International Student Handbook Centred in Christ | Dynamic in Direction | Strong in Service Contents SECTION 1: WELCOME ......................................................................6 Welcome ....................................................................................................................... 6 Vision Statement ........................................................................................................... 6 Mission Statement ......................................................................................................... 6 Values Statement .......................................................................................................... 6 Important Information & Emergency Contacts ............................................................... 7 International Student Coordinator/Advisor .................................................................... 7 International Student 24 Hour Emergency Contact......................................................... 7 Emergency Telephone Numbers ..................................................................................... 7 Medical Centres ............................................................................................................. 7 Transport ....................................................................................................................... 7 Public Facilities .............................................................................................................. 7 Application Step-by-Step Process ................................................................................... 8 Things to Do Checklist .................................................................................................... 9 Before Leaving Home Upon Arrival in Australia SECTION 2: PRE-ARRIVAL ................................................................ 11 Introduction to Australia .............................................................................................. 11 Australia: General Facts Australia: Places to Visit Introducing Brisbane Introducing Northpine Christian College Arranging Visas ............................................................................................................ 12 Streamline Student Visa Processing (SVP) Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Migration Agents Education Agents Visa Conditions Arranging Travel .......................................................................................................... 13 What to Bring On Your Flight Entry into Australia Getting From the Airport ............................................................................................. 16 Keeping in Contact ....................................................................................................... 16 Accessing Money ......................................................................................................... 16 How Much to Bring Currency Exchange Electronic Transfer ATMs Credit Cards Arranging Accommodation .......................................................................................... 17 Staying With Friends or Family Bringing My Family ...................................................................................................... 17 Issues to Consider Child Care .................................................................................................................... 18 Schools ........................................................................................................................ 18 SECTION 3: SETTLING IN ................................................................. 19 Living in Brisbane ........................................................................................................ 19 Types of Accommodation ............................................................................................ 19 NORTHPINE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK 2 Homestay Services ....................................................................................................................... 19 Telephones Mobile/Cell Phones Computer & Internet Access Australia Post Support Groups Getting Around Shopping Yellow Pages Health ......................................................................................................................... 22 Emergencies – Dial 000 Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Types of Health Care in Australia Medical Services Medical Facilities in Brisbane General Health Managing my Finances ................................................................................................ 27 Expenses Setting up a Bank Account Bank & ATM Locations in Brisbane Banking Hours Bank Fees Accessing Money from My Account Using an ATM Safety When Carrying Money Working in Australia ....................................................................................................... 30 Permission To Work Working While Studying Finding Work Earning an Income Laws and Safety in Australia ........................................................................................ 32 Obeying the Law Legal Services & Advice Home Security Internet Safety & Security Personal Safety Public Transport Safety Road Rules Alcohol, Smoking, & Drugs Hitchhiking Avoiding Dangerous Areas and Activities Making New Friends Sexual Assault What do I do if I am assaulted? Social Activities What is Schoolies Week? SECTION 4: STUDYING AT NORTHPINE ........................................... 42 To Begin ....................................................................................................................... 42 Arrive Early What to Do First Faculty/Course Orientation International Student ‘Code of Conduct’ Academic Policies & Procedures Student Administration Information ........................................................................... 44 Paying Fees Enrolment NORTHPINE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK 3 ID Cards Refund & Cancellation Policy Textbooks Student Support Services ............................................................................................. 45 International Student Office Academic Skills Assistance Campus Ministry/Pastoral Care Counselling Disability Services Ancillary Student Services International Student Coordinator Accommodation / Homestay Issues Academic Skills Advisor/s Quick Guide to Key Personnel ...................................................................................... 46 Campus & Facilities ...................................................................................................... 46 List of Facilities Campus map Subject Selection ......................................................................................................... 47 Timetables ................................................................................................................... 47 Academic Support & Expectations .............................................................................. 48 Teaching & Learning in Australia Keys to Academic Success Study Skills Plagiarism Resources Tutoring Assessment & Reports ................................................................................................. 49 Library Services ........................................................................................................... 49 Computer Labs ............................................................................................................ 49 How to Access Internet on Arrival Health & Safety on Campus ......................................................................................... 49 My Student Survival Page ............................................................................................ 51 SECTION 5: SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ............................................... 52 Adjusting to Life in Australia ........................................................................................ 52 Listen, observe and ask questions Become involved Try to maintain a sense of perspective Maintain some of the routines and rituals you may have had in your home country Keep lines of communication open with those at home Sense of humour Ask for help Finally, relax and enjoy the journey! Culture Shock .............................................................................................................. 53 Overcoming Culture Shock Australian Culture ........................................................................................................ 54 Social Customs Tipping Public Holidays & Special Celebrations ......................................................................... 56 New Year Australia Day Easter Anzac Day Labor Day Queen’s Birthday Melbourne Cup Day Christmas NORTHPINE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK 4 Sports & Recreation ..................................................................................................... 58 Clubs & Organisations .................................................................................................. 58 Entertainment ............................................................................................................. 59 Eating Out ................................................................................................................... 59 Religion & Faith ........................................................................................................... 59 Where to Find Out What’s