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

To register

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.

Orientation for new international graduate research students
If you recently commenced your candidature, come to one of two remaining International Student: Essential Information sessions this year for information that will support your transition to studying at Monash and living in Victoria. If you are unable to attend these sessions, email iss@monash.edu for more information. Register here.

When: Wednesday 9 November, 2.30pm – 4.30pm OR Monday 5 December, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Where: Seminar Room 1167, Level 1, Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk, Clayton campus

Immigration scam targeting International Students
Beware of scammers pretending to be from the Department of Immigration, demanding money and threatening deportation. If you receive such a phone call from an unknown person claiming to be from the Department of Immigration or any government agency telling you that you will be deported unless you pay a fine, hang up the phone and do not engage in conversation. For more information, check out Scamwatch.

Your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Did you know that any medical treatment you received while outside of Australia, whether or not in connection with a course of study, is not covered by your OSHC? If you are travelling to a foreign country  for study or holidays, you should consider purchasing travel insurance.

University end-of-year close down period
Please note that the University will close at 5pm on Wednesday 21 December 2016 for the Christmas/New Year period. The University will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 3 January 2017. 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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Volunteer Opportunity

Student volunteers needed in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore
We are looking for students to assist at our pre-departure information sessions in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore between 13 and 17 January. You will get to meet and greet our new commencing international students and talk to them about studying at Monash and living in Australia. It is expected that all volunteers will already be on location as no travel or accommodation expenses are provided. Numbers are limited so register early to avoid missing out.

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Events

Navigating your way through Motherhood – for new mothers and babies
Bring your baby and meet like minded women to learn about navigating your way through motherhood. This event is hosted by Dr Rimma Medres from the Monash University Health Service and topics include feeding and sleeping issues, childhood immunisation and other helpful resources for new mums. Light snacks will be provided on the day. For more information, contact sina.hodgeson@monash.edu.
When: Thursday 10 November, 12pm- 1pm
Where: University Health Service (Clayton Campus).

Free lunch for MPA students
Free lunch is available at the Caulfield campus. Bookings are required.
When: Tuesday 15 November 1-2pm
Where: Caulfield Green

Festivals and events in November and December:
Melbourne Music Week: Friday 11- Saturday 19 November
Polish Festival: Sunday 13 November
African Music and Cultural Festival: Saturday 10 December
The Big Design Market: Friday 2 – Sunday 4 December
Night Noodle Market: Thursday 10 – Sunday 27 November
Taste of Melbourne Festival 2016: Thursday 10 – 13 November

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

Family Cup Day
Students and their families participated in the annual Family Cup Day event at the Clayton campus. Everyone enjoyed the selection of food and activities on the day which included face painting, the baby animal farm, fun photo booth, raffle prizes and more!

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Finishing up your studies

Staying Connected
On completing your studies, you will automatically be welcomed to the University’s global alumni community of more than 310,000 alumni. Through the alumni networks, you can take advantage of professional development and networks, career advice, employment opportunities, programs, and discounts, and engage in the many social events that are held across the world. If you have questions about the alumni program, contact the Alumni Relations team on 9903 4602 or via email monashalumni@monash.edu.

Packing up and going home
You may find that there are a lot of things that you won’t need or can easily replace once you get home. Try to limit the amount of luggage you take home so you can save on the cost of excess baggage and shipping. Plan ahead, decide what you want to take with you on the plane, and start thinking about the necessary arrangements to ship your belongings home:

• Shipping belongings back home
  Look into some of the baggage, transport or freight companies that are available. Then consider the options such as sending your belongings by surface or by air, through the post office or with a baggage company, and find out the costs involved. (Read more)

• Redirecting your mail
  Don’t forget to update your postal address via WES. Australia Post can also forward your mail to your new address. You can nominate temporary or permanent redirection, and ask Australia Post to notify some organisations of your new address. To pick up a change of address kit or to find out more, visit any Australia Post Office.

Career help after you finish your course
Whether you are returning home or considering your work options in Australia, you are still able to access all services through Career Connect for up to 12 months after your course completion. Come and have a chat with a Careers Education Consultant at Career Connect about all things related to your career. For details about what’s on offer and opening hours, visit the Career Connect website.

Are you Rent Smart?
Do you know what to do to make sure you get your bond back? Search for an answer on Ask.monash, submit an enquiry or simply visit  Monash Connect. Check out other resources for ending a tenancy to find out what else you need to do to end your lease.

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Award Finalist for Victorian International Education Awards 2016

Michael Lim
Award Finalist in 2016 for International Student of the Year – Research
Michael has taught courses in film and multimedia at different universities and co-written a textbook entitled “The Media Kit: A Frame by Frame Guide to Visual Production” used by different colleges and universities in the Philippines. Mike was also an executive director of the Animation Council of the Philippines and board member and corporate secretary of the Philippine Independent Filmmakers Collective. Mike’s expertise has always been focused on the management of the creative/cultural industries. Mike is currently pursuing his joint PhD degree in Film, Media and Communications at Monash University and in Creative Industries at Warwick University.

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