UNE-ISBT International Student Handbook: Melbourne 2010 Page 0 1.

Transcription

1 UNE-ISBT Internatinal Student Handbk: Melburne 2010 Page 0 1.

2 Cntents WELCOME 1 SECTION 1: ARRIVAL IN AUSTRALIA 2 Imprtant Cntact Details 2 Principal Dates: ISBT Melburne 3 STUDENT SERVICES 5 Cunselling service 5 Learning Assistance Lecturer 6 IT Helpdesk 6 Unit Lecturers 6 Librarian 6 UNE-ISBT Prgram Directr 6 Campus Manager 6 Internatinal Services (UNE) 6 Academic Skills Office (UNE) 6 Equity Office (UNE) 7 TECHNOLOGY COMPUTER & INTERNET ACCESS 7 Yur UNE Accunt 7 Cmputer Labs 7 Printing 7 ACCOMMODATION 8 Renting In Melburne 8 Finding a place t rent 8 Yur legal rights and respnsibilities as a tenant 8 The Share Huse Optin 8 Hmestay 9 TRANSPORT 9 Public Transprt 9 Trains: Metrpllitan 9 Nightrider 10 Taxis 10 Trams 10 Buses 10 Trains: Interstate and Intrastate Services 10 Driving in Australia 12 BANKING 13 Australian Banks 13 Opening a bank accunt 14 Banking Facilities Clse t ISBT 14 Transferring Mney t Australia 14 Internatinal Mney Transfer 15 Travellers Cheques 15 Autmatic Teller Machines (ATMs) 15 Exchange Rate Issues COMMUNICATIONS 15 Phning Hme 15 Hme Phne (Landline) 16 Pre-paid Mbile Phne Services 16 Mbile Phne Cntracts 16 Internet Access 17 Phne and Internet Cntracts 17 SAFETY 18 Fire Safety 18 Hme Safety 18 Rad Safety 19 Public Transprt and Traffic Safety 20 Persnal Safety and Crime Stpping Tips 21 Bushwalking Tips 22 Swimming 22

3 COPING WITH LIFE IN AUSTRALIA 23 Hmesickness 23 SECTION 2: ISBT 24 FACILITIES 24 Teaching 24 Library 24 Academic and English language supprt 25 Student lunge and recreatin 25 First Aid and Medical 25 Curse advice and enrlment assistance 25 Curse accreditatin 25 Highly qualified academic staff and small class sizes 25 ENROLMENT AND COURSE PROGRESS 26 Subject changes after enrlment 26 Advanced standing / recgnitin f prir learning 26 Fast-track study pprtunity 26 Deferring, suspending and cancelling enrlment 26 Assessment 26 Examinatin results 26 Graduatin 27 ACADEMIC INFORMATION 27 Attendance and Curse prgress 27 Academic Prgress 27 Cnsulting tutrs and lecturers 28 Assessment 28 Time management 29 Plagiarism 29 YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 30 Cntact details 30 Academic 30 Administrative 30 PROBLEMS? 30 Student Rights 30 Appeals, Cmplaints and Grievance Prcedures 31 SECTION 3: IMPORTANT INFORMATION 32 VISA CONDITIONS 32 NATIONAL CODE 33 MEDICAL SERVICES 34 TAX FILE NUMBER 34 IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS 35

4 Welcme We are pleased t welcme yu t study at the Internatinal Schl f Business and Technlgy (ISBT) and the University f New England (UNE). This Handbk prvides academic and administrative infrmatin t supprt and help yu enjy yur studies and yur time in Australia. ISBT staff are yur first pint f cntact fr enquires ranging frm enrlment prcedures t English language and academic assistance, visa cnditins and ther help and advice. If yu have any difficulties, all staff are here t help vercme them. Yur lecturers are well qualified in their field and can advise n academic matters and infrmatin relating t the units they teach such as assignments and exam preparatin. There is als a UNE-based curse crdinatr fr each unit. They are respnsible fr the creatin f the unit materials, the mderatin f all assessment tasks, the reslutin f issues brught t their attentin by ISBT lecturers, and the finalisatin f unit grades. As a student f ISBT and UNE yu als have respnsibilities. These include advising ISBT staff f yur Australian address within 7 days f arrival in Australia and advising staff f any changes t yur address and cntact details during yur stay. Yu als need t understand yur visa cnditins. We lk frward t helping ensure yu have every chance at success in yur studies, and hpe that yu enjy yur time with ISBT and UNE while in Australia. VERNON CREW Directr English Language and Internatinal Services UNE KISHORE VALLAM CEO ISBT UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 1

5 Sectin 1: Arrival in Australia Imprtant Cntact Details Fr Help Cntact In an emergency Plice/Fire/Ambulance Telephne 000 Using this handbk ISBT Student Services Staff Telephne Enrlling nline Orientatin Week, UNE And ISBT Staff Telephne Using nline services Orientatin Week, ISBT Helpdesk Telephne Persnal prblems ISBT Cunselling Service Telephne Campus Manager Telephne Lifeline (Free Telephne Cunselling Service) Telephne Accmmdatin ISBT Student Services Staff Telephne Language and learning ISBT Learning Assistance Lecturer Telephne Academic cncerns Campus Manager Telephne Visa ISBT Student Services Staff Telephne Internatinal Services Manager, UNE Telephne DIAC (Department f Immigratin and Telephne Citizenship) Medical Nearest Medical Centre The Alfred Hspital, 19 Cmmercial Rd. Prahran, Melburne, VIC 3181 Telephne Child care ISBT Student Services Staff Telephne Security ISBT Student Services Staff Telephne Legal cncerns ISBT Student Services Staff Telephne Internatinal Services Manager, UNE Telephne Financial issues Campus Manager Telephne Melburne Campus Tele: Fax: inf@isbt.nsw.edu.au Web: UNE Campus English Language & Internatinal Services Tele: Fax: iserv@une.edu.au Web: UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 2

