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.

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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

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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

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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.

Finishing your research soon?
Whether you decide to go home overseas or stay in Australia, there are a lot of things you need to consider. Make sure you read the information and tips for finishing students.

What social media do you use?
We are seeking to improve the experiences of international students at Monash.  To help us design programs and resources for new students, we need to know what social media platforms you use. Complete the 2 minute survey.

Monash Security Escort and Bus Services 
It’s that time of year – late night study time. If you are on campus late at night don’t forget we have a security safety escort service available 24/7 – just call 9902-7777. There is also the free security bus service available for Clayton and Caulfield campuses between 5.30pm and midnight, Monday to Friday. This bus leaves every 30 minutes and bus stops are located on the Clayton and Caulfield Campus.

New Monash Cheap Eats Guide
Check out the  “Cheap Eats at Monash” guide to find inexpensive food options on campus. The guide includes meal options between $1-$6 with the healthiest choices highlighted with a green tick.

How can I Improve my Presentation Skills?
Some people just love performing in front of a group! But for some students, delivering an oral presentation can be anxiety-provoking. Remember why you need to do this, as your lecturers and tutors are not trying to make you feel stressed out. It’s all about helping you prepare for life outside the university and in the workforce. Check out these tips from the library on how to improve your presentations.

Job search and Interview tips
Browse through hundreds of casual and full time jobs advertised on Career Gateway. Practice your interview skills online with InterviewStream, before you go to your job interview. Stand out from the crowd with Student Futures where you can learn about employability skills, hear from Monash Alumni, rate your skills and keep track of all your experiences and development while you study at Monash.

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Opportunities

Need help doing your taxes?
All volunteers are trained by the Australian Tax Office. Make a free appointment at the Caulfield or Clayton campus. Bookings are essential.

When: 1 July – 31 October

Wanted: Student Videographers and Photographers
MELD magazine are recruiting students who want to use their skills for a magazine website dedicated to International students in Melbourne. This is a great opportunity to further develop your portfolio of experience. For more information email careers@meldmagazine.com.au

Chance to win a $20 gift card
Complete a 10 minute survey for your chance to win one of three Coles $20 gift cards. The survey will be used to help MELD Magazine better engage with the international student community.

School Holidays Playgroup – Information and Planning workshop
An information session is being held to discuss the possibility of a play group for school aged children (aged 5-12 yrs) during the school holidays. It is proposed that the program will function with the voluntary engagement of parents. Email binh.ta@monash.edu or neeti.khanal@monash.edu for more information and if you would like to participate in the event and playgroup.

When: 16 June, 11-1pm
Where: Caulfield MPA Lounge, Room C2.12

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What’s On

Refugee Week – “With Courage Let us all Combine”
Hear the inspirational and courageous stories of three young people.

When: Wednesday June 14, 4pm–6pm
Where: ClaytonCommunityCentreTheatre
9-15 CookeStreet, Clayton
To register:  95183555 or amarah@monash.vic.gov.a

Neon Night Garden
Check out this FREE interactive garden of lights, colour and photogenic delights at QV Melbourne and its lane ways.
When: Now until 16 June
Where: QV Melbourne, Cnr Swanston and Lonsdale Street, QV Square, Level 2

Winter Solstice Light Show
Melbourne’s newest icon 888 Collins Street will come to life in a spectacular festive light display. Each show runs for 10 minutes each on the hour starting at 5pm. The best view is from Buluk Park 894 -910 Collins Street Docklands
When: 20 June – 25 June, 5pm – midnight
Where:

Have you been to the Winter Night Market?
This year’s Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market is themed around fire and lights.
When: 07/06/2017 to 30/08/2017 from 5pm – 10pm
Where: Queen Victoria Market, 65-159 VICTORIA Street, Melbourne

Rainbow International Student Network
This event is for queer/LGBTQ students that are new to the Melbourne queer scene or would like to know more about LGBTQ friendly services (eg.medical centres, counselling/support places) and social venues. Information from the Victorian Aids Council (VAC) will cover the LGBTQ social scene and past and current international students will also be sharing about their own knowledge and experience of exploring the Melbourne LGBTQ scene. This is a great opportunity to find out answers to questions that you may have been curious about or always wanted to know but don’t know who to ask. Food will be provided.

When: Friday 23 June, 5.30pm – 7pm
Where: Study Melbourne Student Centre, 599 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Melbourne International Jazz festival – 2 – 11 June 2017
Melbourne International Animation Festival – 18-26 June
A taste of Portugal – Sunday 11 June, 10am-4pm
Emerging Writers Festival – 14-23 June
Quick Bites Comedy – until 25 September
MPA Yarra Valley Winery Tour – Saturday 24 June
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Tips for International Students

Are you Rent Smart?
What are the simple survival rules when you are renting on your own? Visit Starting a Tenancy or go to Shared Households. Got a question? Search ask.monash for an answer or visit Monash Connect.

New Respectful and Responsible Moodle unit
Learn to foster healthy and mutually respectful relationships, encourage safe bystander intervention and promote changes in attitudes to create a safer, more inclusive community. Learn about
– your rights and responsibilities
– the importance of healthy relationships
– alcohol and other drugs
– what constitutes problem behaviour and misconduct
– how to be an active bystander
Both the Consent video and the Respectful and Responsible Module are listed on every students Moodle account.

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