Are you looking to extend your student visa?
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has changed student visa requirements regarding Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) which may affect you if you're looking to extend your current visa. These changes came into place on 1 July 2010.
Under condition 8501, you are required to obtain OSHC for the proposed duration of your student visa, as opposed to the length of your course. If you've already got OSHC then you must prove visa length cover, as there can be no gaps in the OSHC coverage.
If you've got any questions, visit Swinburne International on your campus or call 1300 368 777. You can also find further information on our website.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) processing session
Another peak student visa processing period is approaching and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will have officers on hand to help you lodge your student application online.
- When: Thursday 19 August 2010
- Where: Room PH 603, Prahran campus
- Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Before you meet with DIAC officers you need a new Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) from Swinburne International. You must hold a valid eCOE before you can apply for the new visa or visa extension.
No appointment is necessary. Don't forget your passport and eCOE!
You can find more information on the DIAC website, or by visiting Swinburne International
on your campus.
It's orientation time!
 It's time to welcome new students to Melbourne! Get ready to put your party hats on and start the celebrations! Swinburne College and TAFE classes have already kicked off, with university classes due to start on 9 August.
Along with your international orientation sessions, there's also going to be a range of activities around your campus run by the Swinburne Student Amenities Association (SSAA), including:
- Free food: BBQ, hot dogs, baked potatoes, fairy floss and much more.
- Entertainment: cartoon artists, tarot cards, a magician and... a sword swallower!
- Clubs: Come along to the Clubs day, meet the members and find out which club you want to join.
You can view all the activities planned for your campus on the SSAA events calendar. Don't forget about your international orientation sessions, including a welcome briefing and registration. You can find all the details on our website.
Pyjama Party!
The SSAA are hosting one of their major events this month, the Pyjama Party!
Come along dressed in your favourite pj's
and you'll be in the running to win fantastic prizes on the night.
- When: Friday 20 August 2010 (18+ event)
- Where: The Hawthorn Hotel
- Cost: $5 entry at the door
There's going to be drink specials on the night and three DJ's rocking out your favourite tunes. You can contact the SSAA on ssaa@swin.edu.au or 9214 4554 if you need any further information.
Opportunities abroad
 You're already getting an international study experience, but what if you could take it further?
Swinburne Abroad will be setting up information stands throughout August to give you a chance to learn more about international exchange opportunities. You'll be able to talk to an adviser,
current exchange students and Swinburne students who've just returned from abroad.
They'll be setting up information stands at the below locations and times:
- Tuesday 10 August: The Atrium, Hawthorn campus, 12.00pm - 2.00pm
- Thursday 12 August: PA Building Foyer, Prahran campus, 10.00am - 4.00pm
- Tuesday 24 August (For Engineering and ICT students) : EN Building, Hawthorn campus, 11.30am - 2.00pm
- Thursday 26 August (For Business students): BA Building, Hawthorn campus, 11.30am - 2.00pm
You can contact Swinburne Abroad with any questions on exchange@swin.edu.au or 9214 4816.
Ask George
Do you have any burning questions about your course, term dates, when exam timetables will be released or how to connect to Swinburne's wireless internet? The answers to all of these questions and more can be found on Ask George.
Ask George is a database of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for current students. You can browse FAQs submitted by other students or ask one of your own!
To access Ask George you will need to log in through the My.Swinburne portal.
Need to refresh you career skills?
Swinburne's Careers and Employment Unit are running career seminars for international students this month which will cover resume writing, interviews and job search techniques.
Seminar: Finding a part time or casual job
When: Thursday 12 August 2010
Seminar: Creative job search techniques
When: Monday 23 August 2010
Seminar: Professional Australian employment skills
When: Tuesday 24 August 2010 and Thursday 2 September 2010
Seminar: Australian culture
When: Thursday 2 September 2010
You can find out all the details and register for the sessions above by visiting the SwinEmploy website, or by calling 9214 5360.
Tax help
If you've been working since you arrived in Australia then you'll need to lodge a tax return. We're offering free help until the end of October for your simple tax return (earning less than $40,000 in the last financial year).
You can book an appointment at the Student Information Centre, Hawthorn Campus or by calling 9214 8882.
Find out more about tax and lodging a tax return in Australia.
Learning about all things Australian
There's no better time to get acquainted with the Aussie way of life while you're here for your studies!
Language and Academic Skills (LAS) Support are running new workshops focused on Aussie language and culture every Tuesday. The sessions will cover Aussie slang language, humour, cultural events, australian films and the Melbourne lifestyle.
You can find out more and download the workshop brochure for Semester 2 2010 on the LAS website.
Students visit the most southern point of the Australian mainland
Last month, students from the Lilydale campus were taken on a trip to Wilsons Promontory, also know as 'The Prom.' The Prom is the southernmost point of the Australian mainland and is a popular camping and recreational spot.
The trip was organised by
our International Student Advisers to show students more of Victoria, take a break from study, and most importantly - have some fun!
Find out more about Student Life at Swinburne
Contact a Swinburne International Student Adviser
What's on in Melbourne
 Monday 30 August is Melbourne Day! Join us in celebrating our 175th birthday at a number of events and activities around the city. There will be celebrations in City Square, an official flag raising ceremony, walking tours and much more!
You can download a copy of the event program and start planning how you'll celebrate Melbourne's birthday this year - you might even learn something about our history along the way!
| 3 August - 15 August |
Melbourne Winter Festival
Queensbridge Square, Southbank |
| 4 August - 8 August |
Melbourne Art Fair 2010
Royal Exhibition Building, Nicholson Street, Carlton |
| 13 - 22 August |
City Science
Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton |
| 30 August |
Melbourne Day
Various locations around Melbourne |
| Until 8 August |
Melbourne International Film Festival
Various locations around Melbourne |
| Until 15 August |
City Gifts Exhibition
City Gallery, Melbourne Town Hall, 110 Swanston Street, CBD |
| Until 31 August |
The Amazing Bodies Exhibition
429-437 Docklands Drive, Docklands |
| Until 7 October |
Photography Night Walks
Loop Project Space & Bar, 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne |
| Until 10 October |
Tim Burton: The Exhibition
Australian Centre of Moving Image (ACMI), Federation Square, Melbourne CBD |
| Until 17 October |
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton |
| Until 28 December |
Tai Chi at Fed Square
Federation Square, Melbourne CBD |
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