6 Principal Dates 2010: ISBT Melburne UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 3

7 Principal Dates 2011: ISBT Melburne UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 4

8 Student Services ISBT Student Services has a frnt cunter where yu can ask any questins. If yu have questins abut yur study, visas, health cver, r life in Melburne, cme and see us. Staff can: Advise/cunsel Prvide accurate infrmatin n visa regulatins fr student visa hlders; Prvide infrmatin cncerning life in Melburne Help manage financial prblems Prvide ne-n-ne supprt t individual students in crisis Mnitr academic prgress and prvide necessary supprt Prvide pre-arrival infrmatin Prvide request letters, sign fficial dcuments and perfrm ther administrative tasks Scial activities prgram Student Services runs a diverse scial activities prgram each semester, which will give yu a chance t see sme wnderful scenery and sights, and sme insight int lifestyle in Australia. These include weekends r ne day trips t varius interesting lcatins in Melburne, the beautiful Yarra Valley r the beaches and seaside twns n the Cast. There will be infrmatin abut scial activities during rientatin, and als n student ntice bards thrughut the semester. Cunselling service If yu need assistance with any srt f difficulty, such as adjusting t a new envirnment and cuntry, r understanding different ways f studying, ISBT cunsellrs can help yu. Cunsellrs can als help yu with difficult persnal situatins such as a financial prblem r illness in the family, and will als advcate n behalf f students. ISBT cunselling service is free, cnfidential and vluntary. UNE Student Assist staff and the Internatinal Services Manager at UNE in Armidale are als available fr help and supprt via and telephne. Further infrmatin abut UNE Student Assist and UNE Internatinal Services can be fund at: Learning Assistance Lecturer Assists with study, time management, and English language. Study skills classes are arranged nce every week and individual appintments can be made. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 5

9 IT Helpdesk Prvides help with cmputers in the cmputer lab and rganises all yur printing requirements. Unit Lecturers Teach classes; prvide infrmatin and assistance with assessments and exams. Librarian Assists in finding bks, lcating jurnals nline, and accessing the UNE library. UNE-ISBT Prgram Directr James Hunter is UNE s senir academic staff member wh versees all academic issues, curse prgress and liaises with ISBT Lecturers and UNE Unit Crdinatrs. Please cntact ISBT Student Administratin shuld yu need t meet with him. Campus Manager Warren Obst is the ISBT Melburne Campus Manager. He will be available t address bth issues and cncerns that ISBT Student Administratin staff are unable t. Please cntact Student Administratin shuld yu need t meet with him. Lcatin: 574, St.Kilda Rad, Melburne Call: Ext 3665 Fr all enquiries Call: Ext 3665 Fr all enquiries Office Hurs: Mnday t Friday: (9am 5pm) CLOSED n Saturday, Sunday and Public Hlidays Internatinal Services (UNE) Yu shuld talk t ISBT staff first fr advice abut visa cnditins and changes t enrlment. UNE s Internatinal Services (IS) ffice is situated n the University s main campus in Armidale. Staff members are available t assist Internatinal students, and may be cntacted by phne r . Tele: (02) iserv@une.edu.au Web: UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 6

10 Academic Skills Office (UNE) UNE s Academic Skills Office is available t all students f the University. It has a webpage with infrmatin including hw t study well, academic writing and reading and ral presentatins. Academic Skills advisrs ffer individual cnsultatins t all students at the University, via phne, fax, r nline. Tele: (02) ashelp@une.edu.au Web: Equity Office (UNE) The Equity Office based at the University can assist yu if yu believe yu are being harassed r unfairly treated by staff r ther students. Racial vilificatin and sexual harassment are illegal in Australia and the Equity Office can infrm yu f yur rights and respnsibilities in this regard. Yu shuld first talk t staff at ISBT r the UNE-ISBT Prgram Directr. Tele: (02) studentequity@une.edu.au Web: Technlgy Cmputer & Internet Access Yur UNE Accunt As an ISBT/UNE student yu are able t btain access t the UNE cmputer netwrk and ther IT services. Yu are able t register fr yur accunt as sn as yur enrlment has been prcessed and yur enrlment perid has started. Please visit the UNE nline registratin page and fllw the prmpts n the page t register. Once yu submit yur nline request, yur accunt will be available t yu in abut tw hurs. This will give yu access t the internet, nline teaching resurces, library resurces and . Cmputer Labs Three cmputer labs with cmputers in each are available fr academic purpses such as assignment preparatin, research r ther study. Yu may als use these fr checking . All cmputers have fast internet cnnectin and the latest Micrsft prducts. Printing Printers are available just utside the cmputer labs. Yur printer card will be issued at enrlment. Please nte a fee is charged fr printing. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 7

11 Accmmdatin If yu have nt rganised accmmdatin in Australia, please cntact ISBT staff immediately. The beginning f each term is a very busy time and accmmdatin may take a little lnger t find during these perids. There are several ptins fr accmmdatin, including rental, shared huse r apartment and hmestay. Mst internatinal students prefer t share rental accmmdatin t reduce csts. Remember that finding the right style f accmmdatin fr yur needs is very imprtant the success f yur studies largely depends upn it. Ask yurself befre yu cmmit yurself: D I want t live alne, with ther students, r an Australian family? D I need t be clse t public transprt? Is parking a pririty? Hw much can I really affrd t pay in rent? D I want the financial and physical respnsibility f running my wn hme? Renting In Melburne Renting is an attractive ptin fr many students. It prvides yu with a degree f stability and the ptin f taking in ther students t help yu with the rent if required. Finding a place t rent 1.Check the lcal papers n Saturdays 2.Check the rental bard lcated in Student Services 3. Use the internet there are many gd sites available such as and Yur legal rights and respnsibilities as a tenant The Victrian Department f Cnsumer Affairs publishes Renting a Hme: A guide fr Tenants and Landlrds which cntain infrmatin abut tenancy agreements, bnds, cnditin reprts, paying rent, installatin/cnnectin charges, repairs, entry by landlrd, rent increases, ending a tenancy and useful cntacts. A cpy is available frm The Tenants Unin f Victria Ltd prvides advice, assistance and advcacy fr tenants f private and public residential prperties and residents f rming huses and caravan parks in Victria. Ph: (03) Yuth Central: is a useful website prviding infrmatin n yur rights and respnsibilities as a tenant in Victria and keeping up with the latest news abut rental husing in Melburne. There are many Fact Sheets cvering tpics such as starting a tenancy, bnd, barders & ldgers, repairs, hw t give ntice, etc The Share Huse Optin A share huse is a ppular alternative t renting yur wn huse. When yu share a huse, yur bills, rent and pssibly fd csts will be much lwer and if the huse is already established, yu d nt have t utlay mney n large purchases such as TV s fridges and furniture. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 8

