Dear students,

In this edition of the International Newsletter, we’ve created a new section for students with partners or families. You can check it out here.

Campus life

Are you a new international research student?
Orientation workshops are run each month that cover tips on accommodation, student support networks, work rights, adjusting to Australian culture and learning how to use your overseas student health cover. Check out dates and sign up.

Rate your favourite retailers to win free food!
The new Monash Food and Retail website is here to help you find cheap eats and good food that suits you. Use the website to rate any retail shop on any campus, and go into a draw to win a $50 voucher at any store of your choice. Five winners will be chosen every season.

Living in Melbourne

Free work rights legal service
International students who have been treated unfairly, dismissed or exploited at work can meet with a work rights lawyer for free legal advice. The Study Melbourne Student Centre has extended operating hours for legal advice on Wednesdays and Thursdays so there is no wait list.
Where: Study Melbourne Student Centre, 599 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Are you thinking of breaking your lease?
If you need to break your lease before the end of the contract date you should:

• Check your contract
• Give your landlord notice in writing within the proper period
• Know that if it you are on a fixed term contract, then you may have to pay the remainder of your lease unless you can find someone to replace you
• Check out this page for more help and go to this page to view your tenancy rights and responsibilities

If you need further assistance,  submit your questions to Ask.Monash or visit Monash Connect at your campus.

Staying safe on campus

Scams
Monash University has been made aware of a scam targeting international students who are being asked about mistaken identities and to supply personal information. Our advice is to not respond to any questions and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Monash Security on 9902 7777.

Monash security buses
Security buses help students get around after dark. They run every 30 minutes from 5:30pm – 12:00am from Monday to Friday on our Clayton and Caulfield campuses. Clayton campus students can download the Clayton security bus route and use the live Clayton campus tracker to see exactly where the bus is when it’s running. Caulfield campus students can download their security bus route and check out the live Caulfield campus tracker.

Study Safe survey
Crime Stoppers Victoria has developed an international student safety survey. Fill it out here to help them develop a campaign to improve international student safety in Victoria. All answers are anonymous and confidential.

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Opportunities

Explore your career options as an international student
Attend an on-campus Career Conversation session for international students. Whether you’re hoping to stay in Australia or return home, a career coach will help you prepare for your career.
• Sessions available at Clayton and Caulfield campuses now.
• Login to Career Gateway to register.

In this interactive session, an experienced coach will give you the rundown on:
• employability skills valued by industry
• graduate recruitment
• your graduate career options as an international student.
You’ll also have a chance to think about next steps to progress your career.

Volunteers needed in Malaysia and Singapore
We are seeking volunteers for the Monash pre-departure briefings in Singapore (Friday June 22) and Malaysia (Sunday June 24). You will be required to meet and greet new students and their parents, assist at the registration desk, share your Monash journey and answer questions. Selected volunteers will receive a certificate of appreciation. If you will be in Singapore or Malaysia this June and you are keen to help out, register your interest here.

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What’s On

 See one of the greatest musicals on earth
Don’t miss out on a great discount to see The Wizard of Oz at the famous Regent Theatre in Melbourne! Tickets are $70 for Monash postgraduates and $99 for others. Find out more.
When: Wednesday May 23
Where: Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne

Network with other Parkville students
Are you a postgraduate student at Monash’s Parkville campus? Come along to the MPA’s free networking lunch where you’ll have the opportunity to get to know other international students at Parkville and share your knowledge. Register here.
When: Wednesday May 23, 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Where: Meeting Room 4.04 – 5.05, Parkville campus

Things to do in Melbourne this month

• See amazing performers sing and dance at the Changwon K-Pop World Festival.
• Watch the city burst into life with an Asian food fair, cultural performances and a dragon boat sprint race at Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival.
• Discover, taste, share and enjoy delicious treats and drinks at the Good Food & Wine Show.
• Experience the sensational spirit of jazz at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
• Explore creative and colourful market stalls with an assortment of arts and crafts at The District Makers Market.
• Do you like boardgames? Make new friends and win prizes through the Games Laboratory
• Visit comedy at spleen bar to enjoy a funny comedy night.
• Celebrate IDAHOBIT Day
• Find a Free Community Workout session near you
• Check out the Melbourne Food Innovation Hub and change the way you think about food and sustainability

Dear students,

In this edition of the Student Newsletter we share some useful safety tips, as well as fun events happening around campus.

Top ten tips for international students applying for permanent residency
Are you interested in applying for permanent residency? Watch this presentation about immigration options presented by Acacia Immigration Australia.

Staying Smart Online
It’s important to understand the simple ways you can protect your personal and financial information online. You can check these videos on how to avoid online shopping scams and protect your yourself online.

International student work rights
International students have the same workplace rights as all workers in Australia. If you are having issues at work, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) can offer you free help. Visit the Fair Work Australia website or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or 13 14 50 for Translating and Interpreting Services to discuss a workplace issue anonymously and seek help without fear of your visa being cancelled.

Get fit for free with the MPA!
Come along to free Hatha yoga classes, badminton sessions and soccer kick-arounds, all held weekly at Clayton and Caulfield campuses. All levels welcome. Find out more here.

