Graduate Research Students – August 2017
International Student: Essential Information – orientation workshop for research students
Whether you have studied in Melbourne before or just arrived, find out about the services and programs available to international research students to help you adjust to life on campus and become part of the local community. Workshops are run each month and cover accommodation and living in Melbourne, student support networks, visa regulations, work rights, adjusting to Australian culture and learning how to use your overseas student health cover. The next workshop is on Thursday 17th August. Registration .
International Students with Families
Come to an networking information event to assist international students with families. Meet like-minded people, make social connections and gather information on services and programs to help you settle into Melbourne and children. Partners and children are welcome. Refreshments will be available. Register online.
Local community and Monash service representatives will be available to answer any questions you might have on a range of topics including; child care, accommodation, English language support, healthcare and more.
When: Friday 11 August 3.30 to 6pm
Where: Where: English Connect Seminar Room, G106 (Campus Centre)
Following this event, families are invited to the ‘Winter Carnival‘, a family focused event being offered as part of the Monash Winterfest Program. This is a free event on the Clayton campus with food trucks, roving entertainment, rides, a kids’ zone… and a fireworks display to light up the night! Fireworks begin around 7.30pm.
Finding work – Help for partners of international students
If you would like to be informed about an upcoming workshop in late August, please email iss@monash with your partner’s contact details and we will send them the details of the workshop at Clayton shortly.
Need help doing your taxes?
If you have earned money in Australia, it is highly likely that you will to lodge a tax return before 31 October. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has listed a few circumstances where you may not need to lodge one but most international students look forward to lodging it because it often means they get money back. The first $18,200 of your yearly income isn’t taxed – so if you are earning less than this per year, you can claim the tax free threshold to reduce the amount of tax that is withheld from your pay during the year. The easiest way to complete your tax return is through myTax online but if you still need help, make a free appointment with a Student volunteer who has been trained by the Australian Tax Office at the Caulfield or Clayton campus. Bookings are essential.
International student rights at work
Make sure you understand your rights at work and where to go for help. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find out what you can expect to be paid, holidays and time off entitlement and what to expect when your job ends. You can also get some legal advice about your work rights at the Study Melbourne Student Centre if you are experiencing problems at work. A lawyer is available every Thursday but you will need to make an appointment by emailing info@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au or free call 1800 056 449. For more information, check the Job Watch website or connect on the International Students Work Rights Legal service facebook page.
New Increase to the National Minimum wage
The Fair Work Commission has announced a increase in the minimum wage. From the 1 July, the minimum wage is now $18.29 per hour or $22.86 per hour for casual workers. There have also been changes made to penalty rates in the hospitality, pharmacy, fast food, retail and restaurant industry. Find out more about these changes on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
———————————————————————————————————
Opportunities
Free tickets to an Aussie Rules football game at the MCG
The Melbourne Football Club is hosting a Student Match Day Experience involving activities and the chance to watch the Melbourne Football Club AFL team play at Australia’s biggest sporting stadium (MCG).
When: Sunday August 13th – 9.30am check in for a 10am start
Where: Gosch’s Paddock – Corner of Punt Rd and Olympic Blvd. Public transport information.
Activity: Hands on session – 10am to 11am After that we will walk together to the MCG at approx. 11.30am to watch the game – Melbourne v’s St Kilda.
Game starts: 1.10pm
Registration link
Changing Minds
Counselling and Mental Health Programs have created an online program specifically for students called Changing Minds. This program provides strategies for self care, awareness of mental health issues and information on the support services available within Monash and the wider community. It takes about 1 hour to complete and can be done at any time. All participants will receive a certificate upon completion. Enrol now on Moodle.
Not sure about English grammar? Not confident with public speaking?
You are not alone – English Connect is here to share tips and support you!
English Connect offers a range of free peer to peer programs developing academic and conversational English, grammar and public speaking. To find what programs are the best for you, visit the English Connect website and check out how to register.
Applications for Victorian International Education Awards 2017
Applications are now open for the prestigious Victorian International Education Awards to recognise International students for outstanding contribution to the community in the state of Victoria. Winners will receive a $10,000 scholarship to contribute to their study at their educational institution. Shortlisted students will receive a money can’t buy professional development opportunity focusing on personal development and leadership. For information about eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Study Melbourne website. Applications close Wednesday 23 August.
Chance to win a Monash Hoodie
We want to assess the level of demand for packaged trips and tours offered to students at Monash. It will take about 2 minutes to complete, and your responses will remain anonymous and help Monash provide a better experience for students. Take the survey here for your chance to win this hoodie..
Scholarships and Opportunity at The University of Hong Kong
Are you interested in doing postgraduate studies in Hong Kong? Come hear about scholarship and fellowship opportunities for postgraduate study at the University of Hong Kong. Register online to secure your place. For more information about this opportunity, contact Gloria.Macinante@monash.edu.
When: Friday 18 August, 11am – 12pm
Where: Graduate Education Seminar Room 2, Clayton Campus, Monash University
———————————————————————————————————
What’s On
MPA trips and event
Register for some of these MPA trips and events in August including the, Mt Buller Ski trip, the Mornington Peninsula, indoor rock climbing and the Grampians. Book now before places run out!
Winter Glow Festival – 28 June -15 August
Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria – 7 June – 30 August
Melbourne International Film Festival – 3 – 20 August
Basement Comedy Saturdays – 1 July – 23 December
Winter Pop-Up Bar – 1 June – 1 September
Craft Cubed Festival – 1 – 31 August
———————————————————————————————————
Tips for International Students
Did you know you have access to the National Home Doctor Service?
If it’s late and you are not well, call 13 SICK (13 7425). The doctor will come and visit you out at your home. This service is available Monday – Friday (4pm – 8am), Saturdays from 10am onwards and all hours on Sunday and public holidays.
Doctors on Demand – FREE tele health service
This phone service is available for all Allianz Global Assistance OSHC members. You can use it to see a qualified doctor without leaving home, get private medical advice, referral to a specialist or obtain a repeat prescription to get medicine. Access a Doctor on Demand by video or phone at any time of the day.
Visit: www.doctorsondemand.com.au
– Click “Redeem a Benefit”
– Enter your Allianz Global Assistance OSHC membership number
– Book a consult or request a repeat prescription
For more information visit the Allianz Global Assistance website.
International Student Engagement
If you have any feedback about the newsletter or suggestions of items to be included, please email iss@monash.edu.