InternationalStudentHandbook

Section1:

Welcome

Section2:

PreArrival

Section3:

Settlingin

Section4:

StudyingatALTEC

Section5:

SocialandCultural

Appendices

HowtousethisHandbook
Theinformationcontainedwithinthishandbookhasbeencolourcodedforyourconvenienceinorderofpriority.Eachpage
iscolourtaggedaccordingtoitsurgencyorimportance.

ColourCode

Information

IneedtoknowIMMEDIATELY!

Ineedtoknowbythefirstweek!

IneedtoknowBEFORE classesbegin!

IneedtoknowbytheendofWEEK4!

IneedtoknowbytheendofWEEK6!

IneedtogobackandremindmyselfofthisasIgothroughmystudy!

ThisinitiativeissupportedbytheAustralianGovernmentthroughtheDepartmentofEducation,EmploymentandWorkplaceRelations.

Section1:Welcome

1.1Welcome

1.1.1AmessagefromtheCEO

1.2ImportantInformation&EmergencyContacts

1.2.1ALTECsMainContactDetails

1.2.2InternationalStudentCoordinator/Advisor

1.2.3InternationalStudent24HourEmergencyContact

1.2.4ImportantNumbers

1.2.4aEmergencyNumbersinAustralia

1.2.4bDepartmentofImmigrationandCitizenshipDIAC

1.2.5MedicalServices

1.2.6Transport
1.2.6aByBus
1.2.6bByTrain
1.2.6cByTram
1.2.6dTicketOptions
1.2.6eByTaxi

1.2.7PublicFacilities

1.2.7aPublicTelephones

1.2.7bAustraliaPost

1.2.7cExchangingMoney
1.2.7dTravellersCheques
1.2.7eCreditCards
1.2.7fCurrency
1.2.7gTouristRefundScheme

1.3ApplicationStepbyStepProcessModel

1.4ThingsToDo

1.4.1BeforeLeavingHome

1.4.2UponArrivalinAustralia

1.1Welcome

1.1.1AmessagefromtheCEO
ThankyouforconsideringAustralianLearning,TrainingandEducation
Centre(ALTEC)asyoureducationandtrainingdestinationinMelbourne,
Australia.Thisprospectusprovidesusefulinformationaboutstudentlifein
MelbourneandALTECcoursestohelpyoumakeadecisiononyour
qualificationandcareerchoices.

Inthelastdecade,wehavewitnessedarapidandprogressiveadvancement
intechnology,telecommunicationandglobaltrade,creatingamajorshiftin
marketandconsumerbehaviour,businessprocessesandbusinessthinking.
Moreover,changesinbusinessandindustrydynamicsalsorequireanequal
transformationineducationandtraining.Itbecomespertinentthatnew
graduatesandskillworkersareequippedwithappropriateskillsets,
competenciesandknowledgeintheirrespectivefieldstobeabletoface
newchallengesofmodernworkplaces.Withtheseconceptsinmind,ALTEC
hasdevelopedcoursesthatareindustryspecific,competencybasedand
relevanttostudentswhoarelookingtostartanewcareerintheirchosefield.

InAustralia,theVocationalEducationandTraining(VET)sectorisgovernedbytheAustralianQualificationsFramework
(AQF),offeringNationallyRecognisedQualificationsinawiderangeofindustrysectors.Theinstitutionsdeliveringthese
qualificationstoInternationalstudentsoperateunderaqualityassuredregimeofESOS(EssentialServicestoOverseas
Students)andAQTF(AustralianQualityTrainingFramework).Studentsacquiringnationallyrecognisedqualificationscan
obtaincreditsforallthesuccessfullycompletedcompetenciesbetweendifferenteducationalinstitutesandcourses,creating
flexibleeducationandcareerpathways.

ALTECiscommittedtoprovidingapositiveandresourcefullearningenvironmenttoallitsstudentstoenhancetheirlearning
experienceatALTEC.ALTECisfurthercommittedtostudentwelfarewithstudentsastheprimefocusoftheoperations.At
ALTEC,studentshaveaccesstoalllevelsofmanagementtoexpresstheirconcerns,viewsandsuggestions.ALTECbelievesin
continuouslyimprovingitsservicesinbothacademicandadministrativeareasthataddvaluetostudentexperienceatthe
college.

ALTECwouldliketowelcomeyouasanewstudent.

Thankingyou,

Sincerelyyours,

PankajGoel

1.2ImportantInformationandEmergencyContacts

1.2.1 ALTECsMainContactDetails:
Level2,574,St.KildaRoad,Melbourne,VIC3004
Phone:0396428115Fax:0396421335
Email:info@altec.vic.edu.au
Web:http://www.altec.vic.edu.au/

1.2.2 InternationalStudentCoordinator/Advisor
MrsAbhilashaGoel
Mobile:0422797467
Email:abhi@altec.vic.edu.au

1.2.3 InternationalStudent24HourEmergencyContact(CEO)
MrPankajGoel
Mobile0412885251
Email:pankaj@altec.vic.edu.au

1.2.4 ImportantTelephoneNumbers

1.2.4a EmergencyNumbersinAustralia.
Ambulance

000
Police

000
FireBrigade

000
Lifeline

131114
LostPropertyPolice:
(03)96507077
RapeCrisisCentre:

1800424017(freecall)
CentreagainstSexualAssault:
1800806292(freecall)
DomesticViolenceLine:
1800656463(24Hours)
ChildProtection:

132111
CrimeStoppers:

1800333000
Translating&InterpretingService 131450
KidsHelpLine:

1800551800(freecall)

1.2.4b DepartmentofImmigrationandCitizenship(DIAC)
MelbourneCBDOffice
GroundFloor
2CasseldenPlace
Melbourne
VIC3000
Postaladdress
GPOBox241
MelbourneVIC3001

Generalfacsimile:0392353300
Generalenquiries:131881

Counterhours
9amto4pm,MondaytoFriday
Note:Ifyouneedavisalabelinyourpassport,thedepartmentcanonlyofferthisservicefrom9amto11am,MondaytoFridayin
boththeMelbourneandDandenongoffices.

1.2.5 MedicalServices:
MedicalservicesinAustraliaareratedamongstthebestintheworld.VisitorsthatcomefromtheUK,NewZealand,
Malta, Italy, Finland, Sweden and Holland are entitled to free or heavily subsidised medical treatments through
MedicareAustralia.WerecommendthatyouhavehealthinsurancebeforecomingtoAustralia,asmedicalbillscan
bequiteexpensivefortheuninsured.

ALTEChasanagreementwithBupa/HBAoneoftherenownedhealthinsuranceproviders.Howeverstudentsare
not compelled to obtain their OSHC from them. We offer the students the convenience of obtaining the OSHC
through the College. Your health and well being is very important to achieving your education goal in Australia.
HavinganOSHCisamust.


FormoredetailslogintoBupaswebsite:
http://www.overseasstudenthealth.com/?s_cid=12005s002&s_kwcid=TC|15819|bupa||S|b|6349749365

1.2.6 Transport:
Melbournehasaverycomplexyetawellcoordinatedtransportnetwork.Thecityisdividedintotwo
zonesandticketscoverallmethodsoftransporttrain,tramandbuswithasmanychangesasone
wisheswithintheperiodofvalidity.

1.2.6a ByBus
BusesoperatethroughoutVictoriabothinthecountryandinthemetropolitanareas.ANightRiderservice
alsooperatesonbothFridayandSaturdaynightsallowingcommuterstotravelsafelytoandfromthecity.

1.2.6b ByTrain
Melbourne has an extensive train service. All lines radiate from the central city. Apart from the
undergroundcityloop,stationsareaboveground,andarespacedatonetotwokilometreintervals.Unlike
tram services, which are largely confined to the inner suburbs, Melbournes rail network reaches out to
distantsuburbs.

Train services on most lines arrive/depart every 10 or 20 minutes on weekdays, every 20 minutes on
Saturdays,andabout30minutesonSundays.

1.2.6c ByTram
Melbourneisaveryeasycitytogetaround,andwiththestreetsintheCentralBusinessDistrict(CBD)in
theformofagrid,it'seasytonavigateyourselfaround.MelbourneistheonlycityinAustraliawhichstill
hastramsaspartofitspublictransportsystem,andisanefficientwayoftransportwithinthecityaswellas
to the inner suburbs of Melbourne. Most routes provide services towards and away from the CBD,
however, in the inner eastern and southern suburbs; some routes provide convenient travel to a wide
rangeofdestinations.

ThebrownCityCircleTramisafreeservicethattravelsaroundthecityandlinkswithothertramandtrain
routes in and around Melbourne. The tram will take you past shopping malls and arcades, and major
attractionssuchastheOldTreasuryBuilding,ParliamentHouseandthePrincessTheatre.Tocatchthefree
City Circle Tram service, just wait at any of the specially marked stops on the route. They run in both
directionseverytwentyminutes,from10amto3pmonweekdaysand10amto6pmonweekends.

1.2.6d TicketOptions
Faresarebasedontravelbetween"zones".TheMelbournemetropolitannetworkhasbeendivided
into2zonesbasedongeographicalregions.Dependingonwhichzonesyouaretravellingtoandfrom
willdeterminethepriceofyourticket.MelbourneCBDisonZoneone.

TheMetcardticketandMykiCardallowyoutotravelontrains,trams,andbusesinMelbourne,giving
youconvenienceandsavingyoutime.Furthermore,ticketsareavailablefor2hourtravel,dailytravel,
weekly,andyearlytravel,withstudentconcessionsavailableuponpresentationoftheStudentPTC
ConcessionCard.HoweverStudentConcessionisnotavailableforInternationalStudentsandtickets
aresoldonfullpriceforInternationalStudents.PurchasingaConcessionTicketwithoutaConcession
Cardisconsideredfareevasionandisanoffense.Penaltiesincludeheavyfines.

AlltheTimeTableInformationcanbecheckedonlineonmetlink.Thesitehasafeaturecalled
journeyplanner.Usingthisfeatureyoucanentertheaddresswhereyouleavefromandtheaddress
ofyourdestinationandittellsyouhowtogetandwhichconnectingtransporttotake.

Formoredetails:http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/

Metlinkinformationphoneline:131638

1.2.6e ByTaxi
MosttaxisinMelbourneareyellowandhavealargelightontheroof.Therearetaxiranksinvariousspots
throughoutthecityandtaxiscanalsobehailedorbookedbytelephone,butwillincuranextracost.Extra
costs also apply if the taxipasses any toll booths. Prices are quite reasonable and tipping isnt expected.
MosttaxiswillacceptcreditcardsorEFTPOS.


BlackCabsCombined
EmbassyTaxis
ABCTaxis

RSLTaxis

TaxisCombined
YellowCabs

132227
131755
132522
132211
131008
131924

Call 131 638 for information about metropolitan and regional train, tram, bus and coach services and
bookings.ThereisalsoaTTYfacilityforpassengerswithhearingdifficulties.Call(03)96192727

1.2.7 PublicFacilities:

1.2.7a PublicTelephones
PayphonesarelocatedonnearlyeverystreetcornerinMelbourne,sofindingoneshouldnotbedifficult.
Pay phones accept either coins or locally purchased Phone Cards; some accept both. Phone cards have
stored value of various denominations, and can be purchased at newsagents, kiosks, or any place that
displaystheTelstrasign.

Localcallsare$0.50perminute.Forlongdistancecalls,theycanbedialleddirectlyusingtheprefix0011
thenthecountrycodefollowedbytheareacodeandthelocalnumberwithcostsvaryingfromcountryto
country.Areacodesarelistedinthewhitepagesoflocaltelephonedirectories.Therearethreebasiccalling
periods,andchargescorrespondtotheperiodduringwhichyoucall.
DayPeriod(Peak)is8am6pmweekdays
NightPeriod(OffPeak)is6pm8amweekdays
EconomyPeriodis8pm8amweekdays,and8pmFridayto8amMonday.Checkwiththeoperatorformore
informationonlongdistancerates.

Ifyou'remakingacalltoamobilephoneinAustralia,youpaybasedonthetimeyouspendtalking.Soif
youareusingapublictelephonetocallamobilephone,makesureyouhaveenoughcoinsonyouorthat
yourcallingcardhasenoughmoneyinit.

InAustralia,ifyouareusingamobilephone,youdonotpaytoreceivecalls,butonlytomakecalls.

UsefulTips
ThecountrycodeforAustraliais61
ThecitycodeforMelbourneis03
DirectoryInquiries013
InternationalDirectoryInquiries1225
Operator1234
Internationaldiallingcode0011
For dialling into Melbourne from an overseas country: International dialling code + 61 + 3 + Local
Number
FordiallingtoanoverseascountryfromMelbourne:0011+CountryCode+AreaCode+LocalNumber

1.2.7b AustraliaPost
Australia's mail system is run by Australia Post. Australia Post Office branches are scattered around
Melbourne.Theyareopen9amto5pmweekdays.Deliverytodomesticlocationsusuallytakesaboutone
to five days; international mail takes about five to ten days. Express Post is also available (using special
yellowandwhiteenvelopes)andwillguaranteenextdaydeliverytomostareaswithinAustralia.Postage
rates are 55 for domestic letters and please refer to Australia Post website for airmail letters to any
overseascountry.

AustraliaPost131318
Websitewww.auspost.com.au
OpeningHoursMonFri9am5pm

1.2.7c ExchangingMoney
You can exchange foreign currency for Australian currency at banks and Foreign Exchange branches
scattered throughout the Central Business District of Melbourne. Note that Foreign Exchange outlets'
exchangeratesaredifferenttobanks.

TherearenumberofForeignExchangeOutletslocatedinMelbourne
UAEExchangewww.uaeexchange.com/

1.2.7d Traveller'sCheques
Most Travellers cheques are accepted in banks, large hotels, and department stores if you present a
passport or photo ID. Look for signs that indicate "Travellers Cheques Welcome." Note that most small
stores do not accept travellers cheques, so heavy shoppers might want to cash the cheques in for local
currency.

Both local and foreign currency cheques can be cashed in at all major banks and Foreign Exchange
branches. Banks charge lower fees, but Foreign Exchange branches such as Thomas Cook have longer
operatinghours.Inmostcases,apassportorphotoIDisrequired.

AmericanExpress:1300139060
ThomasCook:131771

1.2.7e CreditCards
All major credit cards are accepted throughout Australia. Major credit cards such as American Express,
Bankcard,DinersClub,MastercardandVisacanbeusedatmosthotelsandrestaurants.
MajorcreditcardsarealsoacceptedinATMs(AutomatedTellerMachines)forcashwithdrawalswiththe
useofyourpersonalidentificationnumber.

1.2.7f Currency
Australia'scurrencyoperatesonadecimalsystem,withthedollar(AUD$)asthebasicunitand100cents
()equalling$1.Billscomein$100,$50,$20,$10,and$5denominations,differentiatedbycolour.Coins
aremintedin$2,$1,50,20,10,and5denominations.TheAustralian1centand2centcoinsareno
longerincirculation,sototalsareroundedupordowntothenearest5cents.Forsecurityandlongevity,
Australianbanknotesaremadeofadurableplasticthatmakeitdifficulttoreproduce.

BanksareopenMondaytoThursday9:30amto4pmandonFridaysfrom9:30amto5pm.
AutomatedTellerMachines(ATMs)areavailablethroughoutthecityroundtheclock.

1.2.7g TouristRefundScheme
TheTouristRefundScheme(TRS)enablestravellerstoclaimataxrefundongoodspurchasedinAustralia
onthefollowingconditions:
ApplicableonlytogoodstakenashandluggageondeparturefromAustralia.
Mustbeclaimedwithin30daysofpurchase.
Onlyrefundableongoodscosting$300ormoreboughtfromthesamestore
Musthaveoriginalreceipt.

BothGST(GoodsandServicesTax)andWET(WineEqualisationTax)canbecollectedaslongastheabove
conditionsaremet.TheGSTrefundiscalculatedbydividingthetotalamountofthepurchaseby11.The
WETrefundis14.5percentofthepricepaidforwine.

Refunds can be collected in the departure area immediately after clearing customs. Look for TRS booths
locatedatinternationalairportsorcruiseterminalswhendepartingAustralia.

Thefollowinggoodsareexcludedfromthescheme:
Alcoholsuchasbeerandspirits(travellerscanbuywineandwineproductsundertheTRS)andtobacco
products(thesegoodscanbepurchasedfromdutyfreeshops)
GSTfreegoodsnorefundcanbeclaimedifnoGSTwaspaid
ConsumableswhollyorpartiallyconsumedinAustralia
Goods which are prohibited on aircraft or ships for safety reasons. These include items such as gas
cylinders, fireworks and aerosol sprays (all airlines provide information to travellers on prohibited
items)
Goodswhichfailtomeetairlinecabinsizerestrictions;and
Unaccompaniedgoods.

Forfurtherinformation,contactAustralianCustoms
WithinAustralia:1300363263.
OutsideAustralia:61262756666.ByEmail:information@customs.gov.au

1.3ApplicationStepbyStepProcessModel:

STEP1: Studentenquiryandapplication(Viaagent,exhibition,email,phoneorfax)

STEP2: Internationaladmissionsissuesofferofplace

STEP3: Studentacceptancereturnsignedformsandfees

STEP4: InternationaladmissionsissueselectronicConfirmationofEnrolment(eCoE)
andschedulehealthinsurance(OSHC)

STEP5: StudentfinalisesvisaconditionswithDepartmentofImmigrationandCitizenship

STEP6: Studentmakestraveland/oraccommodationarrangements

STEP7: StudentarrivesinAustralia(informscollegeoftheirarrival)

STEP8: InternationalstudentorientationregistrationandIDCards

STEP9: StudentregistersforOSHCcardandsetsupbankaccount,mobilephone,etc.

STEP10:Facultyorientation

STEP11:Classesbegin!

1.4ThingstoDo:

Applyforpassport.

Arrangestudentvisa....

Makecontactwithinstitution..

Arrangeforimmunisationsandmedicationsfrommydoctor..

Applyforacreditcardand/orarrangesufficientfunds

Confirmoverseasaccesstoyourfundswithyourbank

Maketravelarrangements.

Arrangetravelinsurance .

Adviseinstitutionoftraveldetails....

Arrangeaccommodation

Arrangetransportfromairporttoaccommodation[ifapplicable]

1.4.1BeforeLeavingHome:

Packbagsbeingsuretoincludethefollowing:

Nameandcontactdetailsofaninstitutionrepresentative

Enoughcurrencyfortaxis,buses,phonecallsetc.intheeventofanemergency

Importantdocuments:

THISHANDBOOK!..........................................................................

Passport.

Letterofoffer.

eCoE

Certifiedcopiesofqualifications&certificates

Travelinsurancepolicy

IDcards,driverslicence,birthcertificate(orcopy)

NOTE:Makesureyouleaveanyoriginalsorcopiesofthesedocumentssafelywithfamilyinyourhomecountryincaseofloss.

Callhome

Settleintoaccommodation

Contactinstitution

Purchasehouseholditemsandfood..

Enrolchildreninschool(ifapplicable)..

Attendinternationalstudentorientation...

GetstudentIDcard.

Advisehealthinsurancecompanyofaddress&getcard...

Openabankaccount.

Attendfaculty/coursespecificorientationsessions.

Gettextbooks..

Startclasses..............................................................

Applyfortaxfilenumberifseekingwork...

Getinvolvedinstudentlifeandassociations

1.4.2UponArrivalinAustralia:

(egmusic,sportingandculturalclubs).

Section2:PreArrival

2.1ApplicationStepbyStepProcessModel

2.2IntroductiontoAustralia

2.2.1DestinationMelbourne:LifeandStyle

2.2.2IntroducingAustralianLearning,TrainingandEducationCentre(ALTEC)

2.3ArrangingVisas

2.3.1DIAC

2.3.2DFAT

2.3.3MigrationAgents

2.3.4EducationAgents

2.3.5VisaConditions

2.4ArrangingTravel

2.4.1Documents

2.4.2WhattoBring

2.4.2aSeasonalConsiderations

2.4.2bClothing

2.4.2cOtherItemsYouMightNeedtoInclude

2.4.2dBringingYourComputer

2.4.2eMobilePhones&Laptops

2.4.3OnyourFlight

2.4.4EntryintoAustralia

2.4.4aAustralianImmigration

2.4.4bBaggageClaim

2.4.4cDetectorDogs

2.4.4dAustralianCustoms&Quarantine

2.4.4eArrivalsHall

2.5GettingfromtheAirport

2.5.1Train

2.5.2PublicBuses

2.5.3ShuttleBuses

2.5.4Taxis

2.5.5AirportReceptionService

2.6KeepinginContact

2.7AccessingMoney

2.7.1HowMuchtoBring

2.7.2CurrencyExchange

2.7.3ElectronicTransfer

2.7.4ATMs

2.7.5CreditCards

2.8ArrangingAccommodation

2.9TemporaryAccommodation

2.9.1Hotels,Motels&Backpackers

2.9.2StayingwithFriendsorFamily

2.10BringingMyFamily

2.10.1IssuestoConsider

2.11ChildCare

2.12Schools

2.12.1StateSchools

2.12.2IndependentSchools

2.1ApplicationStepbyStepProcessModel:

STEP1: Studentenquiryandapplication(Viaagent,exhibition,email,phoneorfax)

STEP2: Internationaladmissionsissuesofferofplace

STEP3: Studentacceptancereturnsignedformsandfees

STEP4: InternationaladmissionsissueselectronicConfirmationofEnrolment(eCoE)
andschedulehealthinsurance(OSHC)

STEP5: StudentfinalisesvisaconditionswithDepartmentofImmigrationandCitizenship

STEP6: Studentmakestraveland/oraccommodationarrangements

STEP7: StudentarrivesinAustralia(informscollegeoftheirarrival)

STEP8: InternationalstudentorientationregistrationandIDCards

STEP9: StudentregistersforOSHCcardandsetsupbankaccount,mobilephone,etc.

STEP10:Facultyorientation

STEP11:Classesbegin!

2.2IntroductiontoAustralia

Australiaisastable,culturallydiverseanddemocraticsocietywithaskilledworkforceandastrong,competitiveeconomy.
Withapopulationofmorethan21million,Australiaistheonlynationtogovernanentirecontinent.Itistheearthsbiggest
islandandthesixthlargestcountryintheworldinlandarea.

Australiaisoneoftheworldsoldestlandmassesandhasbeenpopulatedbyhumanbeingsforanestimated60000years.
BeforethearrivalofEuropeansettlers,AboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpeoplesinhabitedmostareasofthecontinent.
Australias contemporary history is relatively short, with the first European settlement established by Great Britain on 26
January1788.

Australiahas10percentoftheworldsbiodiversityandagreatnumberofitsnativeplants,animalsandbirdsexistnowhere
else in the world. Australia is committed to conserving its unique environment and natural heritage and has a range of
protectionproceduresinplace,includingWorldHeritagelistingsandmanynationalparksandwildlifesanctuaries.

Australiahasthe14thbiggestoveralleconomyintheworldandthe9thbiggestindustrialisedeconomy(2007).Australiais
the15thrichestnationinpercapitaterms,andisthe6tholdestcontinuouslyfunctioningdemocracyintheworld.

AustraliaspopulationincludesAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpeoplesandmigrantsfromsome200countries.Inover
60yearsofplannedpostwarmigration,Australiahaswelcomedmorethan6.5millionmigrants,includingmorethan660
000refugees.Duringthistime,thepopulationhastripledfromabout7million.

Migrants have brought with them language skills and other capabilities that are valuable in todays global economy and
workforce.AlthoughEnglishistheofficiallanguageinAustralia,morethan3millionAustraliansspeakalanguageotherthan
Englishathome(2007).Asaresult,AustraliaoffersthefamiliarityofaWesternbusinessculturewithaworkforcecapableof
operatinginmanydifferentbusinessenvironments.

2.2.1 DestinationMelbourne:LifeandStyle

Melbourneisoneofthemostliveablecitiesintheworld.In2009,EconomistIntelligenceUnit'syearlyworldwide
survey ranked Melbourne the highest of any Australian city, and coming third in the poll recognising 140 cities
worldwide.

ThereisalottoloveaboutMelbournejustaskthelocals.Thissophisticatedworldcityinthesoutheastcornerof
mainlandAustraliainspiresadeeppassioninthosewholivehere.
Melbourneisverymuchaboutlifestyle.Itisnohugesurprisetoresidentsthattheircityhasbeenrankedasoneof
theworldsmostliveablecities.

Melburnians love the city's vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, caffilled laneways, cool bars,
unbeatablegalleries,spaciousparksandvillagelikeinnersuburbs,eachwithitsownspecialcharacter.Melbourneis

less than 200 years old and never sits still. Modern, cuttingedge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage
architectureandensuretheskylineisconstantlychanging.

Sometimes,thebestpartofvisitinganewcityiswhenyoudepartfromthetouristtrail.Whilethebigattractions
canbegreatfun,oftenitsthemoresubtleinsiderexperiencesthatleaveyoufeelingreallysatisfied.(Source:City
ofMelbournehttp://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au)

Melbournehasafeelingofopennessandnaturallight.Buildingheightlimitsandheritagecontrolshavekeptthecity
at a human scale while highlighting its diversity and creativity. The city has a strong culture of philanthropy and
volunteering,andMelburniansareknownforbeingfriendlyandinclusive.Itsmulticulturalpopulationcontributesto
thecitysuniqueatmosphere.Melbourneishometopeopleof140differentcultures:IndigenousAustralians,post
warEuropeanmigrants,andrecentarrivalsfromIndia,Somalia,Malaysiaandbeyond.

Usefullinks:

ChooseAustralia(http://www.immi.gov.au/livinginaustralia/chooseaustralia/aboutaustralia)
AboutAustralia(http://www.australia.gov.au/aboutaustralia)
TourismAustralia(http://www.tourism.australia.com)
AboutAustralia(http://www.australia.com/index.aspx)
TourismAustralia(http://www.tourism.australia.com)

2.2.2 IntroducingAustralianLearning,TrainingandEducationCentreALTEC

AustralianLearning,TrainingandEducationCentre(ALTEC)isaqualityassuredRegisteredTrainingOrganisation,
deliveringVETcoursestoInternationalandlocalstudentsundertheAustralianQualificationsFramework(AQF).
ALTECoffersarangeofcreativeandindustryorientedskillcoursesinthefieldsofCommunityWelfare,Printingand
GraphicArtsandBusiness,attractingawidespectrumofstudentsfromdiverseculturalandsocialbackgrounds.

ALTECsmissionofprovidingqualityeducationandtrainingtoallitsstudentsanditscommitmenttocontinuous
improvementplacesitdistinctivelyintheVETsectorwithforwardlookingstrategyandindustryinvolvement.

ALTECisconvenientlylocatedintheheartofMelbournesCBD,closetopublictransport,food,shoppingand
entertainmentvenues,universityprecinctsandotherpublicamenities.Thecampusisequippedwithmodern
trainingandlearningfacilitiesandresourcesincludingPCandAppleMAClabs,latestsoftwarepackages,highspeed
internet,libraryandstudentrecreationareas.ALTECiscommittedtoprovidingapositivelearningenvironmentto
itsstudentsthroughqualifiedandexperiencedtrainers,qualitylearningmaterialsandanexcellentstudentsupport.
AllALTECpackagedcoursesarearticulatedtowardshighereducationpathways.

ALTECsvaluesandqualityprocessesarefurtherenhancedbythepresenceofanHonoraryAcademicBoardthat
comprisesofuniversityprofessors,eminentacademicsandindustryprofessionals.ALTECismanagedbyateamof
highlyqualifiedandexperiencedexecutivesandcoordinatorswithyearsofprofessionalexperienceintheir
respectivefields.

ALTECisconstantlyengagedindevelopingnewandskillorientedlearningprogramsforitsstudentsandforming
allianceswithcorporatepartners,industrybodiesanduniversities.ALTECenvisagesarticulationarrangementswith
prominentuniversities,corporatetrainingandgovernmentfundedtrainingprogramsinthenearfutureaspartofits
strategicinitiatives.

TheALTECDifference
ALTECiscommittedtoprovidingapositivelearningenvironmenttoallitsstudentsthatenhancesandenrichestheir
learningexperienceinAustralia.

AtALTEC,studentcanapproachandcommunicatewithanymemberofthestafffromfrontdesktotop
managementwithoutanydifficulty.SomeoftheotherdistinguishingfeaturesofALTECare;

PCandAppleMACLabs
HighlyQualifiedandExperiencedStaff
CompetitiveCourseFees
PracticalandEffectiveTimetables
LatestSoftwarePackages
QualityLearningMaterials
HighSpeedBroadbandInternet
ExcellentStudentServicesandSupport
PrintingandPhotocopyingFacilities
StudentLoungeandKitchenFacilities
StudentEmails
CityCampus(Closetoeverything)

2.3ArrangingVisas

NOTE:VisainformationregularlychangessoitisimportanttochecktheDIACwebsiteregularly.

MostinternationalstudentswantingtostudyinAustraliarequireastudentvisa.Someothervisaholdersarealso
eligibletostudyasinternationalstudentsinAustralia.Manystudentsapplyforavisathemselvesonlineorviathe
Australian Diplomatic Mission in their country. The visa application process can be complicated and for students
from some countries it may better to submit an application with the assistance of an accredited agent due their
familiarityandexperienceinthefield.YoushouldcheckwiththeeducationproviderinAustraliafortheiraccredited
agentsinyourcountry.

Inordertoapplyforavisayouwillneedavalidpassport,anelectronicConfirmationofEnrolment(eCoE)andany
other documentation required by the Australian diplomatic post with which you lodge your application. For
example,ifyouareunder18youmusthaveacompletedCAAWformtoensureyouraccommodationandwelfareis
approvedbytheeducationprovider.ALTECdoesnotenrolstudentsunder18yearsofage.

You must ensure to allow enough time for processing between lodging your application and the start of your
academicprogram,asitcanbealengthyprocessdependingonyourcountryoforigin.

2.3.1 DepartmentofImmigrationandCitizenship(DIAC)
The Australian Governments Department of Immigration and Citizenship provides comprehensive
informationaboutstudentvisarequirementsandtheapplicationprocess,aswellasapplicationdocument
checkliststoassistyouwithyourapplication.

Visitwww.immi.gov.au/students/index.htmforthelatestinformation.

2.3.2 DepartmentofForeignAffairsandTrade(DFAT)
As well as links from the DIAC website the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website
www.dfat.gov.au/embassies has a comprehensive list of Australian embassies, high commissions,
consulatesandrepresentativeofficesaroundtheworld.

2.3.3 MigrationAgents
AmigrationagentcanassistyouinsubmittingyourvisaapplicationandcommunicatewithDIAConyour
behalf,butpleasenotethatyoudonotneedtouseamigrationagenttolodgeanykindofvisaapplication.
HoweverusingtheservicesofaMigrationAgentisyourdiscretion.Studentsareadvisedtobecarefulin
selectionofaMigrationAgentandtolookforMigrationAgentregistrationnumber.Keepalldetailsofthe
AgentsandMigrationAgentRegistrationNumberwrittendownforyourreference.

2.3.4 EducationAgents
EducationagentspromotevariousAustralianeducationprogramsandinstitutionsinternationallyandarea
good way for students to apply to study in Australia. Agents are experienced in making international
studentapplicationsandapplyingforvisas.MostspeakbothEnglishandthelocallanguagesothismakes
the application process a lot simpler and generally hassle free for students and parents. Most do not
chargefortheirserviceastheycollectacommissionfromtheinstitutionyouchoosetoattend.However,
someagentsdochargesmallamountsorofferadditionalservicesforwhichtheycharge.Youcancheck
withyourAustralianeducationproviderforcontactdetailsofagentstheyrecommend.

PleaseNote:Althoughabletoassistincompletingeducationandvisaapplications,EducationAgentsare
NOTlicensedtoprovidemigrationadvice.

2.3.5 VisaConditions:

Ifyouaregrantedavisa,youmustabidebyitsconditions.Failuretocomplywiththeseconditionscould
resultinthecancellationofyourvisa.Theseconditionsinclude(butarenotlimitedto):

CompletethecoursewithinthedurationspecificintheCoE
Maintainsatisfactoryacademicprogress
MaintainapprovedOverseasStudentHealthCover(OSHC)whileinAustralia
Remain with the principal education provider for 6 calendar months, unless issued a letter of
releasefromtheprovidertoattendanotherinstitution

Notifyyour trainingprovider of yourAustralian addressand any subsequent changes of address

within7days.

Forafulllistofmandatoryanddiscretionarystudentvisaconditionspleasevisit:
www.immi.gov.au/students/visaconditionsstudents

2.4ArrangingTravel

YouwillneedtomakeyourowntravelarrangementstoAustralia.Pleasetrytoarriveatleast12weeksbeforethe
start of International Student Orientation to allow enough time for settlingin, adjusting to the climate and
overcomingjetlag.

YoushouldflyintoTullamarineInternationalAirportwhichistheclosestinternationalairporttoMelbourne.Visit
www.MelbourneAirport.com.au.MelbourneCBDislocated23kmsfromTullamarineInternationalAirport.

2.4.1 Documents
YoushouldprepareafolderofofficialdocumentstobringwithyoutoAustralia,including:

ValidpassportwithStudentVisa
Offerofaplace/admissionletterfromALTEC
ConfirmationofEnrolment(eCoE)issuedbyALTEC
Receiptsofpayments(e.g.tuitionfees,OSHC,bankstatementsetc.)
Insurancepolicies
Originalorcertifiedcopiesofyouracademictranscriptsandqualifications
Otherpersonalidentificationdocuments,e.g.birthcertificate,IDcard,driverslicence
Medicalrecordsand/orprescriptions
CAAWifyouareunder18yearsofage.

Ifyouaretravellingwithyourfamilyyouwillneedtoincludetheirdocumentsaswell.Keepalldocumentsinyour
carryonluggage.Incaseyoulosetheoriginals,makecopiesthatcanbeleftbehindwithfamilyandsenttoyou.

