Support for International Students

The Institute provides a range of services to support international students. These services are provided by the Office for International Students, which is located on Elgar Campus.

Staff provide assistance and support to students in a range of areas, including:

• information about courses
• application and enrolment procedures
• visa requirements (including renewals)
• health and medical cover (insurance)
• airport pick-up services
• accommodation
• study support
• further study opportunities
• recreational activities
• referrals to various Institute services.

The Box Hill area has a well integrated multicultural community and a full range of community services.

Free airport pick-up service

If required, students will be met and welcomed when they arrive in Melbourne, and transported to their initial accommodation. Prior notification of flight details is essential.

Free accommodation placement

The Institute arranges accommodation for students if requested in advance. Types of accommodation available are:

• homestay
• student house
• hostel.

Payment for accommodation is made direct to the provider of the accommodation (usually monthly in advance).

Recreation

Students are encouraged to pursue interests outside of their studies. The Institute has a fully equipped gymnasium, which complements the many sporting facilities available in Box Hill, including tennis courts, squash courts, a golf course, cycling paths and swimming pool. (There is a small charge for use of most recreation facilities.)

The Office for International Students arranges a Friendship Program, which provides information on weekend and vacation activities (for example, snow trips).

Student Support Services

The Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS) provides personal counselling, careers counselling, welfare, learning and disability support for students and organises student activities.

Qualified counsellors, including an international student counsellor, are available to help students in educational and personal matters. This service is free and confidential. There is also e-counselling available online for enrolled students through StudentWeb.

Orientation

International students receive a detailed orientation to the Australian education system, life and study in Melbourne and at Box Hill Institute. Orientation includes information:

• Orientation to local environment and use of public transport
• Accommodation
• Health insurance and medical services
• Shopping for food and clothes
• Banking services
• Places of worship
• Cultural awareness
• Personal safety
• Recreational facilities
• Mail and phone systems
• Campus familiarisation
• Institute expectations
• Support Services available at the Institute
• Study skills
• Compliance with student visa requirements

Study support

The Institute acknowledges the special study needs of international students and offers special assistance through:

• English Language Studies Centre
• Library and information services (Library facilities are located on all major campuses)
• additional tutorial support in special areas, including maths, computing and study skills.