Graduate Research Students March 2018
Dear students,
Here’s some information to help you settle in and make cultural adjustments, and to connect you with other students and the local community.
Orientation for new international graduate research students
If you recently commenced your candidature, come to an International Student Orientation session to help with your transition to study at Monash University and living in Melbourne.
The next session is at Clayton: Monday 23rd April 12.00pm to 1.30pm
Monash Essentials is a compulsory moodle unit for new international students to make your transition to Monash as smooth as possible. We will introduce you to services available and how to access them when you need.
The unit should take about 30 minutes in total to complete, and you can start and stop as you need. Monash Essentials
International students with partners and/or children
Students with families are invited to a social networking and information event. Speakers will be discussing health, overseas health insurance, English language support, community services, accommodation, and social opportunities. Children are welcome and a light BBQ snack will be available on the Lemon Scented Lawn afterwards.
If you do not want to attend the information session, but would like to further your social connections and share your ‘getting settled’ experiences with people, you are welcome to join us at 5pm for the BBQ only at the Lemon Scented Lawn.
When: Thursday 22 March 4pm-6pm.
Where: Seminar Room 2 (Campbell Hall), 21 Sports Walk, 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 research students. There is also a special class for the partners of research students. Topics include 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 into one of our many sessions with some of your work for a one-on-one appointment with a trained facilitator. You can get help once a week and every session is 20 minutes.
We run classes on all campuses. Register for our Let’s Chat classes through our website.
Workplace Talk
This 3 session program focuses on the communication skills you need to thrive in the professional workplace.
Session 1: Language to use in interviews
Session 2: Communicating with your colleagues
Session 3: Networking
Learn strategies for communicating at your best in interviews, talking to colleagues and your boss as well as how to network effectively and with success! Register online.
Support for postgraduate students
Monash Postgraduate Association (MPA) is the representative body for all postgraduate students. Check out their website for all the social events coming up including a trip to Kangaroo Island and Grampians or the Escape room challenge. Visit the MPA website and subscribe to their weekly news and follow them on facebook.
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.
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 Tuesday 3 April – Friday 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.
The heat is on at SummerFest
SummerFest is a celebration of campus life across all Monash campuses! Enjoy the spread of over 30+ SummerFest activities and download the program details online.
When: 6 March to 10 April
Highlights include:
- MAX – Monash Arcade Expo – 16 March (Clayton)
- BBQ Bash – 22 March (Clayton)
- Cinema series – 9, 14, 20, 27, 28 March and 10 April
Join the Monash Global Walk/Run on your campus!
Get your walking shoes on and take part in this event that aims to raise awareness of preventing violence against women and the White Ribbon Foundation. There are heaps of prizes to be won and you can either choose to walk or run this event. Everyone who finishes the walk/run will enjoy a delicious healthy lunch at the finish line. Register online at your campus.
When: Thursday 22 March, 12.15 -1.30pm
Cultural Diversity Week and March Festivals
In March we celebrate Cultural Diversity week (17 -25 March). This is Victoria’s largest multicultural celebration that features an exciting program of festivals and events across Melbourne. This year, the theme is “Proud to belong” Find out more about these cultural events near you or check out some of Melbourne’s other events in March below:
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix – 22-25 March
Community Cultural Fair – 18 March
One Beat One Love – 25 March
Indian Festival at Queen Victoria Market – 24 -25 March
Victoria’s Multicultural Festival – 24 March
Melbourne International Coffee Expo – 24 March
Melbourne International Comedy Festival – 28 March – 22 April
International Student Engagement
If you have any feedback about the newsletter or suggestions of items to be included, please email iss@monash.edu.