2.4.2 WhattoBring
Students are often surprised by how strict Australian Customs Services and quarantine can be. If you're in doubt
aboutwhetheryourgoodsareprohibitedornot,declareitanywayontheIncomingPassengerCardwhichyouwill
receive on the plane. Students have received on the spot fines for not declaring items. Visit the Australian
QuarantineandInspectionService(AQIS)homepagewww.aqis.gov.au

ReadWhatcan'tItakeintoAustralia?
AndalsoletyourfamilyandfriendsknowWhatcan'tbemailedtoAustralia?

BaggageallowancesflyingintoAustraliawillvaryaccordingtoyourcarrier,flightclassandcountryoforigin.Please
checkwithyourcarrierpriortodeparture.Economypassengersaregenerallypermitted1xcheckedluggage(35kg)
and1xcarryon(7kg)forinternationalflights,butonly20kgofcheckedluggageondomesticflightswithinAustralia.
Thiswillsignificantlylimittheamountofthingsyoucanbring,especiallyifyouwillflywithinAustraliatogettoyour
finaldestination.Therefore,itisessentialtothinkthepackingprocessthroughverycarefully.Youwillbeableto
purchasemostthingsuponarrivalinAustraliabutthepricemaybehigherthaninyourowncountry.

2.4.2a SeasonalConsiderations
Summer in Australia is from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to
August,andspringfromSeptembertoNovember.FormostofthecountrythehottestmonthsareJanuary
andFebruary.YoumayneedSunglassesandSunScreentoprotectyourselfagainst.

IfyouarriveinJuneorJuly,thecoldestmonthsoftheyear,youmayneedtobringorbuywinterclothing
andblankets.Youmayalsoneedtopurchaseaheatingapplianceonceyouarrive.

2.4.2b Clothing
Onmostcampuses,studentsusuallydressinformally.Jeansorslackswithtshirtsorblouses,sneakersor
runningshoesarealmoststandarddress.Shortsareoftenwornduringthesummermonthsandsandals
arethemostcommonfootwear.Itisacceptableforbothmenandwomentowearshortsandsleevelesst
shirts.Thisiscommonduringthehottermonths.


Asportscoatorsuitandtieformenandappropriatedressforwomenisnecessaryforsomefunctionssuch
asformaldinners,agraduationceremony,studentdancesorballs.Forfestiveoccasions,youmaywantto
bringtraditionaldressandaccessories.

Mostprimaryandsecondaryschoolstudentswillberequiredtowearaschooluniformtoclassesandother
schoolactivities.Youshouldcheckwithyoureducationproviderwhatisincludedintheuniformpackage.

2.4.2c OtherItemsYouMightNeedtoInclude(mostcanalsobepurchasedinAustralia)

Alarmclock

Bathtowels,bedsheets,pillowcases

Dictionary(bilingual)

Smallsewingkit

MusicCDsoriPod

Sportingequipment

Toiletries

Umbrella

Scientificorgraphicscalculator

Camera

Microrecorderforlectures

Sparespectaclesorcontactlenses

Youropticalprescription

Photosoffriendsandfamily

Swimmingattire

Smallgiftsfromhome

The standard voltage for electrical items in Australia is 240V. Electric plugs have three flat pins one of
whichisanearthpin.Youmayneedtobuyanadaptororhavetheplugschangedwhenyouarrive.

2.4.2d BringingYourComputer
BringingaPCorlaptopintoAustraliamaybealittlemorecomplicated.

Itemsownedandusedformorethan12monthspriortoarrivalareallowedintaxfree.Proofofthedateof
purchase and purchase price may be required. Computers which are less than 12 months old and over
AUD$400mayattractGoodsandServicestax(GST)atarateof10%.Considerationisgivenastowhetheror
notyouintendtoexportthecomputerattheconclusionofyourstudies.

TosatisfytheCustomsOfficerthatyouwillbetakingthecomputeroutofAustraliayoushouldbringalonga
statutory declaration (a written declaration witnessed by thecertifying authority inyour country) stating
thatthecomputerisforuseduringyourstudiesinAustralia,andthatyouintendtotakeitbackwithyou
when you complete your studies. You may be required to give an undertaking under Section 162 to this
effectandprovideacashsecuritytoAustraliaCustomsuponarrival.

2.4.2e MobilePhones&Laptops
Ifyouareconsideringbringingamobilephone,laptop,oranycommunicationdeviceswesuggestthatyou
visittheAustralianCommunicationsandMediaAuthoritywww.acma.gov.aubeforemakinganypurchases.
Some students have brought in their own laptops with internal modems only to discover that theywere
unable to use their modem in Australia. Any external or builtin modems must be Austel Approved in
ordertofunctioninAustralia.

2.4.3OnYourFlight

Wear comfortable, layered clothing so that you are able to make adjustments according to the local weather.
RememberifyouareflyingfromanorthernhemispherewinterintotheAustraliansummeritwillbeveryHOTso
wearlightweightclothingunderneath,andhaveapairofsandalsorlightershoesinyourhandluggageifyouneed
coolerfootwear.AlternativelyextraclothingmayberequiredonhandifflyingintotheAustralianwinterseason.

BeforelandinginAustraliapassengersaregivenanIncomingPassengerCardtofillin.Thisisalegaldocument.You
musttick ;YESifyouarecarryinganyfood,plantmaterialincludingwoodensouvenirs,oranimalproducts.This

includesfruitgiventoyouduringyourflight.Ifyouhaveitemsyoudontwishtodeclare,youcandisposeofthemin
quarantinebinsintheairportterminal.Dontbeafraidtoaskairlinestaffifyouhaveanyquestions.

IfyouarecarryingmorethanAU$10,000incash,youmustalsodeclarethisonyourIncomingPassengerCard.Itis
stronglyrecommendedhowever,thatyoudonotcarrylargesumsofcashbutarrangeforanelectronictransferof
fundsintoyourAustralianbankaccountonceithasbeenopened.

2.4.4EntryintoAustralia

2.4.4a AustralianImmigration
WhenyoufirstarriveinAustraliayouwillberequiredtomakeyourwaythroughAustralianImmigration
(followthesignsforArrivingPassengersasyouleavetheplane).AnImmigrationOfficerwillasktoseeyour
completedIncomingPassengerCard(giventoyouontheplane)alongwithyourpassportandstudentvisa
evidence.TheImmigrationOfficerwillcheckyourdocumentsandmayaskyouafewquestionsaboutyour
plansforyourstayinAustralia.

2.4.4b BaggageClaim
Onceyouhavepassedthroughtheimmigrationchecksyouwillmovetobaggageclaim(followthesigns)
andcollectyourluggage.Checkthatnothingismissingordamaged.Ifsomethingismissingordamagedgo
totheBaggageCounterandadvisethemofyourproblem.StaffattheBaggageCounterwillhelpyouto
findyourbelongingsorlodgeaclaimfordamage.

2.4.4c DetectorDogs
YoumayseeaQuarantineDetectorDogatthebaggagecarouselorwhilewaitinginlinetopassthrough
immigration, screening luggage for food, plant material or animal products. If you see a detector dog
workingclosetoyou,pleaseplaceyourbagsonthefloorforinspection.Thesedogsarenotdangerousto
humans and are trained to detect odours. Sometimes a dog will sit next to your bag if it sniffs a target
odour.Sometimesdogswilldetectodoursleftfromfoodyouhavehadinthebagpreviously.Aquarantine
officer may ask about the contents of your bag and check you are not carrying items that present a
quarantinerisktoAustralia.

2.4.4d AustralianCustomsandQuarantine
OnceyouhaveyourluggageyouwillgothroughCustoms.BecarefulaboutwhatyoubringintoAustralia.
SomeitemsyoumightbringfromoverseascancarrypestsanddiseasesthatAustraliadoesnthave.You
must declare ALL food, meat, fruit, plants, seeds, wooden souvenirs, animal or plant materials or their
derivatives.

Australiahasstrictquarantinelawsandtoughonthespotfines.Everypieceofluggageisnowscreenedor
xrayedbyquarantineofficers,detectordogteamsandxraymachines.Ifyoufailtodeclareordisposeof
anyquarantineitems,ormakeafalsedeclaration,youwillgetcaught.Inadditiontoonthespotfines,you
couldbeprosecutedandfinedmorethanAU$60,000andrisk10yearsinprison.Allinternationalmailis
alsoscreened.

Someproductsmayrequiretreatmenttomakethemsafe.Itemsthatarerestrictedbecauseoftheriskof
pestsanddiseasewillbeseizedanddestroyedbytheAustralianQuarantineandInspectionService(AQIS).

For more detailed information about bringing in food, animals, plants, animal or plant materials or their
derivativesvisitwww.daffa.gov.au/aqis

2.4.4e ArrivalsHall
You will be able to leave the restricted area and enter the Arrivals Hall once you have cleared Customs.
Hereyouwillfindanumberofretailandfoodoutletsalongwithpublictelephones,aninformationbooth
andmoneyexchangefacilities.Ifyouarriveonaweekend,youmayliketoexchangemoneyhereasmost
banksarenotopenonSaturdaysandSundays.

2.5GettingFromtheAirport
Togettoyouraccommodationfromtheairportyoucoulduseseveraloptions.Youmayhavesomeonewhomaypickyouup.
IfnotyoucanuseaShuttleBus,PublicBusoraTaxitogetthere.FareforeachoftheseservicesneedtopaidinAustralian
DollarandyouwillneedtoexchangesomeofmoneyattheAirportforthispurpose.
Itwouldbegoodtohavelookatthiswebsite:
http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/

2.5.1 PublicBuses
http://www.skybus.com.au/

2.5.2 ShuttleBuses
http://jetbus.com.au/melbourne/

2.5.3 Taxis
BlackCabsCombined
EmbassyTaxis
ABCTaxis

RSLTaxis

TaxisCombined
YellowCabs

132227
131755
132522
132211
131008
131924

2.6KeepinginContact

Beforeyouleavehome,youshouldprovideyourfamilyandfriends,andyoureducationproviderinAustralia,withdetailsof
yourflightstoAustraliaandwhereyouwillbestayingwhenyouarrive.IfachangeinthedetailsyouhavegiventoALTEChas
changed,please make surethatyou inform about this to ALTEC. It ismandatory that you keep the details updated inthe
Collegedatabase.OnceyouhavearrivedinAustralia,youshouldthenletyourfamilyandfriendsknowthatyouhavearrived
safely.ItisimportanttoALWAYSletsomeoneknowwhereyouareandhowtocontactyoubyphoneorbypost.
Onarrival,pleasecontactALTECreceptionandinformthemofyourarrival.ALTECcanbecontactedon
Phone:0396428115orviaemailinfo@altec.vic.edu.au

2.7AccessingMoney:

Youshouldreadthissectioncarefully,anddiscusstheissuesraisedinthissectionwiththebankorfinancialinstitutionin
yourhomecountrybeforeyouleave.Allbanksoperatedifferentlyandyoushouldbeawareofallfees,charges,easeof
accesstoyourfunds,andsafetyofthewayinwhichyouwillaccessthosefunds.

2.7.1 HowMuchtoBring
Youwillneedtomakesureyouhaveenoughfundstosupportyouwhenyoufirstarrive.Itisrecommendedthat
you have approximately AU$1500 to AU$2000 available for the first two to three weeks to pay for temporary
accommodation and transport. You should bring most of this money as either Travellers Cheques or on an
internationalcreditcard.TravellerschequescanbecashedatanybankorcurrencyexchangeinAustralia.

Pleasenotethatitisnotsafetobringlargesumsofmoneywithyou!Lostcreditcardsortravellerschequescanbe
replaced,butveryfewtravelinsurancecompanieswillreplacelostorstolencash.Donotasksomeoneyouhave
justmettohandleyourcashforyouortotakeyourcashtomakepaymentsforyou.Notevensomeonewhomay
indicatetheyarestudyingatthesameeducationinstitution.

2.7.2 CurrencyExchange
OnlyAustraliancurrencycanbeusedinAustralia.Ifyouhavenotbroughtsomewithyou,youwillneedtodosoas
soon as possible after arrival. Youcan dothis at the airport. Onceyou havearrived in Melbourne, youcan also
changemoneyatanybankoratcurrencyexchanges.

2.7.3 ElectronicTransfer
You can transfer money into Australia by electronic telegraph or telegraphic transfer at any time. This is a fast
optionandwilltakeapproximately48hours,butthebankwillchargeafeeoneverytransaction.

2.7.4 ATMs
Automatic Teller Machines are located everywhere (including at the airport) and you can immediately withdraw
cash from your overseas bank account at ATMs displaying the Cirrus Logo (if your ATM card has international
access).Checkthiswithyourfinancialinstitutionbeforeleavinghome.

2.7.5 CreditCards

AllmajorinternationalcreditcardsareacceptedinAustraliabutyoumustrememberthatrepaymentstomanyof
thesecardscanonlybemadeinthecountrywheretheywereissued.Donotrelyonbeingabletogetacreditcard
onceyouarriveinAustraliabecausethisisverydifficultduetocreditandidentificationlaws.

2.8Accommodation

ThelivingcostinMelbourneisrelativelylowcomparedtoothercitiesinAustralia.Ifyouareasinglestudentyouwould
normallyrequireapproximatelyA$18,000ayearforlivingexpenses.Thiscovershousing,food,transport,clothingandsome
modestentertainment.IfyouaremarriedyouwouldneedtoaddperyearapproximatelyA$5,000foraspouseandAUD
$2,500forthefirstchildandA$2,000foradditionalchildrenifthesefamilymembersaccompanyyoutoAustralia.Youwill
alsoneedtoallowA$8,000peryearforschoolingforeachchildbetween518yearsofage.

EstimatedmonthlyandyearlyAverageCosts(notincludingcourseandtuitionfees)OffCampusasshownbelow:

Items
MonthlyCost*
YearlyCosts*
350
4200
Rent(Shared)
80
960
UtilityBills(Electricity,Water,Gasetc.)
60

720

Food(MostlyCookedatHome)
PublicTransport

150
100

1800
1200

PersonalExpenses(Inc.Entertainment)
EducationExpenses(Textbooks,Stationaryetc.)

200

Phone

OverseasStudentHealthCover(Single)
Clothing
$800

Total

2400
200

320
200
$12,420

*Estimatesonly.Basedonunverifieddata.Cannotbetakenasactualfigures.

Note:StudentsneedtoalsoallowapproximatelyA$1000forsettingupcostswhichincludestemporaryaccommodationfees,rentdueinadvance,furniture
etc.Ifyouareplanningtoliveindependently,youcanfindsharedaccommodationfrom$100150perweek;orrentaonebedroomflatfrom$170250per
week.PleasenotethatAustraliahasaGoods&ServicesTax(GST)of10%andthismaynotalwaysbeincludedinthecost.

2.8.1 Homestay
Iflivingswithahomestayfamilyrememberthattheyexpectastudenttobehaveaspartoftheirfamilynotasa
hotelguest.Australianfamiliesdonothavedomesticssothestudentmayhavetodothingsthattheyareunusedto
doingathome,suchasclearingplatesfromthetable,makingtheirbedandkeepingtheirroomtidyandclean.

Foodisdifferentfromwhatastudentisusedtointheirhomecountry.Ifastudentfindsthefoodnottotheirliking
becauseofmedicalorreligiousreasons,thenthestudentcaninformthefamilytheyarestayingwith.Howevera
widevarietyoffoodisavailableinMelbourne.SomeAustralianhousesarenotheatedinwintersoastudentmay
requireextrabeddinginordertokeepwarm.Pleaseaskthehomestayfamilyaboutthisandtheymaybeableto
provideblanketsordoonasbutthestudentmayhavetobuythem.SmallheaterscanbeusedbutDONOTleave
themunattendedorturnedonovernightasthiscanbedangerous.

ALTECdoesnotarrangeHomestayforstudents.Studentsmaywishtodothisontheirown.

2.8.2 RentalAccommodation
Astudentmaywishtofindaccommodationinahouseorflat.ItisquitecommonforyoungpeopleinAustraliato
liveinsharedaccommodationwiththeirfriends.Ifthestudentsdecidetosharetheirapartmentwithanumberof
people,theymaydoso,buttheyneedtogetapprovalfromtherealestatewhoismanagingthepropertyor
propertyowners.Sharedflatorhousewarrantsareturnablebondwhichisusuallyequivalenttofourweeksrent.
Thebondisusedtoreplaceorrepairanydamagesthatmayoccurduringtenancyperiod.Ifthereisnodamagethe
fullamountwillbereturnedattheendoftenancy.

Sometimesthereisalsoadepositforthesecuritykey.Thisgetsrefundedonreturnofthekey.Thiscanbeupto
$150.Thereareseveralwaystofindsomewheretolive.Onewayistochecktheadvertisementsinthecityandlocal
newspapers.TheMelbourneAgehasadvertisementsforflatsandsharehouseseachweek.Anotherwaytolookfor
aflatistosearchthefollowingwebsitesforsharedaccommodation:

http://www.2share.com.au/
http://www.domain.com.au/?mode=share
http://www.realestate.com.au/cgibin/rsearch?a=bhp&t=shr&cu

There may be notices on the student notice board in the institute for shared accommodation. Students can
advertisebyrequestingALTECreceptionandgettheiradvertisementformallystampedbeforedisplay.

2.8.3 StayingWithFriendsorFamily
If you know someone in Australia, this is a great way to settlein to life here. Your friends or family can provide
advice,supportandencouragementinyourfirstdaysinAustralia.However,ifyouareundertheageof18youmust
obtainapprovalfromyoureducationproviderfirst.

2.9BringingMyFamily

Most student visas allow you to bring your family members to Australia as your dependants (check your individual
circumstances with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship See: Arranging Visas). Family members include your
spouse,andyouandyourspouse'sdependentchildren.BeforebringingyourspouseorchildrentoAustralia,youwillhaveto
prove that you can support them financially. The cost of supporting a family in Australia is very high. You may have to
consideranddiscussmanyissueswithyourfamily.

IssuestoConsider
RatherthanbringingyourfamilytogetherwithyoutoAustralia,somestudentsmayfinditusefultoarrivefirst,settleinto
studies,findappropriateaccommodation,adjusttolivinginAustraliaandthenarrangefortheirfamilytojointhem.Before
makingadecisiontobringyourfamilytoAustraliaitisimportanttoconsiderthefollowingissues:

ThecostofairfaresforyourfamilytoandfromAustralia;
Possiblehigherrentforalargerhome;
Limitedemploymentopportunitiesforyourspouse;
Extracostsforfood,clothingandothernecessities;
TheeffectonyouandyourstudiesifyourfamilyisnothappyinAustralia;
WhetheryourchildrenwilladjusttoschoolinAustralia;
Waitinglistsforchildcarecentres;and
WhethertocomealonetoAustraliafirstandarrangethingsforyourfamily,ortoallcomeatthesametime.
Formoreinformationvisit:www.immi.gov.au

2.10ChildCare

FindingsuitablechildcareinAustraliarequirespatienceandplanning.Waitinglistsforplacesinmostchildcarecentresare
long.

Manyschoolsofferbeforeandafterschoolcareprograms(usually7:30am8:45amand3:30pm6:00pm).Childrenwhoneed
theseprogramsmustberegisteredwiththeschool.

2.11Schools

IfyouwouldliketobringyourchildrentoAustraliawithyou,youmustbeawareofthefollowingschoolingissues:

1.
Itisanimmigrationpolicythatschoolagedependantsofinternationalstudentsundertakeformalschooling
whiletheyareinAustralia.
2.
Childrenwhohavetheirfifthbirthdaybefore1stAprilofthatcalendaryearareeligibletostartschool.
3.
Youwillneedtoprovisionallyenrolyourchildinaschoolbeforeyouleaveyourhomecountryandyouwill
normally have to pay the school fees one semester in advance. The school will issue an electronic
ConfirmationofEnrolmentForm(eCoE)statingtheprogramanditsduration,sothatyoucanobtainthe
appropriatevisaforyourchild.
4.
TheDiplomaticMissioninyourcountrycantellyouwhichStateschoolsareregisteredtotakeinternational
students.FeesarepayablebyinternationalstudentsatallStateschoolsunlessyou:
a. Are in receipt of sponsorship or scholarships from the Australian Government (e.g. the Australian
DevelopmentScholarship,IPRS);
b. Hold a higher institution or approved nongovernment scholarship. These scholarships must be
approvedbytheStategovernmentforthedependantstobeexemptfromschoolfees.

5.
6.
7.

You will be responsible for school fees and other costs including school uniforms, books, excursions and
stationery.
When choosing the most appropriate school for your child, it is best to ask questions about the school's
curriculum,size,extracurricularactivitiesandthesizeofindividualclasses.
Youshouldalsotakeintoconsiderationthedistancefromtheschooltoyourcollege,thesuburbinwhich
youintendtoliveandthemethodoftransportyouplantouse.

Forfurtherinformation,pleasecontacthttp://www.education.vic.gov.au

Section3:SettlingIn

3.1LivinginMelbourne

3.1.1WeatherandSeasons

3.1.2TimeZones

3.1.3Lifestyle

3.2PermanentAccommodation
3.2.1ChoosingWheretoLive

3.3TypesofAccommodation
3.3.1Homestay

3.3.2OnCampus

3.3.3StudentHousing

3.3.4Rentals

3.4WheretoLookforAccommodation

3.5ThingstoKeepinMindWhenRenting
3.5.1SecurityDeposits/Bond
3.5.2SigningaLease
3.5.3InspectionofProperty
3.5.4Utilities
3.5.5Restrictions
3.5.6InspectingaPotentialProperty

3.5.7ChoosingaRoommate

3.5.7aBills&Expenses

3.5.7bFood

3.5.7cCleaning

3.5.7dPersonalHabits&IndividualNeeds

3.5.7eSmoking&Drugs

3.5.7fMusic&Television

3.5.7gPersonalityTraits&Communication

3.5.8Housekeeping

3.5.8aKitchenStoves&Ovens

3.5.8bRefrigerators

3.5.8cDisposalofRubbish

3.5.8dCleaningKitchens

3.5.8eCleaningtheBathroom

3.5.8fCleaningFloors

3.5.8gCleaningProducts

3.5.8hMaintenance,Fixtures&Fittings

3.5.9SmokeAlarms

3.5.10PestControl

3.6WherecanIgethelp?

3.7Services

3.7.1Telephones

3.7.1aCallingEmergencyServices

3.7.1bPublicTelephones

3.7.1cMakingPhoneCallswithinAustralia

3.7.1dCallingAustraliafromOverseas

3.7.2Mobile/CellPhones

3.7.3Computer&InternetAccess

3.7.4AustraliaPost

3.7.4aSmallLetters

3.7.4bEnvelopeLayout

3.7.5SupportGroups

3.7.6GettingAround

3.7.6aPublicTransport

3.7.6bTaxis

3.7.6cDriving

3.7.6dBicycles

3.7.7Shopping
3.7.7aWheretoShop
3.7.7bBusinessHours

3.7.7cHowtoShop

3.7.7dBargaining/Haggling

3.7.7ePurchasinganItem

3.7.8YellowPages

3.8Health

3.8.1EmergenciesDial000

3.8.1aPolice

3.8.1bFire

3.8.1cAmbulance

3.8.1dStateEmergencyService

3.8.1eLifeline

3.8.1fPoisonsInformationLine

3.8.1gEmergencyTranslation

3.8.2OverseasStudentHealthCover(OSHC)

3.8.2aHowDoIGetOSHC?

3.8.2bWhatAmICoveredFor?

3.8.2cHowDoIUseMyOSHCCard?

3.8.2dHowDoIMakeaClaim?

3.8.2eRenewalInformation

3.8.3TypesofHealthCareinAustralia

3.8.3aPublicSystem

3.8.3bPrivateSystem

3.8.3cAttendinganAustralianHospital

3.8.3dGeneralPractitioners(GPs)

3.8.4MedicalServices

3.8.4aWhatdoIdoifImsick?

3.8.4bSeeingaDoctor(GP)

3.8.4cPublicHospitalWaitingTimes

3.8.4dPharmacies

3.8.4ePrescriptionMedication

3.8.4fOverthecounterMedication

3.8.4gDentalandOptical

3.8.4hInterpreterServices

3.8.5MedicalFacilitiesinMelbourne

3.8.5aHospitals

3.8.5bMedicalCentres

3.8.6GeneralHealth

3.8.6aMentalHealth

3.8.6bPhysicalHealth

3.8.6cSexualHealth

3.8.6dAlternativeTherapies

3.9ManagingmyFinances
3.9.1InitialExpenses
3.9.2OngoingExpenses
3.9.3SettingupaBankAccount
3.9.4Bank&ATMlocationsinMelbourne
3.9.5Bank&ATMlocationsnearmyAccommodation
3.9.6BankingHours
3.9.7BankFees
3.9.8AccessingMoneyfrommyAccount

3.9.8aATMsAutomaticTellingMachines

3.9.8bEFTPOS

3.9.8cTelephoneBanking

3.9.8dInternetBanking

3.9.8eOverthecounterService

3.9.8fPayingBills

3.9.8gAccountStatements

3.9.9UsinganATM

3.9.10SafetyWhenCarryingMoney

3.10WorkinginAustralia

3.10.1PermissionToWork

3.10.2WorkingWhileStudying

3.10.3FindingWork

3.10.3aNewspapers

3.10.3bUniversityjobboards

3.10.3cOnline

3.10.4EarninganIncome

3.10.4aTaxes

3.10.4bGettingaTaxFileNumber

3.10.4cTaxationReturns

3.10.4dSuperannuation

3.11LawsandSafetyinAustralia
3.11.1ObeyingtheLaw
3.11.2LegalServices&Advice
3.11.3ChildProtectionLaws
3.11.4HomeSecurity

3.11.4aContentsInsurance

3.11.5InternetSafety&Security

3.11.5aInternetAccessonArrival

3.11.6PersonalSafety
3.11.7PublicTransportSafety

3.11.7aBuses

3.11.7bTrains

3.11.7cTaxis

3.11.8Roadrules

3.11.8aOwningaCar

3.11.8a1Registration

3.11.8a2Insurance

3.11.8bSpeed

3.11.8cMobilePhones&Driving

3.11.8dDemeritPointsScheme

3.11.8eLicenceRequirements

3.11.8fDrinkingAlcohol&Driving

3.11.8gBloodAlcoholConcentrationlevels

3.11.8hLegalBACLimits

3.11.8iFactorsAffectingyourBAC

3.11.8jDrinkingLimitsAdvice

3.11.8kRandomBreathTesting

3.11.8lIncreasedRiskofanAccident

3.11.9Alcohol,Smoking&Drugs

3.11.9aAlcohol

3.11.9bStandardDrinks

3.11.9cSmoking

3.11.9dDrugs

3.11.9eDrinkSpiking

3.11.10Hitchhiking
3.11.11AvoidingDangerousAreasandActivities
3.11.12MakingNewFriends
3.11.13SexualAssault
3.11.14WhatdoIdoifIamAssaulted?

3.12SocialActivities

3.1LivinginMelbourne
Victoriaishometo5.5millionpeoplewithfourmillionlivinginthecapitalcity,Melbourne.Consistentlyrankedas
oneoftheworldsthreemostliveablecitiesbytheEconomistIntelligenceUnit,MelbourneisAustraliasfastest
growingcapitalcity.Melbourneisacomparablyyoungcitywith48%ofpeopleunder35yearsof
age.Melburnianscomefrommorethan200nations,andoverhalfwereeitherbornoverseasorhaveaparent
whowasbornoverseasmakingMelbourneoneoftheworldsmostmulticulturalcities.Morethanaquarterof
MelburniansspeakalanguageotherthanEnglishathome.Thecombinationofthismulticulturaldiversityanda
temperateclimatehastranslatedintoMelburniansloveoffinedining,artsandculture,sportsandthe
outdoors.Inqualityoflifesurveys,Australiancitiesscorestronglycomparedwithcitiesinothercountries.The
EconomistIntelligenceUnitratesMelbourne(alongwithVancouverandVienna)astheworldsbestcitiestolive
in.

3.1.1WeatherandSeasons
Victoriahasfourdistinctseasons.ItisoftensaidthatMelbournehasfourseasonsinonedaywhichcanbequite
true.Soitiswisecarryajacket,sunglassesandanumbrellaorcapwithyouwhenyoustepout.Wearingsun
screenlotionishighlyadvisedinheatofsummer.
SummerisDecembertoFebruary(averagetemperature25C),whilewinterisJunetoAugust(average
temperature14C).Summercanbehot,withtemperaturesabove30Candwinteriscooltocold.Snowin
Melbourneisrarebutthemountains,justafewhoursdriveaway,haveplentyofsnowduringtheskiseason
fromJunetoAugust.
Season
Summer
(DecemberFebruary)
WarmtoHot
Autumn
(MarchMay)

Averagemaximum

Averageminimum

25C(77F)

14C(57F)

20C(68F)

11C(52F)

Mild
Winter
(JuneAugust)
CooltoBrisk
Spring
(SeptemberNovember)
CooltoMild

14C(57F)

7C(45F)

20C(68F)

10C(50F)

Australiaisthedriestinhabited continenton earth.Itsinteriorhasoneofthelowestrainfallsintheworldand

aboutthreequartersofthelandisaridorsemiarid.Itsfertile areasarewellwatered,however,andtheseare
usedveryeffectivelytohelpfeedtheworld.

Australia has one of the highest per capita water consumption rates in the world. While two thirds of all the
peopleonEarthuselessthan60litresofwateraday,theaverageAustralianusesmorethantwicethatamount
duringasingleshower.Infact,Australiansareamongthebiggestusersofwaterintheworld,especiallyaround
thehome.

Water security is a major challenge for Australia. To better manage this precious resource we must accurately
monitor, assess and forecast its availability, condition and use. As part of water conservation Australia has
introducedwateruserestrictionsthatapplytohouseholdwateruse.

Stage2WaterRestrictionsarenowinplaceacrossmetropolitanMelbourneandwillremain,atleast,until31
March2011.
Togiveyouaclearideaofwhatitmeanstoyou,wehaveincludedthefollowingtable.
"http://www.melbournewater.com.au/content/news_and_events/media_releases/media_releases/20100823.as
p"\o"LinktoMediaReleaseWaterRestrictionstoEaseinMelbourne"\t"_blank"

What Stage 2 water restrictions mean

Stage 2
Lawns

Lawns must not be watered at any time with drinking water

(exemption )

Hand Watering

Gardens can be watered by using a trigger-nozzle fitted hose, watering can or bucket at any time

Manual Watering
Hours

Gardens can be watered with a manual watering system between 6-8am and 8-10pm on odd and
even days.
Even and no-numbered houses can water on even dates of the month, odd numbered houses can
water on odd dates of the month, and everyone can water on the 31st within the specified times.

Households with someone over the age of 70, may water at the alternate time of 8-10am.

Automatic Dripper
watering

Automatic watering from midnight to 4am.

Even and no-numbered houses can water on even dates of the month, odd numbered houses can
water on odd dates of the month, and everyone can water on the 31st within the specified times.

Carwashing

Cars may be washed at home with either a bucket or a high pressure, water saving device.

Cars may be washed using a water efficient commercial or mobile carwash.

Personal Target

155 litres per person per day.

3.1.2TimeZones
Withalandmasscloseto7.7millionsquarekilometres,Australiaistheworldssixthlargestcountryandisdivided
intothreeseparatetimezones.

Thesetimezonesare:
AustralianEasternStandardTime(AEST)
AustralianCentralStandardTime(ACST)
AustralianWesternStandardTime(AWST)
AustralianEasternStandardTime(AEST)appliestoVictoria.AESTisequaltoCoordinatedUniversalTimeplus10
hours(UTCGMT+10).

DaylightSavingTime(orsummertimeasitiscalledinmanycountries)isawayofgettingmorelightoutoftheday
by advancing clocks by one hour during the summer. During Daylight Saving Time, the sun appears to rise one
hour later in the morning, when people are usually asleep anyway, and sets one hour later in the evening,
seemingtostretchthedaylonger.
Victoria'speriodofdaylightsavingwillstartat2:00amonFirstSundayofOctober.At2:00ammoveclocks
forwardonehourto3:00am.
Victoria'speriodofdaylightsavingwillendonFirstSundayofApril.At3:00ammoveclocksbackwardonehourto
2:00am.

Atstartofdaylightsavingperiod,moveclockforwardonehourat2am.

Atendofdaylightsavingperiod,moveclockbackonehourat3am.

3.1.3Lifestyle
ThereisalottoloveaboutMelbourne.ThissophisticatedworldcityinthesoutheastcornerofmainlandAustraliainspiresa
deeppassioninthosewholivehere.
Melbourneisacitythatonecaneasilyfallinlovewith.Itisverymuchaboutlifestyle.Beingratedasoneoftheworldsmost
livablecities,itboastsofrestaurants,fashionboutiques,caffilledlaneways,coolbars,unbeatablegalleries,spaciousparks
andvillagelikeinnersuburbs,addsflavourandcolortoyourlife.
Residentsfrommorethan140nationslivesidebysideinMelbourne,broughtherebyfourmainwavesofmigration.In
recentyears,largenumbersofinternationalstudentslikeyouhavecontributedtothemulticulturalfabricofMelbourne.
Melbournetodayisawelcoming,outgoingandconfidentcity,areflectiononthegenerousandinclusivespiritofitspeople.
Thisspiritembraceschangewhilerespectingheritage;celebratesdiversitywhilesharingacommonsenseofplaceandpride;
andaspirestoarich,livelyandpeacefulfuture.

3.2PermanentAccommodation:

3.2.1ChoosingWheretoLive
Moststudentswanttolivewithinwalkingdistanceofthecampusbutthisisnotalwayspossibleandisusuallydeterminedby
availabilityandcost.Oftenitismoreconvenientandmorecosteffectivetolivefurtherfromthecampusbutclosertoshops
andpublictransport.

3.3TypesofAccommodation:
Thereareseveraltypesofaccommodationthatyoucanconsider.Thetypeofaccommodationyouchoosewill
dependonyourbudget,lifestyle,personalneedsandtravellingneedsetc.

