Welcome and orientation events
A special thank you to everyone who attended our welcome event on Friday March 4th. The event was a great success due to the efforts of our volunteers and everyone who got involved. Fun times were also had on the orientation events as students enjoyed the Moonlight sanctuary and Sorrento beach.

International students with families
Internationals student with families are invited to a social gathering and an informal information event to assist students with partners and/or children in Melbourne. 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. Refreshments will be available. The event will conclude with information specifically for those with children. Speakers will be discussing: child care, schooling, etc.

When: Friday 15 April. 10am-12.45pm.
Where: Holman Hall, 27 Sports Walk, Clayton Campus.
Sign up to attend via the online registration form.

Free international student rides
The City of Melbourne will again fund a series of bike tours for international students. Now in its 5th year, the program has set the course for many international students by providing a warm welcome and knowledge base on how to navigate the streets of their new home – by bike!

The rides will take place on Saturdays from 10am to 12.30pm on the 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th of April 2016.

Get in touch if you have a question or want to organise a group booking through the Squeaky Wheel website

Plagiarism
With assignments due soon, don’t take short cuts by trying to pass off someone else’s ideas and work as your own.

If you are caught, and each year many students are, there is a good chance your work will be disallowed putting you at risk of failing the unit.

Not sure if you’ve plagiarised your work? Find out by speaking with Research and Learning Skills at the library and by visiting the library website.

You can also contact a Student Rights Officer on campus to find out what to do if you are asked to attend a meeting with your lecturer because of plagiarism.

Medical help options
Besides visiting a doctor, there are other medical assistance options available to you.

Home doctor service
You can have a doctor visit your home after hours. Weekdays from 4pm, Saturday from 10am, all day Sunday and public holidays. Visits are bulk billed.
Phone: 13 7425
homedoctor.com.au

Doctor by phone
Alliance Global Assistance (OSHC) now offers a service where you can speak to a doctor over the phone or by video call. It is bulk billed so there is no gap fee. It is available 24/7. Call 1800 854 344

Managing your reading
Feeling bamboozled by all the things you have to read? Learning Skills Adviser Tami Castillo has some suggestions that might help. Read more…

Security and Safety
A video compilation of safety and security tips from Monash is now available online here.

Are you ‘Rent Smart’?
The top 5 problems, do these relate to you?
• Getting your bond back
• Getting repairs done
• Notice to Vacate
• Breaking your lease
• Claiming Compensation

Online Resources:
• Off campus accommodation website for all your tenancy rights and responsibilities
• Rent-Smart for help living off campus

Get answers:
• Search ask.monash
• Visit Monash Connect

Student Futures
Want to get a job in Australia and unsure what employers want? Employers have told us they’re looking for graduates who can articulate and provide examples of their career-ready skills, and how these skills can be applied in the workplace.

Student Futures is a new online platform that creates a real opportunity for international students to secure and build experiences and develop the kinds of skills potential employers want.

Student Futures allows you to:
• Find opportunities at Monash to develop the skills employers need
• Track and reflect on your progress
• Prepare for job applications and interviews

Stand out from the crowd, login to Student Futures at monash.edu/student-futures and start preparing for your future now!

Work rights consultations
Career Connect offers Monash students work rights consultations by appointment at both Clayton and Caulfield campuses. If you have concerns about your employment conditions, please make an appointment for a private discussion with our employment consultant.

To book an appointment, please log in to Career Gateway and select Work Rights Consultations in the Appointments menu. You can also read more about your work rights on the Career Connect website.

‘We are all Champions’
By Karekhaa Nair

Embracing university life can be a quite a challenge. It’s like an obstacle course; some experiences can be easy, whereas others can get you entangled. The Monash Mental Health Champions project was developed to help you feel like a champion at university.

So who are we exactly?
We are a diverse group of students just like you working together in creating a safe space for students to deal with challenges in the most creative and fun environment possible.

We are the bridge between the resources we are creating and the programs readily available at Monash University. So, keep a lookout on some of the amazing events that is about to happen this year!

P.S. If you’re feeling stressed out or even in need of a relaxing meditation, click here to find out some of the great services available at Monash University.

Study Melbourne Student Centre
Located in the city near Southern Cross Station, international students are welcomed to use the Study Melbourne Student Centre for access to a range of free support, information and welfare services. International student groups are welcome to hold meetings and events at the centre. More information is available at the centre’s website.

Community leadership program seeking applications
The Opening Doors Program is currently seeking community members from the City of Monash who are passionate about their local area, and would like to make a difference in the lives of people who may be socially isolated.

The 2016 Program will run for 6 months with a graduation ceremony to be held in December. Over the course of the program, you will meet and work with a passionate group of like-minded people, learn about your own talents as a community member and leader, and develop the skills to make a real and lasting difference in your local community.

The program is provided free and is open to people of all ages, cultures, backgrounds and abilities.

Places in the 2016 Program are limited, so if you would like to apply, find out more, or know someone who may be interested, please don’t hesitate to contact Program Coordinator, Alex Mills on 8822 8327 or at amills@linkhc.org.au.

Insider Guide
Check out the Insider Guides blog on Melbourne for more useful hints on Melbourne food, transport, music, sport and other cultural events.

Intel Technology Malaysia on campus
Intel Technology Malaysia will be at Caulfield campus on April 29. Representatives are keen to talk to students about the organisation’s graduate and internship opportunities in Malaysia. Attend this session to discover how they might be a perfect fit for you.

To book in or for further information, please log in to Career Gateway.

Culture Carnival
Courtesy of MTSA, we continue our success by presenting a unique and memorable event that is not commonly found in Australia, which also reflects the inherently cultural aspect of the student union. Apart from socializing and entertainment, we aim to provide a getaway for students from the stressful study environment. This event is open to all, and designed to attract not only members from student union but to anyone looking for a break on campus by creating a fun atmosphere. This will be an event that cannot be missed.

MPA Events in April
Mountain bike adventure
Channel your inner thrill-seeker with a day spent in the beautiful You Yang ranges exploring mountain trails with an experienced guide. All equipment supplied. Sunday 10 April.

Weekend at Wilsons Prom
Spend the weekend at the southern-most tip of mainland Australia hiking along glorious beaches and coastal bushland. 23 & 24 April.

Plan ahead – Central Australia trip.
Travel to the red centre of Australia and see Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Travelling during the mid-semester break of semester 2, this trip must be booked by 30 June.

Details on the trips available on the Monash Postgraduate Association website.

Friday night activities at Globe Café
Globe Café put on welcome events for international students every Friday night.
Get involved in games, trips away, dances, multicultural nights, karaoke, films, getting to know Melbourne and more.
– Make friends with Australian families and other international students.
– Improve your English conversation.
– Share a meal every Friday night.
– Try multicultural cuisine.
– Learn about Australia!

Find out more on the Globe Café website.

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