12 If yu're cnsidering living in a share huse the fact sheets available thrugh: will prvide yu with infrmatin n finding a husemate, chsing a husemate, and the rules and etiquette f living in a share huse. The 'When things g wrng' page als cvers managing and reslving husehld cnflicts. ISBT Student Services are als happy t talk t yu abut living in share accmmdatin. Hmestay Hmestay with an Australian family wh prvide accmmdatin and meals is als a gd ptin fr internatinal students. The apprximate cst f hmestay is between AUD$250 t AUD$290 per week. ISBT Student Services keeps a list f hmestay prviders t assist students in making necessary arrangements. Transprt Public Transprt Melburne s public transprt system cmprises f trains, trams and buses. Yu can use all three n ne ticket r Metcard. Metcards are available at train statins, n buses and trams and fr purchase frm retail utlets thrughut the Melburne metrplitan area. The best way t get arund the Central Business District is t catch the City Circle Tram, a free service that runs arund the perimeter f the CBD. WARNING: If yu travel withut a valid ticket, r n a cncessin ticket withut a cncessin card, yu are at risk f being fined by inspectrs. In Victria, internatinal students are ineligible fr cncessin n public transprt. If yu use public transprt frequently yu can save mney by purchasing a weekly, mnthly r yearly ticket. Melburne's public transprt netwrk is split int tw znes which are clur cded fr easy recgnitin: Zne 1 is yellw and Zne 2 is blue. ISBT Melburne is situated in Zne 1. Train and tram services generally perate between 5.00am and 12.00midnight Mnday t Saturday, and 8.00am t 11.00pm Sundays. Operating hurs vary fr lcal bus services. Fr mre infrmatin abut Melburne s public transprt system, including fares and timetables, phne Metlink n r visit Trains: Metrplitan Services Melburne's train netwrk perated by Metr, services the metrplitan area with 15 train lines. There are tw main railway statins in the CBD: Flinders Street Statin, at the crner f Swanstn and Flinders Streets, which is the main terminus fr Melburne metrplitan rail services and Suthern Crss Statin at the intersectin f Burke and Spencer Streets, which is the main hub fr cuntry rail services. Trains nrmally run 5am - midnight, Mnday - Thursday, with extended hurs t arund 1am n Friday and Saturday nights. Yu can plan hw t use Melburne's public transprt system using MetLink (includes all train, trams and bus services). Melburne Transprt Infline: call Train website: UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 9

13 NightRider Bus Service NightRider is a bus service that prvides a safe, cheap alternative fr late night travel hme n the weekends. Buses travel frm the city t Melburne's uter suburbs, departing every hur between 12.30am and 4.30am n Saturday and Sunday mrnings. NightRider has mre than 300 stps alng nine majr rutes t Bayswater/Belgrave, Craigieburn, Crydn, Dandenng, Eltham, Epping, Frankstn/Mrningtn, St Albans/Meltn and Werribee, s there are plenty f places t get n r ff. Custmers wh already have a valid Metcard ticket are able t take a NightRider bus at n extra cst. Taxis There is an abundance f taxis that can be hailed frm the street, r engaged at any statin r ver phne. Free Taxi call available in all arund. Taxis are generally an expensive mde f transprt. The fllwing cmpanies ffer services in and arund Melburne: Nrth Suburban Taxis: Silver Tp Taxis: Yellw Cabs: Trams Melburne's tram netwrk, perated by Yarra Trams, is ne f the largest functining tram netwrks in the wrld. Trams nrmally run 5am - midnight, Mnday t Thursday, with extended hurs t arund 1am n Friday and Saturday nights. Trams ging utside the CBD run t the inner suburbs and in sme instances a little further. There are different departure pints thrughut the CBD. A light rail service runs t the ppular turist destinatins f St Kilda and Prt Melburne (Beacn Cve). The City Circle tram service perates within Melburne's central business district. The service perates in a circular rute passing majr turist attractins, as well as linking with ther tram, train and bus rutes in and arund Melburne. Trams run in bth directins apprximately every twelve minutes between 10am and 6pm Sunday t Wednesday and extended hurs, 10am - 9pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Clckwise service: Flinders Street > Harbur Esplanade > Dcklands Drive > La Trbe Street > Victria Street > Nichlsn Street > Spring Street > Flinders Street Melburne Transprt Infline cntact Yarra Trams: Tram website: UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 109

