Hello all new international students! (Issue 5, 2012)
Every year La Trobe University runs two International Welcome Festivals, the most recent was held from 14 to 21 February. The Festivals are designed to welcome new international students to
La Trobe and Melbourne. The week is full of important information, fun activities and new friends!
Adjusting to life and study in a new country is integral to studying successfully. The Festival helps new international students orient themselves in the first days and weeks by providing a range of important information sessions. It also provides them opportunities to meet Australian and other international students and make friends.
Some of this year’s events included:
- The Essentials – this session provided information about life in Australia, information about meeting visa conditions, understanding Overseas Student Health Cover and the Australian medical system, plus more
- Keeping Yourself Safe – Senior Constable Ali Gurdag told students everything they needed to know about keeping safe in Melbourne, including personal safety on campus, nightclubbing safely, rights and driving rules on Victorian roads
- Sports activities – students got the chance to try out the wonderful facilities at the Sports Centre, for free
- Oz English – students learned the origins of Australian slang and how to understand Aussie pronunciation
- City Amazing Race
- Shopping tours
- Wildlife walk
Information regarding subject selection and enrolment was also provided, as well as briefings from all Faculties. Other sessions included information relating to accommodation, Australian culture, part-time work, travel, how to find their way around campus, safety, and their rights and responsibilities as an international student in Australia.
The Festival was a great success, if you’d like more information about the Welcome Festival and other resources
La Trobe University offer international students, visit the La Trobe International website.