3.3.1Homestay
Studentsunder18yearsoldareusuallyrequiredtolivewithalocalfamily.PleasenotethatALTECdoesnot
acceptstudentslessthan18yrsofage.However,evenifyouareover18,homestaysarestillagreatwaytogetto
knowyournewcommunityandculture,andtoimproveyourEnglish.
Youcanaccesshomestaysthroughanagency.Manywebsitesalsohavehomestaylistings.
http://www.melbournehomestay.net/
http://www.homestaydirect.com.au/
Becautioushoweversincetherearemanywebsitesthatlistservicesthatdonotinspectaccommodationor
interviewthehostfamily.Sinceitcouldcausealotofissuesforyou,itisimportanttoselectareliableagencyfor
thispurpose.
YourHomestayserviceshouldinclude:

yourownbedroom(withbed,desk,lampandwardrobe)

threemealsaday(selfservebreakfastandlunch,plusacookeddinner)

electricity,gasandwaterbills

involvementinfamilyactivities

awrittensetofguidelinesorobligationsforboththehostfamilyandthestudent
Thecostcouldbewithintherangeof$200to$300aweekapproximately.Phoneandinternetusewillnormallycostextra.
Thesewouldvaryaccordingtotheagencyyouworkwith.
(Source:StudyinMelbourne)

3.3.2OnCampus

TherearemanyUniversitiesthatprovideoncampusaccommodation.Hencethisisoftenapopluarchoiceamongst
InternationalStudents.HoweverALTECdoesnotprovideoncampusaccommodationasprivateeducationprovider.

3.3.3StudentHousing
StudentHousingisfurnishedrentedbythebed,(asopposedtoconventionalrentalbytheapartment)andpositionedto

appealspecificallytostudentresidents,althoughrentalmaynotnecessarilybelimitedtostudents.StudentHousingismost
oftenlocatedimmediatelyadjacent,orcloselyproximate,toacollegeoruniversitycampus.

Mostoftheuniversitiesofferthisoptionwithinorclosetocampuspremises.AsmentionedearlierALTECisprivateEducation
Provideranddoesnotprovidethisaccommodation.

StudentHousingAustralia(SHA)isagoodplacetostartyoursearchifyouwillingtoconsiderthisoption.Checkthewebsite
formoreinformation
http://www.sha.com.au/

Unilodgeisanotherpopularchoiceandisanoptionyoumaywanttoconsider
http://www.unilodge.com.au/

Benefitsofthisoptionincludeabilitytosavetransportcosts,highersafetyandallnecessaryfacilitiesbeingwithinaclose
distance.Ithelpsyoutobecomeindependentyetwithmuchlesserresponsibilitiesandexpensesthanlivingonrent.Itis
environmentwhereyouwouldbemotivatedtostudysinceitwouldbefocusofallyourfellowresidentsascertainresearch
indicate.

Costwouldbewithintherangeof$200$400aweekapproximately.Howeverthismayvaryandwouldalsodependson
whetheryouwillbesharingroomsorstayingindividually.

(Source:http://www.piei.com/HTML/Terminology.html)

3.3.4Rentals
Manystudentsjointogethertorentaflatorahouse.Accommodationrentedthiswayisusuallynotfurnished.
Youwillusuallyneedtosignaleasefor6to12months,andorganiseconnectutilities(gas,water,electricity)
yourself.Youmayalsojoinanexistingsharehousehold.Itisnotpracticaltoarrangeshareaccommodationbefore
youarrive.
Costcanrangefrom$80to$350perweek,perperson.Howeverthismayvaryaccordingtothesuburb,number
ofpeoplesharingtheproperty,numberofbedroomsandwhetheritisclosertothecity.
(Source:http://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/living_in_melbourne/accommodation/utilities)

3.4WheretoLookforAccommodation:

Thefollowingisalistofplaceswhereyoucangotofindadvertisementsforaccommodation:

Studentnoticeboardsaroundcampus
StudentLoungeNoticeswillhaveafewnoticesoutupbystudentslookingforRoommates/Housemates.

Newspaperclassifieds:
Leadernewspaperscomewiththenameofthelocalityaspartofthenewspapers
i.e.:DandenongLeader,CaulfieldGlenEiraLeaderetc.TheJournal,DiamondValleyLeader,MelbourneTimesare
fewofthemanylocalnewspapers.Thesenewspapersarefreeandaredroppedintoyourmailboxweekly.

RealEstateAgentwindows&websites
ThefollowingarefewofthepopularRealEstateAgents:
HockingstuartRealEstate:www.hockingstuart.com.au/
FirstNationalRealEstate:www.firstnational.com.au/
BarryPlantRealEstate:www.barryplant.com.au/

Localshoppingcentrenoticeboards
ItisworthwhilecheckingonthenoticeboardShoppingCentreinthelocality.Centroshoppingcentresarefoundin
Oakleigh,BoxHill,CranbourneandBrandonParketc.Eachtownhasalocalshoppingcentrenearby.Locallibrary
andPostofficesmayhaveacommunitynoticeboardthatwouldhaveaccommodationnotices.

Onlinestudentaccommodationservices
Unilodge:www.unilodge.com.au/
StudentHousingAustralia:www.sha.com.au/
StudentAccommodationVictoria:www.studentaccommodation.com.au/
StudentBees:www.studentbees.com.au

Theselistedserviceprovidersarelistedheretohelpyougetstartedinyoursearchandstudentsarebynomeans
compelledtoselecttheseservices.

3.5ThingstoKeepinMindWhenRenting:

Setabudgetbeforeyoustartlookingforaplacetorent.Includeallthesetupcostsincluding:
bond
rentinadvance
gas,electricityand
telephoneconnectionfees
movingexpenses
furnitureandhouseholdgoods

Ifyouareplanningtolookforapropertyyourselfwithagroupoffriends,discussthecostsandsharingratioetc.

Toinspectapropertythatisadvertisedthrougharealestateagentyouwillneedtopayakeydeposit.Thisisusually$50,but
itcansometimesbe$100(makesureyouaskforareceipt).Yourmoneywillberefundedtoyouwhenyoureturnthekey.It
isalsoagoodideatotakesomephotoidentificationwithyou,asyoumayneedphotoIDbeforeyouaregiventhekey.The
agentmaywanttophotocopyyourIDandkeepthecopywhileyouinspecttheproperty.Iftheymakeacopy,youcanask
themtogiveittoyouwhenyoubringthekeysback.

Checkthepropertythoroughly,bothinsideandoutside.Makesurethatyouarehappywiththepropertybefore
yousignatenancyagreement(lease)orpayanymoney.Rememberthatonceyouhavesignedthetenancy
agreementyouhaveacceptedthepropertyasitis.Forexample,ifthereisnoheaterinthepropertywhenyou
signthetenancyagreement,thelandlorddoesnothavetoprovideyouwithone.

Afteryouhaveinspectedthepropertyanddecidedthatyoulikeit,youwillneedtofillinanapplicationform.You
maybeaskedquestionsaboutyour:
income
bankaccountdetails
previousrentalhistory
employmentdetailsandhistory
references(youmaybeaskedforatleasttwo)

(Source:http://www.tuv.org.au/pdf/resources/Applying_for_a_Private_Rental_Property_FS_R_052009.pdf)

3.5.1SecurityDeposits/Bond

Theowneroragentofanownerwhohastherighttorentyouapropertyiscalledthelandlord.Alandlordwill
askyouforasumofmoneybeforeyoumoveintoanapartment.Thisiscalledasecuritydepositorbond,andmay
amounttomorethan$1,000dollars.Thebondisusuallysetatfourweeksrent.Abond/securitydeposit"isan
amountofmoneythatissupposedtoguaranteethatthetenantwillcareforthedwelling.Ifthetenantdoesnot
careforthepropertyorcleanitbeforeleaving,thelandlordhasalegalrighttokeepthesecuritydeposit.
Otherwise,thelandlordmustreturnthesecuritydepositwithinamonthafterthetenantleaves.

Whenyoupayabond,youandthelandlordoragentmustsignacompletedBondLodgementformfromthe
ResidentialTenanciesBondAuthority.Thelandlordoragentmustgiveyouacopyoftheform(orforms),which
youshouldkeepasarecordofyourbondpayment.

ThelandlordoragentmustthenlodgeyourbondmoneyandtheBondLodgementform(orforms)withtheBond
Authoritywithin10businessdaysofyoupayingit.YoushouldreceiveconfirmationfromtheAuthoritythatthe
landlordoragenthaslodgedyourbond.Ifyoudontreceiveareceiptwithin15businessdays,youshouldcontact
theBondAuthority.
YourbondisheldwiththeBondAuthorityuntiltheendofthetenancy.Attheendofthetenancyifyourlandlord
agreesthattheywontbemakingaclaimagainstyourbond,youandthelandlordmustapplytohavethebond

moneyreturnedtoyou.Youmustbothsigna
BondClaimform,andontheformyoumustprovidedetailsofthebankaccountthatyouwantthemoneytobe
paidinto.OncetheformislodgedwiththeAuthority,yourbondshouldbepaidintothenominatedbankaccount
onthenextbusinessday.

Topreventthelandlordoragentfrommakingafraudulentclaim,donotleaveany$amountsectionsblankon
theBondClaimform.Ifthebondistobepaidtoyouinfull,makesureyouwritethefullamountofthebondin
theTenantpaymentdetailssection,andwritethewordzeroordrawalinethroughtheTotalamountpayable
toLandlord/Agentifapplicablesection.Makesureyoukeepyourcopy.

Whenmorethanonetenantisowedbond(e.g.:inasharedhousehold),youandtheothertenantswillneedto
agreeastohowthebondshouldbepaidout.Forexample,youcouldagreethatasmallersharebepaidtoone
tenantwhocauseddamagetothepropertythatresultedinthelandlordclaimingpartofthebond.

ThefollowingaresomeStatelegislationthatrelatetotenancymattersinVictoria.
TheResidentialTenanciesAct1997(RTA)
ResidentialTenanciesRegulations1998("RTR")
FairTradingAct1999
Amongotherthings,theRTAsetsoutthegeneraldutiesoflandlords,tenants,ownersandresidents;providesfor
rightsofentrybylandlordsorowners;andsetsoutthemeansbywhichatenancyagreementoragreementin
relationtoaresidencyrightmaybeended.TheRTAdealswithgoodsandpersonaldocumentsleftbehindby
tenantsandresidents.Finally,theRTAestablishestheregimeforthelodgementofbondswiththeResidential
TenanciesBondAuthority.

(Source:http://www.tuv.org.au/advice/resources.aspx)

3.5.2SigningaLease

Inmostcases,thelandlordwillrequirethetenanttosignalease.Aleaseisawrittenagreementbetweenatenantanda
landlordthatdescribestheresponsibilitiesofeachparty.Thisisabindinglegaldocumentthatcommitsyoutoaspecific
periodofresidencyintheunit.

Mosttenancyagreementsareforafixedtermof6or12months,whichdoesnotcoincidewiththeacademic
year.Itwouldbewisetoconsideryourcourseduration,academicyearandbreaksetcwhendecidingthetime
frameofthetenancyagreement.Youcouldnegotiatethesetermswiththelandlord.

Itisofyourinterestforyoutoreadtheleasecarefullybeforesigningit.Youshouldbegivenacopyofthelease
within14workingdays*.Incaseyoudontreceiveit,askforit.

FormoreinformationpleasefollowthislinktoFactSheetWhatdoIneedtoknowbeforemovingin?
http://www.tuv.org.au/pdf/resources/06_What_do_I_need_to_know_before_moving_in_%28private_rental_an
d_share_houses%29_STUH_052010.pdf

(Source:www.tuv.org.au/advice/resources.aspx)

3.5.3InspectionofProperty

Mostlandlordswillinspectthepropertywithyouoncommencementofyourtenancy.Thisisdonewithalistoffurniture
andfittingsineachroomofthepropertysothatthetwoofyoucanagreeontheconditionofthepropertyatthe
commencementofthetenancy.Youshouldnoteonthisdocumentanythingyounoticeduringtheinspectionthatisnot
alreadylisted,andkeepacopythathasbeensignedbybothofyou.Onceyouarethetenant,theconditionofthesethings
willbeyourresponsibility.Thiswillbedoneagainattheendofyourtenancyandthefinalconditionofthepropertymay
determinethereturnofyourfullsecuritydeposit.

Ifthisinspectionisnotsuggested,youmightsuggestityourselfasameansofensuringfairtreatmentforallpartiesinvolved.

FollowthislinktogetaPropertyInspectionChecklistwhichwillhelpyou.
http://www.tuv.org.au/pdf/resources/04_Property_inspection_checklist_STUH_072006.pdf

3.5.4Utilities
Unlesssomeoneisalreadylivinginthedwelling,thenewtenantmuststartutilityservices,suchastelephone,electricity,and
gas.Thisrequirescontactingeachindividualcompanyandarrangingfortheservicestobeconnectedfromaspecifieddate.
Thecompaniesprovidingtheseutilitiesalsorequireasmallsecuritydeposit.Insomecitiesinsteadofmakingnumerouscalls
todifferentcompanies,theremaybeautilityprovidercompany.Ifsomeonehasvacatedthepropertybeforeyou,
contactingtheseutilitycompaniesforconnectionofserviceswillensureallpreviousaccountshavebeenfinalisedandpaid
forbytheprevioustenant.

Pleasefollowthislinktoaccess:
http://www.tuv.org.au/pdf/resources/Utility_Charges_FS_R_052010.pdf
http://www.tuv.org.au/pdf/resources/StepbyStep_Guide_to_Utilities_AG_RT_052010.pdf

3.5.5Restrictions
Theleasemaycontainrestrictions,suchasnotpermittinganimalsorchildreninthedwelling.Askthelandlordabouthis/her
particularrequirements.Makesurethatyouknowandunderstandtheserestrictionsbeforesigningthelease.Ifyoudonot
obeytherestrictionsonthelease,thelandlordcanaskyoutoleave.

Followthislinktofindfurtherinformationrelatingtohttp://www.tuv.org.au/advice/resources.aspx

3.5.6InspectingaPotentialProperty
It'sagoodideatotakenotesofeachpropertyyouinspect.Aswellastheaddress,rent,andagenttakenotesofthedetails:
5 Aretherelaundryfacilities?
5 Isthereatelephonelinealreadyconnected?
5 Dothelightfittingswork?
5 Istheoven/stove,gasorelectrical?
5 Dothetoiletandshowerallwork?
5 Istheredampormouldonthewalls?
5 Istherepaintingrequired?
5 Istheplacefurnished?Whatkindoffurniture?
5 Whatkindofheating/coolingisthere?
5 Isthereaninsect/pestproblem?
5 Isitclosetotransport,shops,andcampus?
5 Willtheareabenoisy?Isitonabusyroad?
5 Istheregoodsecurity?
5 Willthelandlordcarryoutanyrepairsbeforeyoumovein?
5 Howarerepairsmadeonceyoulivethere,andwhopaysforwhichrepairs?

3.5.7ChoosingaRoommate
Thetaskofchoosingaroommateneedstobetakenveryseriously.Thepersonorpersonswithwhomyoudecidetolivecan
affectthequalityandproductivenessofyourinternationalstudentexperienceinAustralia.Whenthemomentcomesforyou
tomakeyourdecisionconcerningroommates,rememberthesetips:don'tpanic,takeyourtime,anddon'tcompromiseon
importantprinciples.

InterestinginformationonthiscanbefoundinFactSheetKeepingthematesinhousemates
http://www.tuv.org.au/pdf/resources/09_Keeping_the_%27Mates%27_in_Housemates_STUH_052010.pdf

3.5.7aBills&Expenses:
Doyouandyourroommatesexpecttosharethecostsofbuyingtoiletpaper,washingpowderforclothesanddishes,
cleaningsuppliesetc.whichisusedbyeveryone?
Ifyouareansweringanadvertisementforaroommate;whatdoestherentalpricecover?Doesitincludeutilities,orarethey
splitequallywhentheaccountsaredue?Whowillpaythemandhowwillyouallknowtheyhavebeenpaid?
Asmallnotebookwhichissignedbyeveryonewhohandsovertheirshareofthecostsandsignedbythepersonthe
moneyisgivento,isagoodidea.

3.5.7bFood:
Doyouandyourroommatesexpecttosharethecostsofbuyingfoodandshareinthepreparation?
Doyouhavespecificfoodneeds(allergies,preparationneeds)?
Ifyourneedsareforhalalandyourroommatesarenot,canyouagreeonrespectingandupholdingeachothersneeds?

3.5.7cCleaning:
Whowillcleanwhat?Howoften?
Decideexactlywhat"cleanandtidy"meanstoyou.
Willyouhireacleaningcompanytokeepthingsundercontrol?

3.5.7dPersonalHabits&IndividualNeeds:
Howmuchprivacydoyouneed?
Whathoursdoyouusuallysleep?Study?Relax?Socialise?Shower?Washclothing?

3.5.7eSmoking&Drugs:
Doyouprefertohaveasmokerornonsmokerasaroommate?
Isasmokeralrightaslongastheysmokeoutsidetheresidence?
(Manyrentalagreementswillforbidsmokinginsidethepremises)
Clarifyyourstanceontheuseofalcoholand/orillicitsubstances.

3.5.7fMusic&Television:
Whatareyourmusicallikesanddislikes?
DoyouwatchTVeverydayorjustonceinawhile?
Doyouliketostudywithorwithoutmusic/TV?

3.5.7gPersonalityTraits&Communication:
Howdoyouperceiveyourself?
Howdoothersperceiveyou?
Doyouenjoybeingaroundalotofpeopleorjustafewfriends?
Areyoumorecomfortablebyyourself?
Whataboutovernightvisitors?
Whenconflictsarise,howdoyougoaboutresolvingthem?
Howdoyoubehavewhenyou'rehappyangry?Whatarethethingsthatbotheryoumost?

Pleasekeepinmindthatnoteveryonecanbetrusted!Followyourinstinctsanddonotroomwithsomeoneyoudonot
trust.

3.5.8Housekeeping
SomeinternationalstudentswhocometoAustraliahaveneverhadtheneedtodotheirownshopping,cooking,and
housecleaning.Iftheseactivitiesarenewtoyou,youwillneedtounderstandthatinAustraliaunlessyouchoosetohire
someonefromahomeservicescompanytodosomeofthesethingsforyou;thesearetheresponsibilityofeachindividual
andareasignofpersonalindependenceandbecominganadult.

MostAustralians,especiallylandlordsandrentalagencies,believeitisveryimportantforoneslivingenvironmenttobekept
clean.Ourconcernforcleanlinessisevidentwhenyouvisitthesupermarket,wheremanyvarietiesofcleaningproductsare
sold.

3.5.7aKitchenStoves&Ovens
Kitchenstovesmaybeeitherelectricorgas.Itisimportanttokeeptheburnersandovenofanelectricrangecleansothat
theymayoperatesafelyandefficiently.Tenantsshouldcleanelectricstoveburnersaftereachusetopreventfoodfrom
hardeningonthem.Theelectricovenshouldalsobecleanedperiodicallywithanovencleaningproductunlessitisa"self
cleaning"oven,forwhichyoushouldfollowdirectionscarefully.

3.5.7bRefrigerators
Refrigeratorsshouldbedefrostedperiodically,wheniceorfrostinoraroundthefreezingunitbecomesevident.Todefrosta
refrigerator,oneshouldturnitoff,emptyit,andallowthewaterfromthemeltingfrosttodripintoapanorthetraybeneath
thefreezer.Thismaytakeovernight,butcanbedonemorerapidlyifoneputsapanofhotwaterinthefreezer.Whentheice
hasmelted,oneshouldemptythetrayofwaterintothesink.Itisnotagoodideatousesharpinstrumentstochipofftheice
astheymaydamagethefreezerandyoureyes.Asolutionofbakingsodaandwatercanbeusedtocleantheinsideofthe
refrigerator.Somerefrigeratorsautomaticallydefrostthemselves.Thecoolinggrillsonthebackofarefrigeratorshouldbe

vacuumedperiodicallytoremovedustbuildup,toenabletheunittorefrigeratemoreefficiently.Arefrigeratorthatdoesnot
workefficientlywillcostyoumoreonyourelectricutilitybill.

3.5.7cDisposalofRubbish
Becauseinsectssuchasantsandfliescanbeaproblem,itisimportantfortenantstoemptytheirrubbisheveryonetotwo
daysintothewheeliebinsprovidedoutsideyouraccommodation.Youwillthenputthewheeliebin/soutonthefootpath
onceaweektobecollectedbycouncilrubbishtrucks.Thelandlordwillinformthetenantaboutthewaytodisposeof
garbageparticularlywithregardstorecyclingandthedaysyourrubbishiscollected.

3.5.7dCleaningKitchens
Greaseandoilfromcookingcollectsoncabinetandrefrigeratortopsandwalls,especiallyifoccupantsfryfoodsoften.These
areasshouldbecleanedofteninordertoavoidunpleasantodoursandfirehazards.

3.5.7eCleaningtheBathroom
Sinks,showers,andtubsmaybecleanedwithbathroomcleaningproductsfromthesupermarket.Ifasinkdoesnotdrain
properly,askthelandlordormanagertolookatit.Toiletbowlsshouldbecleanedwithaspecialtoiletcleaningsolution.A
plungermayalsobeusedfortoiletsthatdonotflushproperly.Donotputanyitemsorpaperotherthantoiletpaperinthe
toiletasthismayblockthepipes.Ifitisobviousthatmisuseoftheunithascausedtheneedforrepair,thelandlordwill
chargeyouforthecostofrepairorcleaning.

3.5.7fCleaningFloors
Differenttypesoffloorswillrequiredifferentkindsofcare.Alandlordcanrecommendthewayhe/shepreferstohavethe
floorscleaned.Inapartments,themanagersoftenmaintainvacuumcleanersfortenantuse.Youcanalsobuyvacuum
cleanersatdepartmentstores.Uponleavingadwelling,theoccupantisusuallyexpectedtohavethecarpetprofessionally
cleaned.Thelandlordcaninformthetenantaboutpropercleaningprocedures.

3.5.7gCleaningProducts
Grocerystoresandsupermarketsstockmanydifferentproductsforcleaning.Itisimportanttoreadlabelscarefullyinorder
tounderstandproperusesanddangersoftheproducts.(Warning:Keepallcleaningproductsoutofreachofchildrenand
donotmixproducts!)

3.5.7hMaintenance&Fixtures&Fittings
Youwillbeexpectedtoreplacelightglobesandkeepfittingsinyouraccommodationclean.Ifrepairsormaintenanceare
requiredforexample;ablockedtoilet,thelandlordshouldbeconsultedatthetime.Generally,repairswillbethe
responsibilityoftheowner/landlord,unlesscausedbymisuseoftheitembythetenantortheirvisitors.

3.5.9SmokeAlarms
Smokealarmsaredevicesthatdetectsmokeandsoundanalarm.Smokealarmsalertandwakepeopleallowingvaluable
timetogetoutofahouseduringafire.Whenyougotosleep,yoursenseofsmellalsogoestosleep.Ifthereisafire,toxic
fumesmayovercomeyoubeforeyouwakeup.Foryourprotection,asmokealarmmustbe
installedinyourhome.

ONLYWORKINGSMOKEALARMSSAVELIVES!
Onceamonthyoushouldcheckthebatterybypressingthetestbuttononthesmoke
alarm.Ifyoucannotreachthebuttoneasily,useabroomhandletopressthetest
button
Keepthemclean.Dustanddebriscaninterferewiththeiroperation,sovacuumover
andaroundyoursmokealarmregularly
Replacethebatteriesyearly.Pickapublicholidayoryourbirthdayandreplacethebatterieseachyearonthatday.
WhenthebatteryislowthesmokealarmwillsoundashortBEEPeveryminuteorso.Thisistoalertyouthebatteryis
lowandneedsreplacing.
Smokealarmsmustneverbepainted
Ifcookingandsmokesetsoffthealarm,donotdisableit.Turnontherangefan,openawindoworwaveatowelnear
thealarm
Donotremovethebatteriesfromyoursmokealarmorcoveryoursmokealarmtopreventitfromoperating.
(Source:MetropolitanFireBrigade,Melbourne)

3.5.10PestControl
AccordingtoTheStandardResidentialTenancyTermstenantsmustkeeptheplacecleanandnotdamagethepremises
(clause63).IfyoufollowyourresponsibilitiesundertheActanddontcauseaninfestationofpests,thenthelandlordwillbe

responsibleforpestcontrolaspartoftheirresponsibilitytomaintainthepremises.Howeveryouwillonlyberesponsiblefor
pestcontrolifyouhavecausedaninfestation,forexamplebykeepingpetsonthepremises.Itwouldbegoodtocheckthe
premisesthoroughlyforinfestationbypestsbeforemovingandrequestingthelandlordtoundertakethefumigationofthe
pestsatthatpointthanhavingdisputeoverthatlater.Howeveralandlordislikelytoacceptthecostoffumigationifhe/she
isconvincedthatthepresenceofverminisnotaresultofthetenantsconduct.Thebestwaytoconvincethiswouldbeto
cleanandmaintainthepremisesregularly.
(Source:http://www.tenantsact.org.au/about.html)

3.6WhereCanIGetHelp?

Victoria
TheTenantsUnionofVictoria
http://www.tuv.org.au

ConsumerAffairsHelpline:1300558181
VictorianConsumer&BusinessCentre113ExhibitionStreetMelbourne3000Hoursofoperation:Monday
Friday,8.30am5.00pm,exceptpublicholidaysWebsite:www.consumer.vic.gov.au/

3.7Services:

3.7.1Telephones

3.7.1aCallingEmergencyServicesDIAL000

InAustraliadial000fromanyphoneforfire,policeorambulanceservices.112mayalsobedialledfrommobilephones.
Dialling112willoverridekeylocksonmobilephonesandthereforesavetime.EmergencyServicesoperatorsanswerthis
numberquicklyandtosavetimewillsay,Police,Fire,orAmbulance.

Ifyouareunsureofwhatemergencyserviceyouneedtelltheoperatorwhattheemergencyis.Youwillthenbeconnected
totheappropriateservicetoassist.Itiswisetothinkaheadwiththemostimportantinformationwhichwillhelpthemto
respond.

Whereyouare;(notestreetnamesandtheclosestintersection),whathashappenedandtowhom;whattheirconditionis.
Theoperatormaythenaskyoutostayonthephoneuntiltheemergencyservicesarrive.Inlifethreateningsituationsthe
operatormayalsogiveyousomeinstructionstoassistuntiltheemergencyunitarrives.Ifyouareconcernedaboutyour
English,remaincalmandworkwiththeoperatorswhoareveryexperiencedwithallcultures.
(Seealso:HealthEmergencies)

3.7.1bPublicTelephones
AustraliahasanextensivenetworkofPublicPhones
throughoutthecountry.Theyareeasilyrecognizedbythe
orangeandblueTelstraemblem.Thecostoflocalcallsis50
cents
(AUD)withmostphonesacceptingcoins(except5c)and
prepaidtelephonecards.Longdistancecallchargesvary
dependingontimeofdayanddistance.

Sundaysareanexcellentdaytomakeinterstateor
internationalcallsduetoalldaydiscountrates.
PrePaidtelephonecardsoffercompetitivecallingratestoall
countries24hoursperday.
PrePaidTelephoneCardscost$5,$10,$20and$50andmay
be
purchasedatmostnewsagencies,postofficesand
conveniencestores.

3.7.1cMakingPhoneCallswithinAustralia

Tomakeinternationalphonecalls:
Dialinternationalaccesscode(0011)+thecountrycode+theareacode(ifrequired)+phonenumber(when
addingacountrycodetoanumber,anyleading0(zero)ontheareacodefollowingitisNOTdialled)

Tomakedomesticphonecalls:
Dialtheareacode+phonenumber
AreaCode
(02)
(03)
(07)
(08)

States
ACT,NSW
VIC,TAS
QLD
SA,WA,NT

Visitwww.whitepages.com.auandwww.yellowpages.com.aufordirectoriesofresidential,commercialandgovernment
phonenumbersinAustralia;andforalistofcountrycodesandareacodesforinternationalcalls.

3.7.1dCallingAustraliafromOverseas
TocontactAustralia,firstdialtheinternationalaccesscodefromthatcountry(thiswillvaryineachcountry),thenAustralias
countrycodeprefix(61)followedbytheareacodewithoutthefirstzero(forinstanceSydneywouldbe2insteadof02),and
thendialtherequirednumber.

Example:
Internationalaccessnumber+61299993662

3.7.2Mobile/CellPhones

BeforebringingyourmobilephonetoAustraliacheckwiththeAustralianCommunicationsandMediaAuthority
www.acma.gov.automakesureitcanoperatehere.Somecountries,suchasJapanandtheUSA,usemobilephone
networksthatarenotavailableinAustralia.Ifnot,youcanbuyyourmobilephoneinAustralia.Australian
telecommunicationsprovidersofferawiderangeofserviceswhichprovideamobilephonewithinthecostofusingthat
service.Therearemanydifferencestotheservicesprovided.Youshouldunderstandwhatdealyouareacceptingbefore
signingacontractwithaprovider.

ForacomparisonofmobilephoneplansinAustraliasee:http://www.mobiles.com.au/mobilephoneplans/

ItisworthcheckingouttheMobileBroadbandconnectionsandcomparingthecostsaswellasitgivesyougreaterflexibility
touseitwhereveryouarewithyourlaptop.
CompareBroadbandwebsite:
http://www.comparebroadband.com.au/article_597_Whichinternetcompanieshavethebestoffpeaktimes.htm

www.telstra.com

www.optus.com.au

www.three.com.au

www.vodafone.com.au

www.virginmobile.com.au

www.dodo.com.au

www.crazyjohns.com.au

www.boost.com.au

(Source:onlinesearch)

3.7.3Computer&InternetAccess
Manyoftheabovecompanieswillalsoprovideyouwithinternetaccess.Infact,youmaybeabletomakearrangements
withacompanywhereyoucangetcheaperratesifyouhaveinternetandmobilephonethroughtheoneserviceprovider.In
addition,withprovidersTelstraandOptus,youcouldgetapackageddealforyourhomephone,internetandmobilephone.

YoucanaccessthecomputersinCollegeatanytime.Duringyourlearninghourswithinthecampus,youcanaccessthe
computersinallclassroomsorcomputerlabsorcommonareasthatyouwillbestudyingin.Youarewelcometocomeand
usethecomputersiftheyarefree.Howeverstudentsarenotencouragedtowalkinthelabswhereclassesarealreadyin
progress.Allcomputersareinternetenabled.CertainsitessocialnetworkandothersitesarenotaccessibleduetoCollege
internetpolicy.

Youcanlogintothecomputerswithaundernameandpasswordgiventoyou.Ifyouhavenotbeengivenaspecificuser
nameandpassword,youcouldusestudentforbothusernameandpassworduntilyouaregivenyourownloginID.

3.7.4AustraliaPost

AustraliaPostisoneofournationslargestcommunications,logisticsand
distributionbusinesses;andiscommittedtoprovidinghighqualitymailandparcel
servicestoallpeoplewithinAustralia.
www.auspost.com.au

3.7.4aSmallLetters
ThecostofpostingasmallletterfordistributioninAustraliaisanAU$0.60postagestampwhichyouaffixtotheenvelope.
CostoflargelettercanvarybetweenAU$1.20andAU$3.00.

Asmallletterhasthefollowingcharacteristics:
Nolargerthan130mmx240mm
Nothickerthan5mm
Maximumweight250g.

Alargeletterhasthefollowingcharacteristics:
Rectangularinshape
Nolargerthan260mmx360mm
Nothickerthan20mm
Doesnotweighmorethan500g
3.7.4bEnvelopeLayout
AustraliaPostusesadvancedlettersortingtechnologytoreadtheaddressoneachenvelopeelectronically.Thesemachines
workbestwhenaddressformatsarestructuredinaconsistentmanner.Thatiswhyitisnecessarytoaddressyourmail
clearlyandcorrectly.Theinformationbelowdemonstrateshow.

(Source:AustraliaPost)

3.7.5SupportGroups

InternationalStudentscanaccesstonumberofsupport
servicesandgroups.

TheCouch@MelbourneCentreforInternationalStudents
TheCouchInternationalStudentCentreaimstoprovidea
safeandfreespaceatnighttimeforinternationalstudents
studyinginMelbournetosocialise,relax,rest,study,and
seekinformationandassistance.TheCouchwillbeopen
onSundays,Mondays,Tuesdays,WednesdaysandThursdays
from5pm9pm.
Theprojectwillbespecificallytailoredtomeettheneedsofinternationalstudents,suchaslanguagebarriers,culturalbeliefs,
andspecificneeds.FromJuly2009,Melbournesinternationalstudentswillhaveanewplacetorelax,socialiseandaccessa
rangeofsupportservices,withtheopeningofTheCouchInternationalStudentCentre.
FindTheCouch@MelbourneonFacebookandcheckoutthecalendarofeventsthattheyplanforstudentseachmonth.
CollegeSRC
YoucanjointheStudentRepresentativeCouncil(SRC)atALTECandorganiseexcitingeventsandbeavoiceforyourfellow
students.ThisisagreatopportunityforyoutodevelopleadershipskillsanddevelopnetworksintheAustralianCommunity
thatwouldbeusefultoyouinthefuture.
InterAction
InterActionisanetworkofinspiredyoungpeoplefromdiversecultural,spiritual&religiousbackgroundsworkingsidebyside
tobuildabetterworld.Anentirelyyouthrunorganisation,drawingonpersonalinspirationswhilecomingtogetherwith
othersonprojectsofcommonactionforthecommongood.
Taketheopportunityandgetinvolvedwithyouthjustlikeyouwhoaresteppingouttomakeadifference.Thisisanexcellent
opportunitytobeinvolvedintheAustralianCommunityandenhanceyourownskills.
Checkouttheirwebsite:http://www.interaction.org.au/Aboutus/tabid/38/Default.aspx

Therearemanyotherevents,projectsandorganisationsworkingtowardsthebettermentoftheinternationalStudent
communityinMelbourne.Thereisnobetterwaytolearnaboutacountrythantomovearoundandbeinvolvedamongst
socialnetworksofyoungpeoplejustlikeyou.