14 Buses There are ver 300 bus rutes acrss Melburne servicing crss-suburban travel, CBD trips fr cmmuters, cnnectins t train statins, majr shpping centres, and leisure and sprting venues. Many f Melburne's bus rutes have been upgraded and run 6am - 9pm Mnday - Friday, 8am - 9pm Saturday and 9am - 9pm Sunday. NightRider is a bus service that prvides a safe, easy and inexpensive way t travel after midnight n weekends. Buses run every 30 minutes 1.30am am n Saturday mrnings and 1.30am t 5.30am n Sunday mrnings. There are additinal buses n selected rutes and special services may perate fr majr events such as New Year's Eve. Reginal buses perate within twns and cities all ver Victria. Sme rutes als serve smaller centres utside twns. Telebuses are demand respnsive services. Passengers can bard r leave buses at ne f the fixed stps in the area r can be picked up r drpped ff at hme. Melburne Transprt Infline: call Melburne Buses website: Trains: Interstate and Intrastate Services Suthern Crss (Spencer Street) Statin is the main junctin fr interstate and intrastate rail services. V/Line trains and caches perate between Melburne and reginal twns and cities. Sme rutes als prvide a lcal service between nearby twns, suburbs and cities. Infrmatin abut these services is available frm: Melburne Transprt Infline: call Cuntrylink Infline: Airprt Link Several airprt bus services cnnect the suburbs t bth Melburne and Avaln Airprts. Skybus The Skybus Super Shuttle runs between Melburne Airprt and the Melburne central business district, 24 hurs a day, seven days a week. The service runs every 10 minutes between 8am and 8pm (less frequently at ther times), and takes 20 minutes t get frm the airprt t the City centre. The Skybus stps at Melburne Airprt s Suth/Virgin Blue terminal and the Qantas dmestic terminal and at Suthern Crss (Spencer Street) Statin in the City. Minibuses run between Suthern Crss (Spencer Street) Statin. Skybus tickets are available frm the driver, at ticket kisks in the airprt terminals, The MetShp r nline. V/Line tickets, free travel passes and cncessins are nt accepted by Skybus. Fr mre infrmatin: r call (03) Sunbus Sunbus runs services between Avaln Airprt and the Melburne central business district. City stps are at Suthern Crss (Spencer Street) Statin Transit Centre (Firefly Caches sales bth) and utside Htel Bakpak at 167 Franklin Street. Fr mre infrmatin: r call (03) UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 11

15 Airprt Bus Eastside Airprt Bus Eastside prvide an airprt bus shuttle service t and frm Melburne Airprt t Melburne s nrthern and eastern suburbs. There are tw types f services available, a regular rute service with ver 20 stps, as well as a dr t dr service that can pick yu up r drp yu ff at hme. Airprt Bus Eastside ffer 10 services a day n weekdays, fur n Saturdays and public hlidays and tw n Sundays. Fr large grups, a charted service is als available. Mre infrmatin: r call Frankstn and Peninsula Airprt Shuttle Frankstn and Peninsula Airprt Shuttle service prvides travel t the Melburne Airprt and prvides pickup frm Rsebud thrugh t St Kilda. The service perates every day except Christmas day with up t 22 services in and ut f the Melburne Airprt. Mre infrmatin: Tullamarine Bus Lines Prviding bus services fr Mnee Pnds, Bradmeadws, Sunbury, Greenvale, Essendn, Tullamarine and the Melburne Internatinal & Dmestic Airprt. Services directly t the Melburne Airprt pick-up daily frm sme railway statins and frm Melburne. These are Metcard-ticketed services, and timetable infrmatin is available n Driving in Australia Yu are advised t take an Australian driving test if yu intend t drive while yu are here. A guide t rad rules is available frm the Rads and Traffic Authrity (VIC Rads) We als advise befre yu start driving in Australia t take sme lessns t familiarise yurself with lcal driving cnditins and rad laws. Rad laws include: Driving n the left-hand side f the rad; this applies t all states in Australia All ccupants in a car, including passengers, must wear seatbelts. Drink Driving ie. Driving when ver the legal bld alchl limit can result in heavy fines r even lss f licence (including an verseas licence) Yu may drive n a valid verseas licence indefinitely while hlding a student r temprary visa, prvided the licence is either in English r is accmpanied by an fficial English translatin (eg. An Internatinal Driving Permit). An Internatinal Driving Permit is a translatin f a driver licence; it is nt a licence itself. Fr yur Internatinal Driving Permit t be valid, yu must als carry yur verseas licence when driving. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 12

16 Banking Mst f the majr banks in Australia ffer full time students varius banking ptins including lw fees, hassle free banking, n mnthly accunt fees r withdrawal fees. It is best t visit a bank that is lcated clse t ISBT, because they have mre experience with internatinal students and can better meet yur banking needs. The majr banks in Australia include: Australian Banks Cmmnwealth Bank Westpac Bank St Gerge Bank Citibank Natinal Australia Bank ANZ Bank HSBC Sme states and territries have established banks which als ffer students tailred banking services. Mst banks are pen frm 9am t 5pm frm Mnday t Friday. Sme bank branches may pen n Saturdays but it is best t lk n their website fr their pening times. The best way t d banking in Australia is via the internet as yu will have access t yur accunt 24 hurs a day, 7 days a week. Yu can als d banking ver the phne and mst bank telephne enquiry lines are pen frm 8am 8pm, Mnday t Friday. Detailed infrmatin n banking in Australia can be fund here: Opening a bank accunt The prcess f pening a bank accunt in Australia is quite simple. Firstly, we recmmend yu research the services and fees prvided by the main banks. Yu shuld visit their websites t btain mre infrmatin n fees, services prvided and the number f ATMs they have. Mst f the banks prvide a preferential fee t students. Sme majr banks allw yu t pen a bank accunt befre yu travel t Australia, alternatively, yu can pen an accunt when yu arrive in Australia by visiting any branch. T be able t pen a bank accunt, yu will need t present yur passprt and a dcument t prve that yu have enrlled at an educatin institutin (this culd be yur student ID). Banking Facilities Clse t ISBT All the majr banks have branches within 5 minutes walk frm the campus. A map f bank lcatins is available frm Student Services. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 13

