Dear students,

Here’s some information to help you settle in and make cultural adjustments, and to connect you to other students and the local community.

International students with partners and/or children
Internationals student with families are invited to a social networking and an informal information event. You will have the chance to meet other international students with families. Speakers will be discussing health, overseas health insurance, English language support, community services, accommodation, and social opportunities. Children are welcome.

A light lunch with halal options will be available .

If you do not want to attend the information session, but would like to further your social connections, welcome other families to the Monash University community and share ‘getting settled’ experiences with like-minded people over snacks and refreshments, you are welcome to join us at 1pm.

When: Friday 24th March. 11am-1.45pm.
Where: Greenview Room (Monash Sport), 43 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton Campus.

Register online today.

Are you looking to improve your skills in English?
The Let’s Chat program focuses on conversational English and is free. We have module 1 and module 2 classes for PhD students students. There is also a special class for the partners of PhD students. We cover topics like culture shock, how to meet people, how to ask for things, how to apologise or complain as well as phone conversations, voicing your opinions and festivals or holidays.

Peer Support is a program that helps you with your grammar. There is no need to book, you just drop in to one of our many sessions with some of your work for a one-on-one appointment with a trained facilitator. You can come once a week and every session is 20 minutes.

We run classes on all campuses and we would love to see you. Register for our Let’s Chat classes  through our website.

To register for the PhD partners module please email: english.connect@monash.edu

Support for postgraduate students

Monash Postgraduate Association (MPA) is the representative body for all postgraduate students. It provides free services to support the needs of postgraduate students including advocacy, representation and seminars. Visit the MPA website and subscribe to their weekly news.

In the near future MPA is organising social events that include swimming with the dolphins near Queenscliff, Puffing Billy train trip and a 5 day tour to Kangaroo island and the Grampians.

 

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) membership
You can now access your e-membership card through the “My OSHC Assistant App”.

Before using the app, you need to register and access your OSHC Policy by going to the website and log in. You can also get help from Allianz staff located in Monash Connect at the Caulfield and Clayton campus – Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Rang Barase – Festival of Colours
Join this free event which will bring together a community of various cultures, religions and national backgrounds. Enjoy the live performances, delicious food, camel rides and the traditional sprinkling of coloured
powder.

Register your interest in the event today.

When: Sunday 19 March, 11am-6pm
Where: Monash Sport, Clayton Campus

Orientation for new international graduate research students
If you recently commenced your candidature, come to an International Student: Essential Information session to help with your transition to study at Monash University and living in Melbourne.

Clayton: Tuesday 14th March 2.30 to 4.30
Tuesday 11th April 2.30 to 4.30
Caulfield: Wednesday 12th April 2.30 to 4.30

To register

Water Wise
Water Wise is an “Introduction to Swimming” program aimed at increasing water safety awareness and swimming ability of Monash students. This program is fun, free and is held at the Doug Ellis Swimming Pool on Clayton campus. Hundreds of international students join this program each term. The next program starts 19th April, 2017. For more information

School Holiday Program
With school holidays rapidly approaching, parents are reminded that Camp Australia is running the University’s School Holiday Program. There are lots of fun games and body moving activities to keep kids running, hopping, skipping and dodging their way through the day.

For further information and to register, check out the program on the Camp Australia website.

Where: Monash Sport, Clayton Campus
When: Starts Monday 3 April – Thursday 13th April

Change of address
As part of your student visa conditions, you MUST update your address if you have recently moved to a new accommodation. Please do so via the Web Enrolment System (WES). You must also include emergency contact details.

Daylight Saving Ends
Victoria’s period of daylight saving will end on Sunday 2 April. Remember to turn your clocks backward one hour on that day at 3am to 2am.

International Student Engagement
If you have any feedback about the newsletter or suggestions of items to be included, please email iss@monash.edu.

Dear students,

Welcome to your first monthly newsletter for international students. Here’s some information to help you settle in and make cultural adjustments, and to connect you to other students and the local community.

Change of address
As part of your student visa conditions, you MUST update your address if you have recently moved to a new accommodation. Please do so via the Web Enrolment System (WES) or contact Monash Connect at your campus. You must also include emergency contact details.

Public transport concession card – iUSEpass
International undergraduate students are entitled to 50% discount on the price of an annual transport pass – the iUSEpass. This pass allows unlimited travel for 365 days from date of first use. For information on eligibility and to apply, visit the transport consessions website or visit Monash Connect on campus.

Sun, swim and splash
Enjoy a day of fun and games at the beach, while making new friends. Learn how to stay safer in and around the water with the Life Saving Victoria team and try a range of body boards and flotation devices.  For more information, visit the Sun, swim and splash website.