3.7.6GettingAround
TherearemanyoptionsforgettingaroundinMelbourne:Trains,Trams,Buses,Taxis,BicycleandCar.Public
Transportisapopularchoiceamongstbothlocalsandvisitors.Itisthebestwaytotravelifyouwanttoexplore
thecitytoyourheartscontentwithoutworryingaboutparkingfeesandparkingspotsandfines.

3.7.6aPublicTransport

PublicTransportisapopularchoiceamongstbothlocalsandvisitors.
BuyyourMetcardorMykiforflexibletravelbetweentrains,tramsandbuses.You'llbeabletousepublic
transportinandaroundthecityforjustafewhoursorallday.
Planyourtrip,buyticketsonlineanddownloadmapsandtimetablesfromMetlinkMelbourne,theonestopshop
forinformationabouttravellingonpublictransport(phone131638).

NightRiderbusservice
TheNightRiderisalatenightbusservicethatoperatesonFridaysandSaturdays.NightRiderbusesleavefrom
safelocationsintheCBDandmakeover300stopsalongtenNightRiderroutes.VisitMetlinkMelbournefor
maps,timetables,ticketsandrouteinformation.

CityCircleTramandMelbourneCityTouristShuttle
TheCityCircleTramandMelbourneCityTouristShuttleBustogetyouaroundtoallthecitysmajorattractions
forfree.
TheCityCircleTramisafreeservicearoundcentralMelbournetakingpassengerspastsomeofMelbourne's
majorattractions.VisitMetlinkMelbournefortimetablesandaroutemap.

(Source:CityofMelbourne)

3.7.6bTaxis
Therearemanycabservicesavailabletoyou.Thisinformationwasmentionedearlierinthisbooklet.

Metropolitan

Phone

ArrowTaxiService

132211

BlackCabsCombined 132227
EmbassyTaxis

131755

NorthSuburbanTaxis 131119
SilverTopTaxis

131008

WestSuburbanTaxis 96891144

3.7.6cDriving
Whendrivingyourcartothecity,itisgoodtopreplanandfindoutthebestroutetotake.ReferringtheMelwayorGoogle
Mapscanhelpyouwiththis.ItisagoodideatokeepaMelwayincarincaseyougetlost.
Itisbesttogiveconsiderationwhereyouneedtoparkthecarbeforedrivingin.Therearemorethan42000parkingspaces
ownedbytheCityCouncilwhiletherearemanyotherprivatelyownedParkinglotsthatyoucanaccess.

Parkingrestrictionsdifferacrossthewholemunicipality,includingthecentralcity.Pleaseremembertoalways
checktheparkingsigns.
Followingthislinkwillhelpyougetanidea:
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ParkingTransportandRoads/Parking/Pages/Parkingrules.aspx

3.7.6dBicycles

Bikesharingisagreatwaytogetaroundthecityasanalternativetodriving.It'salsohealthierandmore
sustainable.ThefirsttendockinglocationsoftheMelbourneBikeShareschemearenowavailable,with100bikes
inserviceandmoretocome.MelbourneBikeSharecustomerscanborrowandreturnbikesatanyofthemany
centralcitydockingstations.Bringyourhelmetwithyouandpaythedailyhirefeeandenjoyridingaroundthe
citythehealthyandenvirofriendlyway.

3.7.7Shopping
ShoppingisbrandnewadventureeverydayinMelbourne.Thecityoffersarangeofstorestosuitthebudgetandpreference
ofanyone.Theseincludedepartmentstores,markets,shoppingmalls,DirectFactoryOutletsanddiscountstores,flagship
storesanddesignerbrandshops.Thereisalwaysaspecialdealorasalehappeningsomewherethatisworthcheckingout.
InsidersMelbourne.comwilltellyouwhereyoucanfindwhatyouarelookingifyouareseriousshopper.

3.7.7aWheretoShop
Top10placestoshoparoundinthecityasnamedbytheonlymelbourne.com.au:

SwanstonStreet
BourkeStreetMall
VictoriaMarket
ChapelStreet
SouthMelbourneMarket
CollinStreet
CollinsPlace
SouthGate
VictoriaGardens
Checktheirwebsiteonhowtogetthereandwhatyoumayfindintheseplaces.

OnememorableshoppingexperienceistheChadstoneShoppingMallthefashioncapitalofMelbourne.

3.7.7bBusinessHours
GeneralTradinghours:
9amto5pm

MondaytoWednesday
9amto7pm

Thursday
9amto9pm

Friday
10amto4pm
Saturday
10amto4pm
Sunday

Theabovetimesaretogiveyoujustanideaontradinghours.Thiscouldvaryfrombusinesstobusiness.Itisgoodtocheck
thewebsiteforhoursofoperationisbest.

3.7.7cHowtoShop
Youmaywanttowalkaroundinyourlocalareaorthecityinordertofindoutwhatsuitsyouthemost.
GenerallyshoppingforgroceriesanddailyneedsofthehouseholditisbesttogotoSafeway,Coles,IGAorAldiastheyare
largesupermarketchainslocatedacrossthestateandcanbefoundinalmostallthesuburbsandregionalareas.Inall
suburbsyouwillfindashoppingmallorshoppingcentrewhichwouldhaveshopsthatcatertomostofyourbasicneeds.You
willalsohearofMarketsthatarebestforpurchasingfreshfruitsandvegetablesbutalsoknownforaffordablepricesonall
itemsincludingclothing,carpets,shoes,flowersetc.
QueenVictoriaMarketandDandenongMarketaretwosuchpopularmarkets.Foranyhardware,motoringneedsor
gardeningtools,BunningsWarehouseandMitre10arepopularchoices.
Asyoucontinuetospendtimeandgetaroundabitmoreyouwillbeabletolearnspotsthatsuityourpreference.

3.7.7dBargaining/Haggling
WhenshoppinginAustralia,yougenerallydontbargainorbarter(alsocalledhaggling)forthepriceofanitem.The
displayedpriceforitemsisfixedandifAustralianGST(Goods&ServicesTax)isapplicableitwillalreadybeincludedinthe
displayedprice.However,thereareexceptionstothisrule.Thereareplacesandcircumstancesinwhichitisperfectly
acceptabletobarterforthebestpricepossible.Thesemayinclude:atgaragesales,communitymarkets,secondhand
dealerships,oratelectricalgoodsstores,furnitureshops,orwhenpurchasingamotorvehicleifyouareofferingtopayin
cash,orhaveseentheitematacompetitorstoreforabetterprice.

IfyouarepayingbyCASHand,ifyouarebuyingmorethanoneitem,youmayhavemorebargainingpower.Beginthe
bargainingprocessbyasking:Whatsthebestpriceyoucangiveme?

Oratagaragesale,youmightpickupseveralitemswhosecombinedtotalis$50andsay:Illofferyou$30forallofthese.

3.7.7ePurchasinganItem
ThemostcommonmethodsofpurchasingitemsarebycashorEFTPOS.EFTPOS(ElectronicFundsTransferatPointofSale)
allowsyoutousethecardattachedtoyourAustralianbankaccounttomakepurchasesandwithdrawcashatthesametime
(attheretailer'sdiscretion)frommorethan103,000merchantsacrossAustralia.Justswipeyourkeycardthroughthe
EFTPOScardreader,selectyouraccounttypeandenteryourPINnumber.EFTPOSisavailableatmostsupermarkets,petrol
stationsandretailoutlets.JustlookfortheEFTPOSsign.YoucanchoosetomaketheEFTPOStransactionfromyoursavings
account,chequeaccountorcreditcard.Youreceiveaprintedreceiptaftereachpurchaseandthetransactionappearson
yourstatement.

3.7.8YellowPages
TheYellowPagesareatelephonedirectoryorsectionofadirectory(usuallyprintedonyellowpaper)wherebusiness
productsandservicesarelistedalphabetically.TheyareaGREATtimesaverandveryusefulwhenyouarelookingfor

specificproductsorservices.Letyourfingersdothewalking!Thesebooksmaybeprovidedinrentalproperties,andare
availableatPostOfficesaroundAustralia.
www.yellowpages.com.au

3.8Health

3.8.1EmergenciesDial000

TheTripleZero(000)serviceisthequickestwaytogettherightemergencyservicetohelpyou.Itshouldbe
usedtocontactPolice,FireorAmbulanceservicesinlifethreateningoremergencysituationsonly.
Emergency000linesshouldnotbeusedforgeneralmedicalassistance.

3.8.1aPolice
InAustraliapoliceprotectpeopleandproperties,detectandpreventcrime,andpreservepeaceforeveryone.Theyarenot
connectedtothemilitaryorpolitics.Thepolicecanhelpyoufeelsafe.Inanonemergencysituationyoucancontactthe
localpolicestationdirectlyon:[Insertphonenumberoflocalpolicestation].

3.8.1bFire
Thefirebrigadeextinguishesfires,rescuespeoplefromfiresincarsandbuildings,andhelpsinsituationswheregasor
chemicalsbecomeadanger.Assoonasafirestartscall000nomatterhowsmallorlargethefiremaybe.

3.8.1cAmbulance
Ambulancesprovideimmediatemedicalattentionandemergencytransportationtohospital.Dial000

3.8.1dStateEmergencyService
TheStateEmergencyService(SES)isanemergencyandrescueservicededicatedtoprovidingassistanceinnaturaldisasters,
rescues,roadcrashesandextremeweatherconditions.ItismadeupalmostentirelyofvolunteersandoperatesinallStates
andTerritoriesinAustralia.ForemergencyassistanceinaFLOODorSTORMdial132500.

3.8.1eLifeline
Lifelines131114serviceisstaffedbytrainedvolunteertelephonecounsellorswhoarereadytotakecalls24houraday,any
dayoftheweekfromanywhereinAustralia.ThesevolunteersoperatefromLifelineCentresineveryStateandTerritory
aroundAustralia.

AnyonecancallLifeline.Theserviceoffersacounsellingservicethatrespectseveryonesrighttobeheard,understoodand
caredfor.Theyalsoprovideinformationaboutothersupportservicesthatareavailableincommunitiesaround
Australia.Lifelinetelephonecounsellorsarereadytotalkandlistennomatterhowbigorhowsmalltheproblemmight
seem.Theyaretrainedtoofferemotionalsupportintimesofcrisisorwhencallersmaybefeelingloworinneedofadvice.

3.8.1fPoisonsInformationLine
Thepoisonsinformationlineprovidesthepublicandhealthprofessionalswithprompt,uptodateandappropriate
information,andadvicetoassistinthemanagementofpoisoningsandsuspectedpoisonings.Theseriousnessofapoisoning
situationisassessedafteradetailedhistoryisobtainedfromthecaller.Membersofthepublicmaybethengivenfirstaid
instructions,informationonpossiblesymptoms,andadvisedontheneedforassessmentbyadoctororreferraltohospital.
TheAustraliawidePoisonsInformationCentreshaveacommontelephonenumber:131126.

3.8.1gEmergencyTranslation
Fortranslationserviceinanemergencysituationdial1300655010

3.8.2OverseasStudentHealthCover(OSHC)

Overseasstudenthealthcover(OSHC)isinsurancethatprovidescoverforthecostsofmedicalandhospitalcarewhich
internationalstudentsmayneedwhileinAustraliaandismandatoryforinternationalstudentvisaholders.OSHCwillalso
coverthecostofemergencyambulancetransportandmostprescriptiondrugs.

3.8.2aHowdoIgetOSHC?
YoumaybeorhavebeenaskedforanOSHCpaymentintheeducationofferpackageyoureceivefromyourchosen
educationprovider,iftheyhaveapreferredprovideragreementanddontneedtocompleteaformalapplicationform.If
not,youmayneedtocompleteanApplicationforOSHCwhichisavailablefromregisteredOSHCprovidersandmost
educationalinstitutions.YourlocaleducationadvisercanlodgeyourOSHCformandpaymentattimeofprocessingyour
enrolmenttostudyinAustralia.


OnlyAustralianhealthfundsthathavesignedanagreementwiththeAustralianGovernmentcanprovideOSHC.Most
AustralianeducationinstitutionshaveapreferredOSHCprovider.Dependingontheinstitutionyouwillbeattendingyouwill
berequiredtojoinoneofthesefourregisteredhealthfunds.Youmaychoosetochangeyourhealthfundatanytime,butwill
needtoabidebytheconditionsofchangeofthehealthfundprovideryouareleaving.

OSHCProviders
AHM:www.ahm.com.au
MedibankPrivate:
www.medibank.com.au
OSHCWorldcare:
BUPAOSHC:

www.oshcworldcare.com.au

www.overseasstudenthealth.com

AustralianHealthManagement:www.ahm.com.au

StudentsmayalsotakeoutadditionalcoverintheformofExtraOSHCandstudentswhocouldnotpreviouslyaccessOSHC
maynowbeabletoaccessOptionalOSHC.SomestudentsmaybeexemptfromenrollingintheOSHCsuchasstudentsfrom
countrieswhereGovernmentsmayhaveReciprocalHealthAgreementsforstudentsinAustralia.Note:onlysomereciprocal
healthagreementscoverstudentsinAustralia,somewillonlycovervisitors.Youshoulddetermineifyouareeligiblebefore
youapplyforyourvisatocometoAustralia.

FurtherinformationonOSHCcanbefoundat:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/privatehealthconsumersoverseascover.htm
IfyoucometoAustraliaonavisaotherthanastudentvisaandundertakeashortcourseofstudyofthreemonthsduration
orlessyouwillnotbeeligibleforOSHC.Itiswisetopurchasetravelorprivatemedicalinsuranceinthiscase.

3.8.2bWhatamIcoveredfor?
OSHCprovidesasafetynetformedicalexpensesforinternationalstudents,similartothatprovidedtoAustraliansthrough
Medicare.Additionally,OSHCincludesaccesstosomeprivatehospitalsanddaysurgeries,ambulancecoverandbenefitsfor
pharmaceuticals.

BenefitsofbeingAHMOSHCcover(Source:http://www.ahm.com.au/4459/WhyChooseUs)

WehelppayformedicalandhospitalservicesyoumayneedwhileyoucompleteyourstudiesinAustralia,
contributetothecostofmostprescriptionmedicinesandcoverthefullcostofemergencyambulance
transport.
Freeemergencyhelplinejustcall1800006745anytime24hoursaday,7daysaweekintheeventofa
medicalorlegalemergency.
WealsoofferagreatlevelofOSHCExtrascoversoyoucansaveonextrassuchasdentaltreatment,
opticalservices,physiotherapy,dentaltreatment,glassesandmore.
Ourpricesarehardtobeat,plusweofferdiscountsifyoupurchasecoverfor13monthsormorein
advance.
Ourflexiblepaymentoptionsaredesignedtomatchyourvisaduration6months,9months,annually,2
years,3years,4years,5years,oracombinationthatsuitsyoubest.
It'seasytomakeaclaimwithahmjustcompleteaformonlineandyouwillreceiveyourbenefitwithin
24hours.Alternativelyyoucanprocessaclaimbymail,byphone,orwithyourahmOSHCrepresentative.
ahmhasmorethan35yearsexperienceinprovidinghealthcoverandlooksafterthehealthofover
250,000Australians.
It'seasytojoinjustjoinonlineordownloadanapplicationformandsendittous.
It'salsoeasytorenewyourahmOSHCcover;justrenewonlineorcompleteaformbymailoratyour
InternationalStudentsOfficeatyoureducationalinstitution.

YoucanalsoapplyfororrenewyourOSHCattheCollegeReception.
3.8.2cHowdoIusemyOSHCcard?
Ifyouneedtovisitadoctorormedicalcentre,showyourcardattheendofthevisit.Youwillbechargedthedoctorsfee
andthegovernmentfeecomponentofthatmaybeprocessedbythemedicalcentre.Ifthemedicalcentreisnotableto
processthegovernmentfee,paythetotalamount,keepthereceiptandyoucanclaimthegovernmentfeebackfromyour
OSHCprovider.

3.8.2dHowdoImakeaclaim?

Beforeyoumakeaclaim,thereareafewthingsyou'llneedtoknow:

Yourclaimdetails:
o Yourmembershipnumber,
o Datetheservicewasprovided,
o Detailsfortheprovideroftheservice,
o Nameandtypeofserviceprovided,and
o Costoftheservice.
NominateaHandyClaimaccountthisisnecessaryforonlineandteleclaims.Weneedyourpayment
authoritysowecantransferbenefitsarisingfromyouronlineclaimsintoyournominatedbankaccount.If
youhavenotalreadyprovidedthisinformation,youcanregisterforHandyclaimonline.
Alternatively,completetheHandyclaimsectionwhenyoudownloadapaymentform.Senditfreeof
chargetoAustralianHealthManagement,ReplyPaid75885,MatravilleNSW2036.Ifyouhaveany
questions,pleasecontactus.
Onlineandteleclaimingcanonlybeusedtoclaimforgeneralancillaryandgeneraldental.Toclaimfor
medicalgaporhighcostdentistry,pleasedownloadaclaimformandsubmittheclaimbymail.
Acombinedlimitof$400appliesforonlineandteleclaims.Onceyousendusyourreceiptsyourlimitis
updated.
Serviceswithadategreaterthantwoyearsoldarenotclaimable.

ahm(AustralianHealthManagement)providesyouwithanumberofoptionsformakingaclaim.Choosethe
methodmostconvenientforyou:

Onlineloginandclaimyourextrasbenefitsonyourfund'swebsiteanytimeyoulike.
Teleclaimscallusduringbusinesshourstoprocessyourclaimoverthephone.
Mailpostyourclaimtous,freeofcharge.
CountermakeaclaimoverthecounteratourWollongongoffice.
PointofServiceclaimyourbenefitusingHICAPSandonlypaythegap.

(Source:https://www.ahm.com.au/7017/HowtoClaim)

Youcanclaimonlinefor:
Visitstoyourdoctor
Pharmacy
Specialists
Xrays
Pathology
Forallotherclaimsyouneedtophoneormailthefund.Seebelowfordetails.
Yourbenefitwillbedepositedinyourbankaccount,normallywithin24hours,orwecansendyouacheque.You
sendusyourreceiptsforyourclaimlater.Justnominateyourpreferredbankaccountbeforeusingthisservice.
Thereisalimitof$200foronlineclaimsandphoneclaims.
Youneedtoregisterforapasswordbeforeyoucanmakeanonlineclaim.Pleaseregisteronlinethroughthe
websitetoobtainapassword.
Ifyoualreadyhaveapassword,youcanmakeanonlineclaimstraightaway.

2.Inperson
SimplydropyourclaimandreceiptsofftoahmOSHCStudentrepresentativeoncampusorattheahmHead
Officeat77MarketSt,Wollongong.

3.ByPhone
Ifyouvealreadypaidthebill,calluson134246tomakeaclaim.Wecanthendeposityourbenefitsinyourbank
accountandyoucansendthereceiptslater.
Thereisalimitof$200foronlineclaimsandphoneclaims.

4.ByMail
Fillinaclaimformandmailittoahmat:
Lockedbag1006
Matraville
NSW2036
Wecaneitherdepositthebenefitinyourbankaccountorsendyouachequeormoneyorder.
Downloadaclaimform

Ifyouhaventpaidthebillfillinaclaimformandsendittouswiththebill.Wellsendyouachequethats
payabletoyourserviceprovider.Thismightbeyourdoctor,hospitalorambulanceservice.Whenyoureceivethe
cheque,youmustsendittotheproviderandincludeanyadditionalamountthatyoumayberequiredtopay.

(Source:http://www.ahm.com.au/4473/HowtoClaimOSHC)

3.8.2eRenewalinformation
YoucanrenewyourinsurancecoveronlineordoitattheCollegeReception.Itisyourdutytomakesurethatyourinsurance
coverdoesnotlapseduringyourstayinAustraliaandtherebycomplywithyourStudentVisaConditions.

3.8.3TypesofHealthCareinAustralia
TheAustralianhealthcaresystemismixed.ResponsibilitiesforhealthcarearedividedbetweentheFederalandState
governments,andboththepublicandtheprivatesectorsplayarole.Governmentprogramsunderpinthekeyaspectsof
healthcare.Medicare,whichisfundedoutofgeneraltaxrevenue,paysforhospitalandmedicalservices.Medicarecoversall
Australiancitizens,paystheentirecostoftreatmentinapublichospital,andreimbursesforvisitstodoctors.

3.8.3aPublicSystem
ThemajorproviderofhealthcareservicesinAustraliaisthe
PublicHealthSystem(Medicare).ThePublicHealthSystem
providesacomprehensivefreeofchargehealthcareservice
forallAustraliancitizenscoveringbothhospitalbasedand
communitybasedmedicalservices.Publichospitalsare
ownedbytheState.Oneoftheproblemswithsuchasystem
isthatwaitingtimesinpublichospitalscanbeextensivedue
toashortageofhealthcareprofessionalsandfacilities.

Seealso:AttendinganAustralianhospital.

3.8.3bPrivateSystem
Privatehospitalsprovideaboutaquarterofallhospitalbeds
inAustralia.Privatemedicalpractitionersprovidemostnon
bedmedicalservicesandperformalargeproportionof
hospitalservicesalongsidesalarieddoctors.Mostdentalservicesareprovidedbyprivatepractitioners.ForAustralianswho
takeoutprivatehealthinsurancearangeofservicescanbecovered,suchasaccesstoyourownDoctorinaprivatehospital,
andextraservicessuchasdental,opticalandphysiotherapy.

3.8.3cAttendinganAustralianHospital
Fewprivatehospitalshaveemergencydepartments,so,inanemergency,mostAustraliansrelyonthepublichospitalsystem.
IfyouattendanEmergencyDepartmentinahospitalyouwillbeattendedtoimmediatelybyatriagenurseforinformation
aboutyou,yourcover,andyourcurrenthealthcondition.Thetriagenursewilldeterminetheurgencyofyourconditionin
comparisontoothersinneedintheemergencyroomanditislikelythatyouwillremainattheemergencyroomforseveral
hours.WhetheryouareseenimmediatelybyaDoctor,orhavetowait,itiscustomarytokeepyouintheemergencyroom
forseveralhourstomonitoryourconditionbeforereleasingyoutogohome,oradmittingyoutohospitalinmoresevere
cases.

Thereareextensivewaitingtimesforelectivesurgeriesatpublichospitals,e.g.fororthopaedicsurgery.Oneofthe
attractionsofhealthinsuranceistheabilitytobypasspublichospitalwaitinglistsandgothroughtheprivatesystem.

Privatehospitalsareveryexpensivefortreatmentandhospitalisation.YourOSHCwillcoversomeofthecostofsomeprivate
hospitalsbutyouwillhavetopaythedifference.

Yourhealthinsurance(OSHC)coversthetotalcostofaccommodationinasharedwardofapublichospital.Italsopaysfor
theschedulefeeforthedoctorbutyouwillhavetopaythedifferenceifthedoctorsfeeishigherthantheschedulefee.

Seealso:Publichospitalwaitingtimes.

3.8.3dGeneralPractitioners(GPs)

InAustraliayoudonothavetogotoahospitaltoseeadoctor.Youcanseeadoctor(alsoknownasaGPGeneral
Practitioner)intheirprivatepracticeormedicalcentre,withpartortheentiredoctorsfeebeingcoveredbyMedicareor
OSHC.YoumustmakeanappointmenttoseeaGP.ItisimportanttonotethatsomeGPsurgerieswillrequestfullpayment
fromyouatthetimeofconsultationandyouwillneedtopresentthereceipttoclaimtherebatebackfromyourhealthcover
provider.

3.8.4
Medi
cal
Servi
ces

3.8.4a
What
doI
doif
Im
sick?
ChooseadoctorfromthelistofmedicalfacilitiesinthishandbookorusetheYellowPagesandphonetheGPssurgeryor
medicalcentretomakeanappointment.Ifyouhavewokeninthemorningfeelingunwellandwouldliketoseeadoctor
thatday,youwillneedtophonethedoctorssurgeryearlyinthemorning(8:00am8:30am)foranappointment.Please
notehowever,thatitmaynotbepossibletogetanappointmentonthesamedayyoumayhavetowaitoneortwodays
beforeyoucanseeadoctor(insomeregionalareasofAustraliaitmaybeaweekortwobeforeyoucangetan
appointment).
Ifyouareunabletoattendtheclasses,youmustinformyourALTECandobtainamedicalcertificateasproof.TheMedical
certificateprovidedbyyouwillbefiledinyourStudentFolderforreference.

3.8.4bSeeingaDoctor(GP)
Whenyouattendyourappointment,thedoctorwillaskyouquestionsaboutyourhealthandmaygiveyouabriefphysical
examination,suchascheckingyourbreathing,yourthroat,earsetc.Thedoctorwillthengiveyousomeadviceregarding
managementofyourillness,andmaygiveyouaprescriptionforsomemedication.Ifyouhavehad,orneedtotaketimeoff
studiesyouwillneedtogetamedicalcertificatefromthedoctortoprovidetoyoureducationprovider.Ifyourillnessis
moreseriousorthedoctorisunsureofadiagnosissheorhemayreferyouforfurthertestseg:bloodtestsorxrays,orto
seeaspecialistDoctor.ItisimportanttonotethatifyouaredissatisfiedwiththediagnosisorserviceoftheDoctoryousee,
youhavetherighttoobtainanopinionfromanotherDoctor.

3.8.4cPublicHospitalWaitingTimes
IfyoucannotgetanappointmentwithaGPandwanttogotoapublichospitaltoseeadoctor,youmayfindapublichospital
whichhasageneralpracticeclinicattached.Ifnot,andyouattendanemergencyroomtoseeaDoctor,bepreparedtowait
aVERYlongtime.Itisnotuncommontowaitmorethan3hours,andatsomehospitalsyoucouldwaitaslongas56hours
toseeadoctor.Itiscommonpracticeforadoctororanursetomakeaninitialassessmentofyourconditionwhenyoufirst
arrivetoprioritisetheemergenciesinthehospital.Youwillbeseenassoonasthemosturgentpatientshavebeenattended
to.Itisalsocommontoremainintheemergencyroomforsometimeafteradoctorhasattendedtoyoubeforeyouare
instructedyoucanleave.Emergencydepartmentrulesmayincludekeepingyoualittlelongertoobserveyouandensure
thatyourconditiondoesnotchangeanditissafetosendyouhomewiththerecommendedtreatment.Itisthesameforall
patientsinternationalstudentsandAustraliancitizensalike.

3.8.4dPharmacies
GPsurgeriesdonothavemedicationstodispensetoyou.Youmusttaketheprescriptiongiventoyoubythedoctortoa
PharmacyorChemisttoobtainthemedication.YouwillneedtoprovidethepharmacywithyourOSHCcard,yourfullname
andaddress.Youareabletowalkinoffthestreettoanypharmacy/chemist/drugstoreinAustraliaandwillonlyhavetowait
ashortwhileforyourprescriptionmedicinetobeprepared.

3.8.4ePrescriptionMedication
Medicationprescribedbyyourdoctorisnotfree.Youmustpaythepharmacy.Ifthecostismorethan*AU$33.30youcan
claimthedifferencebackfromyourOSHCprovider.Manypharmacistswillofferyoutheoptionofhavingagenericbrand
ofmedicine.IftheprescriptionmedicinetheDoctorhasprescribedisalsomadeavailablebyacompanywhichproduces
genericbrandsatcheaperprices,thisoptionwillbeofferedtoyou.ThisisONLYofferedifthecontentofthemedicineis
exactlythesameasthatprescribedbyyourDoctor.Itwill,however,assistyoutopaylessforyourmedicine.

*Followthislinkformoredetails:
https://www.oshcworldcare.com.au/skins/oshc2/pdf/f70_Pharmaceutical%20Benefits%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

3.8.4fOvertheCounterMedication
Pharmacies/chemistsalsoprovideavarietyofoverthecountermedicationsusefulfortreatingcolds,headaches,allergies
andthelikewhichdonotrequireaprescription.Askthepharmacistondutyforadviceregardingthebestmedicationfor
yoursymptoms.Ensurethatyouadvisethepharmacistofanyothermedicationsyoumaybetaking.

3.8.4gDentalandOptical
DentalandopticalhealthservicesarenotcoveredbyyourOSHCunlessyoutakeoutextracover.Ifyouneedtoseeadentist
oroptometristyouwillneedtomakeanappointment(seetheYellowPages)andpaythefullfeeofthisservice.

3.8.4hInterpreterServices
WeareluckyinAustraliatohaveavarietyofhealthcareprofessionalsfrommanydifferentculturalbackgrounds,soyoumay
beabletoseeadoctorwhospeaksyourfirstlanguage.However,ifyouarehavingdifficultiescommunicatingwithyour
doctor,theTranslationandInterpreterService(TIS)canbeused.Formoreinformationvisitwww.immi.gov.auorphone
131450

*2008Applicablelimit

3.8.5aHospitals
ForacomprehensiveguideofallthePublicHospitalsinVictoriapleasevisit
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/hospitals/pubwebs.htm

3.8.5bMedicalFacilitiesinMelbourne
TherearemanyMedicalFacilitiesinthecityandthesuburbs.Itisoftenadvisabletoaccessaserviceclosertoyour
accommodationespeciallyinthecaseofemergencies.WeprovideherewithsomeoftheMedicalCentresclosertothe
CollegePremises.

St.KildaRoadMedicalCentre
Level1,391StKildaRoad
MelbourneVIC3004

Phone:0398692000

Pleasevisithttp://www.doctors4u.com/melbourne/home.htmformoredetailsonMedicalCentres

3.8.6GeneralHealth

Lookingafteryourphysicalhealthhasasignificantimpactonyourmentalhealthaswellasyourabilitytostudy.

Whilelivinginanotherenvironmentisagoodwaytochangeadailyroutine,itisimportantforstudentswhoareexperiencing
difficultiesintheirowncountry(relationship,health,emotional,substanceabuse,etc.)nottoexpectavacationfromtheir
problems.

Goingabroadisnotageographiccureforconcernsandproblemsathome(thatis,thinkingthatyoucansolveyour
personaldilemmasbymovingfromoneplacetoanother).Sometimesstudentsfeelthatachangeofvenuewillhelpthemto
movepasttheircurrentproblems.However,livingandstudyinginaforeignenvironmentfrequentlycreatesunexpected
physicalandemotionalstress,whichcanexacerbateotherwisemilddisorders.

Itisimportantthatallstudentsareabletoadjusttopotentiallydramaticchangesinclimate,diet,living,andstudyconditions
thatmayseriouslydisruptaccustomedpatternsofbehavior.Inparticular,ifstudentsareconcernedabouttheiruseof
alcoholandothercontrolleddrugsoriftheyhaveanemotionalorphysicalhealthconcern,theyshouldaddressithonestly
beforemakingplanstotravelandstudyabroad.


(Source:EducationAbroadProgram,UCLA)

3.8.6aMentalHealth
[Pleaseprovideanoverviewofwhatcounsellingservicesareavailabletostudentswithregardtomentalhealthandissues
suchas:homesickness,grief,bullying,stress,anxiety,relationships,etc.]

3.8.6bPhysicalHealth
Abigpartofstayinghealthyinvolveseatinghealthyfoods,andgettingenoughexerciseforfitnessandrelaxation.Nutrition
Australiaprovidessomegreatinformationabouthealthyeating,exerciseandlifestyleonitswebsite
www.nutritionaustralia.org.

;Exercisedoatleast30minsofmoderateexerciseaday
;Sleepgetatleast89hoursofsleepanight
;Nutritionkeepabalanceddietrememberingtoeatlotsofvegetablesandfruiteveryday
:Bingedrinkinglimityourconsumptionofalcoholandavoidbingedrinking.Bingedrinking
describesthehabitofdrinkingtoexcesswhenyoudodrink,withlittleornounderstandingofyour
limitstoaccommodatetheamountofalcoholinyourblood.

3.8.6cSexualHealth
Takingcareofyoursexualhealthmeansmorethanbeingfreefromsexuallytransmissibleinfectionsordiseases(STIsor
STDs);italsomeanstakingresponsibilityforyourbody,yourhealth,yourpartnershealthandyourdecisionsaboutsex.Talk
freelytoyourpartnertoensureyouarebothreadyforsex.Alwaysusecondomsascondomsaretheonlyformof
contraceptionthatprotectsagainstSTIs(SexuallyTransmittedInfections)andunplannedpregnancy.Butgirlsshouldalso
consideraformofcontraceptiontoensuresafetyagainstanunplannedpregnancy.Ifyouhaveanysexualhealthconcerns
consultyourGP.

3.8.6dAlternativeTherapies
TherearemanyalternativetherapiesavailableinMelbourneandsomeofityoumaybefamiliarwith.Itisadvisableifyou
usetheseservicesonlyifyouarefamiliarwiththeseoryouarereferredtothembyyourGP.

Thesealternativetherapiesinclude:E.g.acupuncture,aromatherapy,traditionalChinesemedicine,chiropractic,
homeopathy,massage,meditation,naturopathy,yogaetc.

3.9ManagingmyFinances:

FormanyoftheinternationalstudentswhocometoAustraliaitisthefirsttimethattheyhavebeenawayfromtheirparents.
Livingonyourownwithouthavingtheparentstotakecareofyou,canbeachallengetomany.Havingtomanagemoneyon
yourownandpaytherent,fees,electricity&waterbills,foodetccanbeahugestress.Thistakesplanningandbeingvery
carefulwiththemoneyinyourhandsothatyoucanmanageallyourexpenses.Thegoodnewsisthatitisnotimpossible.
Youneedtobitdisciplined.Thedifferenceincurrencyalsocangiveyouafalseperceptionofvalueformoneywhenbuying
things.Itisgoodtotakesometimetogetusedtospendingindollars.