17 Transferring Mney t Australia Accrding t the experience f many internatinal students we suggest yu explre the fllwing ptins: a) internatinal mney transfer, b) using travellers cheques r c) with Autmatic Teller Machines (ATM s). Internatinal Mney Transfer There are three cmmn ways f making an internatinal mney transfer. We recmmend that yu research each ptin and decide which ne is better fr yu. Yu can use: a) a mney transfer service prvider eg. Western Unin; Mneygram b) pstal ffices eg. Australia Pst ; and c) banks. Pssibly the cheapest and mst secure methd t get yur mney frm verseas is thrugh a bank transfer. Fr this, yu first need a bank accunt in Australia. After yu pen yur bank accunt in Australia, yu will be able t arrange an Internatinal Mney Transfer (IMT). Yur verseas bank will need sme infrmatin t make an Internatinal Mney Transfer (IMT). Yu have t visit the branch in Australia where yu pened yur new accunt and explain that yu are interested in making an IMT frm verseas. They will prvide yu with the fllwing infrmatin: a) cmplete name f the bank; b) branch name and cde; and c) yur accunt number. In additin, they will prvide yu with a cde and ther infrmatin fr yur bank in yur hme cuntry. After yu btain this infrmatin cntact yur hme bank r ask smene in yur hme cuntry t cntact the bank. The bank in yur hme cuntry will request the infrmatin prvided by the Australian bank t cmplete the IMT. Sme banks charge a small fee t make this transfer. The transfer usually takes 3 business days t 2 weeks t be cmpleted. Please talk directly with yur chsen bank abut this prcess and the fees they charge befre making a final decisin n hw yu will transfer yur mney. In general, banks in Australia understand this prcess very well and yu will find their services helpful. Travellers Cheques We highly recmmend bringing Travellers Cheques t Australia t reduce the risk f lst r stlen cash. They are a safe alternative t bringing large amunts f cash with yu and yu will be prtected against the incnvenience f lsing cash. Mst f the banks and exchange agencies in Australia change US Travellers Cheques fr Australian Dllars. Yu can als nw purchase Travellers Cheques in Australian Dllars. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 14

18 Autmatic Teller Machines (ATMs) Sme internatinal students prefer t keep their bank accunt pen in their hme cuntry and withdrawal mney frm an ATM in Australia. Yu can d this frm almst any ATM in Australia. This is a very easy way access yur mney, thugh yu need t be aware that mst f the banks charge an extra fee fr this service. Smetimes, this fee is quite high. In additin yu shuld check the exchange rates fr withdrawing cash frm an ATM in Australia. It is best t check these fees with yur lcal bank. Yu als need t check the daily withdrawal limit established by yur bank. Usually in Australia yu can nly get $800 dllars frm an ATM per day. Hwever, this may vary between banks. Exchange Rate Issues It is very imprtant t cnsider pssible changes in the exchange rate. Even thugh the Australian dllar has been very stable in recent years it is best t plan ahead t avid cmplicatins. Sme students prefer t get their mney in ne transfer t avid future changes in the exchange rate and as a result plan and budget fr their stay in Australia. The way yu manage yur finances is a persnal decisin and ne we cannt advise yu n. We recmmend yu talk t yur financial adviser r a bank representative t gain advice regarding these issues. We als suggest having different mney exchange plans accrding t different levels f the exchange rate t evaluate hw much yu will get when yu cnvert yur lcal currency int Australian dllars. Fr mre infrmatin n this yu can visit ur sectin n budgets. Cmmunicatins Phning Hme Hme Phne (Landline) Yu can arrange cnnectin thrugh any f the Australian phne cmpanies listed t the right. There are many cmpanies ffering a range f 'phne plans' and prices. It may be a gd idea t shp arund t cmpare prices and cnditins. Hwever, as a guide yu can expect t pay sme r all f the charges listed belw: Majr Australian Phne Cmpanies Cnnectin Fee: $60 fee if the phne line exists and phne handset is at the prperty r a $210 cnnectin/recnnectin f phne line. Call charges: Frm a hme phne, lcal calls range frm 18c t 30c per call (unlimited time), frm public phnes calls cst 40c/50c. STD (lng distance) & ISD (internatinal) calls vary cnsiderably frm cmpany t cmpany. Students shuld cnsider the use f purchasing a Calling Card. Other charges and billing: A standard handset is apprximately $30.00, with a mnthly rental charge f $3. Mnthly rental f the phne line is arund $ Bills will be psted t yu n a mnthly basis. They will itemise STD & ISD calls and will include infrmatin abut hw t pay them. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 15

19 Pre-paid Mbile Phne Services Fr students pre-paid mbile phne services are a gd alternative t mbile phne cntracts in the shrt-term. When yu buy a pre-paid mbile phne service yu must give certain infrmatin t the mbile phne service prvider befre yu can use yur phne. Yu must shw either ne f the Categry A dcuments listed OR tw f the listed Categry B dcuments. These dcuments must be current. Categry A current student card issued by ISBT licence r permit issued under Cmmnwealth, State r Territry law - fr example, a driver's licence passprt birth certificate Categry B credit, debit r ATM card (with yur name and signature) passbk frm a bank issued in yur name recent fixed netwrk telephne bill issued in the last 12 mnths shwing the name and address yu have given the service prvider lcal cuncil rates statement issued in the last 12 mnths shwing the name and address yu have given the service prvider. Mbile Phne Cntracts Mbile phne service cntracts are f a specified length, usually between 12 and 36 mnths. During this perid yu will receive cnnectin t a netwrk and, in many cases, the use f a handset and a certain number f free calls r text messages per mnth. It is imprtant t think abut hw and when yu will use yur mbile befre signing a cntract. Other imprtant things t ask befre yu make yur chice include: Can I meet the expected csts fr the perid f the cntract? Are there charges fr ending my cntract earlier? Can I alter my cntract if required? Des the cntract include a handset r d I have t prvide my wn? What are the call rates nce I exceed the $ value in my cntract? Fr mre infrmatin n mbile phne cntracts cntact g t Phne and Internet Cntracts In Australia, unless yu purchase a phne card, yu will be asked t sign a cntract when yu sign-up fr a mbile phne, fixed line phne and the internet. This can be very cnfusing. T prtect yu, Australian laws ensure that yu receive clear, crrect and cmplete infrmatin and that the cntracts are fair. Mst cmpanies use standard frms f agreement. Hwever, these can still be cmplicated. T make it easier t understand the cntract yu shuld be given a summary f the terms and cnditins. If ne is nt ffered, ask fr ne befre yu sign. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 16

