Graduate Research Students March 2017
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
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.