Victoria Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher

Free Information Day For International Students

Victor P Taffa

Victoria’s international students can learn more about renting a home, finding a job and keeping safe at the Victorian Coalition Government’s free International Student Information Day on Saturday 17 September 2011.

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher said the Coalition Government was committed to ensuring students that come here from around the world have the assistance they need to get the most from their experience.

Ms. Asher said students should come along to the information day to hear a range of speakers on everything from safety, finding a job and how to access services and extra support.

“The day is held in conjunction with the Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) and will offer an interesting range of speakers, as well as showcasing music and dance.” Ms. Asher said.

“Victoria attracts students from around the world because of our leading education and research facilities and quality teachers.”

“The Coalition Government is committed to providing information to students so they can make the most of their time in Victoria, and Victoria offers a range of initiatives to support international students, including:

• The international student website; www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au

• The International Student Care Service, that provides a support service for students;  

• The Student Welcome Desk at Melbourne Airport, which assists new arrivals.

The information day, Studying, Working and Chillin’, will be held at Victoria University’s conference centre on Flinders Street from 10am on Saturday 17 September.

More information is available at www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au

Western Australia Minister for Education Elizabeth Constable

Western Australia Minister for Training and Workforce Development Peter Collier

On-line Insight for International Students with an Eye for Study in WA

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The State Government has launched a new website to help International Students make informed choices and improve their living and study experiences in Western Australia.

Education Minister Liz Constable and Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier launched the ‘Study in Western Australia’ website which aimed to help current and prospective international students.

Dr. Constable said feedback from students had been used to help ensure the website provided comprehensive information about studying and living in WA. 

“Last year about 50,000 international students came to study at educational institutions in WA and made a significant contribution, enhancing our community in both cultural and economic terms.”

“International students coming to our State leave family and friends behind to live in a different culture and study in a new education system, often in a language which may not be their first.” Dr. Constable said.

“The website includes information about accommodation; cost of living; safety and security; health; transport; and student support services and will be a useful resource for overseas students thinking of studying in WA and those already studying here.”

Mr. Collier said the ‘Study in Western Australia’ website would make a real difference to all young people from around the world that came to WA to live, work and study.

“The website provides an official, authoritative source of comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate information for international students studying or considering studying in Perth and WA.” 

“It will ensure potential students have accurate and realistic expectations about their experience and be adequately prepared when making the decision to move to WA.” Mr. Collier said.

“They need to be able to choose where they would like to live, what type of provider they wish to enrol with and what courses they would like to study.”

“They need to be aware of what it is like living in WA, our culture and customs, services and resources as well as protections, rights and responsibilities.”

The website is a key part of a Government program launched last year, aimed at attracting students seeking a qualification in Australia and promoting a positive experience by students of living and studying in WA.

The ‘Study in Western Australia’ website can be accessed at http://studywest.des.wa.gov.au/pages/index.php or phone 9441 1914.

WA Minister for Training and Workforce Development Peter Collier