20 Internet Access Australia has ver 800 internet service prvider (ISP) t chse frm prviding verwhelming chice. Hwever, the level f service and assciated csts can vary cnsiderably between prviders. Cnsumer infrmatin guidelines fr ISPs were develped by the Australian Cmmunicatins and Media Authrity (ACMA). These make yur chice easier by asking ISPs t prvide infrmatin in an easily cmparable frm. The guidelines grup infrmatin under five main features: price and billing; perfrmance; help and installatin; cmmunicatin; and security f service. The guidelines als ask ISPs t prvide infrmatin n any availability restrictins, billing arrangements, ancillary services and access fr users with a disability. Mre infrmatin n internet csts is in the ACMA fact sheet A guide t internet csts. The guidelines are available at: Remember Advertisements that suggest a prduct is 'free' r a service is 'unlimited' are t gd t be true. It is imprtant t knw the full cash price, the service csts and the limitatins f ffers befre making a decisin. If in dubt, dn t sign. Ask fr help frm ne f ISBT s Student Services Officers. Mre infrmatin cntact: Australian Cmmunicatins and Media Authrity sfaregister@acma.gv.au. Telecmmunicatins Industry Ombudsman Tele: ti@ti.cm.au UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 17

21 Safety Fire Safety Be prepared fr an emergency: Make sure yur rm/huse has a smke alarm Test yur smke alarm t ensure it wrks (nly pssible if there is a test buttn) This sund can save yur life. It tells yu there is danger frm a fire in yur rm. NEVER stp yur smke alarm frm wrking. T many peple living in the ne huse can be unsafe D nt use duble adaptrs r put t many plugs int an electrical utlet In case f fire, knw: Where yur nearest fire exit is Hw t use a fire extinguisher r hse reel Where yur evacuatin meeting place is Knw/have an evacuatin (escape) plan fr yur building D nt use the lift/elevatr except where there is a sign May be used in an emergency In a fire: Get dwn n the flr Crawl t the dr and get ut f yur rm Clse the dr behind yu this prevents smke and fire spreading Let thers knw there is a fire When utside STAY utside Hme Safety Huse breaking is ne f the mst cmmn crimes. Mst huse break-ins appear t be crimes f pprtunity with entry gained thrugh an pen r unlcked windw r dr. Mst intruders are lking fr a huse left pen r unlcked where they can get what they want with ease and make a quick getaway. Sme general security tips fr yu: Yur huse number shuld be seen frm the street in case f an emergency Keep yur frnt dr lcked even while at hme r in the back yard D nt leave messages n yur frnt dr as it lets peple knw yu are away Avid having packages delivered and left n yur dr step When ut leave a radi r the TV n, r a light n in the evening t make it seem yu are hme Keep cash and valuables ut f sight Cntents Insurance It is recmmended that yu btain Cntents insurance fr yur belngings. Landlrds will usually have huse insurance but yur belngings will nt be cvered. Cntents insurance will replace yur belngings if yur huse is rbbed and yur things are damaged r stlen, r yu have a huse fire and yur belngings are destryed r damaged. This may cst yu up t $200 a year depending n the value f yur belngings. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 18

22 Rad Safety Rad Rules If yu are ging t drive in Australia, n matter whether yu are an experienced driver and have an internatinal drivers licence r nt, YOU MUST KNOW THE ROAD RULES befre yu attempt t drive. Many lives are lst n Australian rad every year and internatinal visitrs are at high risk. If yu cme frm a cuntry where yu drive n the ppsite side f the rad t Australia it is smetimes helpful t have a cmpanin drive with yu t ensure yu bth take nte f traffic cnditins and signs until yu are mre familiar with driving. A hand tip is nt t think f it as the ther side f the rad, but t think that the white line (r centre dividing line n the rad) is n yur side as the driver, just as it is in all cuntries. It is recmmended that yu take ne r tw driving lessns in Australia befre yu begin t drive here n yur wn. The majr causes f serius rad trauma are speeding, alchl, driving when tired and nt wearing a seat belt. Ensure yu g t the Rads and Traffic website at fr mre infrmatin. Speeding is nt just driving faster than the speed limit, it is als driving t fast fr the rad, traffic, visibility r weather cnditins. When driving watch fr pr rad cnditins eg. hles in the rad and gravel edges. Pr visibility eg. fg, rain, smke, headlights frm ther cars and the sun in yur eyes. Let pedestrians crss and watch fr cyclists dn t squeeze them ff the rad and watch when yu pen yur car dr. Alchl and drugs n ne can drink alchl and/r take drugs and drive safely. Drivers with a full licence (nt n P r L plates) cmmit an ffence t drive/attempt t drive, with a bld alchl cncentratin (BAC) that equals r exceeds 0.05%. Seat Belts The Driver is legally respnsible fr ensuring that everyne, including the driver, uses a seat belt. If yu are a pedestrian d nt walk ut in frnt f a car as it will nt stp. Make sure there is n traffic befre yu crss the rad. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 19

