Orientation and Introduction

Introduction day

On induction day students are given a Student Handbook and on the orientation day, students will be conducting the following activities:

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Identify relevant staff and locations

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Introduction to the course (content, qualification gained, pathways)

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Completed and signed Enrolment Form

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Completed and signed Behavioural Standards Agreement

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Completed and signed Excursion Form ( if applicable)

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Distribute and explain Training Plan and Term Dates

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Student Orientation Handbook issued and explained

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International Student Handbook explained

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Advise on RPL and Credit Transfer

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Campus Tour ( explain facilities and resources available to students)

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Policies and procedures

Assessment (including variation and re-assessment)

Delivery options (if applicable)

Disciplinary action

Dress (where applicable)

OH&S (including evacuation procedures and location)

Issuance of qualifications and Statements of Attainment

Refund policy

All legislation that may affect students

Student Visa obligations

Explanation of Policies and Procedures

ESOS rights and responsibilities

Student welfare services

Role of student support team

How to access staff

Explanation on how to access teachers

Attendance requirements and process regarding non-attendance

Course progress policy and procedure

Disability Policy

Plagiarism Policy

Advise on legal services available to students

Emergency and health services

Complaint and appeal process

Course details

Welcome to Australia

Life in Australia

Australian Academy is your gateway of opportunity…

Set perfectly in the heart of Melbourne city centre, Australian Academy is situated close to many of the major sights and attractions. Hailed as the southern capital of Australia, it has a european elegance and charm and is packed to the brim with bars, cafés, museums and theatres that are all waiting to be explored.

It is incredibly easy to get around in Melbourne. Just simply take a short walk or an effortless tram ride from Australian Academy, and you will soon find yourself in a lush local park, under the shade of breathtaking buildings, stadiums or near excellent and convenient shops for some retail therapy. Add to this an amazing food and wine scene, which is known for its excellence worldwide, a plethora of annual cultural festivals and urban events, then you will be spoilt for choice.

Melbourne is truly one of the world’s most popular cities to live in, with an enviable quality of life, a rich and eclectic mix of communities and events and is most definitely the right place for a ground-breaking college such as Australian Academy to be based. It is clear that our students agree, as they come from all over the world to join us!

Australian Academy is close to… everything in Melbourne!

Next to Flagstaff Railway Station

1-minute

walk to tram stops (trams 55/30) – Free tram travel around the city

5-minute

tram ride to Bourke Street Mall (Melbourne’s central shopping strip)

10-minute

walk to Queen Victoria Market (Melbourne’s biggest market)

10-minute

walk to Docklands precinct and Etihad Stadium

Explore further afield …

Not only can you enjoy spending time in the cultural centre of Melbourne, enjoying all it has to offer, you can venture beyond to the suburbs. Areas such as Richmond, Collingwood, Carlton and Fitzroy are all areas with many attractions and fun venues with a visit. They each have a lively scene of pubs and restaurants, shops, art galleries and music events. There is so much to choose from in Melbourne and beyond.

Don’t forget you can also explore places like the wonderful and iconic Phillip Island if you want to meet some friendly koalas and penguins. The Yarra Valley offers many sumptuous wineries to visit and the Great Ocean Road is perfect for outdoor exploration, thrill seekers, surfers and walkers.

Cost of living in Melbourne*

The average international student in Australia spends about AU$385 per week on housing, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, travel, and other costs.

A minimum of AU$20,290 per year (excluding tuition) is needed to cover living expenses, depending on the type of accommodation selected (homestay, rental, sharehouse, etc). Dependents will need an additional AU$6,940 per year.

Sample cost of living figures are below:

Groceries and eating out $80 to $280 per week
Bills (Gas, electricity, water) $35 to $140 per week
Phone and Internet $20 to $55 per week
Public transport fares $15 to $55 per week
Entertainment $80 to $150 per week
Bond (one month rent) $650 to $1,500
Shared Rental $85 to $215 per week
Rental $165 to $440 per week
Homestay $235 to $325 per week
Hostels and Guesthouses $90 to $150 per week
Establishment costs (household items, furniture) $500 to $1,100
Student/guardian $20,290
Partner or spouse $7,100
Child $3,040
*All figures obtained from www.homeaffairs.gov.au. All costs quoted are in Australian dollars

Living and accommodation

Accommodation options

Australian Academy can assist students to make arrangements for accommodation during their time at the college. In some cases, a friend or relation can provide accommodation for the student. If they are situated close to the transport links or college itself, then this would be a very beneficial arrangement. It is always best to make sure that all your accommodation needs are set in place well before you arrive in Australia.