Ifyourefertothefollowingwebsitesyoucanfindsomeusefultipsonhowtobewiseinyourshopping:
http://www.gooduniguide.com.au/SchoolLeavers/PayingYourWay/Tipsforstudentsurvival
http://www.urbanest.com.au/en/blog/locallife/17022010/budgetshoppingtipsforstudents
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/finance/saving.html

3.9.1InitialExpenses

ThisisanexampleofsomeoftheexpensesyoumightencounterwhenyoufirstcometoAustralia:

Expense
EstimatedCost
Temporaryaccommodation(oneweekrentsharedaccommodation)
Rentalbond(fourweeksrent@$150perweek)
Advancerent(twoweeks@$/week)
Electricitybill(permonth)
GasBill(permonth)
InternetBill(permonthfor3GBplanfor3)
Mobilephoneand/ornetworksimcard($29plan withphone2yrcontract)

$150.00
$600.00
$300.00
$70.00
$ 70.00
$29.00
$29.00

Householditems,e.g.furniture,crockery,etc.
Transportation(forweeklyticketfor7days)
Textbooks&EducationalExpenses

$ 700.00
$50.00
$150.00

Incidentals
Insurancehealth

$100.00
$380.00

3.9.2OngoingExpenses

Onceyouhaveestablishedyourselfinaccommodation,youwillneedtobudgetforongoingcosts.Justtogiveyouan
indicationofexpectedlivingcosts.

Supermarketfood
Loafofbread
1kgrice
1kgapples
Packetofinstantnoodles
1kgpotatoes
Tinoftuna
500gmincedbeef
6eggs
Cheese(nonspecialist)250g
1litreofmilk
1packetbiscuits
1litreorangejuice
1packetteabags(50pack)
1jarinstantcoffee(200g)
Entertainment
Cinematicket(fullprice)
Nightclubentrance
Pintofbeer(570ml)
Miscellaneous
Shampoo
Soap
Haircut(men)
Haircut(women)
Phonecall
Stampforletterabroad
Mobilephonetextmessage(withinAus)
Mobilephonecall(withinAust,tosamenetwork)
Transport
Taxi
Busfare

Approximatecost(AUD)
$2.05
$1.24
$3.98
$1.27
$2.24
$1.60
$4.49
$2.19
$3.45
$1.44
$1.17
$3.69
$2.14
$3.12
Approximatecost(AUD)
$11.00
$10.00upwards
$7.00
Approximatecost(AUD)
$3.32
$0.50
$17.00
$40.00
$0.50
$1.45upwards
$0.25upwards
Canbefreeonacappedplan
Approximatecost(AUD)
$7.00upwards
$6.00dailyor$3.20for2hours

3.9.3SettingupaBankAccount

YoucanchoosetoopenanaccountinanyBank,CreditUnionorBuildingSocietyinAustralia.Doyourresearchtogetthe
bestdeal.

Toopenabankaccountyouwillneed:
o yourpassport(witharrivaldatestampedbyAustralianimmigration)
o studentIDcard
o moneytodepositintotheaccount(thiscanbeaslittleas$10)

AnyonewhowishestoopenabankaccountinAustraliamustshowseveralpiecesofpersonalidentificationwhichare
allottedapointssystem.100pointsofidentificationisrequiredtoestablishyouridentityasthepersonwhowillbenamedin
theaccount.YourpassportandproofofyourarrivaldateinAustraliawillbeacceptableas100pointsIFyouopenanaccount
withinsixweeksofarrivalinAustralia.Afterthistimeyouwillberequiredtoproduceadditionaldocumentation.Asa
studentyouwillbeabletoopenanaccountwithspecialstudentbenefits.ManybankshaveStudentAccountswhich
containnoorminimalfeesfortransactionsthatmightnormallybeattachedtoregularsavingsaccounts.Youwillalsorequire

thestudentIDcardfromyourinstitutiontoproveyouareastudentandshouldhaveaccesstothebenefitsofferedbya
studentbankaccount.

ForacomparisonofaccountsinbanksthroughoutAustraliasee:
http://www.banks.com.au/personal/accounts/

MostpeopleinAustraliaenjoytheconvenienceofInternetbankingand/orTelephonebanking,whichenablesthemto
managetheirmoney,paybillsetc.fromhome.Atthetimeyouaresettingupyouraccountyoucanrequesttheseservices
fromyourbank.

3.9.4Bank&ATMLocationsinMelbourne

BANK
NationalAustraliaBank

WEBSITE
www.nab.com.au

ANZ

www.anz.com.au

CommonwealthBank

www.commbank.com.au

WestpacBank

www.westpac.com.au

StGeorgeBank

www.stgeorge.com.au

LOCALADDRESS BRANCH
424StKildaRd,Melbourne,VIC3004
MonThu9.30am4pm,Fri9.30am5pm
420StKildaRoadMelbourneVIC3004
Operatinghours:MonFri:9.30am5.00pm
380St.KildaRoad,MelbourneVIC3004
OperatingHours:MonThu9.00amto4.00pm
Friday:9.00amto5.00pm
409StKildaRd|MelbourneVIC3004
Operatinghours:MonThu9.00am5.00pm
Friday9.30amto5.00pm
ClarendonSt&YorkSt,
SouthMelbourne,VIC,3205

CreditUnionAustralia
www.cua.com.au

ATMlocations

NationalAustraliaBanknab

509StKildaRoad,Melbourne,VIC3004

ANZBankATM
420StKildaRoadMelbourneVIC3004

CommonwealthBankATM
RoyalDomainCentre
380St.KildaRoad,MelbourneVIC3004

St.GeorgeBankATM
409StKildaRoad,
Melbourne,VIC3004

(NBthesearefewofthemanyfinancialinstitutionsinAustralia)

3.9.5Bank&ATMLocationsnearMyAccommodation
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

3.9.6BankingHours

MostbankbranchesareopenfromMondaytoFriday,9:00amto4:00pm(exceptonpublicholidays).Somebrancheshave
extendedtradinghoursduringtheweekandmaybeopenSaturdays(checkwithyourindividualbank).ATMsremainopen
24hoursaday.However,youshouldbeawareofyourpersonalsafetyifaccessingcashfromanATMatnightinquietareas
wheretherearenotalotofpeoplearound.

3.9.7BankFees

Bankfeesarethepriceyoupayfortheproductsandservicesthatbanksoffer.Differentbankschargedifferentfeesfor
differentproductsandservices,andthebestwaytofindoutwhatfeesapplyissimplytoaskyourbank.Anyfeesthat

applytoyouraccountsarefullydisclosedininformationleafletsandtermsandconditionsthatyourbankcanprovide
beforeyouopenyouraccount.Somebankswaivesomefeesifyouareafulltimestudent.Thewayyoudoyour
bankingmayalsoaffectthefeesthatapplyforexample:internetbankingratherthanwalkingintoabranch.
Ifyoudontunderstandanyfeewhichhasbeencharged,contactyourbank.

3.9.8AccessingMoneyfromMyAccount

Bankaccountsofferlotsofoptionsforaccessingyourmoney.Someofthemostpopularoptionsaredescribedbelow.

3.9.8aATMs(AutomaticTellingMachines)
ATMscanbeusedtowithdrawcashfromanaccountbyusingtheATMcardwhichisavailablewithmostbankaccounts.
YoucanalsouseATMstogetanaccountbalanceandtransfermoneyintootheraccounts.SomeATMsalsoallowyouto
depositcashandchequesintoyouraccount.UsingtheATMsofyourbankwillgenerallycostlessmoneythanifyouuse
anotherbanksATMs.FeesforusingATMscanvarybetweenbanksandbetweenaccounts.
Seealso:UsinganATM.

3.9.8bEFTPOS
ShortforElectronicFundsTransferatPointOfSale,EFTPOSterminalscanbefoundwheregoodsorservicesaresold,
forexample,supermarkets,servicestations,restaurants,doctorssurgeriesandgymnasiums.Youcanpayforgoodsand
makepaymentsthroughEFTPOSusingyourATMcard,ratherthanpayingwithcash.Atsomestores,whenyouuse
EFTPOSyoucanalsowithdrawcashfromyouraccountatthesametime.Youshouldbeawarethattherearesome
retailerswhoputlimitsonhowmuchcashcanbewithdrawnwhichmaybedependentontheamountwhichisspentin
thestore.
WhenpayingbyEFTPOS,youalsouseyourPINtoaccessyouraccount.ThesamerulesapplyaboutkeepingthePIN
confidentialandneverhandingitovertoanyone.Becarefulnooneislookingoveryourshoulderwhenyouenteryour
PIN.
See:UsinganATM.

3.9.8cTelephoneBanking
Youcanusetelephonebankingtotransferpaymentstoandfromaccounts,getyouraccountbalances,getrecent
transactioninformationandpaybills.Youwillneedtoregistertousetelephonebankingandwillthenbegivena
passwordoranidentificationnumberthatallowsyoutoaccessyouraccountsoverthephone.Itsimportantneverto
giveyourpasswordtoanyoneelse.

3.9.8dInternetBanking
Internetbankingallowsyoutoviewandcheckyouraccounts,reviewrecenttransactions,applyforloansandcredit
cards,ortransfermoneyandpaybillsallonline.MostbanksofferInternetbankingfacilities,butyouwillneedto
registerwithyourbanktogainaccess.Youwillthenbegivenapasswordthatallowsyoutouseyouraccountsonline.
Nevergivethispasswordtoanyoneelse.
TherearesecurityissuesthatneedtobeconsideredwhenusingInternetbanking.Itisrecommendedthatyouinstalland
keepuptodateantivirussoftwareandafirewall,updatesecuritypatchesandbesuspiciousofemailsrequestingyouto
handoverconfidentialinformationsuchasyourInternetbankinglogonpassword.Yourbankwillneveraskyouforthis
information,especiallyinanemail.Inaddition,manybankspublishsecurityguidesontheirwebsitesandthisprovides
importantinformationonprecautionsthatyoucantaketoprotectyourinformationonline.Ifyouareunsureaboutany
approachthatappearstobefromyourbanktoprovidepersonalinformation.Refusetoprovidethatinformationuntil
youcanattendyournearestbranchtodiscusstherequestoverthecounterwithbankstaff.Thereisnochargefor
discussingyourbankingoptionsatabranch.

3.9.8eOvertheCounterService
Youcanalsogointoabranchofyourbankand,withtheassistanceofbankstaff,conducttransactionsincluding
withdrawals,deposits,transfers,andaccountbalancechecks.Ifyoudonothaveabranchcloseby,youmaybeableto
visitanagencyofyourbranch,suchasanAustraliaPostoutlet,toconductcertaintransactions.Bearinmindthatover
thecountertransactionsusuallyincurhigherfeesthanelectronictransactions.

3.9.8fPayingBills
Mostbankaccountsofferlotsofeasyoptionsforpayingbills.Transactionaccountswithchequebookfacilitiesallowyou
topaybillsbycheque,andmosttransactionaccountsandsavingsaccountsallowyoutopaybillselectronically(e.g.,
usingfacilitiessuchastelephonebanking,Internetbanking)andusingdirectdebits.
Anoteofcautionondirectdebitstheyareaconvenientwaytopayeverydaybills,butalwaysmakesureyouvegot
enoughmoneyinyouraccounttocoverthecostofthedebit.Ifyourpayorallowancegoesintoyouraccountona

certaindate,makesureyourdirectdebitpaymentsarescheduledtocomeoutofyouraccountafteryourpaygoesin,or
youmightendupwithanoverdrawnaccountoradishonouredpaymentbothcancostyoumoney.

3.9.8gAccountStatements
Mostbankswillprovideregularstatementsforyouraccounts(justhowregularcandependonthetypeofaccount).On
request,bankswillprovidestatementsonadepositaccountatmorefrequentintervals,butthismayattractafee.Bank
statementsareyourrecordofeverythingthathashappenedinyouraccountoveragivenperiodthewithdrawals,
depositsandtransfersthatweremade,andanybankfeesandgovernmenttaxesyouwerecharged.Telephoneand
Internetbankingcanmakeiteasytocheckyourstatements,andsomebanksevenofferministatementsthroughtheir
ownATMs.
Checkyourstatementsregularlytomakesureyouvegotenoughmoneyinyouraccounttocoveryourexpensesand
keeptrackofyourspending,aswellasmakesurethatalltransactionsmadeinyouraccountarelegitimate.Refertoyour
statementstoseewhatfeesyouarepayingonyourbankaccountsandwhy,andtoseewhetherafewsimplechangesto
yourbankinghabitscouldhelpyoutoreducethefeesyoupay(forexample,usingyourownbanksATMsinsteadof
otherbanksATMs).
(Source:AustralianBankersAssociationInc.)

3.9.9UsinganATM

YouwillbegivenaPIN(PersonalIdentificationNumber)whichyouwillenterintotheATMtoaccessyouraccount.Itis
thekeytoyouraccountanditisimportantthatyounevertellanyoneyourPIN.Abankorreputablebusinesswillnever
askyouforyourPIN.Ifanyonedoes,besuspicious,donthanditoverandreporttheincidenttothebankandthepolice.
BecarefulnooneislookingoveryourshoulderwhenyouenteryourPIN.
ThesegeneralrulesshouldbefollowedforATMsafety,especiallyatnight:
MinimiseyourtimeattheATMbyhavingyourcardreadywhenyouapproachthemachine;
TakealookaroundasyouapproachtheATMandifthere'sanythingsuspicious,don't
usethemachineatthattime(reportanysuspicionstothepolice);
Ifyoudon'tfeelcomfortableusingaparticularATM,considercontinuingonto
anotherbranchorusingoffstreetATMs;
DorememberthatEFTPOScanbeusedtowithdrawcashatmanyotherplaces,like
supermarketsandservicestations;
Ifyousimplywanttocheckyouraccountbalanceortransferfundsbetweenaccounts,
telephoneorInternetbankingcanbeusedinsteadofanATM.
IfyourATMorcreditcardislostorstolen(orifyourPINhasbeenrevealedtoanotherperson),
notifyyourbankimmediately.Thiswillenableyourbanktoputastoponyourcardimmediatelyso
thatnooneelsecanuseitandgetaccesstoyourmoney.Mostbankshavea24hourtelephonenumberforreportinglost
cardsitsagoodideatokeeparecordofthisnumberhandyatalltimes,justincase.Ifyoudontknowthenumber,ask
yourbank.

(Source:AustralianBankersAssociationInc.)

3.9.10SafetyWhenCarryingMoney

Thefirstandfundamentalruleofsafetywhencarrymoneyis:

Dontcarrylargeamountsofcash!

Thesecondis:

Don'tadvertisethefactthatyouarecarryingmoney!
Divideyourcashintodifferentlocationsonyourperson(frontpocket,coatpocket,shoes,etc.).
Keepyourwalletinoneofyourfrontpocketsatalltimes.
Donotcarrycashinabackpackorbackpocket.
Sewasmallmoneypocketintothecuffofatrouser,sleeveofashirtorevenabra.
Divideyourbank/creditcardsandkeeptheminseparatelocations.
Donotplacemoneyorvaluablesinlockers.
Beverycarefulhowyoucarryyourhandbag,andneverleaveitopenedforsomeonetosliptheirhandinside.

3.10WorkinginAustralia

3.10.1PermissiontoWork


From26April2008,peoplegrantedstudentvisaswillautomaticallyreceivepermissiontoworkwiththeirvisagrant.Most
studentvisaholderswillnolongerneedtoapplyseparatelyinAustraliaforpermissiontowork.

PleasenotethatyouwillNOTbeabletoworkinAustralianuntilthefirstofficialdayofclasseswhentheeducation
providerwillconfirmyourstudycommencement.

ALTECwilldothisautomaticallyonthefirstofficialdayofclasses,incaseithasnotbeendonepleasespeaktooneofour
StaffMembersandtheywillattendtoit.

3.10.2WorkingwhileStudying

Pleaseensurethatyouadheretothefollowing:
1.
2.

Youarenotpermittedtostartworkuntilyouhavecommencedyourcourseofstudy
Youcanworkamaximumof20hoursperweekduringthetermandunlimitedhourswhenyourcourseisnotinsession
(i.e.:holidayssuchassummerbreakandtermbreak)
3. TheDepartmentofImmigrationandCitizenship(DIAC)considersyourcoursetobeinsession:
o forthedurationoftheadvertisedsemesters(includingperiodswhenexamsarebeingheld)
o ifyouhavecompletedyourstudiesandyourConfirmationofEnrolmentisstillineffect
o ifyouareundertakinganothercourse,duringabreakfromyourmaincourseandthepointswillbecreditedto
yourmaincourse.
(Source:DepartmentofImmigrationandCitizenship)

Forafulllistofmandatoryanddiscretionarystudentvisaconditionspleasevisitwww.immi.gov.au/students/index.htm

3.10.3FindingWork

YoumayfinditdifficulttofindworkinAustraliaasyouwillbejoiningthegeneralAustralianpopulationinyoursearch;
thereforeyoushouldnotrelyonincomefromemploymentwhenbudgetingtopayforlivingexpenses.Thereisnoguarantee
thatemploymentcompanieswillfindworkforyou.

TherearemanydifferentwaystofindajobinAustralia.Followingarefewsuchways.

3.10.3aNewspapers
Allnewspapersregionalnewspapersandstatewidenewspapershaveasectionwithemploymentvacancies.
Regionalnewspapersare:
MelbourneTimes
MelbourneLeader
BerwickLeader
TheJournal
MaroondahLeaderetc.
Thesearenewspapersdistributedinspecificregionsforthelocalcommunityfreeofcost.Thesecommunitynewspapers
containlotofthelocaljobs.

Nationalnewspapersare:
TheAge
HeraldSun
TheAustralian
Thesenewspapershaveasectionforjobvacancies,statewide.

3.10.3bCollegesJobBoards
TheALTECNoticeBoardmayhavecertainjobvacanciesputupbystudents,sometimesstaffwhocomeacrosssomething
relevantanduseful.Studentsarewelcometoapplyfortheseifitissuitable.HoweveritisnotCollegeendorsedemployment
provideroraffiliatedwiththeCollegeinanyway.

3.10.3cOnlinetrytheseonlinecompanies:

www.seek.com.au


www.careerone.com.au

http://melbourne.gumtree.com.au/

www.mycareer.com.au

www.jobsearch.com.au

(Source:Onlinesearch)

3.10.4EarninganIncome

3.10.4aTaxes
TaxesaremanagedthroughtheAustralianTaxationOffice(ATO).Thetaxyoupaydependsonhowmuchyouearn.

3.10.4bGettingaTaxFileNumber
YoumustobtainaTaxFileNumbertobeabletoworkinAustralia.Ataxfilenumber(TFN)isyouruniquereferencenumber
toourtaxsystem.Whenyoustartwork,youremployerwillaskyoutocompleteataxfilenumberdeclarationform.Ifyou
donotprovideaTFNyouremploymentwillbetaxedatthehighestpersonalincometaxrate,whichwillmeanlessmoneyin
yourwageseachweek.

YoucanapplyforyourTFNonlineatwww.ato.gov.au,orphone132861,8amto6pmMondaytoFriday.FortheATO
translatingandinterpreterservicephone:131450.

3.10.4cTaxationReturns
Ifyoupaytoomuchtaxyouareentitledtoarefund.Togetarefundyouwillneedtolodgeataxreturn.Youcanlodge
onlineusingetax(free),bymailingapapertaxreturn,orbypayingaregisteredtaxagenttocompleteandlodgethereturn
foryou.Ifyoulodgebyetaxyourrefundwillnormallybeissuedwithin14days.

Lodgeonlineusingetaxatwww.ato.gov.au
Foraregisteredtaxagentvisitwww.tabd.gov.au
TaxreturnsarelodgedattheendoftheAustraliantaxyear(1Julyto30June).

3.10.4dSuperannuation
Ifyouareafulltime,parttimeorcasualemployeebetween18and70yearsofage,youremployerisrequiredtomake
superannuationcontributionsonyourbehalf(knownastheSuperannuationGuarantee)foranymonthinwhichyouarepaid
$450(beforetax)ormore.
Ifyouareunder18,youmustbeworkingmorethan30hoursaweektobeeligibletoreceivesuperannuationcontributions
fromyouremployerundertheSuperannuationGuarantee.
Youremployermustcontributeanadditionalsumequalto9%ofyourwageintoasuperannuation(pension)accountforyou.
Inmostcases,youcanaccessyourcontributionswhenyouleaveAustraliapermanently,althoughthecontributionswillbe
taxed.

Tocheckyoureligibilitytoclaimyoursuperannuationandtoapplyforyourpayment,visit:www.ato.gov.au/departaustralia
Youwillneedtoprovidethedetailsofyoursuperannuationfundforthisyouwillneedtheadviceofataxagentwhocan
recommendfundsthatarerelevanttoyourindustryandmostsuitableforyou.

Formoredetailsyoucanalsorefertomyfuturewebsitefollowingthislink.
http://www.myfuture.edu.au/en/The%20Facts/Work%20and%20Employment/Work%20Rights%20and%20Responsibilities/S
uperannuation%20entitlements.aspx

(Source:AustralianTaxationOffice)

3.11LawsandSafetyinAustralia

3.11.1ObeyingtheLaw

OneofthereasonswehavesuchawonderfullifestyleinAustraliaisduetoourrepresentativedemocracy,theseparationof
powers,andourrespectfortheruleoflaw.WehavealotoflawsinAustraliaandasaresult,societyrunssmoothly.

InbeinggrantedavisatostudyinAustralia,yousignedadocument(AustralianValuesStatementTemporary)agreeingto
respectAustralianvaluesandobeythelawsofAustraliaforthedurationofyourstay.Failuretocomplywiththelawsof
thisland(includingStateandTerritorylaws)couldresultinafineorthecancellationofyourvisaandpossibledeportation
backhome.Ifyouareconvictedofaseriouscrime,itcouldresultinimprisonment.Nobodywantsthistohappen!

YoucanfindacomprehensiveoutlineofAustralianlawandthelegalsystemat:www.australia.gov.au
ThedetailsonStatelawsrelevanttomanyaspectssuchasconsumeraffairs,crimes,legalrightsandadviceandlaw
enforcementcanbefoundontheVictoriaonlinewebsite.
http://www.vic.gov.au/lawjustice.html

3.11.2LegalServices&Advice

Ifyoudobreakthelawarearrestedandneedtoattendacourtappearanceyouwillneedlegalrepresentationtonegotiate
Australiascomplexlegalsystem.

Therearemanylegalservices.Itisalwaysgoodtocheckwhetherthelawyersareregistered.
Wewouldrecommendyoutotalktothefollowingtwoservicesinanysituationthatyoumayhave.

VictoriaLegalAidLegalInformationService
Helpline:(03)92690120or1800677402(countrycallers)
Hoursofoperation
MondaytoFriday8.45amto5.15pm(AustralianEasternStandardTime)
exceptpublicholidays
Source:http://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/3090.htm

InternationalStudentLegalAdviceClinic(ISLAC)
ISLACwillbestaffedbyvolunteerlawyersandparalegalswithabackgroundininternationalstudentissues.
VolunteerswithHindi,Urdu,Punjabi,TamilandBahasaMelayulanguageskillswillbeonstaffattheclinic.

Theareasoflawcoveredbytheclinicinclude:minorcriminalmatters(includingvictimsofcrime),housingand
tenancyissues,studentrights,policematters(includingcomplaints),employmentanddiscrimination/racism

Formoreinformationabouttheclinic,contactMsSanmatiVerma
(Coordinator,ISLAC):sanmati.verma@gmail.comor0410923041.

Source:http://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Page/PagePrint.asp?Page_Id=4744

3.11.3ChildProtectionLaws
InAustraliachildrensrightsareprotectedbynumberoflegislationsandeachstatehasitsownlegislationsthat
applytothisarea.Whenyoulookforajoborvolunteering,theworkmayinvolveworkingwithchildrenoryoung
peoplelessthan18yearsofage.YouarenotpermittedworkwithchildrenwithoutundergoingaWorkingwith
ChildrenCheck(WWCCheck).
Thepurposeistoprotectchildrenandyoungpeoplefrombeingsubjecttophysicalorsexualabuse.TheWorking
withChildren(WWC)CheckcreatesamandatoryminimumcheckingstandardacrossVictoria.TheWWCCheck
helpstokeepchildrensafebypreventingthosewhoposearisktothesafetyofchildrenfromworkingwiththem,
ineitherpaidorvolunteerwork.
IfyouworkorvolunteerwithchildrenyoumayneedtoapplyforaWWCCheck.Employers,volunteer
organisationsandagenciesmustensurethatanyoftheirstafforvolunteerswhoneedaWWCCheckhasapplied.

EverybodywhorequiresaWWCCheckmusthaveaWWCCheckorhaveappliedforoneby30June2011.
Source:http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren
Legislation
Jurisdiction
Victoria
(ChildrenProtectionandJuvenileJusticeBranch;
DepartmentofHumanServices)
http://www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au/

PrincipalActs:
Children,YouthandFamiliesAct2005(Vic)
OtherrelevantActs:
WorkingwithChildrenAct(Vic)
ChildWellbeingandSafetyAct2005(Vic)
TheCharterofHumanRightsandResponsibilitiesAct2006(Vic)
FamilyLawAct1975(Cth)

(Source:AustralianInstituteofFamilyStudies)

3.11.4HomeSecurity

Housebreakingisoneofthemostcommoncrimes.Mosthousebreakinsappeartobecrimesofopportunitywithentry
gainedthroughanopenorunlockedwindowordoor.Mostintrudersarelookingfor(andoftenfind)ahouseleftopenor
unlockedwheretheycangetwhattheywantwitheaseandmakeaquickgetaway.

SomeGeneralSecurityTips:
Yourhousenumbershouldbeclearlyvisiblefromthestreetincaseofanemergency.
Keepyourfrontdoorlockedwhenyouareatthebackofthehouse.
Donotleavemessagesonthefrontdoor.Itletspeopleknowyouarenothome.
Avoidhavingparcelsleftonthedoorstep.
Ifyouhavetohavesomethingdeliveredwhileyouareouthavetheneighbourscollectit.
Whenout,leavearadioortelevisiononoralightintheeveningtogivetheimpressionyouare
home.
Keepcashandvaluablesoutofsight.

HomeSecurityisanissueforyoutoconsiderwhenyouaredecidingonaplacetolive.Windowsanddoorsshouldpreferably
havesecurityscreensorlocks;doorsshouldhavedeadbolts,asecuritychainandapeephole;andifthepropertyhasan
alarmsystemthatwouldalsomakeitanexcellentchoice.

3.11.4aContentsInsurance
ItisrecommendedthatifyouareinarentalpropertythatyouobtainContentsInsuranceforyourbelongings.Thisisaform
ofhouseinsurancethatinsuresthecontentsofthehouse.LandlordswillusuallyhaveHouseInsurancebutyourbelongings
willnotbecovered.Contentsinsurancewillreplaceyourbelongingsifyourhouseisrobbedandyourbelongingsare
damagedorstolen,oryouhaveahousefireandyourbelongingsaredestroyedordamaged.Thismaycostyouupto$200
peryeardependingonthevalueofyourbelongings.

3.11.5InternetSafety&Security

3.11.5aInternetAccessonArrival
Internetcafesarelocatedinmosttowns.Thecostforaccessingvariesbuttheminimumcostisgenerally$2for30min.You
couldbookacomputeratacommunitylibraryforfree.
YoucanaccessthecomputersfreeofcostatALTEC.TheComputerslocatedinstudentcommonareasareaccessibleatall
times.ThecomputersinthelabscanbeusediftheyarenotoccupiedorwiththepermissionoftheTrainer.

Theinternethasnowbecomeanessentialbusiness,social,entertainmentandeducationalresourceformostAustralians.The
increasinglevelofeconomictransactionsontheinternetismakingitthefocusofcriminalactivities.Itisimportantthat
internetusersprotectthemselvesfromfallingpreytotheseactivities.Thefollowingtipslistsomesimpleprecautionsyoucan
taketominimisethechancesofbecomingavictimofonlinecriminals.

1. Installantivirusandothersecuritysoftware,suchasantispywareandantispamsoftware.Useandupdatethis
softwareregularly.
2. Regularlydownloadandinstallthelatestsecuritypatchesforyourcomputersoftware,includingyourwebbrowser.
Useautomaticsoftwaresecurityupdateswherepossible.

3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
8.

9.

Useafirewallandmakesureitisturnedon.Firewallshelppreventunauthorisedaccessto,andcommunicationsfrom,
yourcomputer.
Deletesuspectemailsimmediately.Don'topentheseemails.
Don'tclickonlinksinsuspectemails.Visitingwebsitesthroughclickingonlinksinsuspectemailsmayresultinmalware
(malicioussoftware),suchasaTrojan',beingdownloadedtoyourcomputer.Thisisacommonlyusedandeffective
meansofcompromisingyourcomputer.
Onlyopenanattachmenttoanemailwherethesenderandthecontentsoftheattachmentareknowntoyou.
Don'tdownloadfilesorapplicationsfromsuspectwebsites.Thefileorapplicationcouldbemalware.Sometimesthe
malwaremayevenbefalselyrepresentedasesecuritysoftwaredesignedtoprotectyou.
Uselongandrandompasswordsforanyapplicationthatprovidesaccesstoyourpersonalidentityinformation,
includingloggingontoyourcomputer.Don'tusedictionarywordsasapassword.Ideally,thepasswordshouldbeeight
ormorecharactersinlength.Changepasswordsregularly.
Usealimitedpermissionaccountforbrowsingtheweb,creatingdocuments,readingemail,andplayinggames.Ifyour
operatingsystemallowsyoutocreatealimitedpermissionaccount,thiscanpreventmaliciouscodefrombeinginstalled
ontoyourcomputer.Alimitedpermission'accountisanaccountthatdoesnothaveAdministrator'status.
(Source:AustralianCommunicationsandMediaAuthority)

3.11.6PersonalSafety

Whenyouareoutandaboutitisimportanttobealertandawareofyourpersonalsafety.

Ifyouaregoingoutatnightremember:
Thinkaheadconsiderhowyouaregoingtogethomewhataboutprebookingataxiorarrangingtransportwitha
friendorfamilymember?
Neverhitchhike.
Makesurethatyoustaywithyourpartyandthatsomeoneknowswhereyouareatalltimes.
Makesureyouhaveenoughmoneytogethomeortophone.
Keepawayfromtroubleifyouseeanytroubleorsuspectthatitmightbeabouttostartmoveawayfromthesceneif
youcan.Thebestthingyoucandoistoalertthepoliceandkeepaway.
Walkpurposelyandtrytoappearconfident.Bewaryofcasualrequestsfromstrangers,likesomeoneaskingfora
cigaretteorchangetheycouldhaveulteriormotives.
Trynottocarryyourwalletinyourbacktrouserpocketwhereitisvulnerableandinclearview.
Ifyouaresocialisinginapublicplaceneverleaveyourdrinkunattended.ReadaboutDrinkSpikingunderAlcohol,
SmokingandDrugs.

Ifyouareoutandabout:
Bealerttoyoursurroundingsandthepeoplearoundyou,especiallyifyouarealoneoritisdark
Wheneverpossible,travelwithafriendoraspartofagroup
Stayinwelllitareasasmuchaspossible
Walkconfidentlyandatasteadypace
Makeeyecontactwithpeoplewhenwalkingletthemknowthatyouhavenoticedtheirpresence
Donotrespondtoconversationfromstrangersonthestreetorinacarcontinuewalking
Beawareofyoursurroundings,andavoidusingpersonalstereosorradiosyoumightnotheartroubleapproaching
alwayskeepyourbriefcaseorbaginviewandclosetoyourbody
Bediscretewithyourcashormobilephones
Whengoingtoyourcarorhome,haveyourkeysinyourhandandeasilyaccessible
Considercarryingapersonalattackalarm
Ifyoudonothaveamobilephone,makesurethatyouhaveaphonecardorchangetomakeaphonecall,but
rememberemergency000callsarefreeofcharge.
(Source:AustralianFederalPolice)

3.11.7PublicTransportSafety

Travellingonpublictransportshouldbeasafeandcomfortableexperience.Numeroussecuritymeasureshavebeenadopted
tomaximisethesafetyoftravellersincluding:securityofficers,police,guards,helppoints,goodlightingandsecurity
cameras.Mostdriversalsohavetwowayradiosandcancallforassistance.

3.11.7aBuses
Waitingforabus:
Avoidisolatedbusstops

 Standawayfromthecurbuntilthebusarrives
Don'topenyourpurseorwalletwhileboardingthebushaveyourmoney/passalreadyinhand
Atnight,waitinwelllitareasandnearotherpeople
Checktimetablestoavoidlongwaits.

Ridingonthebus:
Sitasclosetothebusdriveraspossible
Stayalertandbeawareofthepeoplearoundyou
Ifsomeonebothersyou,changeseatsandtellthedriver
Keepyourpurse/packagesclosebyyourside.Keepyourwalletinsideafrontcoat
pocket
Checkyourpurse/walletifsomeoneisjostling,crowdingorpushingyou
Ifyouseeanysuspiciousactivity,informthedriver

3.11.7bTrains
Manyofthesamesafetytipswhentravellingbybusapplyfortrains.Inaddition:
Mostsuburbantrainshavesecuritycamerasinstalledoremergencyalarmsthatwill
activatethecameras
Carriagesnearestthedriversarealwaysleftopenandlit
Trynottobecomeisolated.Ifyoufindyourselfleftinacarriageonyourownorwithonlyoneotherpersonyoumayfeel
morecomfortabletomovetoanothercarriagewithotherpeopleorclosertothedriver.

