Changes to 457 temporary skilled work visa
Recently, the Australian government announced changes to its temporary skilled work visa program. Study Melbourne has some tips to help you to understand how this may impact you on a student visa.

Volunteers needed in Malaysia and Singapore 
We are seeking volunteers for the Monash Pre-departure briefings in Singapore (15/6/2017) and Malaysia (17/6/2017 . You would be required to be meet and greet new students and their parents, assist at the registration desk, share your Monash journey and answer any questions from students and parents. This is a great opportunity to help support new students coming to Monash. Selected volunteers will receive a certificate of appreciation. If you will be in Singapore or Malaysia at this time and you are keen to help out, please register your interest. This is a volunteering opportunity and expenses will not be covered.

International student work rights
If you’re  working in Australia, make sure you know your rights as an employee. Check out these useful tips by Fairwork Australia and Study Melbourne.

Quick two minute survey – chance to win a Monash t-shirt
Provide us with an idea of how to improve the experience of new international students. Enter survey here.

CISA Conference
CISA or the Council for International Students Australia is the leading peak body for international students in Australia. Their conference this year has the theme of “Students at the Heart of Best Practices”. It is a great opportunity to meet students from all around Australia, and share your experiences of studying in Australia, be inspired and see some of the Australian Capital Territory. More details.

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What’s On

FREE Employment Readiness Program
Are you interested in finding work in Australia? Employment Readiness Training is a 4 week workshop for students and their partners that will cover practical tips on resume writing, applying for jobs, interview skills and how to set career goals and achieve them. All participants will receive valuable resources upon completion on a USB including a resume template. Book your place by emailing simon.harrex@monash.vic.gov.au or calling 9518 3046 for more information.

When: Wednesdays, 6-8pm on May 17, 24, 31 & June 7
Where: MYFS Room, Clayton Community Centre, Cooke Street Clayton
Cost: FREE

Practise your interview skills at a practice interview session with a small group of other students or practise online with InterviewStream, before you head off for that job interview.

Free International Student Rides
Explore Melbourne city by bike – for free! Learn new skills, meet new people and explore Melbourne – all on a bike! Join the Squeaky Wheel team on one of these free student rides on Melbourne Blue Bikes in May. Register to book your spot.

Free AFL Event – Welcoming Carnival
Welcome to Australia is hosting a Welcoming Carnival in conjunction with Western Bulldogs Community Foundation. Come and see what football is all about! There will be free food, henna and face painting and  reptile displays. To book your free ticket, email fa.vpna@gmail.com with your name, institution that you are studying. For more information about this event please email elizabeth@welcometoaustralia.org.au.

When: Saturday 20 May, 1-4pm
Where: 417 Barkly Street, Footscray, Victoria University Whitten Oval

Don’t miss out on these MPA trips and events:
Mountain Bike Tour around the You Yangs – Sunday 14 May
Free Lunch at Caulfield Campus – Tuesday 16 May – registration is required
Overnight Trip to the Grampians – Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 May
HDR Grant writing workshop (Caulfield Campus) – Thursday 25 May

Events in May:
Van Gogh and the Seasons – available until 9 July 2017
Celebrate IDAHOBIT at Monash – Monday 15 May – Thursday 18 May
My Fair Lady – available until 9 July
Big Vegan Market –  Saturday 13 May
Kensington Market  – Sunday 21 May
Winter Night Market – every Wednesday, 5pm – 10pm until 30 August 2017
Brazil vs Argentina International Football – Friday 9th June

Want more? Check out That’s Melbourne website for more information.

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

Scam targeting international Students
Beware of scammers when applying for jobs that guarantee ways fast ways to make money. For more information, check out Scamwatch.

Finishing your research soon?
You might be considering further studies or employment in Australia or perhaps you are preparing to pack your belongings and farewell some of your friends. Either way, there is a lot of useful information online to assist you with your preparation.

Seminar for students returning home
Register to attend an information session at Clayton where you can learn about graduating, organising your finances, re-directing your mail and readjusting to life back home. Students from all campuses are welcome.

When:Thursday 20 April, 3-4pm
Where: S2 Theatre, Building 25, 16 Rainforest Walk Clayton Campus

Volunteers needed in Malaysia and Singapore in mid June
We are seeking expression of interest from students who would like to volunteer at the Monash Pre-departure briefing in mid June this year. You will be helping to meet and greet new students and their parents, assist with the registration desk,  share your Monash journey from a student perspective, and answer any questions from students and parents.

If you will be in Singapore or Malaysia at this time and you are keen to help out, register your interest. Please note, this is a volunteering opportunity and expenses will not be covered.

International student work rights
If you’re  working in Australia, make sure you know your rights as an employee. Check out these useful tips by Fairwork Australia and Study Melbourne.

Record my Hours App
Record your work hours and other information about your job with Fair Work Australia’s new app. Share this with your employer to ensure you get the correct pay for all the hours you’ve worked. This app is free with lots of functionalities including sending reminders about upcoming shifts, recording payslips and is available in 12 different languages.

English Connect
Want to further improve your English? Visit English Connect – we offer support with academic and conversational English, grammar and public speaking.

There are Let’s Chat groups just for research students. We  have a Lets Chat group for the partners of international students too.

University holiday and close down period
Please note that the University will close at 5pm on Thursday 13 April 2016 for the Easter period and will reopen on at 9am on Wednesday 19 April 2017. The university will also be closed for Anzac Day on Tuesday 25 April. During this time, you may contact the following services if required:

Monash Security
After hours counselling service – 1300 350 359
The Study Melbourne Student Centre

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What’s On

Working in Australia for partners of Monash University students
Is your partner interested in picking up job search tips to find work in Australia? Register for this FREE workshop and discover some practical tips on what Australian employers want, the Australian workplace culture, how to boost your employability and apply for work in Australia.

When: Thursday 13 April, 10am – 1pm
Where: The Seminar Room, Campus Community Division, Level 1, Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk, Clayton Campus

Pregnancy Information Session – for International Students and their partners
Find out how to prepare for pregnancy and the services available that assist with transition into parenthood. Learn how the medical system works in Australia when having a baby or considering pregnancy. Places are limited so register now. More information, email iss@monash.edu

When: Thursday 27 April, 11am-12.30pm
Where: The Seminar Room, Campus Community Division, Level 1, Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk, Clayton Campus

Don’t miss out on these MPA trips and events:
5 day tour of the Grampians, Adelaide & Kangaroo Island – Wednesday 19 – Sunday 23  April
Free Lunch at Clayton Campus – Wednesday 26 April  – registration  is required
Free Lunch at Caulfield Campus – Thursday 27 April – registration is required
2 day trip to Wilsons Prom – Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 April
Short Seminar for research postgrads- ‘The Unwritten Rules of  a PhD‘ – Thursday 20 April

Festivals and events in April:
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival –  Friday 31 March – Sunday 9 April
Melbourne International Comedy Festival –  Wednesday 29 March – Sunday 23 April
AFIS – Day Trip to Great Ocean Road – Sunday 16 April – $40
AFIS – Dance Fit – Wednesday 19 April
The Melbourne Collective Design Market –  Sunday 23 April
Anzac Day – Tuesday 25 April

Want more? Check out That’s Melbourne website for more information.

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Family Events

Students and their families came to Family Information Day to learn about support services off campus, overseas student health insurance, accommodation, childcare and other social opportunities. If you missed out, we will be running more events throughout the year so keep a look out! You can also join the Friends and Families of MU 2017 facebook group and connect with other students with families at Monash.

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