesia have the advantage of small
classes, allowing them the personal attention of the instructors,
so important in ensuring a successful education. MIBT's computer
room provides each student access to their own computer. Students
can surf the Internet and access information on universities in
Australia, England and the United States in the counseling
center, giving them all the information they need to plan their
future. There is also a study room and lounge area on the site,
giving students an opportunity to study and socialize in a truly
academic setting.

MIBT Indonesia also provides students cultural activities,
giving them a taste of life in Australia. This follows MIBT's
approach of preparing students for life, both academic and
social, in Australia. According to MIBT Indonesia program
director Simon Wood, "MIBT Indonesia gives students an important
advantage in preparing for future studies in Australia. Not only
will they become familiar with the academic standards of
Australian universities, they will also get a taste of Australian
life outside of the university."

MIBT Indonesia offers Certificate in Business and Diploma of
Commerce programs. The Certificate in Business is a preuniversity
course for students who have completed their second or third year
of senior high school. The course gives students a thorough
education in business and all its related areas.

Upon completing the Certificate course, students will be able
to join MIBT's Diploma of Commerce program. The diploma program
is a university-level course which gives students a qualification
in Commerce as well as entry to the second year of a Bachelor of
Commerce or Business degree at a number of Australian
universities.

One of the major advantages of MIBT Indonesia is that it is
run on the semester system, with three semesters each calendar
year. MIBT has new student intakes in March, June and October.
This allows students to enter MIBT in June, immediately after
finishing senior high school, putting them on a fast track to
entering the second year of university in Australia ahead of
their peers. Thanks to the scheduling advantages of MIBT, 16
months after completing the second year of senior high school,
students can find themselves eligible to enter the second year of
university.

Clearly, this is a great advantage for students, as well as
providing parents valuable savings.

To demonstrate the savings MIBT Indonesia affords its
students, the Certificate in Business costs students studying in
Australia A$8,000 and the Diploma of Commerce costs $10,000.
Compare this to the cost at MIBT Indonesia, which is $6,000 and
$8,000, respectively.

In addition, by earning a Diploma of Commerce at MIBT and
entering Deakin University in the second year of the degree
program, students will save the $11,000 cost for a year of study
at Deakin.

The course prices are not the only area of savings for MIBT
Indonesia students. By studying in Jakarta rather than in
Australia, students save on travel and living expenses, which can
add up to $20,000 per year.

However, less expensive certainly does not mean lower quality.
Because MIBT is run in cooperation with Deakin University, MIBT
uses the same syllabi and the same books and offers the same
units as in the first year of the Bachelor of Commerce Degree at
Deakin University. The only difference is the price.

Instructors at MIBT Indonesia are native speakers who are
approved by Deakin University. Instructors also must possess a
Masters Degree in the courses they teach, ensuring they are
knowledgeable instructors with a thorough mastery of their
subjects.

Deakin University also sends lecturers to MIBT Indonesia every
semester to ensure the syllabi are being followed and the courses
are being taught according to Deakin standards.

As one final assurance that MIBT Indonesia students receive
the same education as students in Australia, all final
examinations taken at MIBT Indonesia are sent to Australia to be
graded by Deakin lecturers.

In these precarious times, parents will be relieved to know
that MIBT Indonesia students can transfer at any point in the
semester to MIBT in Australia. Because MIBT Indonesia follows the
same syllabi as MIBT in Australia, students who transfer
midsemester can pick up their studies in Australia without losing
time or money.

After receiving a Diploma of Commerce from MIBT Indonesia,
students are guaranteed a place in Deakin University. The diploma
is also transferable to over 22 universities in Australia, and,
although there are no formal agreements, a number of universities
in the United States.

Upon entering the Bachelor of Commerce or Business degree
program at Deakin, students will find a wide range of options
available to them. With over 18 majors to choose from, students
have the opportunity to explore exactly what they want to study.

While MIBT Indonesia is a great option for Indonesian students
who want to study in Australia, MIBT is also a good choice for
Australian expatriates who are planning on returning to Australia
to attend university. By entering MIBT's diploma program in
Jakarta, Australian students can find themselves entering second
year university ahead of their friends in Australia.

The next semester at MIBT Indonesia commences June 28.

For more information on MIBT Indonesia please contact Simon
Wood or Cindy Lillpaly at 5362745 or 5362747, fax 5323178, or e-
mail mibt@eec.co.id.