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Important information – June 2017

Friday, June 2nd, 2017

Are you in your final semester?
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.

Calling for Volunteers to help New International Students arriving in Semester 2!
Help new students starting in Semester 2, 2017 at enrolment and orientation at the Clayton and Caulfield Campus. If you are interested in volunteering, register your interest now.

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.

Exam study ideas
Want to ensure your study is effective? Learning Skills Adviser Roland Clements has a few ideas to help you decide whether to study with friends or not, and what to do the night before the exam. Read more

Exam cheating!
If you are caught with study notes or a mobile phone in your pocket during exams, you may be accused of cheating and face the following penalties:
• 0% for assessment or unit
• Suspension or exclusion from Monash University

Make sure you follow the exam rules. If you get sick or are affected by a serious situation that prevents you from sitting your exam, consider applying for special consideration. Remember, once you have started an exam, you are no longer eligible to apply for special consideration and you cannot cancel your exam once you have started it but do not complete it. If you are unsure of what to do, contact Student Rights.

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.

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.

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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.

CISA Conference
 “Students At The Heart of Best Practices” -This CISA conference is a great opportunity for government bodies, stakeholders and students gather together and listen to each other, sharing inspirational and interesting opinions and goals.  July 3 to 6, 2017 in Canberra.

Outcome Hub launched
The Outcome-Hub is a co-working space aimed at building a community of international students and graduates and giving them the means to network with local businesses or start their own businesses in Victoria.

 

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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.
When: 20 June – 25 June, 5pm – midnight
Where: The best view is from Buluk Park 894 -910 Collins Street Docklands

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

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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 HouseholdsGot a question? Search ask.monash for an answer or visit Monash Connect.

Monash Counselling
Exams can be a stressful time. If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope please contact our counselling service for a chat.

To make an appointment drop in to the Health Services between 8:30am – 5pm or call 9905 3020. Counselling is also available on the phone after hours, call 1300 STUDENT (1300 788 336) or by email via Counselling Help Online.

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

Important Notices – May 2017

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017

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.

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.

Volunteers needed
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. 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.

Are you a Final Semester Student?
The end of the semester will be here before you know it.  Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to plan ahead because there are many things to think about and important decisions to make.  You might be considering further study options in Australia.  You might wish to explore employment opportunities in Australia and apply for a post study working visa.  Perhaps you are preparing to pack your belongings, move out of your accommodation and prepare yourself emotionally to farewell some of your friends.

Whether you decide to return home overseas or stay in Australia, there is a lot of useful information  to assist you with your preparation.  You can also download a handy checklist to assist you with your plans.

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Opportunities

Vice-Chancellor’s Ancora Imparo Leadership Program
First-year students, unlock your leadership potential through the Vice-Chancellor’s Ancora Imparo Leadership Program. Work with passionate and committed peers, hear from inspiring leaders from various backgrounds and learn to exercise your leadership skills. Applications are now open for the program beginning in 2018.

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.

Become an employment advocate for International Student Work Rights
The Council of International Students Australia (CISA) and United Voice are working together to make sure international students are aware of the employment laws in Australia and are not exploited at work. The project is called Lead – Employment Advocates. You’ll be trained to be a strong advocate for other students on campus. Find out more and apply by emailing employmentadvocate-vic@cisa.edu.au or contact Jane Farrell on 0423 697 187.

Job hunting
Start your job hunt on Career Gateway. Browse through hundreds of casual and full time jobs currently advertised. You can receive feedback from us on your resume and cover letter before you apply.

Interview Practice
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.

 

 

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What’s On

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

Other events in May:
Van Gogh and the Seasons – available until 9 July
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
Brazil vs Argentina International Football – Friday 9th June

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

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Tips for International Students

Do you know your rental rights?
If you need to break your lease before the end of the contract period, make sure you check your contract and  give proper notice in writing beforehand. If it is a fixed term contract, you will be liable for paying the remainder of the lease until you find someone else to replace you. For more information, check the Tenants Union of Victoria website.

Counselling Services
Monash offers a range of counselling services that are free and confidential. No issue is too big or too small.
– Make an appointment to see a counsellor from 9-5 weekdays. Drop-in or call 9905 3020
– Access counselling help online
– After hours phone counselling, call  1300 STUDENT (1300 788 336)