3.11.7cTaxis
Travellingbytaxiisgenerallyquiteasafemethodofpublictransport.Toincreaseyourconfidencewhentravellingbytaxi,
considerthefollowingsuggestions:
Phoneforataxiinpreferencetohailingoneonthestreet.Arecordiskeptbytaxicompaniesofallbookingsmade
Youareentitledtochoosethetaxi/taxidriverofyourpreference.Ifadrivermakesyoufeeluncomfortableyouare
withinyourrightstoselectanothertaxi
Sitwhereveryoufeelmostcomfortable.Thismaymeantravellinginthebackseatofthetaxi;
Specifytothedrivertherouteyouwishtotaketoreachyourdestination.Speakupifthedrivertakesadifferentrouteto
theoneyouhavespecifiedorarefamiliarwith
TakenoteoftheTaxiCompanyandfleetnumber.Thiswillhelpinidentifyingthe
taxiifrequired.Ifyouarewalkingafriendtocatchataxi,considerlettingthe
driverknowthatyouhavenotedthesedetailse.g.,"Lookaftermyfriend,Mr/Ms
YellowCabNo.436"
Stayalerttoyoursurroundingsandlimityourconversationtogeneraltopics
Ifyoudon'twantyourhomeaddressknown,stopafewhousesawayfromyour
destination

Ifthedriverharassesyouwhentravellinginataxiyouroptionsinclude:
Askthedrivertostop.Youmaychoosetomakeupanexcusetodoso;
Leavethetaxiwhenitstopsatatrafficsignorlights
Callouttosomeoneonthestreettoattractattentionandseekassistance.Thismayalsocausethedrivertostop
Readoutthefleetnumberandadvisethedriveryouwillreporthim/heriftheydon'tstop
(Source:QueenslandPoliceService)

3.11.8RoadRules
IfyouaregoingtodriveinAustralia,nomatterwhetheryouareanexperienceddriverandhaveaninternationaldrivers
licenceornot,YOUMUSTKNOWTHEROADRULESbeforeyouattempttodrive(even10metres)!Manylivesareloston
Australianroadseveryyearandinternationalvisitorsareathighrisk!Ifyoucomefromacountrywhereyoudriveonthe
oppositesideoftheroadtoAustraliaitissometimeshelpfultohaveacompaniondrivewithyoutoensureyoubothtake
noteoftrafficconditionsandsignsuntilyouaremorefamiliarwithdrivingontheleftsideoftheroad.Ahandytipisnotto
thinkofitastheothersideoftheroad,buttothinkthatthewhiteline(orcentredividinglineontheroad)isonyourside
asthedriver,justasitisinallcountries.ItisrecommendedthatyoutakeoneortwodrivinglessonsinAustraliabeforeyou
begintodrivehereonyourown.

3.11.8aOwningaCar
Registration:
Anymotorvehicleyouownmustberegisteredbeforeyoudriveitontheroad.Youmustregisteritinyournameand
providetheStatecarregistrationboardwithyourdriverslicencedetailsandyourresidentialaddressinAustralia.


Insurance:
Itisrecommendedthatyouhavecarinsuranceifyouownacar,thiswillprotectyouifyouhaveanaccidentthatisyourfault
asitwillhelppayforanydamageyoumayhavecausedtoyourcaroranothercar.

3.11.8bSpeed
Thereareveryobviousreasonsforhavingspeedingandtrafficrules.Theriskofbeinginvolvedinanaccidentincreaseswith
thespeedavehicleisbeingdrivenbecausethereislesstimetoreact,lesscontrolofthevehicleandthedistanceneededto
stopislonger.Thehigherthespeedavehicleistravellingwhenithitsapedestrian,thegreaterthechanceofafatality
occurring.Speedkills.

3.11.8cMobilePhonesandDriving
Theuseofmobilephoneswhendrivingisdangerous,againstthelawifit'snothandsfree,andpotentiallyfatal.Thisapplies
tosendingorreceivingtextmessagesaswellascalls.Ifyouuseamobilephonewhiledrivingyouareninetimesmorelikely
tobekilled,inacollision.Policeactivelytargettheuseofmobilephonesbymotorists.Finesareconsiderableanddemerit
pointpenaltiesdoapply.YoucanuseaBluetoothdeviceorearphonestolegallyuseamobilephonewhiledriving.However
itisgoodtoavoidtalkingonthemobilewhiledrivingbecauseitcoulddistractyourthoughtsandattentionwhichcouldcause
anaccident.

3.11.8dDemeritPointsScheme
TheDemeritPointsSchemeisanationalprogramthatallocatespenaltypoints(demerits)forarangeofdrivingoffences.The
schemeisdesignedtoencouragesafeandresponsibledriving.Alongwithfinancialpenalties,demeritpointsprovideastrong
incentivetodrivewithinthelaw.
Differentoffenceshaveadifferentnumberofdemeritpoints.
Acompletelistofalloffences,demeritpointsandfinescanbeviewedbyfollowingthislink:
http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licences/DemeritsAndOffences/DemeritPointsAndFines/DemeritPointOffences.htm

(Source:VicRoads)

3.11.8eLicenceRequirements

InVictoriaasastudentholdingastudentvisayoucandriveonyouroverseasdriverlicence.Thislicensemustbe
inEnglishoraccompaniedbyanEnglishtranslationorInternationalDrivingPermit.Thereisnorequirementtoget
aVictoriandriverlicence.
EligibilitytoqualifyforaVictorianlicence
Victorianfulldriverlicence
ToobtainaVictorianfulldriverlicenceyoumusthaveheldandprovideevidencethatyouhaveheldanoverseas
driverlicenceforatleastthreeyearsfromyour18thbirthday.Youroverseasdriverlicencemustbecurrentornot
expiredbymorethanfiveyears.Anyperiodwhereyouhavebeensuspendedordisqualifiedfromdrivingis
excludedwhencalculatingtheperiodoftimeyouhaveheldalicence.
Victorianprobationarydriverlicence
Youmustbeatleast18yearsofagetoobtainaVictorianprobationarydriverlicence.Noageexemptionsapply.If
youhaveheldanoverseasdriverlicenceforlessthanthreeyears,anappropriateprobationaryperiod(P1orP2)
willapply,dependingonyourageandtheamountoftimeyouroverseasdriverlicencehasbeenheld(youmust
provideevidence).Anyperiodwhereyouhavebeensuspendedordisqualifiedfromdrivingisexcludedwhen
calculatingtheperiodoftimeyouhaveheldalicence.
Victorianlearnerpermit
Youmustbeatleast16yearsofagetoobtainaVictorianlearnerpermit(atleast18yearsforamotorcycle).No
ageexemptionsapply.
ApplyingforaVictoriandriverlicence
ToobtainVictoriandriverlicence(fullorprobationary)youneedtomakeanappointmenttoundertakearoad
lawknowledgetest,hazardperceptiontest(HPT),eyesighttestandadrivetest(unlessyouareexemptfromthe
testsee'Exemptionsfromlicencetests'below)ataVicRoadsCustomerServiceCentre.Youmustcompleteand
passtheroadlawknowledgetestandhazardperceptiontestbeforeyouattemptthedrivetest.

IfyouroverseasdriverlicenceisnolongervalidfordrivinginVictoria(seeaboveinformationregarding
permanentvisas),youwillstillbeabletoundertakethedrivingtest,asyouareexemptfromholdingalearner
permitforthedurationofthetest.
(Source:VicRoads)

3.11.8fDrinkingAlcoholandDriving

Ifyouaregoingtodrinkalcohol,don'tdrive.Ifyouaregoingtodrive,don'tdrinkalcohol.Anythingelseisarisk,notonlyto
you,butalsotoothermotoristsandpedestrians.Alcoholisinvolvedinaboutonethirdofallseriousmotorvehicleaccidents.
Asthelevelofalcoholincreasesinyourbody,youhavemoreriskofbeinginvolvedinanaccident.
Drivingwithbloodalcoholcontentabovethelegallimitisdangeroustoothersaswellasyourselfandseverelegal
penaltiesapply.Ifyouareabovetheprescribedbloodalcoholcontentlevel,asthelevelofalcoholinyourbodyincreases,so
doestheseverityofyourfineand/orjailterm.

3.11.8gBloodAlcoholConcentration(BAC)Levels
Thebloodalcoholconcentration(BAC)istheamountofalcoholinthebloodstream.ABACof0.05meansyouhave0.05
gramsofalcoholinevery100mlofyourblood.Asthelivermetabolisesalcoholataroundonestandarddrinkperhour,the
BACleveldropsunlessmorealcoholisconsumed.BACismeasuredwithabreathalyser,orbyanalysingasampleofblood.

3.11.8hLegalBACLimits
ThelegallimitfordriversinVictoria,andallotherstates,isbelow0.05.Fordriversonaprobationarylicence(Pplates)or
learnerdrivers(Lplates),noalcoholisallowed.ThelawinVictoriaimposesseverepenaltiesforconvicteddrinkdrivers,
includinglicenceloss,finesand,occasionally,imprisonment.Morethan12,000Victorianslosetheirlicenceeveryyear
becauseofdrinkdrivingoffences.

3.11.8iFactorsAffectingyourBAC
Themoreyoudrink,thehigheryourBAC.ButtwopeoplewhodrinkthesameamountmightregisterquitedifferentBACs.
Therearemanyfactorsthatwillaffectthis,including:
Bodysize:AsmallerpersonwillhaveahigherBACthanalargerpersonbecausethealcoholisconcentratedinasmaller
bodymass.
Emptystomach:SomeonewithanemptystomachwillreachahigherBACsoonerthansomeonewhohasjusteatena
meal.Foodinthestomachslowsdowntherateatwhichalcoholpassesintothebloodstream.
Bodyfat:PeoplewithalotofbodyfattendtohavehigherBACsbecausealcoholisnotabsorbedintofattytissue,so
alcoholisconcentratedinasmallerbodymass.
Women:Afterdrinkingthesameamountofalcohol,awomanwillalmostalwayshaveahigherBACthanamale.
Becauseofallthesevariablefactors,countingthenumberofstandarddrinksyouconsumecanonlygivearoughguideto
yourBAC.Formoredetailedinformationaboutalcoholandhowiteffectsyou,pleaseseetheAustralianDrugFoundation
website:www.druginfo.adf.org.au.

3.11.8jDrinkingLimitsAdvice
Tostaybelow0.05BAC,driversareadvisedtolimittheirdrinkingto:
Formen:Nomorethantwostandarddrinksinthefirsthourandnomorethanonestandarddrinkeveryhourafterthat.

 Forwomen:Nomorethanonestandarddrinkinthefirsthourandnomorethanoneeveryhourafterthat.

3.11.8kRandomBreathTesting(RBT)
Randombreathtestingofdriversforbloodalcohollevelsanddruguseiscommonatanytimeofthedayornight.Police
officershavetherighttostopanyvehicleatanytimeandrequirethedrivertosupplysamplesforscreening.Anyperson
drivingamotorvehicleisrequiredbylawtohavelessthanaspecifiedamountofalcoholintheirblood.Ifadriverexceeds
thelevelwhichappliestothemthedriverhascommittedanoffence.

3.11.8l
Increased
Riskofan
Accident
Itissafest
nottodrinkalcoholatallifyouaregoingtodrive.Themorealcoholyouhaveinyourbody,themoreriskyouhaveofbeing
involvedinanaccident.
At0.05%BloodAlcoholContent(BAC),yourriskofbeinginvolvedinaroadaccidentisdoublethatofa0.00%reading.
At0.1%BACyourriskismorethanseventimesashighofbeinginvolvedinaroadaccident,thanat0.00%.
At0.15%yourriskincreasesto25timesthatofdrivingat0.00%.

DONTDRINK&DRIVE!

(Source:AustralianFederalPolice)

3.11.9Alcohol,Smoking,&Drugs

3.11.9aAlcohol

InVictoria,youcantdrink,buyorpossessalcoholuntilyouare18,unless:
youareinaprivatehomeyourownhouseorsomeoneelseshouse
Youareinahotelorrestaurantandyouarehavingamealwithyourparents,guardianorspouse(whois
18orolder).
Youcanonlygointolicensedpremises,likeapuborclubthatsellsalcohol,ifyouarewithyourparents,guardian
orspouse(whois18orolder)andyouarehavingamealthereoryouarestayingthenight.
Thepoliceorastaffmembercanaskforyournameandaddressifyoubuyorhavealcohol.Theycantakealcohol
awayfromyouifyouareunder18andtheythinkitisillegalforyoutohaveit.
(Source: http://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/725.htm)

3.11.9bStandardDrinks
Theuseofstandarddrinkscanhelppeopletomonitortheiralcoholconsumptionandexercisecontrolovertheamountthey
drink.


Differenttypesofalcoholicdrinkscontaindifferentamountsofpurealcohol.Astandarddrinkisdefinedasonethatcontains
10gramsofpurealcohol.

Theseareallequaltoapproximatelyonestandarddrink:

Amiddyofbeer(285ml)=anip(30ml)ofspirits=asmallglass(100ml)ofwine=asmallglass(60ml)offortifiedwinesuchas
sherry.

Pleasekeepinmind:
Somehotelsdon'tservestandarddrinkstheymightbebigger.Largewineglassescanholdtwostandarddrinksor
evenmore!
Drinksservedathomeoftencontainmorealcoholthanastandarddrink.
Cocktailscancontainasmanyasfiveorsixstandarddrinks,dependingontherecipe.
Premixedbottleddrinksoftencontainmorealcoholthanastandarddrink.

3.11.9cSmoking
Australianlawmakesitanoffencetosellorsupplytobaccoproductstoapersonundertheageof18years.Itisillegalfor
anyoneunder18topurchasetobaccoproducts.Therearealsoanumberoflawsregulatingandrestrictingtheadvertising,
promotionandpackagingoftobaccoproducts.Regulationshavebeenintroducedtorestrictsmokinginpublicareasandin
someworkplaces.

TheintroductionoftheselawsmeanthatinVictoriayoucan'tsmokeinmostenclosedworkplaces(thisincludes
restaurants/cafesandshoppingcentres)coveredtrainplatforms,busandtramstopsandatunderage
'music/dance'events.Since1July2007smokinginenclosedlicensedpremises(includinggamingrooms)and
someoutdoordiningordrinkingareasisprohibited.
ItisanoffenceundertheEnvironmentProtectionAct1970tolittercigarettebutts.Thepenaltyisanonthespot
fineof$150forextinguishedbuttsand$210forlitbutts.SeetheVictorianLitterActionAlliance(Externallink)for
furtherinformationoncigarettelitter.FormoredetailslookattheVictorianGovernmentHealthReformswebsite
underTobaccoReforms.
Source: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/tobaccoreforms/smokers.htm

3.11.9dDrugs
EachStateandTerritoryhaslawsgoverningthemanufacture,possession,distributionanduseofdrugs,bothlegalandillegal.
DruglawsinAustraliadistinguishbetweenthosewhousedrugsandthosewhosupplyortrafficdrugs.TheFederalCustoms
Actcoverstheimportingofdrugs,whileeachStatehaslawsgoverningthemanufacture,possession,distributionanduseof
drugs,bothlegalandillegal.

3.11.9eDANGER:DrinkSpiking!Whetheryouaredrinkingalcoholornot,keepyourdrinkclosetoyouandwatchitatall
times.Drinkspiking(puttingextraalcoholorotherdrugsintoapersonsdrinkwithouttheirknowledge)isanunfortunaterisk
topeoplewhoareouttryingtohaveagoodtime.Drinkspikingcanhappentoanyone:maleorfemale,youngoroldwhether
theyaredrinkingalcoholornot.Neveracceptanopencontainerofdrinkifyoudidnotseeitbeingpouredandifyoususpect
youoryourfriendshavehadadrinkspiked,call000(zerozerozero)immediatelytoreportitandgethelp.
(Source:AustralianDrugFoundation)

3.11.10Hitchhiking


Apersonwhowavesatunknowndriversfromthesideoftheroadtorequestaridewithadriverfurtheralongtheroadis
calledaHitchhiker.HitchhikingisillegalinQueenslandandVictoria.ElsewhereinAustraliaitisillegaltohitchhikeon
motorways(wherepedestriansareprohibitedandwherecarsarenotallowedtostop).Sometravelcompaniespromote
hitchhikingasaninexpensivemeansoftravellingaroundAustralia.

HOWEVER:Manycrimeshavebeencommittedagainstinnocenthitchhikersincludingviolentpersonalcrimesand
abductions.Youdonotknowanythingaboutthepersonwhosecaryougetinto.

Ouradvicetoyouis:DONTHITCHHIKE!Itsimplyisnotworththerisk.

3.11.11AvoidingDangerousAreasandActivities

Itisimportanttoalwaysbealertandawareofyoursurroundingsandtoavoiddangerousareasandactivities,particularlyat
night.

Apublicplacecanvarythroughthecourseoftheday.Itmaybeusedbydifferentgroupsofpeopleatdifferenttimes.Itmay
bebusyatcertaintimesandisolatedatothers.Itmaybedifferentduringthedaythanitisatnight.Thesedifferencescan
haveaverydifferentimpactonthewayyoufeelwhenyouareinthem.Forexample:

Thestreetoutsideahotelinthemorningislikelytobeusedbypeoplegoingtoandfromworkorshopping.Atnight
however,thepeoplemostlikelytobeonthestreetarehotelpatrons.Alcoholconsumptionhasnowbecomeafactorin
theseplaces,andformany(particularlyforwomen),someareasmaybecomelesssafe.

Ashoppingmallduringthedayhaslotsofdifferentpeopleusingit.Onceitcloses,itis
oftenisolatedandusuallydark.

Aschoolbetweenthehoursof8amand5pmisusuallylivelyandactive.After5pmor
duringschoolholidayshowever,itmaybeisolatedordominatedbyparticulargroupsof
people.Beinginaplacewhenitisbusyisverydifferentfromwhentheplaceisisolated.
Thereisoftennoreasontobeafraid,butbealert,beaware,andbecareful.

3.11.12MakingNewFriends
Thereisnomagictricktomakingfriends.Andifyouareinaforeigncultureitcanseemmoredifficultthanusualtofind
peoplewhoyoureallygetalongwith.Bekindtoyourselfrememberthatmakingfriendstakestime.Ifyoumakethe
mostofsocialopportunitiesduringyourlifeinAustralia,justasyouwouldbackhome,itwillbequickerandeasierforyouto
fitin,makefriendsandfeelathome.

Howeveryoumeetpeople,remembertobecareful.Whenyoumeetsomeonenew,becautiousuntilyougettoknowthe
personbetterandfeelyoucantrusthimorher.Ifastrangerstartstalkingtoyou,theyareprobablyjustbeingfriendly.But
besafe,anddontgivethemanyofyourpersonaldetailslikeyourfullname,yourphonenumberoryouraddress.With
peopleyoudontknowwell;alwaysarrangetomeettheminapublicplace,likeacaforapark,insteadofinvitingthemto
yourhomeorgoingtotheirs,untilyoufeelyouhavebuiltarelationshipwiththem,knowmoreaboutthemandfeel
comfortablewiththem.

Manyinternationalstudentsspendtimesocialisingwithotherstudentsandpeoplefromtheirowncountryandculturewhile
theyreinAustralia.Thesepeoplecanmakeyoufeelacceptedandyoumaybeabletocommunicatemuchmoreeasilywith
themthanyoucanwiththelocals,particularlywhenyouhavejustarrived.Wheneverythingaroundyouisnewand
different,itcanfeellikeabigrelieftofindpeoplefromyourowncountryandculturalbackground.Butremember,youneed
tobecarefulatfirst,untilyougettoknowthembetter,justasyoushouldwithanyoneelse.Eventhoughyoumayfeellike
youhavealotincommon,remaincautiousuntilyoufeelyou
knowthemreasonablywellandcantrustthem.Crimesagainst
internationalstudentsaresometimescommittedbypeoplefrom
theirownculture.

Ifyouhaveanyconcernsorquestionsaboutsomeoneyouhave
met,orwanttotalktosomeoneaboutAustralianmannerisms
andcommunicationnorms(widelyacceptablebehaviour),
makeanappointmenttotalkitoverwithyourInternational
StudentAdvisor.

3.11.13SexualAssault
Sexualassaultisacriminaloffence.Itincludessexualharassment,unwantedtouching,indecentassaultandpenetrationof
anykind.Itisimportanttorememberthatitcanhappentoanyoneandatanytimebutcertainprecautionsmaymakeit
moredifficultforapossibleperpetrator:

Whensocialising,besmart.Drinkinawaythatleavesyouincontrol.Leavingdrinksunattendedleavesitopentobeing
spikedquiteeasily.
Walkwithconfidenceandpurpose.
Avoidlonelyordarkplaces.
Bewaryofstrangers,whethertheyareonfoot,incarsoratparties.
Beawareofthepeoplearoundyou.
Respectyourintuition.
Ifplacedinasituationwhereyoufeeluncomfortablesay"No!"loudlyandwithconviction.

Pleasefollowthislinktofindabookletthatincludesinformationonyourrightsasavictim:
http://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/cl.sexual_assault.pdf

Wheretogethelp

Yourdoctor
Police
Inanemergency,call000
CASAHouseTel.(03)93442210or(03)93491766(afterhours)
SexualAssaultCrisisLine(afterhours)Tel.(03)93491766or1800806292
VictimReferralandAssistanceServiceTel.(03)96039797or1800819817

Source:http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Sexual_assault?open

3.11.14WhatdoIdoifIamassaulted?
Itisverydifficulttotellsomeonethatyouhavebeensexuallyassaulted.Itisimportanttorememberthatsexualassaultisa
seriouscrimeandcanhappentopeopleregardlessoftheirgenderorsexuality.Yourfirstpointofcontactshouldbethe
PoliceortheclosestSexualAssaultService.

1. Fromapublicphoneormobilephone,ringthepoliceon000.Itisafreecallandyouwillbeconnectedimmediately.
2. Donotwash,shower,changeclothesorcleanupinanywayuntilaftertalkingtothepoliceandgoingtothe
hospital.Youcoulddestroyvitalevidence.
Don'tdrinkalcoholortaketranquillisersorotherdrugsasyouwillhavetogiveaclearaccountofwhathas
happened.
Trytoremembereverythingyoucanaboutyourattacker.
3. Remember,youarethevictim.Youhavenothingtofeelguiltyorashamedabout.
Policeofficersareawarethataperson,whohasbeenassaulted,sexuallyorotherwise,islikelytobesufferingfrom
emotionalshock.Theywilldoalltheycantomakethingsaseasyaspossibleforyou.Itislikelytheywillprovidea
femalepoliceofficerforafemalevictim.Ifnot,youhavetherighttorequestone.Youcanalsoaskthepoliceto

contactafriend,familymember,interpreterorreligiousadvisertobeinattendancewithyouwhenyouaredealing
withthecircumstancessurroundingthereportofassault.

CounsellingServicesforVictimsofSexualAssault:

MelbourneSexualHealthCentre
580SwanstonStreet,Carlton
(03)93416200

EasternCentreagainstSexualAssault
17,WaresCrs.RingwoodEastVIC
Ph:98707330

NorthernCentreagainstSexualAssault
BanksiaStreet,HeidelbergWestVIC
(03)94971768

WesternRegionCentreagainstSexualAssault
53BallaratRoad,FootscrayVIC
(03)96875811

ActionCentre
1/9294ElizabethStreet,MelbourneVIC
(03)96604700

FamilyPlanningVictoria
901,WhitehorseRoad,BoxHillVIC
(03)92570100

3.12SocialActivities

AtALTECwebelieveinaholisticstudentexperiencethatexpandsbeyondeducation.Weencourageourstudentstoengage
intheAustralianCommunityinvariouswaysandenrichtheirexperienceofstudyinginAustralia.Thishelpsstudentsdevelop
lifeskillsandleadershipqualitiesthatbecomeusefulinfindingyourplaceintheglobalemploymentmarket.Student
RepresentativeCouncilofALTECisestablishedtoprovideyoutheopportunitytoachievetheseaims.Wewelcomeallnew
studentsjoininandmakethemostofyourlifeinAustraliaandimpacttheworldyoulivein.

TheCouch@MelbourneCentreforInternationalStudents
Aplaceyoucangotosocialize,meetnewfriends,participateinevents,accesstheinternetfreeandevenhavesomedinner
forfree.Dropinthereandhavealookatwhatshappening.Theywillincludeyouintheirmailinglistandsendanemail
updateeverymonthonthecalendarofevents.
69,BourkeStreet,Melbourne
Openinghours:SundaytoThursday5.00pm9.00pm
DinnerServedat6.30pm

LordMayorsStudentWelcome
Thisisheldtwiceinayear.ItisandinformationandfundayorganizedbytheCityofMelbournetowelcomeinternational
Students.Checkoutthe
CityofMelbournesitetoknowwhenthenexteventisscheduledfor.

StudyingWorking&ChillnInternationalStudentInformationDay
Thisiseventisalsoheldtwiceayear.Thisfulldayeventprovidesusefulinformationofadjustingtoyourstudentlifeherein
Melbourne.Yougettomeetrepresentativesfromalltherelevantorganizationsthatcanprovideyouwithreliable
information.Allthis,alongwithafreemealandentertainment.CheckoutAustralianFederationofInternationalStudents
(AFIS)websitewww.internationalstudents.org,auforupdatesonwhenthenexteventwouldbeheld.Therearemanyevents
organsiedbyAFISforinternationalstudentssolookoutforupdatesonthewebsiteorfindtheminfacebook.

GloballProgram
AnInitiativebytheEssendonFootballClub&CricketVictoria.
GLoBALLenablesinternationalstudentsandnewmigrantstointeractwiththebroaderVictoriancommunitythroughFREE
ticketstofootyandcricketgames!

Login/Registerattheirwebsite:www.globall.com.au/
Email:info@globall.com.au
CultureCardVictoria
CultureCardVictoriaprovidesagreatwayforinternationalstudents,whoareenrolledatpostsecondaryschoolinstitutions,
toenjoywhatisonofferinVictoriathroughagreatmixofspecialoffersatsports,arts,andmanyothereventsinour
community.AskforyourCultureCardatALTECReceptionandregisteronlinewithyourstudentIdnumber.Thenyouwillbe
gettingemailupdatesonallactivitiesonofferwhich

SECTION4:StudyingatALTEC

Ourwebsite:www.altec.vic.edu.au

CRICOSProviderNumber:

4.1ToBegin
4.1.1ArriveEarly
4.1.2WhattoDoFirst
4.1.3InternationalStudentOrientation
4.1.4InternationalStudentCodeofConduct
4.1.5AcademicPolicies&Procedures
4.1.6Complaints&Grievances
4.1.7InternationalStudentVisaConditions

4.1.7aAcademicProgress

4.2.7bAttendance

4.3.7cCurrentAddressDetails

4.2StudentAdministrationInformation

4.2.1Payingfees

4.2.2Enrolment

4.2.3IDCards

4.2.4Refund&CancellationPolicy

4.2.5Textbooks

4.3StudentSupportServices
4.3.1StudentSupportServicesOfficer

4.3.2AcademicSkillsAssistance

4.3.3StudentRepresentativeCouncilSRC

4.4QuickGuidetoKeyPersonnel

4.5Campus&Facilities

4.6.1ListofFacilities
4.6.2Campusmap

4.6CalendarofEvents

4.7.1SocialActivitiesintheFirstWeek

4.7.2SocialActivitiesthroughouttheSemester/Year

4.7Timetables

4.9AcademicSupport&Expectations
4.9.1Teaching&LearninginAustralia
4.9.2KeystoAcademicSuccess
4.9.3StudySkills
4.9.4Plagiarism
4.9.5Resources
4.9.6Tutoring

4.9.7EnglishLanguageSupport

4.11Assessment&Reports

4.12LibraryServices

4.13internet&Computeraccesspolicy

4.14Health&SafetyonCampus

MyStudentSurvivalPage

4.1ToBegin:
4.1.1Arriveearly
Australian education providers will provide an International Student Orientation before the commencement of
classes. It is a requirement of the ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students) Act 2001. by organising the
orientation program, we work hard to ensure that you as a student will be well equipped to achieve the best
possiblesuccessinyourstudies.IfyoureadthroughthePredeparture,ArrivalandOrientationGuidewhichwe
haveprovidedforyou,youwillseethatthereisalotofinformationforyoutounderstandandconsiderasyou
movethroughyourstudies.AlthoughtheGuidewilloutlinewhatyouneedtoknow,itisimpossibletounderstand
andrecalleverything.Onceyouareconcentratingonyourstudies,youwillfeellessstressedifyouarealready
comfortablewiththeinstitution,itsstaffanditsservices.

Arrivingearlytoattendorientationgivesyouthechanceto;
GettoknowthemostimportantpeopleyouwillneedtoknowatALTEC
o InternationalOfficestaffandtheirduties
o CourseorAcademicAdvisor
o StudentServicesstaff
EnrolearlywhichwillhelpyoutogetyourStudentIDCardearly.YouwillneedyourStudentIDCardto
openbankaccounts,borrowbooksfromthelibrary,andmore.
MeetandgetadvicefromyourAcademicorCourseAdvisor
MeetrepresentativesofStudentRepresentativeCouncil
Findyourwayaroundthecampus
o Library
o Computerroomsandfacilities
o RecreationandLunchRoom
o ClubsandAssociations
o Classrooms
MeetotherInternational studentswhomayshareyourclasses,shareyourconcernsorfears.Knowing
anotherfaceoncampusasyoubecomemorecomfortablewiththeroutinescanreallyhelpyouavoidany
feelingsofisolation.
Findyourwayaroundthepublictransport/City/toandfromyouraccommodation.
Feelasthoughyoualreadyknowsomeofthethingslocalstudentsknowbeforeyougettomeetthemat
orientationactivitieslater.

4.1.2WhattoDoFirst
ReporttoALTECReceptionandspeaktoourfriendlystaffthatwouldgreetandwelcomeyou.

4.1.3OrientationProgram
OrientationProgramwillbeheldforallnewstudentsoneweekpriortotheTermCommencementDate.Once
youarriveinAustralia,callusandinformusyourcontactnumber.WewillcontactyouclosertotheOrientation
Day.

4.1.4StudentCodeofConduct
StudentsareexpectedtorespectotherStudents,staffandpropertysothatlearningandteachingcantakeplace
freely,safelyandwithoutimpedimentduetothemisconductofothers.

Misconduct is where a Student: acts dishonestly; harasses other Students or staff; interferes with Students or
staff; prevents or disrupts learning; disobeys/fails to comply with contractual or legal requirements; misuses,
damages or steals college property or the property of others; alters/defaces college documents or records;
prejudicesthegoodnameofthecollege,orotherwiseactsinanimpropermanner.

Thecollegewillreportallcriminalactscommittedbyitsstudentstotherelevantauthorities.

The following examples indicate the kinds of behaviour which constitute Student misconduct. They are for
illustrativepurposesandarenotintendedtobeexhaustive.Studentmisconductoccurswhenastudent
a) contravenesanyrulesoracts;

b) prejudicesthegoodnameorreputationofthecollege;
c) prejudicesthegoodorderandgovernanceofthecollegeorinterfereswiththefreedomofotherpeople
topursuetheirstudies,carryouttheirfunctionsorparticipateinthelifeofthecollege;
d) failstocomplywithconditionsagreedinthecontract;
e) wilfullydisobeysordisregardsanylawfulorderordirection;
f) refusestoidentifyhimorherselfwhenlawfullyaskedtodosobyanofficerofthecollege;
g) failstocomplywithanypenaltyimposedforbreachofdiscipline;
h) misbehaves in a class, meeting or other activity under the control or supervision of the college, or on
CollegepremisesorotherpremisestowhichtheStudenthasaccessasastudentofthecollege;
i) obstructsanymemberofstaffintheperformanceoftheirduties;
j) actsdishonestlyinrelationtoadmissiontothecollege;
k) knowingly makes any false or misleading representation about things that concern the Student as a
Studentofthecollegeorbreachesanyofthecollegesrules;
l) altersanydocumentsorrecords;
m) harassesorintimidatesanotherStudent,amemberofstaff,avisitortothecollege,oranyotherperson
while the Student is engaged in study or other activity as a college student, because of race, ethnic or
nationalorigin,sex,maritalstatus,sexualpreference,disability,age,politicalconviction,religiousbelief
orforanyotherreason;
n) breachesanyconfidenceofthecollege;
o) misusesanyfacilityinamannerwhichisillegalorwhichisorwillbedetrimentaltotherightsorproperty
of others. This includes the misuse, in any way, of any computing or communications equipment or
capacitytowhichtheStudenthasaccessatorawayfromthecollegepremiseswhileactingasacollege
student,inamannerwhichisillegalorwhichisorwillbedetrimentaltotherightsorpropertyofothers;
p) steals,destroysordamagesafacilityorpropertyofthecollegeorforwhichthecollegeisresponsible;or
q) isguiltyofanyimproperconduct.
Penaltiesforgeneralmisconduct
1. Penaltiesimposedwilltakeintoaccountthenatureandtheextentofthemisconduct
2. AStudentssecondoffenceispenalisedmoreseverelythantheirfirstoffenceandathirdoffencewillresultin
exclusionfromthecollege.

IftheStudentadmitstotheallegedmisconduct,theDirectorofStudiesmayimposeoneorbothofthefollowing:
achargeforthecostofdamagetofacilitiesandequipment
Temporaryexclusionfromthecollege.

TheDirectorofStudiesmayimposethepenaltyofpermanentandimmediateexclusionfromthecollegeinthe
caseofphysicalorverbalabuseofStudentsorstaffofthecollege,repeatedorseveremisconduct,orinthecase
ofcriminalacts.

4.1.5AcademicPolicies&Procedures
ForthecompleteAcademicPolicies&ProcedurespleasevisitALTECwebsiteorfollowthislink
www.altec.vic.edu.au

4.1.6Complaints&Grievances
FortheComplaints&GrievancesProcedurepleasevisitALTECwebsiteorfollowthislink
www.altec.vic.edu.au

4.1.7InternationalStudentVisaConditions
Forafulllistofmandatoryanddiscretionarystudentvisaconditionspleasevisit
www.immi.gov.au/students/index.htm
4.1.7aAcademicProgress
TheCollegewilladoptaproactiveapproachinmonitoringstudentscourseprogressandnotifyingand
counsellingstudentswhoareatriskoffailingtomeettheacceptedcourseprogressrequirements.The
studentswhopersistentlyfailtomeetcourseprogressrequirements(evenafterattemptsbytheCollege
tonotifyandcounselthemthroughtheinterventionstrategy)shallbereportedtoDEEWRandDIACin
accordancewiththeESOSAct2000.

