Preparing to Come:

Location

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, the Sunshine State.  "Large enough to be interesting but small enough to be friendly!" --that's Brisbane.  Located on a large river and only an hour's drive from beautiful beaches and subtropical bushland, Brisbane is known for its relaxed lifestyle.  With a population of over one and a half million, Brisbane is more than a great place to live; it's also a place to be equipped to serve the nations.  We are happy to be a part of this great city.

Accommodation

For many of you this may be the first time that you will live in a community.  We do our best to preserve a family atmosphere.  Our lifestyle is simple.  Students share rooms in a dormitory-type set up. Young married couples and single parents will have their own room. Families with more than one child will be allocated rooms or rent houses around the neighborhood.  We will try to provide as much comfort and privacy as possible.

Passports

Australian Citizens, be prepared to have a valid passport as your outreach may require travel into foreign countries.  You can obtain an application for the passport from your local Post Office.  After you have completed the application and delivered it to the right authorities, it may take two to four weeks for your passport to be completed and returned to you.  Please begin this process immediately upon acceptance if you do not have a passport or if your passport will expire within the next year.

Overseas Students, please ensure that your passport does not have an expiry date within the next year.  If you are considering further training with YWAM Australia, then your passport needs to have an even longer "lease of life" -an expiry date not within the next two years.

Visas

Overseas Citizens Only (except New Zealanders), Information concerning the application procedure for obtaining a visa to enter Australia will be mailed to you upon acceptance to a school.  Please do not apply for a visa until you receive appropriate notification from the Registrar here at YWAM Brisabane, as we are providing the legal visa sponsorship during your stay here.  Should you desire to undertake any travel for more than three weeks before the school (i.e. as a tourist) in Australia, you will need to secure a separate Tourist Visa prior to entering Australia.

Mail

Mail can be sent to this address:
(student's name)
c/o Youth With A Mission
671 Samford Rd
Mitchelton, QLD 4053  Australia

Phone

Friends and relatives can reach you by telephone, fax or email.  Phone messages will be taken during lectures unless it is an emergency.

Telephone:
(61) (7) 3355-5111
After Hours:
(61) (7) 3355-1506 or try 3355-2715
Fax:
(61) (7) 3855-5222

A pay phone is also available.  Reverse charge calls can be made from it as well as phone card usage.

Email

There is a lump fee of $25 for email usage. Local internet cafes are also available to assist you.

Laptop computers

There is access to the internet for those of you who own a laptop. However, costs will be charged to you.  Arrangements will be made upon arrival.

Banking

There are several banks located just 10 minutes away.  There are also ATM's (Automatic Teller Machines) that accept visa-cards.  Opening an Australian bank account (for overseas students) is very convenient and easy.