Studying in Sydney, Australia—an Overview for International Students Australia has been a popular choice for thousands of international students over many years. Australia's universities and colleges have become increasingly recognized overseas for their exceptionally high standard. In addition, Australia is conveniently close to South-East Asia (Jakarta, the capital of Australia's closest Asian neighbor, Indonesia, is only 5,506 kilometers from Sydney). Revised entry procedures for overseas students have made it possible for an increasing number to study in Australia. Sydney, the largest Australian city, is the principal port of call for international airlines with services operating to Australia. Named after an ex-Governor of New South Wales, Sydney is the state's capital, city. Located in the south-east of Australia in the temperate zone (温带), it enjoys a mild climate, averaging 14.5 hours of sunshine per day in summer and 10.25 hours in winter. It is also the largest, oldest, and perhaps most beautifully situated city in Australia. First established by the British as a convict settlement in 1788, it is a modem cosmopolitan (世界性的) city that has developed into one of the nation's major industrial, business, and manufacturing centers. Sydney is home to nearly 4.4 million people (as of 1997). The suburbs reach out from the city center and harbor some 55 km to the north, 35 km to the west and 30 km to the south, creating a metropolitan (大城市) area of about 3,000 square kilometers. The 57 square kilometer harbor is one of the largest in the world, and famous for the unmistakable 134 meter high arch of the Harbor Bridge and the graceful sails of the Opera House. It is a busy waterway with ferries, freighters, hydrofoils (水翼船) and pleasure craft. Not far from the city center are the attractive old residential suburbs of Balmain, Glebe, and Paddington, where many people live in smart terraced houses, art galleries, pubs, and restaurants abound in(充满)the cozy streets that tend to be quite narrow, whereas the suburbs surrounding the city's colleges and universities consist mainly of family homes and multiunit blocks, an ideal situation for students looking for a home-stay, or to rent. Sydney's newer suburbs now have a large multicultural population, and local shopping centers reflect the influences of many cultures. Sydney is home to the State Art Gallery of New South Wales, the state Conservatorium of Music, the Australian Opera, the Sydney Dance Company, and the Australian Ballet. The world-class Sydney Symphony Orchestra offers superb classical music all year round. Local theatre is innovative and well supported, and large-scale overseas productions tour regularly. As well as scores of cinemas and theatres throughout the city and suburbs, there are numerous clubs which appeal to people of all ages, and cater for (迎合) all tastes. Pubs are the venue (集合地点) for smaller modern bands, while the big-name popular music artists, both local and international, attract capacity audiences at the huge Entertainment Center in the heart of the city. Dining out In Sydney, a vast array of ethnic and local restaurants can be found to suit all palates (口味) and pockets. In summer, caf6 patrons (顾客) often sit outside at tables under umbrellas, and enjoy the passing parade of shoppers. Students who prefer to cook at home can choose from several large weekend markets, where fresh fruit, fish, and vegetables may he bought more cheaply than at the local supermarket. Sydney also has its own Chinatown. Shopper's delight In the heart of the city are several big department stores linked by enclosed over-the-street crossings and underground walkways. Most noticeable are the towering Centrepoint Complex and the Queen Victoria Building, both containing many shopping arcades (拱廊), coffee shops and restaurants. Out