23 Public Transprt and Traffic Safety T assist yu in making sure yur travel n public transprt a safe experience the Plice have issued a dcument utlining hw best t prtect yur persnal safety while using public transprt. The fllwing infrmatin is taken frm the NSW Plice site n Public Transprt and Traffic. Mre inf: Travelling n public transprt shuld be a safe and cmfrtable experience. Safety systems such as lighting, security cameras, emergency help pints and security guards (n varius trains nly) are all in place t maximise yur persnal safety while yu are in transit. Avid waiting n yur wn. Try t wait fr public transprt near ther peple and in well-lit areas at night. Walk with ther peple. When yu get ff public transprt, walk with ther peple. If yu can t reach yur destinatin safely and quickly n ft frm yur bus r train stp, cnsider catching a taxi. Be alert and cnfident. Be alert and aware f yur surrundings and make eye cntact with thers. Plan yur rute. Plan yur rute befre yu depart. Check bus and train timetables and cnnectins t avid any unnecessary delays. Keep yur belngings secure. Carry yur handbag r briefcase securely in frnt f yur bdy. Never leave persnal belngings like shpping bags r backpacks unattended at yur feet. Be assertive. If anther passenger makes yu feel uncmfrtable r harasses yu in any way, be assertive, and mve away frm yur harasser. Park clse t transprt pints. Always park yur vehicle in a well-lit area as clse as pssible t yur transprt pints. Take a well-used rute. When yu disembark, take a well-used, well-lit rute back t yur vehicle. Travel near the driver r guard. If yu re n an empty train r bus at night, always travel in the carriage clsest t the train guard r at the frnt f the bus near the driver. Always carry a mbile phne r phne card. When yu are ut and abut, make sure yu always have yur mbile phne, a phne card r spare change with yu in case f an emergency. Make sure yu keep yur mbile phne in a secure place clse t yur bdy. Reprt anti-scial behaviur. Always reprt any anti-scial behaviur r harassment t yur driver, guard, and cnductr r t the plice. Prgram emergency numbers int yur phne. There are sme very simple precautins yu can take t make sure yu feel as safe as pssible whenever yu re travelling. Bus Travel Stand back frm the curb when yu are waiting fr yur bus t arrive, especially if yu have been drinking alchl. At night, wait at the bus stp in a well-lit area. If pssible, always wait near ther peple rather than n yur wn. If waiting n yur wn, be alert t yur surrundings. If yu feel unsafe in any way, cnsider catching a taxi r mve t the clsest ppulated area. When n bard, cnsider sitting near the bus driver, especially if the bus is relatively empty r at night. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 20

24 Taxi Travel Cnsider phning fr a taxi frm a safe place, such as yur place f wrk, rather than hailing ne frm the street. Specify the rute yu wuld like t take t yur driver. If yur driver takes an alternative rute, be assertive and ask him/her t take yur specified rute. Sit in the back f the taxi and cnsider travelling with friends. Take nte f the taxi cmpany, driver s name and car number. Let the driver knw that yu ve nted their taxi number. At night cnsider asking yur driver t wait fr yu until yu are safely inside yur destinatin. Tram Travel When waiting fr a tram at night, stand at the Nightsafe area. Avid sitting near the tram exit drs and try t sit near ther passengers, especially at night. In an emergency, use the emergency help pints lcated thrughut statins n the CityRail netwrk, r seek assistance frm a transit plice fficer. If yu see any unattended bags r packages n the tram, reprt them t CityRail staff immediately r by calling r cntact the Plice. Take extra care if yu have been drinking alchl. Train Travel When waiting fr a train at night, stand at the Nightsafe area (indicated in blue n the platfrm) t make sure yu bard the train at the carriage clsest t the guard s cmpartment. Avid sitting near the train exit drs and try t sit near ther passengers, especially at night. In an emergency, use the emergency help pints lcated thrughut statins n the CityRail netwrk, r seek assistance frm a transit plice fficer. If yu see any unattended bags r packages n the train, reprt them t CityRail staff immediately r by calling r cntact the Plice. Stand well behind the yellw painted line n the platfrm when yu are waiting fr yur train. Take extra care if yu have been drinking alchl. Persnal Safety and Crime Stpping Tips Be alert (lk arund), assertive (lk like yu knw what yu are ding) and be cnfident Try and walk with ther peple rather than by yurself Carry nly the mney yu need fr the day Hld nt yur things yur wallet, handbag phne. Dn t put things dwn and walk away r leave items that can be seen in yur car they culd be stlen. Keep yur mney and wallet in yur frnt pcket and keep yur bag in frnt f yu Be aware f things arund yu, avid lng talks n yur mbile r SMS'ing while walking At night stay in well lit areas where there are lts f peple If yu feel like yu are being fllwed r threatened, crss the street, change directin, vary yur pace and enter a shp r ccupied huse If yu are being rbbed: Give them what they ask fr Try and remember what they lk like Reprt all crimes t plice (interpreter services are available) UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 21

25 Bushwalking Tips Befre ging, ask abut lcal cnditins, tracks, creek r river water levels and fire danger. Make sure all thse in a grup are able t undertake each activity yu will be ding. Watch fr weather changes and be prepared fr heat, rain, thick mist, icy winds and even sleet and snw. Keep t tracts and stay behind safety fences. Watch fr fallen branches and rcks, uneven r slippery surfaces and cliff edges. D nt feed r tuch native animals and watch fr snakes and spiders especially where yu are putting yur feet and hands. Make sure yu take the fllwing with yu: maps plastic bags (fr rubbish) plenty f water fd trch First Aid Kit And remember parks have nly limited mbile phne cverage s tell smene where yu are ging and when yu intend t return. Swimming Never swim at night r befre dawn Never swim under the influence f alchl r drugs Never run and dive int the water Never swim directly after a meal Rivers r Lakes Check the water depth and temperature first and NEVER dive r jump int the water Be careful f hidden rcks and lgs, and flating branches and ther devris Beware f T Much Sun Be sun safe at all times by putting n a hat and shirt while nt swimming, wear sunglasses and always put n sunscreen Remember in any life threatening Emergency always call 000 first fr Fire, Plice r Ambulance. Be ready t give the peratr yur name and where yu are lcated. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 22