When: Saturday 4 March, 10am – 2pm
Cost: $30 includes beach activities, lunch, transport from Clayton or Caulfield campuses and entry into the sand sculpture exhibit on the Frankston Waterfront
Where: Edithvale Beach

Water Wise
Water Wise is an “Introduction to Swimming” program aimed at increasing water safety awareness and swimming ability of Monash students. This program is fun, free and is held at the Doug Ellis Swimming Pool on Clayton campus. For more information, visit the Water Wise website.

Renting in Victoria
Renting in the private rental market can sometimes be challenging. There are so many things to prepare, places to inspect, and contracts to read and understand! Here is a couple of important things to remember:

• Make sure you have all your landlord’s details (name, email address, contact address, phone number)
• Communicate with your real estate agent/landlord in writing
• Make sure you get receipts for everything you pay for

Visit the Rent-Smart website for more help with rights and responsibilities and living off-campus or go to ask.monash to search for answers or submit an enquiry.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) membership
You can now access your e-membership card through the “My OSHC Assistant App”. There is no need to wait for a card to arrive in the mail. Use the app to update personal details including passport and nationality. Read the step-by-step guide on downloading and registering the app, or speak to an OSHC representative on campus.

International Students with families
Monash welcomes international students with partners and children.  You are invited to an informal information event to assist families through the  adjustment to a new environment. Topics include overseas health insurance, English language support, community services, child care, accommodation and social opportunities. Children are welcome to come along and refreshments will be available. Register you attendance now.

When: Friday 24th March, 11am – 1.45pm
Where: Greenview room, Monash Sport, 42 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton campus

Monash Security
Our security video offers some tips and advice for all Monash students. Watch the security video answer some survey questions for the chance to win a notebook/tablet.

Salaam Monash booklet
Salaam Monash is a handbook to assist Muslim students with settling and adjusting to life in Australia. It comes in different languages and are available online the Monash website.

Conversational English Programs
Do you want to make friends with local students or meet students from around the world and practice your Englsih? Join “Let’s Chat”. It is a free, fun way to talk, ask questions, meet fellow students, make friends and share experience. No credit points, no assessment, no lectures, no books, just programs delivered by specially trained students. Places are limited and registration is required. Available at all campuses. More information

Lets Talk Australia
Come and joing MPA and Engilsh Connect for a fun, interactive, event focusing on conversation. Learn about body language in different cultures, common forms of address for lecturers and other university stafrf as well as make lots of new friends. There will be games, prizes and a free lunch!

Bookings are required before entry. Link can be found in the MPA booking system or the MPA website ‘Social events’ section.

When: Thursday 9 March, 12pm – 2pm
Where: Overseas Student Lounge, Building S, Caulfield

AFIS Info Day 2017
The AFIS (Australian Federation of International Students) Info Day provides essential information for international students through seminars, workshops and social activities. There is a free lunch so register via AFIS website or the Facebook event page!

When: Saturday 18 March, 11am – 5pm
Where: City Convention Centre, Level 12, Victoria University, 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne

Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome 2017
Join this special event that celebrates students’ contributions to the cultural life and diversity of Melbourne. Get involved in interactive activities, roving entertainers, performances, workshops and information stalls. Follow the City of Melbourne Facebook page for details.

When: Friday 24 March, 5 – 10pm
Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain Gardens, 21 Linlithgow Ave, Melbourne

MUISS – Monash University International  Student Society
Here is a message from our 2017 President:
“Hi everyone. My name is Jason and I will be your MUISS President for 2017. Last year, I was involved in the Program for Leadership And Careers Engagement (PLACE) and so developing students professionally to prepare them for the corporate world is one of my passion. This year as well, we in the MUISS executive team hope to not only be able to help YOU academically, but also socially as we all immerse ourselves into our new home here at Monash University. Stay tuned for our events, both academic and social, which are designed to help you make the most out of your experience here. We hope that with our help, you will be able to enjoy a fulfilling year, learn a lot of new things, and make a lot of new connections.”

Globe Cafe

Friendship, Support, Fun for International Students. Meet international students and Australian familes by being involved with games, BBQ’s, Karaoke nights, trips away, multicultural nights, film nights, dances and get to know Melbourne. This program is presented by the St John’s Anglican Parish. For more information on activities visit the Globe Cafe website.

Live at Warrawee – Soul Explosion
Get into the groove with family and friends, fantastic live music and delicious food at this live and local gig. As the sun goes down watch Warrawee Park come alive with animal light installations. With a range of food trucks available this event is not to be missed. For more information visit the Monash Council’s events website.

When: Saturday 18 March, 4pm – 9pm
Where: Warrawee Park, Crn Drummond St and Atherton Road, Oakleigh, Melbourne (two minutes from Oakleigh station)

 

Rang Barase – Festival of Colours
A collaboration between Monash University and the Monash Council, this free event will bring together a community of various cultures, religions and national backgrounds. With live performances, delicious food, camel rides and the traditional sprinkling of coloured powder. Register your interest in the event today.

When: Sunday 19 March, 11am – 6pm
Where: Monash Sport, Monash University Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Melbourne