ALTECInterventionStrategy

StageofIntervention
Stage1:Earlydetectionof,andinterventionin,unsatisfactory
academicperformance(FirstWarningLetter)
Stage2:Unsatisfactoryacademicperformanceatendofadesignated
studyperiod(FirstWarningLetter)
Stage3:Monitoringofstudentsatriskoffailingmorethan50%of
unitsinconsecutivestudyperiods.
Stage4:SecondWarningLetterandInterventionMeeting
Stage5:Unsatisfactorycourseprogressatendofconsecutivestudy
period(ThirdWarningLetter).
Stage6:LetterofIntentiontoReport
Stage7:ReportingofstudentsbreachofvisaconditiontoDEEWR

InterventionTime
Duringfirststudyperiod
Endoffirststudyperiod
Duringsecondstudyperiod
Duringsecondstudyperiod
Endofsecondstudyperiod
Atcommencementofthirdstudy
period
20workingdaysafterletterof
intentiontoreport

4.1.8bAttendance
StudentsareexpectedtoattendclassesasperthegivenTimeTableduringtheTerm.Allstudentsare
expectedtofulfilaminimum70%attendancerequirement.Itisthestudentsresponsibilitytoensurethat
theycomplywiththeirStudentVisaconditions.StudentsareexpectedtosatisfythecollegeCourse
Progresscriteriawithoutwhichtheywillnotpasstheunitsofcompetence.PleaserefertoALTECpolices
andProceduremanualonthewebsite:www.altec.vic.edu.au

4.1.8cCurrentAddressDetails
StudentsonanInternationalStudentVisanolongerneedtokeepDIACinformedoftheirhomeaddressin
Australia,asDIACwillcheckthesedetailswithyoureducationproviderifrequired.ThereforeyouMUST
maintainacurrentresidentialaddressonyourstudentfileATALLTIMES.
Ifyouhavechangedyouraddress,pleaseobtainaChangeofDetailsFormfromtheReceptionandfillit
upandhanditbacktothem.

4.2StudentAdministrationInformation
4.2.1PayingFees
StudentsarerequiredtopayfeesasperthesignedStudentAgreement.AtthebeginningofeachTerm
ALTECwillissueanInvoicethatspecifiestheamountduefortheparticularTerm.Thestudentsmustpay
thisfeepriortoTermcommencement.Latefeepaymentwillincurapenaltyof$50perweek.Forfurther
detailsonFeesandrelatedpolicies,pleaserefertoyourStudentAgreementFormthatwassenttoyouat
thepointofenrolment.Ifyoudonothaveit,pleaseaskoneofourAdminstaffmembersforacopyof
yourStudentAgreementForm.

4.2.2IDCards
AllstudentswillbegiventheirstudentIDcardontheOrientationDay.Studentsarerequiredtokeepthis
withthematalltimeswithoutmisplacingthem.Replacementwillcost$10.

4.2.4Refund&CancellationPolicy
DetailsonRefundpolicy,isincludedintheStudentAgreementsignedbyyou.Pleaserefertoitand
shouldyouhaveanyfurtherquestionspleasespeaktoanyofourAdminStaff.

4.3StudentSupportServices
4.3.1StudentSupportServicesOfficer
ALTECunderstandsthatbeinginanewcountry,newenvironmentandengaginginyourstudiescanbe
quitechallenging.WearereadytohelpyouthroughtheprocessofyouradjustmenttothelifeinAustralia
andinfactthroughanyoftheissuesyoumayfacewhilestudyingatALTEC.

OurStudentSupportServicesOfficerwillbeavailableforyouanytimetotalktoyouandprovide
confidentialassistanceandsupportyouneed.Wearecommittedtohealthandwellbeingofyouasa
student.Weencourageyoutocomeandspeaktouswheneveryoufeeltheneedtodoso.

4.3.2AcademicSkillsAssistance
Weprovidesupportforreading,writing,notetaking,preparationforexams&assignments.Ifyouhave
anydifficultiesinanyoftheaboveareas,pleasespeaktoyourCourseCoordinatorandhe/shewillrefer
youontotheAcademicSkillsAssistanceservice.

4.3.3StudentRepresentativeCouncilSRC
AtALTECwebelieveinaholisticstudentexperiencethatexpandsbeyondeducation.Weencourageour
studentstoengageintheAustralianCommunityinvariouswaysandenrichtheirexperienceofstudying
inAustralia.Thishelpsstudentsdeveloplifeskillsandleadershipqualitiesthatbecomeusefulinfinding
yourplaceintheglobalemploymentmarket.StudentRepresentativeCouncilofALTECisestablishedto
provideyoutheopportunitytoachievetheseaims.Wewelcomeallnewstudentsjoininandmakethe
mostofyourlifeinAustraliaandimpacttheworldyoulivein.

4.4QuickGuidetoKeyPersonnel:
WHOTOSEE

ACADEMIC
Trainers
CourseCoordinator

AcademicSkillsAdviser
ADMINISTRATIVE
CampusManager

StudentSupportServicesOfficer

StudentAdministration
PERSONAL
StudentCounselor
Equity&EqualOpportunityOfficer

ISSUES
Questionsaboutcontentofunits,teachingprocedures,
assessment
Questionsabouttheprogramaswhole,academic
regulations,difficultieswithstudy
Helpwithreading,writing,notetaking,preparationfor
exams&assignments
Understandingofhowtoutilizeinstitutionprocesses
effectively.Anyshortcomingsinthefacilitiesofthe
institution
Healthcare/insuranceproblems,academicprogression,
accommodation,Visaproblems,financialproblems,and
shorttermaccommodation
Timetable,registrationinsubjectunits,changesofaddress
decisionstodeferfromstudy,enrolments
Problemswithrelationships,homesickness,gambling,
depression,relationshipissues
Sexualharassment,discriminationissues4.5Campus&
Facilities:

4.6CalendarofEvents

4.7.1SocialActivitiesintheFirstWeek

OneweekpriortoTermcommencementoneachTermALTECOrientationProgramwillbeheldforallnewstudents.

4.7.2SocialActivitiesthroughouttheSemester/Year

RefertoSocialActivitiesonSection33.12.

4.5CampusFacilities
4.5.1ListofFacilities
Library

CCNALabs

ComputerLabs

Lecturerooms

Photocopyandprintingfacilities

StudentLoungeandRecreationArea

Freeinternetaccess


4.7Timetables:
TimetablesaredisplayedontheCollegeNoticeBoardinlevel1.Alistofstudentsthatbelongstoeachgroupis
displayedontheNoticeBoardaswell.Eachstudentcanrefertothelistofnames,findthegroupyouare
allocatedtoandfindtherelevantclassaccordingtotheTimetables.
ThenewtimetableforthenewtermwillbeupdatedoneweekpriortotheTermcommencementandwillalso
beavailableontheALTECwebsite.

4.9AcademicSupport&Expectations
4.9.1Teaching&LearninginAustralia
OnethingyoumayfindisthattheEducationsystemismuchdifferentinAustraliathanyourhome
country.Soaretheteachingandlearningmethods.Itisimportantforyoutounderstandthisdifference
whichwouldhelpyouradjustmenttothestudentlifeinAustralia.ALTECisaVocationaleducationand
TrainingproviderandthesysteminthissectorismuchdifferenttoHigherEducation(University)sector
andthesecondaryeducationsector.
Youareexpectedtodisplayadultlearningcapabilitiesthatinvolvemuchofindependentlearning.Youwill
beprovidedwiththehelpandguidancebytrainershoweveritisexpectedthatyouwouldmanageyour
timeandworkloadindependently.

Activelearningandcooperationamongstudentsisexpectedfromyouasadultlearners.Activelearningis
definedasactivitieslikethefollowing:
Findingandreadingareferencereferredtoinatextorfoundwhenbrowsingthestacks
Makinganoutlinefromclassnotesorreadings
Takingatesttomeasureyourabilities,interests,orattitudes
Workingonapaperwhichintegratesideasfromseveralsources
Makingpresentationsanddoingtasksoractivities
(Source:http://roberta.tripod.com/adulted/methods.htm)

4.9.2KeystoAcademicSuccess
ConsistentAttendance
Completionofworkontime
Establishtimemanagement
Examinepersonalstudyhabits
Usestudygroups
Participateinclassdiscussionsandactivities
SeekhelpfromTrainersoutsideclasstime
Learntothinkcritically
Usecampusresourcesandstudymaterialseffectively
Improvewritingskills(prewriteanoutline,doadraft,rereadandpreparefinalsubmission)
Source:
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/undergrad_studies/academic_support/success_strategies.pdf

4.9.3StudySkills
9 Becomeaflexiblereader(studyreading,skimmingandscanning)
9 Improvingconcentration
9 Managingtime(weeklyschedule,termcalendar)
9 Havingagood,preparedplacetostudy
9 Developastrategyforreadingtextbooks(S.Q.R.W:SSurveying,QQuestioning,RReading,
WWriting)
9 SettingGoals(S.M.A.R.T:SSpecific,MMeasurable,AAchievable,RRealistic,TTimely)
9 Motivationforstudying(rewardyourselfatgiventimes,evaluateyourself,reflectonwhatyou
havelearned,remindyourselfyourgoals)
(Source:http://www.howtostudy.com/studyskills/en/studying/113/motivatingyourselftostudy/)

4.9.4Plagiarism
Insomecultures,usinginformationfromothersourcesisconsideredtobeacceptable.InAustralia,ifthe
othersourceisnotcitedthisisconsideredtobeabadthing.Thisiswhyitislookedoninabadway.This
iscalledplagiarism.Plagiarismhappenswhenyoucopyorreproducesomeoneelsesworkorideas
withoutacknowledgingitsoriginalsource.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto,obtaininginformationfrom
books,theInternetandfellowstudents.

ALTEC treats plagiarism as cheating. Cheating and plagiarism is a serious offence, and will be treated
seriously.Thecollegeimposesseverepenaltiesonstudentswhocheatandplagiarise.

Toavoidplagiarizing,itisveryimportanttoacknowledgeallsourcesinallassignmentssubmittedfor
marking.Acknowledgementmaybeintheformoffootnotes,endnotesoranyothertextualreferences.A
referencelistmustbeincludedattheendofanassignmentifanyacknowledgementshavebeenmade
withintheassignment,includingsourcesthathavebeenreferredtobutnotcitedwithintheassignment.
Thewordsofanotherwritermustbeplacedinquotationmarks/invertedcommas.Thesewordsmustbe
followed by the authors name, the source (book, web site etc) and page number of the source. The
authors complete details should also be included in the reference list at the end of the assignment.
PleaserefertotheStudentReferenceManualsuppliedwiththeStudentManualandOrientationGuide
forinformationaboutcitingsources.

Itisalsoaseriousacttohelpanotherstudenttoplagiarisewrittenwork.Thisincludeslendinganother
studentworkthatyouhavecompletedsothatitcanbecopiedandsubmittedastheotherstudentsown
work.ALTECtreatstheseinstancesasseriouslyasplagiarismandwillimposeseverepenaltiesonstudents
foundtobeassistingotherstudentstocheatandplagiarise.

Penaltiesforplagiarismaresevere.Astudentwhoisidentifiedascheatingorplagiarizingwillreceive0%
(NotCompetent),pendingresubmissionofthatassessment.Theywillhavetoresubmitthatassessment,
and the Course Coordinator may alter the assessment to protect its integrity (for example, they may
make it an exam). Resubmission is only possible where the reassessment will be completed before the
relevantunitends.Youmayappealifyoufeelyouvebeenaccusedincorrectly.

PlagiarismcanputyouinbreachofyourvisaconditionsandmaybesubjecttoaDIACinvestigation.The
collegemayexercisetheoptionofreportingtheplagiarismtoDIACforreviewofthestudentsvisa.

AssessmentCoverSheet
AllworkthatyousubmitforassessmentmustbeaccompaniedwithasignedAssessmentCoverSheet.
Youshouldreadthisformbeforesigningitandsubmittingitwithyourwork.Bysigningthisform,youare
indicatingthatyouhavereadtheform,thattheworkyouaresubmittingisentirelyyourownandall
sourceshavebeendulyacknowledged.TheAssessmentCoverSheetisavailablefromtheReception.
PleaseensurealltheworksubmittedbyyouaccompaniesanAssessmentCoverSheet.

4.9.5Resources
TheresourcesforunitsofallcourseswillbeavailablewiththeCoursecoordinator.Pleasemake
maximumuseoftheseresourcesastheyarespeciallydesignedtomeetthecourserequirementsandthe
criteriaforcompetence.

4.9.6Tutoring
Allourtrainersareexperiencedandwellqualifiedstaff.Theywouldbehappytohelpyouanytimeifyou
arehavingdifficulty.Extraclassescanbearrangedifyouneedadditionalhelpapartfromwhatyouget
duringyourclasstime.Howevernonattendanceisnotacriteriontogetextraclasses.Consistent
attendanceisimportanttoyourlearningandthisisastudentresponsibilitytomaintain.

4.9.7EnglishLanguageSupport
ShouldyouneedEnglishLanguageSupport,pleasediscussthiswithyourTrainerorCourseCoordinator
andtheywouldbehappytoarrangethenecessarysupportforyou.

4.10Assessments&Reports:
TheStudentsareprovidedwithaLearnerGuideforeachunitofcompetence.TheLearnerGuidespecifiesthe
Assessment,submissionguidelines,timelineandAssessmentcriteriaforeachindividualassessment.ALTEC
Academicandgeneralconductpolicyspeciesthefollowingrequirementswhichstudentsmustbeawareof.These
areavailableontheALTECwebsite.HoweverwehaveincludedtheminthisHandbookforyoureasyreference.

9 Students must not copy or paraphrase any document, audiovisual material, computerbased
materialorartisticpiecefromanothersourceexceptinaccordancewiththeconventionsofthe
fieldofstudy
9 Students must not use another persons concepts, results or conclusions and pass them off as
theirown
9 Incaseswheretheassessmenttaskisintendedtobeindividualworknotgroupwork,Students
must not prepare an assignment collaboratively and then submit work that is substantially the
sameasanotherstudentsassessment.
9 Studentsmustnotaskanotherpersontoproduceanassessableitemforthem.

4.11LibraryServices:

AllstudentshaveaccesstoALTECLibrary.Themaximumperiodoflendingformostofthebooksis3weeks.
Certainperiodicalsandotherlearningresourcesmaybeavailableforloanfor1weekonlyorcouldbefor
referenceonly.Allitemswillbelabelledaccordingly.YoucanproduceyourStudentIDCardtoborrowitemsfrom
thelibrary.Studentsareencouragedtomakemaximumuseofthisfacility.Howeverlossofborroweditemwould
resultinStudenthavingtobearthecostofitemtobepurchasedanew.

4.12Health&SafetyonCampus:

TheCollegewilltakeeverypracticablesteptoprovideandmaintainasafeandhealthyworkenvironmentforall
employees and students. To this end ALTEC abides by the responsibilities specified by the Victorian OH&S Act
2004.IftheStudentsobserveasafetyhazard,theycanreportthistoCampusManagerwhowouldaddressitand
takenecessarystepstoeliminateorreducepotentialrisk.


Section5SocialandCulturalAdjustment

5.1AdjustingToLifeinAustralia
5.1.1 CultureShock

5.1.1aOvercomingCultureShock

5.1.1bRecognition

5.1.1cBeObjective

5.1.1dSetGoals

5.1.1eShareYourFeelings

5.2AustralianCulture
5.2.1SocialCustoms

5.2.1aGreetingPeople

5.2.1bClothingCustoms

5.2.1cPoliteBehaviour

5.2.1dAustralianSlang

5.2.1eRespondingtoanInvitation

5.2.1dTipping

5.3PublicHolidays&SpecialCelebrations

5.3.1NewYear

5.3.2AustraliaDay

5.3.3Easter

5.3.3aEasterTraditions

5.3.4AnzacDay

5.3.5LaborDay
5.3.6QueensBirthday
5.3.7MelbourneCupDay
5.3.8Christmas

5.4Sports&Recreation

5.5Clubs&Organisations

5.6Entertainment

5.7EatingOut

5.8Religion&Faith

5.9WheretoFindOutWhatsGoingOn

5.10HomeFireSafety
5.10.1SmokeAlarms

5.10.2Electricity

5.10.3Heaters

5.10.4Candles,OilBurners&Cigarettes

5.10.5Cooking

5.10.6PlanYourEscape

5.11SunSafety

5.11.1SunProtection

5.12BeachSafety

5.12.1RemembertheFLAGS

5.12.2TheSurfEnvironment

5.12.2aRips

5.12.3SurfSkills

5.12.3aEscapingFromaRip

5.12.3bNegotiatingtheSurf


5.13Bush&OutbackSafety

5.13.1IntheBush

5.13.1aAdviceforMotoristsCaughtinBushfires

5.13.2IntheOutback

5.14StormSafety

5.15DangerousAnimals&Plants

5.15.1BitesandStings

5.15.2Anaphylaxisallergicreactions

5.15.2aGeneralFirstAidforBites&Stings

5.1AdjustingtoLifeinAustralia:

While living and studying abroad may be an exciting adventure, it can also present a range of challenges.
HavingdecidedtostudyandliveinAustraliayouwillbeundertakingadjustmentsinmanyareasofyourlife
including cultural, social and academic. It is also important to remember that while these changes are
occurringyouwillbeembarkinguponanewsemesterofstudy(formanyofyouinadifferentlanguage)and
be away from your usual supports, networks and resources. Adjustment to a new country and culture is a
processthatoccursgraduallyandtakestime.Thevalues,beliefs,traditionsandcustomsofyourhomecountry
mayvarygreatlyfromthoseinAustraliaandadaptingtotheAustralianwayoflifemaytakesometime.This
advicemayhelp:

Listen,observeandaskquestions
Adjustmenttoanewcultureandwayoflifetakestime.Allowyourselftimetoobservethosearoundyouand
patternsofbothverbalandnonverbalcommunication.Dontbeafraidtoaskquestionsiftherearethingsyou
donotunderstandasthiswillreducethechanceofconfusionormisunderstandings.

Becomeinvolved
Makeanefforttomeetpeopleandbecomeinvolvedingroupsbothoncampusandinthewidercommunity.
Maintain an attitude of openness to new situations and experiences. Establishing friendships and joining
groups is thebest way to experience and learn about Australian culture and will certainly mean you have a
richerandmoreenjoyabletimehere.

Trytomaintainasenseofperspective
When confronted with difficulties remind yourself that living and studying abroad is a challenge and it is
normaltofeelstressed,overwhelmedandoutofyourdepthattimes.Trytorecallormakealistofthereasons
youinitiallywantedtostudyabroadinthefirstplace,Also,listingpositiveeventsorchangeswithinyourself
thathaveoccurredsinceyouarrivedmayalsoassistwithgettingthingsinperspective.

Maintainsomeoftheroutinesandritualsyoumayhavehadinyourhomecountry.
Thiscanincludesmallthingssuchascontinuingtodrinkacertaintypeofcoffeeorteaoreatingspecificfoods.
Itmayalsoincludemaintaininginvolvementinbiggereventssuchascelebratinganationaldayinyourcountry
oforiginwithagroupoffriends.

Keeplinesofcommunicationopenwiththoseathome.
Communicating with those at home regularly about your experiences of study and life in Australia, through
emails, telephones and letters, is vital. Not only does it help to keep you connected with important social
supports, it also assists your friends and family to understand your experiences which will smooth the
transitionwhenyoureturnhome.

Senseofhumour
Importantly,rememberthatlivinginadifferentculturemeansyouwillinevitablyfindyourselfinarangeof
unusual and often confusing situations. Being able to laugh in these situations will remind you that it takes
timetounderstanddifferentculturesandthatitisoktomakemistakes.

Askforhelp
Dontbeafraidtoaskforassistanceorsupportifyouneedit.InadditiontotheCounsellingServicethereare
manyorganisationssetuponcampustoensureyouhaveasuccessfulandenjoyabletimeinAustralia.

Finally,relaxandenjoythejourney!

(Source:MacquarieUniversity)

5.1.1CultureShock:
Cultureshockisthefeelingofbeingoutofplaceinanunfamiliarenvironment.Theinitialexcitement
of moving to a new country often subsides when different cultural expectations challenge you to
attendtodailyresponsesandbehaviourspreviouslytakenforgranted.Thepotentialstressofdealing
with these persistent challenges can result in feelings of hostility and frustration with your host
countryaswellasaprofoundlongingforhome.

Before
Leaving
excited, YIPPEE!
Happy,
(sadto say goodbye)

Arrival
Happy,
tired, jet-lagged
(a little bit confused)

Culture Shock

Everything is new & different

(What is it with these Aussies?!!)

PROCESS OF CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

Graduation
Happy, excited, YIPPEE!
(sad to say goodbye)

(for some the process will

not be as severe)

Adjusting
Making friends, feeling
happy, understanding
things, socialising, feeling
settled

Feeling Very Unhappy

Lonely, homesick, confused, depressed, doubt
(Did I make the right decision coming to Australia?)
(Will I succeed?)

5.1.1aOvercomingCultureShock
Onceyourealiseyouhavecultureshock,gettingoveritandmovingontobetteradjustmentwiththe
hostculturewilldependonyou.Itisyouwhomusttakesomepositivestepstofeelbetter,andthe
sooneryoutakethem,thebetter!
1. Recognition:First,youshouldrememberthatcultureshockisanormalpartofyouradjustment
andthatyoumayhavesomeofthesymptoms.Someofyourreactionsmaynotbenormalfor
you;youmaybemoreemotionalormoresensitive,orloseyoursenseofhumour.Recognising
yourcultureshocksymptomswillhelpyoulearnaboutyourselfasyouworkyourwaythroughit.
2. Be objective: Second, try to analyse objectively the differences you are finding between your
home and your host country. Look for the reasons your host country does things differently.
Rememberthathostcustomsandnormsare(mostly)logicaltothem,justasyourcustomsand
normsathomearelogicaltoyou!
3. Set goals: Third, set some goals for yourself to redevelop your feeling of control in your life.
Theseshouldbesmalltasksthatyoucanaccomplisheachday.Forexample,ifyoudonotfeellike
leavingyourroom,planashortactivityeachdaythatwillgetyouout.Gotoapostofficeorstore
tobuysomething,rideabusorgotoasportsevent.Ifyoufeelthatlanguageisyourproblem,set
dailygoalstolearnmore:studyfifteenminutesaday;learnfivenewwordsaday;learnonenew

4.

expressioneachday;watchaTVprograminyournewlanguagefor30minutes.Eachgoalthat
youachievewillgiveyoumoreandmoreselfconfidencethatyoucancope.
Share your feelings: Fourth, find local friends who are sympathetic and understanding. Talk to
themaboutyourfeelingsandspecificsituations.Theycanhelpyouunderstandideasfromtheir
culturalpointofview.
(Source:RotaryInternationalYouthExchange)

5.2AustralianCulture:

5.2.1SocialCustoms

5.2.1aGreetingPeople

Whenmeetingsomeoneforthefirsttime,itisusualtoshaketheperson'srighthandwithyourright
hand.Peoplewhodonotknoweachothergenerallydonotkissorhugwhenmeeting.Whenyoufirst
meetsomeone,itispolitenottotalkaboutpersonalmatters.

ManyAustralianslookattheeyesofthepeopletheyaretalkingwith.They
consider this a sign of respect, and an indication that they are listening. Do
notstareatthepersonforalongtime.

You can address a new acquaintance using their title and family name. You
mayusetheirfirstnamewhentheyaskyoutooruseitintheintroduction.In
theworkplaceandamongfriends,mostAustralianstendtobeinformaland
calleachotherbytheirfirstnames.

5.2.1bClothingCustoms

Thetypesofclothingthatpeoplewearreflectthediversityinoursocietyjustasmuchasthevariation
in climate. There are no laws or rules on clothing, but you must wear certain clothing for work
situations.Mostworkplaceshavedressstandards.

Outsideoftheworksituation,clothingisanindividualchoice;manypeopledressforcomfort,forthe
socialsituationortheweather.Clubs,movietheatresandotherplacesrequirepatronstobeinneat,
cleanclothesandappropriatefootwear.

ManyAustraliansliveclosetothebeachandthesea.Onhotdays,theymaywearlittleclothingon
thebeachandsurrounds.Thisdoesnotmeanthatpeoplewhodresstogotothebeachorswimming
havelowmoralstandards.Itmeansthatthisiswhatweacceptonandnearourbeaches.

People from other countries can choose to wear their national dress. They may be religious or
customary items and include monks' robe, a burqa, a hijab or a turban. As a tolerant society with
people from many different cultures, clothing is a part of cultural beliefs and practices that is
encouraged.

5.2.1cPoliteBehaviour

'Please'and'thankyou'arewordsthatareveryhelpfulwhendealingwithotherpeople,
andbuyinggoodsorservices.Whenaskedifyouwouldlikesomething,likeacupoftea,it
ispolitetosay,'Yesplease',orjust'please'ifyouwouldlikeit,or'no,thankyou'ifyoudo
not.Whenyoureceivesomething,itispolitetothankthepersonbysaying'thankyou'.Australians
tendtothinkthatpeoplewhodonotsay'please'or'thankyou'arebeingrude.Usingthesewordswill
helpinbuildingagoodrelationship.

Sometimes a sensitive issue may come up in conversation. Not to talk may seem rude. It is more
politetosay'sorry,itistoohardtoexplain'thantoignoreaquestion.


Australiansoftensay,'Excuseme'togetaperson'sattentionand'sorry'ifwebumpintothem.We
alsosay,'Excuseme'or'pardonme'ifweburporbelchinpublicoraperson'shome.

Youshouldalwaystrytobeontimeformeetingsandothervisits.Ifyourealiseyouaregoingtobe
late,trytocontactthepersontoletthemknow.Thisisveryimportantforvisitstoprofessionalsas
you may be charged money for being late or if you miss the appointment without notifying them
beforetheappointmenttime.

Most Australians blow their noses into a handkerchief or tissue, not onto the footpath. This is also
trueforspitting.Manypeoplewillalsosay,'Blessyou'whenyousneeze.Thisphrasehasnoreligious
intent.

5.2.1dAustralianSlang

Muchcommonwordusageor'slang'mayseemstrangetopeoplenewtoAustralia.Slangwordsstart
from many different sources. Some words are shortened versions of longer words. Many were
expressionsalreadyusedbymigrantswhocamefromthenorthofEngland.Ifyouareunsurewhatan
expressionmeans,itisallrighttoaskthepersonwhosaidittoexplain.Somecommonexpressions
are:

Bring a plate when you are invited to a party and asked to 'bring a plate', this means to
bringadishoffoodtosharewithyourhostandotherguests.Takethefoodtothepartyin
any type of dish, not just a plate, and it is usually ready to serve. This is common for
communalgatheringssuchasforschool,workoraclub.Ifyouareunsurewhattobring,you
canaskthehost.

BYOwhenaninvitationtoapartysays'BYO',thismeans'bringyourown'drink.Ifyoudo
not drink alcohol, it is acceptable to bring juice, soft drink or soda, or water. Some
restaurants are BYO. You can bring your own wine to these, although there is usually a
chargeforprovidingandcleaningglassescalled'corkage'.

Arvo This is short for afternoon. 'Drop by this arvo,' means please come and visit this
afternoon.

FortnightThistermdescribesaperiodoftwoweeks.

Barbeque,BBQ,barbieoutdoorcooking,usuallyofmeatorseafoodover
agrillorhotplateusinggasorcoals.Thehostservesthemeatwithsalads
andbreadrolls.Itiscommonforaguest,wheninvitedtoaBBQ,toaskif
theyshouldbringanything.

SnagTherawtypesausagesusuallycookedataBBQ.Theycanbemade
ofpork,beeforchicken.

ChookThetermchookmeansachicken,usuallyahen.

Cuppaacupofteaorcoffee'Dropbythisarvoforacuppa'meanspleasecomeandvisit
thisafternoonforacupofteaorcoffee.

LooordunnyTheseareslangtermsfortoilet.Ifyouareaguestinsomeone'shouseforthe
firsttime,itisusuallypolitetoaskpermissiontousehisorhertoilet.'MayIuseyourtoilet
please?'Somepeopleask,'Where'stheloo?'

Fairdinkumhonest,thetruth.'Fairdinkum?'whenusedasaquestionmeans,'isitreally
true?'

Tobecrooktobesickorill.

Flatoutbusy.

Shouttobuysomeoneadrink.Atabarorapubwhenagroupoffriendsmeet,itisusual
foreachpersonto'shoutaround',meaningbuyeverybodyadrink.Eachpersontakesaturn
atbuyinga'round'.Itisalsoacceptabletosaythatyoudonotdrink(alcohol)bysayingthat
youarea'teetotaller'.Thisalsomeansyouarenotobligedtoshout.

Blokeaman.Sometimesifyouaskforhelp,youmaygetananswerto'seethatblokeover
there'.

Howyagoin?'Howareyougoing?'meanshowareyou,orhowdoyoudo?Itdoesnotmean
whatformoftransportyouaretaking.Sometimesitcansoundlike'owyagoinmate'.

FormoreinformationonAustralianslangvisit:www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/slang

5.2.1eRespondingtoanInvitation
WhatcouldIbeinvitedto?Ifyougetaninvitationtolunch,dinner,barbeque,party,wedding,
birthday,oranytypeofeventyouwillusuallyrespondwithaletterorphonecall.Themidday
mealiscalledlunch,andtheeveningmealiscalleddinnerortea.Teacanalsomeanacupof
teaor'cuppa'.Ifinvitedfortea,thetimeoftheeventisagoodsignofwhetheryourhostmeans
dinnerorjustacupoftea.Aninvitationtotea,foranytimeafter6pm(1800hours)usuallymeans
dinner.

How are invitations made? Invitations can be written or spoken. Written ones usually ask for
RSVP, (which is respondez s'il vous plait in French) and means please reply. You should reply
whetheryouintendtogoornot.Theinvitationwilltellyouhowtoreplyandwhenthereplyis
expected.Yourhostmaybespecificabouthowmanypeopleareinvited.Ifyourhostinvitesthe
whole family, you should tell your host how many people would go. Usually a family is the
parentsandtheirchildren.
WhatifIdoacceptaninvitation?Whenyouacceptaninvitationtoameal,itisalsousualtotell
thehostwhatyoucannoteat.Itisperfectlyokaytosaythatyouareavegetariananddonoteat
meatorthatyouareMuslimorJewishanddonoteatpork.Itisnotpolitetoarrivelateandyou
shouldmakeatelephonecalltoyourhosttoexplainifyouaregoingtobelate.
WhatifIcannotacceptaninvitation?Youmaynotalwaysbeabletoacceptaninvitation.The
bestwaytorefuseistosay,'thankyou,unfortunatelyI/wehaveotherplansatthattime'.Tosay
thatyouaretoobusymayseemextremelyrude,evenifitistrue.Onceyouacceptaninvitation,
you should only cancel if something arises where you cannot go. You should also explain the
reason to your host. To cancel because you got a better invitation from somewhere else can
seemveryrude,andcanaffectnewfriendships.Sometimesitisbestnottoacceptaninvitation
rightawayandtoaskyourhostwhethertheywouldmindifyoucheckyourplansandreplyto
themlater.
(Source:DepartmentofImmigration&Citizenship)

5.2.1fTipping

Tipping is not generally expected or practiced in Australia. This is because throughout Australia, service
industrystaffarecoveredbyminimumwagelawsandthereforedonotrelyontipsfortheirincome.However,
itisacceptabletoleaveasmallamount(perhaps10%)shouldyoufeelyouhavereceivedexceptionalservice.

5.3PublicHolidays&SpecialCelebrations:

Australiansholdcertaindayseachyearasspecialdaysofnationalmeaning.Wemayrecognisethedaywitha
holidayforeveryoneorwecancelebratethedayasanationwithspecialevents.MostStatesandTerritories
observesomeofthepublicholidaysonthesamedate.Theyhaveothersondifferentdatesorhavesomedays
that only their State or Territory celebrates. In larger cities, most shops, restaurants and public transport
continuetooperateonpublicholidays.Insmallertowns,mostshopsandrestaurantsclose.

5.3.1NewYear

Australians love to celebrate New Year. There are festivals, celebrations and parties all over the
country to welcome in the New Year. Sydney Harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge have become
synonymouswithNewYearcelebrationsinAustraliathefireworksdisplayisconsideredtobeoneof
thebestintheworld.January1isapublicholiday.

5.3.2AustraliaDay

AustraliaDay,January26,isthedayweasapeopleandplacecelebrate
ournationhood.Thedayisapublicholiday.Thedaymarksthefoundingof
thefirstsettlementinournationbyEuropeanpeople.

5.3.3Easter

Easter commemorates the resurrection (return to life) of Jesus Christ following his death by
crucifixion.ItisthemostsignificanteventoftheChristiancalendar.
Inadditiontoitsreligioussignificance,EasterinAustraliaisenjoyedasafourdayholidayweekend
startingonGoodFridayandendingonEasterMonday.Thisextralongweekendisanopportunityfor
Australianstotakeaminiholiday,orgettogetherwithfamilyandfriends.Easteroftencoincideswith
school holidays, so many people with school aged children incorporate Easter into a longer family
holiday. Easter is the busiest time for domestic air travel in Australia, and a very popular time for
gatheringssuchasweddingsandchristenings.

5.3.3aEasterTraditions
ShroveTuesdayorPancakeDay:ShroveTuesdayisthelastdaybeforeLent.Inearlier
daysthereweremanyfoodsthatobservantChristianswouldnoteatduringLentsuchas
meatandfish,eggs,andmilkyfoods.Sothatnofoodwaswasted,familieswouldhavea
feastontheshrovingTuesday,andeatupallthefoodsthatwouldn'tlastthefortydays
ofLentwithoutgoingoff.
PancakesbecameassociatedwithShroveTuesdaybecausetheywereadishthatcould
useupperishablefoodstuffssuchaseggs,fatsandmilk,withjusttheadditionofflour.
ManyAustraliangroupsandcommunitiesmakeandsharepancakesonShroveTuesday.
Sellingpancakestoraisemoneyforcharityisalsoapopularactivity.
Hot Cross Buns: Hot cross buns are sweet, spiced buns made with dried fruit and
leavenedwithyeast.Across,thesymbolofChrist,isplacedontopofthebuns,either
withpastryorasimplemixtureofflourandwater.Thebuns
aretraditionallyeatenonGoodFriday;howeverinAustralia
theyareavailableinbakeriesandstoresmanyweeksbefore
Easter.
A recent variation on the traditional fruit bun has become
popularinAustralia.Achocolateversionismadewiththesame
spiced mixture, but cocoa is added to the dough and chocolate
chipsreplacethedriedfruit.
Easter Eggs: Eggs, symbolising new life, have long been associated with the Easter
festival.ChocolateEastereggsareafavouritepartofEasterinAustralia.Somefamilies
andcommunitygroupsorganiseEasteregghuntsforchildreninparksandrecreational
areas. Easter eggs are traditionally eaten on Easter Sunday, however stores start
stockingEastertreatswellbeforetheEasterholidayperiod.
The Easter Bunny: Early on Easter Sunday morning, the Easter Bunny 'delivers'
chocolateEastereggstochildreninAustralia,ashedoesinmanypartsoftheworld.