Crocs Centre Play Date
Are you a postgraduate with children? Do you want to meet other students who have children? Join us for a play date at an indoor play centre and meet other families to building connections and life long friendships!
When: Saturday April 28, 10:00am
Where: Crocs Play Centre Carnegie Central Shopping Centre, Koornang Road, Carnegie

Postgrad Parent Club
Meet other Mums and Dads while your kids play, all while enjoying a free coffee! Contact Rhian Adlam to register.
When: Clayton – every second Thursday, 2:00pm at Saporo Cafe New Horizons
Caulfield – every second Thursday, 10:00am at Monsu Cafe

Seminar Survival Series
Ever wondered how to do your tax? Need some strategies to de-stress? In these free weekly sessions the MSA Welfare Department will explore a wide range of issues students face and suggest ways to fix them. For more information, visit the MSA website.
When: Every Thursday, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Where: Room H4, Menzies Building, Clayton campus

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 23 April  12:00 to 1.30pm: To register

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

University Mental Health Day
Australia’s University Mental Health and Wellbeing Day is coming up! This year’s theme is Community. Stay tuned, because Monash will be holding a number of events and activities to raise awareness and help students overcome mental health difficulties.
When: Tuesday May 1

On-campus counselling services
Counselling can help you deal with problems coping with university life, stress and anxiety or depression, loneliness, drug and alcohol abuse and addictions, negative feelings or suicidal thoughts and relationship or family issues. Our counsellors will work with you to help you find the cause of the problem and solutions or ways to cope. You can make an appointment at any of our Caulfield, Clayton, Parkville or Peninsula campuses here.

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Opportunities

Three Minute Thesis
One thesis. Three minutes. Can you do it? Promote your research and develop your communication skills by competing in the Three Minute Thesis 2018. The winner walks away with $5,000 and a return trip to represent Monash University at the Asia-Pacific Three Minute Thesis final 2018 in Queensland. Learn more and register here.

Shut Up and Write
Come and join weekly Shut Up and Write sessions for those who are writing articles, theses or book chapters. These sessions are made up of 25 minute writing sprints with breaks in between. Learn more about this and other seminars and programs here.
When: Every Tuesday, 10:00am – 11:00am
Where: Tute Room 5, Level 5, Alfred Centre, Melbourne

Win Melbourne International Comedy Festival Tickets
Win a double pass (2 tickets) to either Comedy Zone Asia (Tuesday 17 April) or Indian All-Star Comedy Showcase (Friday 20 April) at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Enter here and find out more about the comedy festival online.

Attend the Melbourne International Student Conference
This conference is hosted by the City of Melbourne and Meld Community and provides an invaluable opportunity for students to develop themselves personally and professionally. Topics include establishing purpose, being a change maker, leading change and making a positive impact on the international student experience. Registration.

Monash Hackathon
Do you see injustices in this world and want to be a catalyst for change? Do you see ways that university life can be better and want your chance to change it at Monash and the broader community? Join the Monash HackaMon and work with a team to develop ideas and solutions to problems – whether for a new startup or for innovations that solve societal or environmental problems. There is a $10 deposit to get involved but you will be reimbursed on arrival and your food and drink will be included for the hack event. There is also a mixer on Friday 13 April at 4.30pm at Clayton.
When: Saturday 14 April – Sunday 15 April
Where: Monash College, Level 7, 271 Collins Street, CBD

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What’s On

See pristine beaches and penguins at Philip Island
Witness the famous penguin parade on a day trip to Philip Island run by the MPA! Learn more and register here.
When: Saturday April 14, 11:00am – 11:00pm

Ride with TeamMONASH at the 2018 MS Melbourne Cycle
Team up with us to see the sights of Melbourne while raising funds to fight multiple sclerosis (MS). The MS Melbourne Cycle is fun, free and suitable for cyclists of all skill levels, from newbies to cycling hotshots. There’s also a free TeamMONASH jersey up for grabs for first time participants. Click here to sign up.
When: Sunday April 15

Join the MPA for a visit to Wilsons Promontory
See amazing wildlife and a rugged coastline in an overnight trip to the beautiful Wilsons Promontory. Learn more and sign up here.
When: Saturday April 21 – Sunday April 22

Take a break from your thesis at HDR Social Evenings
Come along to monthly HDR Social Evenings at Clayton campus to meet other research postgraduates, make new friends and share stories! You’ll even receive a free drink courtesy of the MPA. Research postgrads from all faculties are welcome. Find out more here.

Postgraduate Social Jam
Join weekly Postgraduate Social Jams at Caulfield campus for free food, new friends, fun games and the opportunity to have your voice heard by the MPA’s Caulfield rep! Find more information and register here.

Team up with Monash for the 2018 Wings for Life World Run
Get fit, support spinal cord research and have fun along the way by joining Monash for the 2018 Wings for Life World Run. Get involved here.
When: Sunday May 6

Things to do in Melbourne this month

• Go crazy for cacti at the Cactus Carnival at Melbourne Central.
• Enjoy Japanese drums, Japanese dance, tea ceremony experiences, workshops and craft markets at the Japaneasy 10th Birthday Celebration.
• Tom’s Block in the Royal Botanic Gardens will be transformed into a traditional Russian village at the Melbourne Russian Festival.
• Try traditional Malaysian cuisine, games and performances at Malaysia Day Festival at the Queen Victoria Market.
• Taste of Malaysia for home cooked Malaysian foods at the Multicultural Hub
• Check out top comedy acts from around the world at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
• Honour heroes from Australia and New Zealand at Anzac Day services at the Shrine of Remembrance.
• See events like the Common Woof Games at the Dog Lovers Show at Royal Exhibition Building.