Orientation Book International Students – iifs – Insight Institute Of Further Studies

IIFS Campus

Insight Institute of Further Studies (IIFS) Campus is located at Unit 25-26, 797 Plenty Road, South Morang VIC 3752

The IIFS Campus is centrally located in South Morang, which has become a major growth area in Northern Melbourne. South Morang offers a range of Recreation, Sports and Retail facilities.

Transport options:

Driving

There is parking availability in car parks in the surrounding streets. These may incur parking fees. It is recommended that when attending classes’ students use public transport.

Facilities and Resources on Campus

IIFS will provide all the required facilities, equipment and learning resources to the students related to their course.
IIFS campus has well equipped training rooms where delivery and assessment of the courses will occur.
IIFS will provide Simulated work environment and related business documentation related to the courses.
Students will have access to a well-equipped computer lab.
Students will be provided current and contextualised Learning resources fort their course.

Student Support Services Staff

All staff employed by IIFS are responsible for providing support services to students in their relevant work departments.

Trainers are responsible for providing any additional academic support.

IIFS also has a nominated Student Support Service Officer. Below are the details:

Name: Mandeep Kaur Pandher

Contact: info@iifs.vic.edu.au

Student Support Service Officer will be available to all students, on an appointment basis, during standard hours of business (9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday).

For emergency support, outside office hours, students can contact the CEO at 0370328877.

Student Support Services

IIFS provides a range of Student Support Services support to International students to ease their transition into life and study in Australia and to assist them as needed. These services will be provided at no additional cost to the students.

English Language Support

At IIFS, we understand that English is a second language for our international students and is an area where more support is required to achieve success for our students.
There are several formal and informal support services and programs which provide international students with the opportunity to practice, and build confidence in, their English language skills.

The Student Support Services organise regular workshops on:

There is a lot of online English Language learning material available on the internet. This can be confusing for the students. Student Support Services Staff can also provide assistance with finding the right online English Language Improving tools that best suit the individual needs of the student.

Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Support

IIFS requires that prior to course commencement, students undergo a Language, Literacy
and Numeracy (LLN) assessment relevant to the qualification to determine whether or not to provide specific the student with specific language, literacy and/ or numeracy support. The aim of this support is to maximise the chances of students successfully completing their training within their period of enrolment. To achieve this aim, IIFS will:

Academic Support

IIFS will offer reasonable support to overseas students to enable them to achieve expected learning outcomes regardless of their place of study or mode of study, at no additional cost to the student.

Academic support is the responsibility of the trainers. Students are advised to approach their trainers, Course Coordinator, Student Support Officer if they need assistance in meeting course requirements. The academic support could arise from identifying the special learning needs (Pre-Training Review), or the disabilities student might have prior to enrolment or during the course of their enrolment into a course. The Trainers and Student Support Services Officer must assist with the following:

Study Skills
Timetables
Learning Support Strategies
Academic issues
Reasonable Adjustment in conducting assessments
Understanding course content
Preparing for tests
Workshops and training sessions with industry representatives.

Technology Support

Assistive Technology will be provided in each classroom or simulated workplace environment as specified in the relevant Training Package or VET Accredited Course. If requested by a student, IIFS will provide them with technology support in the classroom. Students should initially make contact their trainer with any issues relating to technology support and if their trainer cannot address the matter they will then raise the issue with IIFS’s IT Services for resolution.

Student Welfare Services

This service provides assistance to students experiencing difficulties in any aspect of their lives, including issues of academic or personal nature. Where the Student Support Service Officer feels further support should be gained, a referral to an appropriate support service will be organised. The student support officer is available to students to help them access study support and welfare-related services.

Other Student Support Services offered

Students will given the opportunity to participate in a range of student support and social activities organised by IIFS. These are organised to help students to adjust to life in Australia and complete their studies.

Annual plan will highlight the various proactive student support activities that will be organised for the students. This shall cover the various aspects of LLN support activities, course related content, field trips/excursions, In house workshops, industry event participations/ visits.

Australian way of Life – Workshops will be organised to assist students to understand the various aspects of social and cultural life in Australia.
Job Search workshops - Workshops are run to assist students with career planning, interview preparation, resume writing, personal development, work experience and market information.
Employment rights and conditions – IIFS will provide information to students on their employment rights and conditions and how to resolve workplace issues, such as through Fair Work Ombudsman.
Accommodation Services - If requested by a student IIFS will provide advice and/or information about locating affordable, safe and convenient accommodation. IIFS’s Student Support Service Officer will encourage students to research the options offered and choose an arrangement that best suits their own budget and study requirements. If a student requires temporary accommodation IIFS will arrange to book the accommodation on a student’s behalf, but VTI needs at least two weeks’ notice prior to arrival. Whilst there is no cost for this service, students will have to pay for the accommodation.