26 Cping with Life in Australia Hmesickness When yu cme a great distance frm anther cuntry adjusting t study and life might be difficult fr yu. Yu have t deal with a different language, strange fd, a different climate and an unfamiliar landscape. And hme is s far away; arranging t g hme fr a weekend is nt a pssibility fr yu. We have an idea f what it may be like fr yu, and are here t help. Be patient with us if ur attempts t help seem dd in terms f yur culture. The experience f mving int anther culture is smetimes described as culture shck. It is imprtant t be aware f hmesickness as a nrmal prcess which yu may g thrugh. It is a time f letting g. Yu are nt alne in this experience research shws that nearly 70% f students feel hmesick at sme time with mst saying it lasted fr 1 week and fr thers several weeks. Hmesickness can include Being miserable withut knwing why Feeling like a prisner in yur wn rm Being unable t get int a cmfrtable rutine Nt liking meals Wndering what peple at hme are ding; feeling as if yu are missing ut Wanting t g hme straight after yu have arrived Nt liking t cme back after a hliday Thinking yu are the nly persn with hmesick feelings Being unable t settle int anything and crying fr n reasn Finding the values f peple arund yu strange and vaguely threatening Getting fed up with new fd, new smells, new scenery, and wanting the familiar Hmesickness Survival Tips Set yur rm up with smething familiar frm hme It is hard t let g f hme, but ringing hme t ften in the first few weeks can prlng hmesickness Make an effrt t talk t smene new and make the mst f yur time here Get invlved in activities Talk t smene else abut hw yu feel and make use f the supprt that is available here Say yes t invitatins frm thers t places r events where yu will meet mre peple. If yu are unsure abut what t d r wear, ask. If yu have been invlved in a religius r ther grup at hme ask if there is ne nearby Be kind t yurself it is OK t miss hme and perfectly nrmal. After all, yu have spent mst f yur life there until nw, s tears can be cleansing. These suggestins may be all the help yu need, but if yur hmesickness desn t seem t be getting any better r is interfering with yur life r stpping yu frm getting int a new rutine, please ask fr help. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 23

27 Facilities Sectin 2: ISBT Teaching ISBT Melburne has mdern well-equipped learning facilities including lecture facilities with audi visual prjectin equipment, small sized tutrial rms and cmputer labratries with fast internet access and apprpriate sftware. There are study areas fr grups and individuals in additin t teaching rms. Staff and students may use cmputers, phtcpiers, televisin and vide/dvd players, digital cameras, scanners and audi visual prjectrs t help with teaching and learning. Library The ISBT library services include phtcpying, printing and services. The library cllectin includes bks, jurnals, audi-visual materials as well as ther resurces and prvides wrkspace fr students. Online training is available in Internet and research skills. The ISBT library hlds a limited number f cpies f all prescribed texts and readings, including up t date cpies f handbks f prfessinal rganisatins such as cmputing and accunting bdies. Students als have full nline access t UNE s Dixsn Library in Armidale. The UNE University Library has an extensive cllectin f bks, jurnals and nline resurces. Students can btain cpies f articles and exam papers, and request advice frm librarians n search strategies and infrmatin tls t use. Jin the UNE library list fr updates n services and resurces and fr regular search tips. See Additinal infrmatin n the services and resurces utlined belw is available n the University Library page Academic and English language supprt ISBT has specially trained staff t help yu with study methds, such as nte taking, referencing, essay and reprt writing, paraphrasing, grammar, ral presentatins, researching, time management and exam preparatin and techniques. ISBT and UNE academic staff cnduct free additinal classes, study skills grups and give individual assistance fr students wh want t imprve their marks r wh are having difficulty with their studies. UNE s Academic Skills Office in Armidale can als prvide supprt nline; further infrmatin and cntact details fr the UNE Academic Skills Office can be fund at: UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 24

28 Student lunge and recreatin There is a recreatin lunge at ISBT with a fully equipped kitchen, fd and sft drink vending machines, a large plasma screen televisin, lunge chairs and dining tables. Yu can heat meals, make tea and cffee r relax with ther students between classes. A wide range f recreatin, entertainment, sprting facilities, cafes and fast fd utlets is als available in Melburne. Yu will find many types f fd, supermarkets, mvie cinemas, cnvenience stres and internet cafes nearby. First Aid and Medical First Aid kits and supplies are kept n the premises. The First Aid Officer respnds immediately t requests fr first aid assistance, such as fr minr illness r injuries. If there is a medical emergency staff will assist and call the apprpriate emergency service. There are medical centres in Melburne where yu can see a dctr withut an appintment, and several large hspitals have emergency departments. There are telephne numbers listed in the frnt f this Handbk. Curse advice and enrlment assistance All university students in Australia are required t enrl in their curse by submitting an enrlment frm, either in hard cpy r nline. Cmpulsry nline enrlment fr UNE curses at ISBT is held in the rientatin week held befre classes cmmence each semester. There will be UNE and ISBT staff available t help yu enrl in the crrect curse and units f study. Enrlment is a gd pprtunity t meet academic and administrative staff and managers frm bth UNE and ISBT Curse accreditatin All UNE-ISBT curses are accredited by the relevant prfessinal bdies (except where specified). Each is als registered with the Australian Gvernment thrugh the Cmmnwealth Register f Institutins and Curses fr Overseas Students (CRICOS). Further infrmatin abut CRICOS is available at Highly qualified academic staff and small class sizes ISBT academic staff are selected by UNE and ISBT. They are highly qualified in their academic area, experienced and dedicated t best practice in teaching whilst creating a caring envirnment fr their students. ISBT has small class sizes t maximise interactin between academics and students t ensure rich learning experiences. There is als a senir academic staff member f UNE (UNE-ISBT Prgram Directr) lcated at the ISBT campus t versee the delivery f the UNE curses and t ensure that they cnsistently meet UNE s high quality standards. UNE-ISBT Melburne Internatinal Student Handbk 2010 Page 25