Our helpful and informative Student Support Officer is always on hand with useful advice, updates and guidance as to the various types of student accommodation available. They are also very helpful at managing any changes required due to altered circumstances and can take the worry and stress out of these situations. There are many options for living in Australia while you study. For example:

1. Home stay / Private board

This is a popular option for many students. They will live alongside an Australian family or individual in their private home. It is easy to find a ‘Home Stay Provider’ in Australia and you can decide to opt for Full Board/Part Board or Board in Exchange. Each student will have their own personal needs and preferences. Usually, a student will have their own fully furnished room, several meals a day provided and the costs include most bills except for telephone and internet access. If you are lucky, some providers even offer a laundry service. It offers a very comfortable way of becoming part of the community and making the student feel instantly at home. Costs are around AU $170 – $220 per week.

2. Hostels & guesthouses​​

A more temporary option for accommodation, a hostel or guesthouse can cost around $25.00 per day or up to AU $400 per week. At times the student may have to share the facilities and occasionally, rooms. Meals are usually provided.

3. Private leasing / rentals​​

A wider and more flexible choice for some students, the rental market has a varied list of properties available. If you prefer to have your own privacy, enjoy a more independent lifestyle or share with friends or dependents, then renting a flat or house as a private tenant can be a sensible option. The challenges with this type of accommodation is that the costs are higher if you live alone. You will be responsible for all the rental and utilities as well as managing connections, water usage and electricity. Depending on the area you chose, rents can vary greatly. As you move closer to the city centre, properties become more expensive to rent.

Bringing your family

1. Childcare

Melbourne boasts a range of excellent child care services. They are much in demand and can sometimes have lengthy waiting lists. If you require child care for your family, it is wise to get in touch as early as possible about registering your child. There is further information on various early learning centers, private nannies/babysitters, child care centres and kindergartens at www.echildcare.com.au

2. Religion

The Private school sector have numerous faith schools, however some are non-denominational. All Victorian State schools are non-denominational.

3. School terms

For Current term dates please visit: www.education.vic.gov.au For a full list of Victorian Public Holidays, see: www.vic.gov.au

4. Schooling / Education providers

Education in Australia is provided by three bodies. State Government (State/Public) operated schools number 1613, Catholic Faith Education (Private) has 484 schools and the Independent Schools Sector (Private) have 692 schools. You can find further details at the Victorian Department of Education & Training Schools website www.educatoin.vic.gov.au. It has a wide range of advice and guidance about navigating the school system for your children. It has information on curriculums and programs as well as virtual school tours which are very helpful if you are not yet arrived in the country. Most schools charge fees and a uniform is compulsory.

5. Gender

Most Victorian Government Schools are co-educational however there are some single sex Government schools at the Secondary level. In the Private sector there are co-educational, as well as single-sex schools, at both Primary and Secondary level.

6. Starting and finishing age

Victorian Government schools welcome enrolment from children who turn five (5) years of age by April 30 of the year in which they start school. Most begin taking enrolments in May for the following year. Private schools set their own policies regarding starting age and enrolment dates. School is compulsory in Victoria for all children between the ages of 6 and 15 years inclusive (unless an exemption is granted).

7. Schooling levels

Children in Victoria have one year in Prep; six years in Primary school (Year 1 to Year 6) and six years in Secondary school (Year 7 to Year 12). Some schools offer a Pre-Prep year. Not many Government schools are combined Primary and Secondary schools, but some Catholic schools are, as well as many Private schools.

Life in Australia Book

A helpful, informative book packed full of Australian history, culture and society. It outlines the values of the Australian people and is a really worthwhile read for newcomers to the country. It is available in several languages and you can download it here: Living in Australia Book