IN its ongoing commitment to improve the living experience of Victoria’s international students, the Study Melbourne Student Centre has been officially awarded for their efforts by the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA). Dea Putra has more.
An Australian-first initiative, the Study Melbourne Student Centre has won ‘Best Practice in International Education’ from the IEAA Award at the recent Australian International Education Conference 2015.
The award officially recognised the Study Melbourne Student Centre for its significant contributions towards the international education sector, where the hub has facilitated development through areas such as support programs for international students and social inclusion activities.
The Centre itself is an official government initiative, and a pivotal hub for international students to access free information, events, face-to-face support, as well as assistance during crisis and emergencies.
Since 2010, the Centre has managed to assist more than 3,400 international students and their support complemented those provided by Victorian education providers.
Their office in Melbourne’s CBD is run by a team of five caseworkers, and also provides free-of-charge and confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone line to international students in Victoria.
Through their website, current and future students can find relevant information about studying and living in Victoria. This includes information on the Australian education system, visa and work rights, cost of living, and scholarship opportunities. When required, students can also approach the Centre for referrals to Commonwealth agencies.
Victorian Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert, said that recognising the efforts of the Study Melbourne Student Centre is in accordance with the government’s commitment to support international students.
“Initiatives such as the Study Melbourne Student Centre and the International Student Welfare Grants help create a positive experience for international students, and can increase the likelihood that they will recommend Victoria as a place to study to family, friends and peers.”
The Study Melbourne Student Centre is located at 599 Lt Bourke St, Melbourne. Their office is open Monday – Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. For more information, contact them at info@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au, or call them on 1800 056 449 (within Australia) or +61 3 8383 6401 (outside Australia).