Besides AISC also offers a number of added benefits. Not only is it convenient and easy to use, it is also cheaper than reverse charge or calls from hotels and payphones. The card can be used from any touch phone or mobile phone by students and their families and friends from all over Australia and countries where IDP offices are located (20 countries).

AISC also does not incur any call charges unlike many other telephone cards and fraud and theft are limited to the balance on the card. Not only does it make budgeting for phone calls easier to monitor butavoids the hassles of carrying cash for telephone calls. The student can also use the card in shared accommodation situations, eliminating the need to workout who made which international call when the itemised bill arrives.

Highlights Streat, ``We expect to see a 650 per cent increase of international students this year with Australia emerging as a cheaper option of education.'' With the number of visas being issued multiplying from 500 in 1994 to 3,968 in 1997, 1998 should see even more Indians arriving on the Australian shores with the AISC in tow.