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

———————————————————————————————————

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.

———————————————————————————————————

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.

———————————————————————————————————

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!

———————————————————————————————————

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.

Final Semester Students

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.

———————————————————————————————————

Volunteering

Volunteer opportunity with City of Melbourne Seniors Christmas Celebration
Social participation is one of the keys to leading a happy life. Help older residents and seniors get up, start dancing, take photos and have a good time at this annual City of Melbourne Seniors Christmas celebration. Many of the guests come from diverse backgrounds – China, Vietnam, Italy – so your diversity and language skills will be highly valuable. All volunteers must have a current Working with Children Check and Police Check and attend a compulsary induction. For more information, email Jacinta.Moylan@Melbourne.vic.gov.au with your name, email, mobile number and languages spoken.

Volunteer Induction: Wednesday 16 November, 5.30 – 6.30pm
Where: Council House 1, 200 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

Seniors Christmas Celebration: Tuesday 13 December, 1.30 – 4pm
Where: Melbourne Town Hall, Main Hall.

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