Community engagement
La Trobe University campuses sit across a number of local government areas in Victoria, each with their own councils, resources, festivals and events, and communities working alongside La Trobe University.
La Trobe International is proud to support a number of initiatives that foster greater cooperation with the broader Australian community for international students. These include:
Australian Homestay Network (AHN)
La Trobe University has a partnership with AHN to provide opportunities for international students to stay with an Australian family and enjoy the comforts of home, English language practice, close proximity to the University, an insight into Australian family life and culture, plus the added bonus of local knowledge. For more information on opportunities to host or be hosted visit the AHN website.
Darebin Overseas Students Association (DOSA)
La Trobe University has been part of the DOSA steering committee since its inception and is proud to support opportunities for international students to engage with the local community. Activities have included the Festival of Light and Friendship, a regular festival welcoming international students to the local area; fostering opportunities for students to gain volunteer experience at public festivals and events such as the Darebin Kite Festival, Carols by Candlelight, Civic Welcome for International Students, and supporting the Ozone Lounge – a dedicated international student space at Northland Youth Centre on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. For more information join the DOSA Facebook page.
Leadership for female international students
La Trobe International has been proud to sponsor opportunities for female international students to gain leadership skills through the Victorian Immigrant Women’s Refugee Coalition (VIWRC). Places for a number of female students were funded by LTI to build capacity of young women. For more information visit VIWRC website.
The Couch: International Student Lounge
The City of Melbourne offers a dedicated international student lounge in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. It is a place to relax, get connected, meet new friends and find out what’s on. Visit The Couch website for more information.
GloBall
Through their international student engagement and education project, free tickets to Australian Football League (AFL) and cricket matches for international students have been made available. La Trobe international students have been lucky to receive free tickets to a range of Essendon AFL matches and cricket matches at the MCG. This has helped broaden understanding of local customs and traditions and create positive recreational experiences for students. For more information visit the Globall website.
The Ozone Lounge: international student space at Northland
Ozone Lounge is a dedicated international student space at Northland Youth Centre on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Run by DOSA, the Ozone Lounge offers free internet, games room, kitchen, meeting room, pool table, air hockey and more. International students meet regularly and design activities, make new friends, and run free workshops to build skills and networks. For more information join the DOSA Facebook page or the Northland Youth Centre Facebook page.
Summer Camp Program
La Trobe international students were invited to join other international students as part of the Darebin Youth Services summer camp program in January 2010. More than 30 students enjoyed three days on an Aussie beach holiday learning about water and beach safety, Australian wildlife, outdoor education, team-building, internationalisation, and positive outdoor recreation.
University Orientation
During the university’s twice yearly intake of new students, dedicated orientation sessions provide much needed information to newly arrived students. Some information sessions include academic transition, housing, transport, employment, shopping, and cultural adjustment. Organisations in the community are invited to participate to share information and resources with the new international student community. For more information visit University Orientation page.
Darebin Picnic Club
Darebin Picnic Club was established by two local members of the community as a way to connect residents and international students whilst enjoying the parklands and outdoors in the local area. The club meets one Sunday a month during Spring and Summer at a different location. Bring your own picnic lunch to share and make new friends, play a game of cricket or bocce, and enjoy the outdoors. Don’t forget the sunscreen, insect repellent and water! Join at the Darebin Picnic Club Facebook page.
For international students who would like to engage with local community events and activities, keep yourself informed by subscribing to receive our fortnightly e-newsletter, InterNews.
Interested in becoming more involved with La Trobe international students as a member of the wider community? Email Joanna Shaw at j.shaw@latrobe.edu.au or phone 03 9479 1666.
