Dear students,

Welcome back to Monash. Here’s some information to help you settle in and make cultural adjustments, and to connect you to other students and the local community.

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) or contact Monash Connect at your campus. You must also include emergency contact details.

Allianz app – download today
Features include: function to submit claims quickly and easily through the app, access your e-membership card, translate medical terms, and access your policy details. Read the step-by-step guide on downloading and registering the app, or speak to an OSHC representative on campus.

Public transport concession card – iUSEpass
International undergraduate students are entitled to 50% discount on the price of an annual transport pass – the iUSEpass. This pass allows unlimited travel for 365 days from date of first use. For information on eligibility and to apply, visit the transport consessions website or visit Monash Connect on campus.

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. The next program intake is April 17, 2017. For more information, visit the Water Wise website.

Conversational English – Peer Support

Peer Support drop-in sessions help you with your English grammar. You bring two paragraphs of your assignment and you can get advice about how to improve you grammar. Each one-on-one session is 20 minutes. Trained facilitators correct up to 300 words of your writing, give you advice and resources to improve your English grammar for academic writing. In addition, you will also get information and referrals for further learning.

Peer Support face-to-face runs on set times in our libraries on different campuses. Visit us and make your writing even better. More information

Globe Cafe
Friendship, Support, Fun for international Students. Meet international students and Australian familes by being involved with games, BBQ’s, Karaoke nights, trips away, multicultural nights, film nights, dances and get to know Melbourne.

7th April: Hangman’s night tour at Old Melbourne Goal
21st April: Pizza and movie night
This program is presented by the St John’s Anglican Parish. For more information on activities visit the Globe Cafe website.

Pregnancy – information f0r international students and/or partners
Dr Rimma Medres will discuss how to prepare for pregnancy, services available to assist with transition into parenthood and explain the medical system in Australia in particular when having a baby or considering pregnancy. Allianz Global Assistance staff will provide information about pregnancy costs and your Overseas Health Insurance Cover (OSHC). Light refreshments will be available.

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

Working in Australia – for partners of international students
Learn how to plan your career, understand the Australian work culture and improve your employability to help you find work in Australia. Light refreshments will be available.

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

A message from the MUISS – Clayton Monash University International Student Society President
” Hi everyone. My name is Jason and I will be your MUISS President for 2017.  
This year as well, we in the MUISS executive team hope to not only be able to help YOU academically, but also socially as we all immerse ourselves into our new home here at Monash University. Stay tuned for our events, both academic and social, which are designed to help you make the most out of your experience here. We hope that with our help, you will be able to enjoy a fulfilling year, learn a lot of new things, and make a lot of new connections.”

MUISS Facebook page

Monash Security
Our new security video offers some tips and advice. Watch the new security video answer some survey questions for the chance to win a notebook/tablet.

Salaam Monash booklet
Salaam Monash is a handbook to assist Muslim students with settling and adjusting to life in Australia. It comes in different languages and are available online the Monash website.

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.

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)
If you are travelling to a foreign country during the semester break, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. If you access any medical treatment outside of Australia, expenses will not be covered by your OSHC.

Keep your contact details up to date
If you are moving house or change your contact number, make sure you update these details on WES as it is a condition of your visa.

International student work rights
Thinking of working over the summer? Search for a job on Career Gateway or  drop into Career Connect at your campus to have your job application reviewed. If you are going home to work, check out Goinglobal for job opportunities.  If you’re planning on working in Australia, make sure you know your rights as an employee. Check out these useful tips by Fairwork Australia and Study Melbourne.

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 and 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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Opportunities

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 14 and 20 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.

International Student Engagement
We are calling for volunteers to assist new students during enrolment and orientation in semester 1, 2017 at the Clayton, Parkville and Peninsula Campus. If you are studying at these campuses and are interested in volunteering for this event, register now.

Leadership Excellence with John Bertrand AO Program
Are you interested in joining a leadership program that gives you an opportunity to develop skills for creating social change in the community? This is a unique opportunity to partner with some of Australia’s finest leaders and high achieving members of the Monash Alumni. Check out the program and submit your application by 5pm, Friday 25 November.

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Upcoming Events

Sun, Swim and Splash at the beach
Grab your friends and come enjoy a day of fun and games at the beach! Learn how become safer in and around the water with the team from Life Saving Victoria. Return transportation will be provided from Caulfield and Clayton campuses or you can also make your own way there as the beach is very close to Edithvale train station. Buses will depart Caulfield and Clayton campus at 9.15am and return to campus by 4pm.
When: Tuesday 13 December, 10-2.30pm (Register)
Where: Edithvale Life Saving Club, Edithvale Beach, Nepean Highway
Cost: $25 (including morning tea, lunch, transport from Clayton and Caulfield campus and beach activities)

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.

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Insider Tips for International Students

How to get a Job as a Tutor
If you have a passion for learning and helping others, tutoring can be a great option for a part time job. Register as a tutor on Career Gateway and find out how you can become a tutor.

How to have a perfect day at the beach
If you’re planning to go swimming at the beach these holidays, make sure you check out these swimming safety tips!

20 Melbourne Cheap Eats
Save some money this summer and check out some of these cheap eats for under $10!

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Award Finalist for Victorian International Education Awards 2016

Zheng Jie Lim
Student Award Finalists for International Student of the Year – Regional
Zheng Jie is currently in the third year his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) and has a keen interest in learning about the healthcare and lifestyle of rural Australian communities. Currently he is placed at the Latrobe Regional Hospital and is involved in a number of research studies in Australia. Zheng Jie is a active committee member of the Australian Medical Student’s Association (AMSA) rural health team and volunteers as a first aider for St John Ambulance Victoria (La Trobe Division). He was nominated as the 2016 international student ambassador coordinator for the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and has a keen interest in supporting fellow international students.