Welcome to the Student Life Monthly News!

Student Life Monthly News contains updates, announcements and events that are relevant to international students. The newsletter is delivered straight to your inbox every month.

If you wish to change your email address, please email siactive@swin.edu.au with your new details.

Support for students affected by disasters in Burma and China

Swinburne International would like to offer our sympathy and support to all of our students who have had family and friends affected by the recent disasters in Burma and China.

We would like to remind you of the support services available, should you need them during this difficult time.

International Student Advisers

Students affected by the crisis can seek advice on study-related issues, social and academic matters and referral to other specialised services.

Student Counselling Service

The Swinburne Counselling Service provides a free and confidential service to all students and can provide support with any stress you may be experiencing. Please also encourage others to seek help if necessary.

Visit the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Australia website for updates on the earthquake relief effort in China.

NEW! ICT Professional Year Program

You’ve studied hard to get your degree in ICT. You've got all the skills, knowledge and technical know-how. But how do you kick start your career in the industry? Right here at Swinburne!

We're one of the only universities in Australia offering a new Professional Year Program (PYP) in computer science, which has been accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

The program is aimed at graduates who have an IT degree or master and currently hold a Skilled Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485) or Bridging Visa A. Student visa holders are not eligible for this program.

The 44-week program is all about getting students job-ready and preparing you for a successful career in the ICT industry. The program includes:

• Practical training and workshops, business theory and organisational behaviour
• A 12-week internship with a well-respected host company, giving you first-hand experience and a fresh insight into the Australian employment market
• Access to networking opportunities and professional development as a graduate member of the ACS – the Australian ICT industry’s professional body.

Students seeking permanent residency may wish to consult the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

Applications for mid-year intake are now open. Places are limited to 25 students, so make sure you get in early!

For more information, visit the ICT Professional Year Program website.

Vaisakhi festival marks new harvest

The Swinburne Punjabi Club celebrated its first Vaisakhi at the Hawthorn campus last month. Festivities included a DJ, Punjabi food and a Bhangra dance performance.

Vice-Chancellor Ian Young gave an inspiring speech to welcome the students.

Vaisakhi marks the new harvest season and the beginning of a new solar year. It is also one of the most significant holidays in the Sikh calendar, commemorating foundation of the Khalsa in 1699.

The Swinburne Punjabi Club started in 2007 and was registered with the Swinburne Student Amenities Association (SSAA) in 2008.

"We aim to assist new students and encourage cultural understanding among different communities” says Harpreet Singh Maan, one of the club’s founders.

If you would like to join the Swinburne Punjabi Club, please contact Harpreet Singh Maan.

Get talking with SSAA's English conversation hour

If you'd like to practise your English and meet new friends, why not come and join in the SSAA English conversation hour?

The groups are run by fellow students and are held at 1.00pm on the Hawthorn campus at UN413, UN Building Level 4 (above the bookshop).

There will be a new topic for each session to get tongues talking!

Visit the SSAA website for more information.

Drop-in for afternoon tea

The Student Development and Counselling Service is running a social program to help new students adjust to life at Swinburne.

It's open to all international students, students from non-English speaking backgrounds as well as regional and interstate students.

Joing us for afternoon tea at 3.30pm on any of the following dates:

Thursday 12 June

Thursday 10 July

Friday 25 July

Phone (03) 9214 8025 to let us know which day you would like to attend.

For more information, email lng@swin.edu.au or kyannakis@swin.edu.au or contact the Counselling Service, 36 Wakefield Street, Hawthorn (in front of the sports centre).

Gambling research project – survey and focus groups

Swinburne is conducting research into thoughts and strategies associated with access to gambling.

We are interested in why people choose to take part in certain gambling activities – like racing, pokies, casino gambling and scratch tickets – and how access to gambling influences those decisions.

We want to hear from anyone who has been exposed to gambling: non-gamblers, social gamblers, problem gamblers and ex-problem gamblers.

Complete an anonymous online survey to help us better understand why people gamble.

Do you have a Chinese background and some experience with gambling?

If so, we’d like you to be part of a 1-hour focus group talking about your personal experiences with gambling.

No names will be used in the group to protect confidentiality and participants will receive a $25 gift voucher (valid at Safeway, Tandy, Dick Smith and Dan Murphy’s) after the discussion.

This discussion is part of a research project being run at Swinburne University and has ethics approval (SUREC 0607/183).

To find out more information and register your interest, please contact Anna Thomas on (03) 9214 4697 or athomas@swin.edu.au.

International student survey winners!

A big thank you to all of you who completed our online survey. We received about 450 responses, which is one out of four new students!

All respondents were put into a draw to win one of five Coles Group Gift Cards valued at $100 each. Congratulations to the following lucky winners:

• Annie Tian
• WC Ang
• Alex ‘Deuce’ Matiash
• Michael Hendrata
• Nicola Lownsborough

The survey was for new international students who started their studies between January and March 2008 and will help us improve the quality of assistance and support we provide to all international students.

Swinburne International is reviewing the results and will provide an update to all students later this year.

Get yourself covered with OSHC Worldcare!

Did you know that OSHC Worldcare is the preferred provider for overseas student health cover at Swinburne?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance that covers the cost of hospital medical treatment, some pharmaceutical items and ambulance assistance in the event of an emergency.
 
OSHC Worldcare is on campus at Swinburne every week to assist you with:

• Submitting your medical expense claims
• Renewing your membership
• Changing your existing membership to OSHC Worldcare
• Answering all your OSHC questions (e.g. What are my entitlements?)

Your friendly OSHC Worldcare representatives can be found at:

Visit the OSHC Worldcare website for more information and other locations.

OSHC Worldcare Helpful Tip!

What's On in Melbourne?

Looking for some fun in the city? Check out what’s happening in and around Melbourne throughout June and beyond.

Keep up-to-date with the latest events on the International Student Life website.