The rabbit and the hare have long been associated with fertility, and have therefore
beenassociatedwithspringandspringfestivals.TherabbitasasymbolofEasterseems
to have originated in Germany where it was first recorded in writings in the 16th
century. The first edible Easter bunnies, made from sugared pastry, were made in
Germanyinthe19thcentury.

5.3.4AnzacDay

Anzac Day is on April 25 the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
(ANZAC) landed at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915 during World War 1. This day is set
apart to holddear the memory of those who fought for our nation and those who
lost their life to war. The day is a public holiday. We remember with ceremonies,
wreath laying and military parades. You will find that many towns have an ANZAC
Day parade and ceremony culminating in the laying of memorial wreaths at a monument or war memorial.
TheseservicescanbeverymovingandawonderfulwayofexperiencingsomeAustralianNationalpride,asthe
memoriesofourfallensoldiersarecommemorated.ManyAustraliansattendtheNationalWarMemorialin
Canberra, or a War Memorial in one of the Capital Cities around Australia for either the traditional Dawn
Service,whichcommemoratesthelandingoftheANZACSatGallipoliinthedarkanddawningofthatday,or
another service usually commencing around midmorning with a parade of returned armed forces
representingallAustralianswhohavefoughtinwar.AsAustraliaissuchamulticulturalcountry,thesedaysit
iscommontoseemanyothercountriesalsorepresentedintheseparades.

ANZACDayistheonlydayoftheyearwhereitmayalsobepossibletoattendanRSL(ReturnedServicemens
League)ClubtoexperienceatraditionalgameofTWOUP.AgameofchanceplayedbytheANZACSwhere
moneyiswagedonthetossofthreecoinsforaresultingcombinationof2outof3beingeitherheadsortails.
RSLclubsarecrammedwithreturnedsoldiersandtheirfamiliesandfriendsonthisday,theatmosphereisone
ofmateshipandfriendlinesstoallandtheexperienceofagameoftwoupisamemorableone.

5.3.5LaborDay
Labor Day is celebrated on different dates throughout Australia. As elsewhere in the world, Labor Day
originated in Australia as a means of giving working people a day off and recognising the roots of trade
unionistmovementsandworkersrights.

5.3.6QueensBirthday
The Queen's Birthday holiday celebrates the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II who is not only Queen of the
UnitedKingdombutalsoQueenofAustralia,wheretheQueen'sBirthdayisapublicholidaycelebratedona
Monday but on different dates. Having the Queen's Birthday on a Monday, results in a threeday long
weekend.

5.3.7MelbourneCupDay
The Melbourne Cup is a 2 mile international horse race run on the first Tuesday of November each year
attracting the finest racehorses from around the world. Known as the race that stops a Nation due to a
PublicHolidaybeingdeclaredinmetropolitanMelbourneinitshomeStateofVictoria,andmostofthenation
whether at work, school or home, stopping to watch the race broadcast on television. In other places, and
mainly in the workplace, many people have a celebratory Cup Day Breakfast, lunch, party or barbeque to
celebrateMelbourneCup.ItistraditionaltorunaCupSweepwhereeveryonewagesanamountperhorse
tocreateatotalprizepool.Thenamesofthehorsesenteringtheracearedrawnandmatchedonebyoneto
thelistofpeoplewagingmoney.Aftertheraceiswon,theprizepoolisdividedintoamountsfor1st,2nd,&3rd,
and usually a small amount for last place, or horses scratched due to injury just before the race. The
MelbourneCupformspartoftheSpringRacingCarnivalwhichattractscelebritiesfromaroundtheworld.
Womendressintheirbestoutfits;hatsaredefinitelytheorderofanyday,gentlemeninsuitsofallsorts,and
assortedothercostumes.ItsaverycolourfultimetobeinMelbourne.

5.3.7Christmas

ChristmasiscelebratedinAustraliaon25December.ChristmasisthecelebrationofthebirthofJesusChrist.
ChristiansbelievethatJesusis'thesonofGod',theMessiahsentfromHeaventosavetheworld.
TheheatofearlysummerinAustraliahasanimpactonthewaythatAustralianscelebrateChristmasandour
EnglishheritagealsohasanimpactonsomenorthernhemisphereChristmastraditionswhicharefollowed.
IntheweeksleadinguptoChristmashousesaredecorated;greetingscardssentout;carolssung;Christmas
treesinstalledinhomes,schoolsandpublicplaces;andchildrendelightinanticipatingavisitfromSantaClaus.
OnChristmasDayfamilyandfriendsgathertoexchangegiftsandenjoyspecialChristmasfood.Australiansare
aslikelytoeatfreshlycaughtseafoodoutdoorsatabarbeque,astohaveatraditionalroastdinnerarounda
diningtable.
Many Australians spend Christmas out of doors, going to the beach for the day, or
heading to camping grounds for a longer break over the Christmas holiday period.
Thereareoftenplaceswhichhavedevelopedaninternationalreputationforoverseas
visitorstospendChristmasDayinAustralia.Onesuchexampleisforvisitorswhoare
inSydneyatChristmastimetogotoBondiBeachwhereupto40,000peoplevisiton
ChristmasDay.
CarolsbyCandlelighthavebecomeahugeChristmastraditioninAustralia.CarolsbyCandlelighteventstoday
rangefromhugegatherings,whicharetelevisedlivethroughoutthecountry,tosmallerlocalcommunityand
churchevents.
ChristmasinAustraliaisalsoassociatedwithtwomajorsportingevents:
The Boxing Day Test: December 26 is the opening day of the traditional 'Boxing Day Test' at the MCG
(MelbourneCricketGround)betweentheAustralianCricketTeamandaninternationaltouringside.Itis
themostanticipatedcricketmatcheachyearinworldcricket,andticketsareusuallysoldoutmonthsin
advance.
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race: the SydneytoHobart is Australias most prestigious yachting race
andonthecalendarofinternationalyachtracing,andbegins26DecemberinbeautifulSydneyHarbour.
(Source:AustralianGovernmentCultureandRecreationPortal)

5.4Sports&Recreation:
AustraliansoneandallloveSports.LetitbeCricket,Tennis,Swimming,Rugby,Football,Golf
oranyothergameAustralianslovetowatchandplayingit.MelbournehassomanySporting

eventsheldannuallyandisreputedastheSportsCityofAustralia.Eachseasonhasaseries
ofdifferentsportsandeventshappening.
Checkoutthelatesthappeningsinthefollowingwebsites:
VisitVictoria
http://www.visitvictoria.com/displayobject.cfm/objectid.3EA6DC3924D044B8
A51984DE9738C744/
ThatsMelbourne

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson/Sport/Pages/Sport.aspx
Culture.gov.au
http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/stories/category.htm#sport

AustralianFootball
Australianslovetheirfooty.Eachweekendduringthecoldermonths,thousandsof
Australiansdescendonfootballstadiumsaroundthecountrytosupporttheirteams.
Aseriousritual,thisprocessinvolvesproudlywearingteamcolours,barrackingforfavourite
players,andengaginginenthusiasticcheeringateveryopportunity.
Thecountryhasfourmajorfootballcodes,eachrepresentedbyaprofessionalleagueatan
elitelevel:

AustralianFootballLeague(AFL)
AustralianRugbyUnion(ARU)
NationalRugbyLeague(NRL)
FootballFederationAustralia(FFA)

IneachAustralianstateandterritorythewordfootballhasadifferentmeaning.Forthose
livingintheNorthernTerritory,SouthAustralia,Tasmania,VictoriaandWesternAustralia,
footballusuallyreferstoAustralianRulesFootball.IntheAustralianCapitalTerritory,New
SouthWales,andQueensland,itcouldmeanrugbyleagueorrugbyunion.Thewordsoccer
equatestothegameplayedbytheFootballFederationAustraliaforallofAustralia.
ThefootballcodeanAustralianplaysorfollowsisoftendictatedbywheretheylive,their
culturalheritage,orbythecodetheyweretaughtatschool.
ButfortheplayersandsupportersofallthefootballcodesacrossAustralia,theendof
summeriswelcomedsinceitsignalsthestartofthe'footy'season.Theseasonusually
stretchesfromMarchtoSeptember,whenfanscrowdstadiumsintheirteamcolorsto
cheerandsoakuptheatmosphereofthegame.
(Source.culture.gov.au)

5.5Clubs&Organisations:
Therearemanyclubsandorganisationsfordifferentsports,recreation,interests.Mostoftenthese
groupsmaintainwebsitesandifyoutypeinyourinterestyoumaybeabletofindquiteafewclubs,
societiesandorganisations.

5.6Entertainment:
TheremanydifferententertainmentoptionsinMelbourne.TheseincludeCinema,Bowling,

5.7EatingOut:

Melbournehassuchdiversecommunityandwhateveryournationalityyoucanbesuretofind
somethingtosatisfyyourtastebudsinMelbourne.
CheckoutthewebsiteofInsidersGuideMelbournefinegreatplacestoshopdineandshop.
AnotherusefulguideisVisitMelbournewebsite

http://www.melbournerestaurants.com.au/isahelpfulsiteaswell

Asastudenthowevereatingoutcanbeexpensive.Therearequiteanumberofplacesyoucaneat
outforrelativelycheaper.OftenthefastfoodrestaurantssuchasMcDonalds,HungryJacks,
Subway,KFCandRedRoosterhavearangewithinastudentbudget.Thishoweverisnotahealthy
option.Youmaywanttocarefullyconsiderthebudgetyouhavesetasideforyourfoodexpenses
beforeconsideringeatingfromout.

5.8Religion&Faith:
Victoriaissuchaculturallydiversecommunity.Youcanfindaplaceofworshipthatyoupreferin
yourneighbourhood.

streetdirectory.com.aucanservesasguideforyou.
http://www.streetdirectory.com.au/sd_new/community.cgi?UrlSD=Australia/Victoria/Melbourne/Pl
acesOfWorship&CommunityID=30&StateID=1

5.9WheretoFindOutWhatsGoingOn:
Thefollowingwebsitesshouldhelpyou:
ThatsMelbourne
http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Gettingaroundthecity/Itineraries/Pages/highlights.aspx

WalkingMelbourneTours
http://www.walkingmelbournetours.com.au/Walking_Melbourne_Tour_MysteriousMelbourne.htm

5.10HomeFireSafety:
InternationalstudentsareincreasinglyappearinginstatisticsrelatedtofireincidentsanddeathsinAustralia.
Sadly,mostofthesefiresarepreventable.Youcantakesomesimplestepstoreducetheriskoffireinyour
accommodation.

Followthefiresafetytipsbelowtohelpyoureducethechanceoffireinyouraccommodation:

5.10.1SmokeAlarms

Whenyouaresleepingyoucannotsmellsmoke.Smokealarmssavelives.
They wake you and alert you to the danger from smoke and fire. You
MUSThaveasmokealarmwhereyoulive,itisthelaw.Allhomesmust
have a smoke alarm on each level. Landlords are legally responsible for
installation of alarms in rental properties. Tenants are responsible for
testing and maintaining alarms. If you live on campus there will be a
smokealarminyourroom.Ifyouliveoffcampusinahouseorflatthere
mustbeasmokealarmoutsideyourbedroom.

Lookafteryoursmokealarm,itcansaveyourlife.

Testyoursmokealarmmonthlybypressingthetestbutton.

DONTremovethebattery

DONTtakethesmokealarmdown

DONTcoverthesmokealarm

Replacethebatteryinyoursmokealarmyearly.

Regularly vacuum over and around your smoke alarm to remove

dustanddebristokeepitclean.

If there is no smoke alarm or it does not work report it to your

landlord.

5.10.2Electricity

Thesafeuseofelectricityassistsinpreventinghousefires.

Improperuseofpowerboardsanddoubleadaptorscanleadto
fires.

A double adaptor or a powerboard plugged into another double

adaptor or powerboard creates a danger of overloading the
system.Forsafety,useasingleextensioncordratherthanjoining
shorter cords. Leaving an extension cord coiled while in use or
placingacordunderfloorcoveringscancauseoverheating.

Becarefultokeepelectricalappliancesawayfromwater.

A hair dryer takes time to cool down. For safety, allow this to
happenonainflammablesurfacebeforestoringit.

Computers,monitorsandTVscanoverheatandcausefiresevenwhennotinuse.
Theyshouldbeturnedoffaftereachsession.Goodair
circulation is necessary around TVs and videos. TVs
should be turned off at the set, not only with the
remotecontrol.

Lightglobescanbecomeveryhot.
It is dangerous to cover a lamp with any type of fabric.To dim a
lampitisrecommendedthatalowerwattageglobeisused.

5.10.3Heaters

Itsnicetokeepyourselfwarminthecoolerweather,butrememberheatersareamajorcauseofhousefires.

Read and follow the operating instructions for your

heater.

All clothes and curtains should be at least one metre

fromtheheater.

Turnoffallheatersbeforeyouleaveyourroomorgoto
bed.

Before you go to bed at night or leave your home,

ensureheatersareturnedoffattheirpowersourceand
firesareextinguished.

5.10.3Candles,OilBurnersandCigarettes

Candles,oilburnersandcigarettescanallbedangerousfirehazards.

Donotsmokeinbed.

Dampen cigarette butts before putting them in the

rubbish.

Makesureyourcandlesareonproperlydesignedcandle
holders.
Dont leave your room when a candle or oil burner is

alight.

Dontgotosleepwhenacandleoroilburnerisalight.

Do not put candles or oil burners near windows; be

careful,curtainscancatchfireeasily.

5.10.4Cooking

Mosthousefiresstartinthekitchen.

Preparefoodonlyinthekitchen.

Alwaysstayinthekitchenwhilefoodiscooking.

Hotoilsandfatscatchfireeasily.

DONOTusewatertoputoutanoilfire.

Use a dry powder extinguisher, fire blanket or

saucepanlidtoextinguish,
IfSafeToDoSo.

Turnoffthecookingappliancebeforeyouleavetheroom
orgotobed.

5.10.5PlanYourEscape

InaFire:

1. Getdownonthefloor.Crawltothedoor.
2. Getoutofyourroom.
3. Closethedoor.Thispreventssmokeandfirefromspreading
4. Alertothers.
5. Whenoutsidestayout.
6. Call000.

(Source:MetropolitanFireBrigade,Melbourne.www.mfb.vic.gov.au)

5.11SunSafety:

Australiahasthehighestrateofskincancerintheworld.Infact,oneineverytwoAustralianswillbe
diagnosedwithskincanceratsomepointduringtheirlifetime.Thegoodnewsis,itcanbeprevented.By
minimisingyourexposuretothesunsdamagingultravioletradiation(UVR),youcanprotectyourskinand
preventthedevelopmentofskincancer.

5.11.1SunProtection
Skincancerandskindamagearecausedbybeingexposedtothesunsharmfulultravioletradiation
(UVR).Thekeytopreventingskincanceristoprotectyourskinfromthesunbypractisingsunsafe
behaviours.
Therearesixsimplestepsyoucanfollowtoreduceyourriskofskincancerandprotectyourskin:

1. Minimiseyourtimeinthesunbetween10amand3pm
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Seekshade
Wearsuitableclothingthatprovidesgoodsunprotection
Chooseabroadbrim,legionnairestyleorbucketstylehatthatwill
protectyourface,neckandears
WearUVprotectivesunglasses
ApplySPF30+broadspectrum,waterresistantsunscreen20minutes
beforeyougooutintothesun.

5.12BeachSafety:

Understandingtheoceanisveryimportantthemoreyouknowabouthowwaves,windandtidesaffect
conditionsinthewater,thebetterableyouaretokeepyourselfsafe,orevenrescueothers,fromdanger.
Recognisingdangersignsandawarenessofsurfconditionsisanessentialpartoflifesaving.

5.12.1RemembertheFLAGSandStaySafe
FFindtheflagsandswimbetweenthemtheredandyellowflagsmarkthesafestplacetoswimat
thebeach.
LLookatthesafetysignstheyhelpyouidentifypotentialdangersanddailyconditionsat
thebeach.
AAskasurflifesaverforsomegoodadvicesurfconditionscanchangequicklysotalkto
asurflifesaverorlifeguardbeforeenteringthewater.
GGetafriendtoswimwithyousoyoucanlookoutforeachother'ssafetyandgethelp
ifneeded.Childrenshouldalwaysbesupervisedbyanadult.
SStickyourhandupforhelpifyougetintotroubleinthewater,staycalm,andraise
yourarmtosignalforhelp.Floatwithacurrentorripdon'ttryand
swimagainstit.
AndrememberNEVER
Neverswimatunpatrolledbeaches
Neverswimatnight
Neverswimundertheinfluenceofalcohol
Neverrunanddiveintothewater
Neverswimdirectlyafterameal

5.12.2TheSurfEnvironment
5.12.2aRips
Aripisastrongcurrentrunningouttosea.Ripsarethecauseofmostrescuesperformedat
beaches.Aripusuallyoccurswhenachannelformsbetweentheshoreandasandbar,and
largewaveshavebuiltupwaterwhichthenreturnstosea,causingadrageffect.Thelarger
thesurfthestrongertherip.Ripsaredangerousastheycancarryaweakortiredswimmer
outintodeepwater.

IdentifyingaRip
Thefollowingfeatureswillalertyoutothepresenceofa
rip:

darkercolour,indicatingdeeperwater

murkybrownwatercausedbysandstirredupoff
thebottom
smoothersurfacewithmuchsmallerwaves,
alongsidewhitewater(brokenwaves)
wavesbreakingfurtherouttoseaonbothsidesof
therip
debrisfloatingouttosea
arippledlook,whenthewateraroundisgenerallycalm

5.12.3SurfSkills
5.12.3aEscapingFromaRip

Ifyouarecaughtinarip:

Don'tPanicstaycalm
Ifyouareastrongswimmer,swimata45degreeangleacrosstherip
andinthesamedirectionasthecurrentuntilyoureachthebreaking
wavezone,thenreturntoshore
Ifyouareaweakortiredswimmer,floatwiththecurrent,don'tfight
it.Swimparalleltotheshoreforabout3040muntilyoureachthe
breakingwavezone,thenswimbacktoshoreorsignalforhelp.
Remembertostaycalmandconserveyourenergy.

5.12.3bNegotiatingtheSurf
Beforeenteringthesurf,alwaysmakenoteofalandmarksuchasabuildingorheadlandthat
canbeseenfromthewaterandusedasaguideformaintainingafixedposition.Alsocheck
thedepthofanygutterandtheheightofanysandbankbeforedivingunderwavesthiswill
helppreventspinalinjury.
Whengoingoutthroughthesurf,negotiatetheshallowsbyahighhurdletypeofstrideuntil
thebreakersreachyourwaistoruntilyourprogressisslowed.
Wavesofanysizeandforceshouldnotbefoughtagainstandshouldbenegotiatedbydiving
underneath,givingyoutimetoreachthebottomandlieasflataspossibleonthesandwhile
thewavepassesover.
Yourhandscanbedugintothesandinfrontatarm'slengthforstabilityandasapull
forwardwhenreadytosurface.
Ifthewaterisdeepenough,bringyourkneesupunderyourbodysoyoucangetagoodpush
offthebottom,likeanuncoilingspring.Thisgivesaddedforcetoyournextdive.Repeatthis
processuntilinchestdeepwater,thenstartswimming.
Ifabrokenwaveapproacheswhenthewaterisnottoodeep,divedownandrunorcrawl
alongthebottom.Indeepwater,donotuseextraenergytryingtoreachthebottom;instead
duckdivetojustbelowtheturbulence.Waitforthewashtopassand
thenpushorkicktothesurface(offthebottom,ifpossible).
Sticktoyourpredeterminedpathontheswimout.
Checkyourpositionbyoccasionallyraisingyourheadforaquicklook
whenswimmingontopofaswell.
(Source:SurfLifesavingAustralia)

5.14Bush&OutbackSafety:

Australiahasmanyextraordinaryandbeautifulplacestoexplore.Ifyouaregoingonatrip,travelwithotherpeople,
makesuresomeoneknowswhereyouareatalltimesandstayonaroadorawalkingtrack.

5.14.1IntheBush

Bepreparedifyouplansometimeinourbushland.Planyourhike.
Alwaystellsomeonewhereyouaregoingandwhattimeyouexpectto
return.Letthemknowwhenyoureturnsafely.

Checktheweatherforecastandbepreparedforunexpectedchangesinweather.
Checkthelengthanddegreeofdifficultyofyourplannedwalk.Considerusingalocalguide
whentakinglongordifficultwalks.
Whenwalkingorexploringoutdoorsdrinkplentyofwater(allowatleastonelitreofwater
perhourofwalking).Wearsturdyshoesandsocks,ahat,sunscreenlotion,comfortable
clothingandinsectrepellent.Otherhandyitemsforlongbushwalksincludefood,warm
clothing,firstaidsupplies,atorchandamap.
Neverwalkalone.Readmapsandsignscarefully.Stayonthetrackandstaybehindsafety
barriers.
Neverdiveintoarockpool,creek,lakeorriver.Stayawayfromcliffedgesandwaterfalls.
Donotfeedorplaywithnativeanimals.Youmightgetbittenorscratched.
Limityouruseoffire.Useafuelstoveforcookingandwearthermalclothingtokeepwarm.
Neverleavefiresunattendedorunconfined.
Visittherangerstationorparkinformationcentretoobtaindetailsonthebestplacestovisit
andanyadditionalsafetytipsforthatpark.

5.14.1aAdviceforMotoristsCaughtinBushFires

BushfiresarecommonoccurrencesinAustraliaduringouroftenlonghotsummers.Ifyou
areinsmokeandfireaffectedareas,youshouldstayofftheroads.Ifyoumustgetinthe
car,putyourheadlightson,dressinprotectiveclothingandfootwearandmakesureyou
takefoodandwateryoucouldbestuckforlongperiodsifyourjourneyisblockedbyroad
closures.Turnthecarradioonandkeepittunedtolocalstationsforbushfireupdates

Ifyouarecaughtinthemiddleofabushfire,parkthecarimmediatelyandremaincalm
Lookforacleararea,preferablyofftheroad.Areasclearofgrassorbusharesafest
theywillnotsustainfiresofhighintensity
Donotleavethevehicle.Manypeoplehavelosttheirlivesbyexitingthevehicleonlyto
betrappedonfootintheopen.Yourvehiclewillhelpprotectyoufromradiantheat,the
chiefdanger
Switchtheignitionoff.Itisunlikelythatavehiclesfueltankwillexplodefromtheheat
ofapassingbushorgrassfire
Closeallwindowsandventsorturnventstorecycle
Puttheheadlightsonsothatthecarisasvisibleaspossible,especiallytofiretankers
Everyonemustgetdownonthefloor,belowwindowheightandcoverallexposedskin
withawoolorcottonblanket.Donotusesynthetics,whichmaygiveofftoxicvapoursor
melt
Stayinthevehicleuntilthefirefronthaspassed.Generallythiswilltakebetween30
secondsandoneminute.Duringthistimeitwillbehot,noisyandfrightening.Itwilllast
ashorttimeeventhoughitmayseemlonger
Ifyouhavewater,drinkit
Neverattempttodrivethroughsmokeorflame.Crashescanoccurwhendriversrunoff
theroad,strikingtreesorothercars

Oncethefirefronthaspassed,exitthevehicleandinspectitfordamagebefore
proceeding
Donotproceeduntilyouaresatisfiedthatthefirehaspassedandthatyouarenotlikely
tobetrappedasecondtime
Fallingtreesandbranchesareahazardduringandafterintensefires.Donotparkor
driveundertrees
Exittheareaasquicklyaspossible.Rememberfirevehiclesmaybetryingtoenterthe
areaandyourpresencemayhinderfirefightingoperations.

(Source:NRMA)

5.13.2IntheOutback

Australiasoutbackisvast.Ourremotewildernessareashavefewtownsand
facilities,oftenwithlargedistancesbetweenthem,sobeawareandplanyour
trip.

Whenplanningeachdayoftravelspendsometimetocalculatehow
longitwilltaketodrivebetweendestinations.Berealisticabouthow
faryoucandriveinaday.
Informfamilyandfriendsorthelocalpoliceofyourtravelplans.Thelocalpolicecanalso
providehelpfuladviceonfacilitiesandroadconditions.
Alwayscarryacurrentroadmap.
Makesureyourvehicleisingoodworkingorderandhasbeenservicedrecently.
Useafourwheeldrivevehicleonunsealedroadsinremoteareas.Takeextracarewhen
drivingthesevehicles.Forexample,driveatreducedspeedsonunsealedroads.
Alwayscarryasparetyre,toolsandwater.Iftravellingtoremoteareasoffmajorhighways
takeextrafood,water,fuelandtyres.Donotoverloadyourvehicleandnevercarryspare
fuelinsideanenclosedvehicle.
Ifyouhavetroublewithyourvehicle,dontleaveyourvehiclebecauseitwillprovideyou
withshadeandprotectionfromtheheat.Waitforhelptocometoyou.
Hireappropriateemergencycommunicationequipment,suchasasatellitephoneoran
EmergencyPositionIndicatingRadioBeacondevice(EPIRB).
Obeyroadclosuresignsandstayonrecognisedroutes.
Firesindesertandbushareascanspreadveryquickly.Ifrequired,bepreparedtoevacuate
theareaimmediately.
Australianwildlifeandlivestockoftengrazeontheroadsideandcanstrayontotheroad.Be
verycarefulwhendrivingatsunrise,sunsetandatnight,whenanimalsaremostactive.Ifan
animalcrossesinfrontofyoubrakegently,donotswervewildlytoavoidit.
Duringdaylighthoursalwaysdrivewithyourheadlightsonlowbeam,asoutbackconditions
canmakeitdifficulttoseeoncomingvehicles.
(Source:VisitVictoria.com)

5.14SttormSafeety:

nywhereandaatanytime
Stormscanhappenan
oftheyeear.Stormsarremorecomm
monduring
storm seeason from October to the
t end of
April,buttitisimportaanttobeawaareallyear
round.

usemajordam
mage.They
Severesttormscancau
maybeaaccompaniedbytorrentialrrain,
strongwinds,largehailstones,loudthunder
andlightning.Stormscancauseflash
magetreesand
dpowerlines.
flooding,unroofbuildiings,anddam

bystormseveenifyourprop
pertyisnotdaamaged;suchasloosingpo
ower,or
Youcanaalsobeindirectlyaffectedb
accessro
oadsbeingcutt.

TheSEESisresponsibleformanaggingthecleanupandhelpingpeopleduringandafterrastorm.

ndotostaysaafe:
Duringgastorm,theerearesometthingsyoucan
Stayindoorsaandawayfrom
mwindows.
Unplugsensittiveelectricaldeviceslikeccomputers,televisionsandvideorecordeers.
Listentoyourrradioforweeatherupdates.
Dontusealaandlineteleph
honeduringanelectricalstorm
Ifyouareecaughtoutsiideduringsto
orm

Getinsideavvehicleorbuildingifpossible.
withyourfeettclosetogetheerandheadtuckedin.
Ifnoshelterisavailable,crrouchdown,w
pleseveralme
etresapart.
Ifinagroupspreadout,keepingpeop

5.15D
DangeroussAnimals&Plants::

Australiaishometoavvarietyofnativveanimals.Eveeniftheyseem
mfriendlytoyo
ou,donottoucchorfeedthem
mthey
arenotussedtocloseco
ontactwithhumansandmayyhurtyou

IfyouareevisitinganyoffAustraliasbeeautifulparkso
orforests:

Bew
waryofanimaalsintheirnatturalhabitat. Staywellbacckfromgoann
nas,crocodiless,snakes,dinggoes,
casso
owaries,andalsowildpigs,cattle,horseesandbuffalo
oes.Peoplehaavebeenserio
ouslyinjuredo
orkilled
byw
wildanimals.B
Beverycarefulaboutappro
oachinganyin
njuredanimal,,suchaskanggaroosorposssums.
Theyyarelikelytobiteandscrattchifyouatteempttotouchormovethem
m.
Neve
erfeedorplaaywithwildliffe.Nativeanim
malsarebynaaturetimid,however,havin
ngbeenprovidedfood
from
mpeople,mayybecomeaggrressiveinpurssuitoffood.YYoumaygetb
bittenorscrattched.Inaddittion,
hum
manfoodsmayybeharmfulttonativeanim
mals.
InthewaarmwatersoffTropicalQueeensland:

ecaretoavoid
dmarinestingers.
Take

Don
notenterwaterwherecroccodilesmayliive.

5.15.1BitesandStings
Themajo
orityofinsectssinAustraliaaarenotharmffultohumanss.Someinsecttsbiteandstin
ngiftheyare
threatenedsoitisbessttoavoidtou
uchingthemiffyouwanttoavoidbeingstungorbitten
n.
montelephoneenumber:
TheAustraliawidePoisonsInformaationCentres haveacomm
131126.

Somepeopleareallergictocertaininsectbitesorvenom.Inthecaseofanallergicreactiontobitesorstings,
medicalattentionshouldbesoughtimmediately.Calladoctororhospitalforguidance,or000.

5.15.2Anaphylaxisallergicreactions
Anaphylaxisisasevereallergicreactionthatcanoccurinsensitiveindividualsfromexposuretoanychemicals
foreigntothebody,includingbitesandstings,plants,ormedications.Partsofthebody,forexampletheface
orthroatswellupsomuchthatthepatientcan'tbreathe.Inseverecasesthepatientmaygointoshockwithin
afewminutesandtheheartcanstop.Foranypatientwhoshowssignsofanaphylaxis,call000foran
ambulance,andhavethepatienttakenimmediatelytotheemergencydepartmentofthenearesthospital.

5.15.2aGeneralFirstAidforBitesandStings
Forbitesorstingsfromthesecreaturesseekfirstaidassistancestraightaway,staycalm,andasimmobileas
possible.

allspeciesofAustraliansnakes,includingseasnakes

funnelwebspiders

blueringedoctopus

coneshellstings

Forallotherbitesandstings:Seekorapplybasicfirstaid.
Washwithsoapandwaterandapplyanantisepticifavailable
Ensurethatthepatient'stetanusvaccinationisuptodate
Applyanicepacktoreducelocalpainandswelling
Painreliefmayberequiredeg.paracetamoloranantihistamine(toreduceswelling,rednessanditch)
Thepatientshouldseekmedicaladviceiftheydevelopanyothersymptomsorsignsofinfection.
www.health.qld.gov.au/poisonsinformationcentre/bits_stings

(SourceQueenslandHealth)

Appendices

9
9
9

StudentPropertyInspectionChecklist
CollegeMap
MyStudentSurvivalPage

StudentPropertyInspectionChecklist

Agent:
AgentPhoneNumber:
PropertyAddress:
Rent:

PropertyLocation
Isthepropertyclosetotransport,shopsandcampus?
Istheareanoisy?Isthepropertyonabusyroad?
PropertyFeatures
Dotheovenandstoveoperatecorrectly?
Dothetoiletandshoweroperatecorrectly?
Aretherelaundryfacilities?
Dothelightfittingswork?
Are there enough electrical power points to plug in your electrical appliances without
overloadingelectricalpowerboards.
Isthereatelephonelinealreadyconnected?
Istheplacefurnished?Whatkindoffurniture?
Istheregoodsecurity?
Wherelocksarefittedondoors,cantheybeopenedfromtheinsidewithoutakey?
Dofrontandbackdoorsopeneasilyfromtheinsidetoallowescapeincaseoffire?
IsaSmokealarmfittedoutsideyourbedroom?
(bylawsmokealarmsmustbefittedandmaintained)
Ifyouarelivingincampusaccommodationoraroominghouse,aretheresmokealarmsin
yourroom?
Testthesmokealarmbypressingthetestbutton.Didthesmokealarmoperatecorrectly?
Istheredampormouldonthewalls?
Istherepaintingrequired?
Isthereaninsect/pestproblem?
Willthelandlordcarryoutanyrepairsbeforeyoumovein?
Comments

MyStudentSurvivalPage

Service
Emergency
DIAC
ATO
ahmOSHCserviceprovider
ALTECEmergencyContact

ContactNumber
000
112(fromMobiles)
131881
132861
134246
0412885251

Name:
Mobile:
Email:
Facebook:
Website:
Address:
Name:
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MyimportantContactPersons

Name:
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Email:
Facebook:
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Address:
Name:
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Address:

Acknowledgements

Thisprojectcouldnothavebeencompletedifitwerenotforallthewonderfulinternationalstudentresources
that have been developed to support international students and programs throughout Australia. This is
specificallytoacknowledgetheInternationalStudentHandbooksandonlinesupportservicesdevelopedbythe
followingeducationprovidersfromwhomexamplesofbestpracticeweresought:

StudyVictoria
AustralianNationalUniversity
CentralQueenslandUniversity
TAFENSW
CharlesDarwinUniversity
TAFEQueensland
CurtinUniversityofTechnology
TAFESouthAustralia
GriffithUniversity
UniversityofAdelaide
EducationandTrainingInternationalWA
UniversityofMelbourne
LaTrobeUniversity
UniversityofNewSouthWales
MacquarieUniversity
UniversityofQueensland
MonashUniversity
UniversityofSouthAustralia
EducationQueenslandInternational
UniversityofSydney
QueenslandUniversityofTechnology
UniversityofTasmania
SouthbankInstituteofTechnology
UniversityofWollongong
StudyQueensland
StudyMelbourne
CityofMelbourne
VisitVictoria
VisitMelbourne
Culutre.com.au
Australia.gov.au