Referral Services – to External Agencies

Legal Services – IIFS can refer a student who requires to a legal practitioner, the referral is at no cost to the student. Student would be responsible for any cost related to the legal advice provided.
Emergency and Health Services – During orientation students are advised on campus safety and how to access emergency and health services. For non-urgent services students are encouraged to talk with student services. For medical or other emergencies students are instructed to contact the appropriate services, e.g. 000
Fair work Ombudsman – IIFS will assist students to access information on how to resolve workplace issues.
The provision of this support will be at no cost to the student unless they are referred to an external support organisation i.e. the costs associated with the initial referral will be borne by IIFS, however the student will be responsible for any ongoing costs that may arise as a result of the referral.

Course Progress Requirements

International Students are required to maintain satisfactory course progress. IIFS will monitor the course progress to ensure that students are able to complete their course within the expected duration specified in the COE. IIFS will implement its risk intervention strategy if required. IIFS will:

monitor the overseas student’s course progress to ensure they are able to complete the course within the expected duration specified on the CoE.
identify and offer support to those at risk of not meeting course progress requirements
only extend the duration of an overseas student’s enrolment in certain circumstances and
advise them of potential impacts on their student visa
only deliver online learning in accordance with the online learning requirements for their sector.

For further details, please refer to the Course Progress Policy in the Student Handbook and also on our website.

Complaints and Appeals

IIFS has an internal complaints handling and appeals process in place. Professional, timely, inexpensive and documented complaints handling and appeals processes ensure that grievances between overseas students and registered providers can be heard and addressed. Students can choose to appeal any decision made by IIFS in accordance with the Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedures. The Complaints and Appeals Policy and related procedure is available in the Student Handbook and also on IIFS website

Critical Incidents

IIFS has a documented policy and procedure for managing Critical Incidents. IIFS will activate the required procedures as soon it becomes aware of a critical incident affecting a staff member, a student or a group of students, contractors or members of the public on IIFS premises.

Critical Incident

A traumatic event, or the threat of such (within or outside Australia), which causes extreme stress, fear or injury. Non-life threatening events could still qualify as critical incidents.

Critical incidents are not limited to, but could include:

How to report a Critical Incidence

Students should immediately seek assistance and report an incident that significantly impacts on their wellbeing. They should immediately contact the Student Support Services Officer, or the afterhours emergency number provided.

For further details, please refer to the Critical Incidence Policy in the Student Handbook and also on our website.

Student Safety Information

IIFS takes all reasonable steps to provide a safe environment on campus and advise students and staff on actions they can take to enhance their personal security and safety. Australia is generally a very safe place to live and study, but it is still important to be aware of the risks that exist.
For more information on general Health and Safety advise, please visit https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/live-in-australia/health-and-safety

Home safety

Safety at home is important, no matter where you live. Here are some tips to help keep you and your home safe.

• Always keep your doors locked – both when you are home and when you go out.
• Lock windows when you go out, or in rooms you are not in while at home.
• Do not let strangers into your house.
• Be careful of the information you give out to strangers through the internet, on social networking sites, or over the phone. If you are not at home or go on holidays do not make this information available to strangers.
• Smoke alarms will alert you to smoke on the property, so don't remove the batteries or tamper with them. If you live in a rental property, hostel or hotel it's the law to have smoke alarms fitted. If your property doesn't have them, talk to your landlord or real estate agent.
• If you come home to find evidence of a break in (broken window or door lock), contact the police from a safe location.

Fire safety

Fire awareness is essential in Australia, even in city and urban areas. If you experience a fire emergency, follow these steps:

Tips for fire prevention

• Make sure your house or room has a working smoke alarm.
• Wiring and electrical devices can overheat from too much use, especially in older buildings, so don't overload power boards or double adaptors.
• Keep electric heaters and radiators at least a metre from your bed, furniture or any curtains.
• Remember to turn off all appliances when finished cooking. Most household fires occur in the kitchen when grease, oil or other flammable cooking materials are left on the stove and forgotten.
• Outdoor open fires (including campfires) are strictly prohibited on days of total fire ban.

What to do if there’s a fire

In case there’s a fire at home, plan a way to get out in advance. Don’t block doorways or windows, and make sure you can open your windows – they can get stuck in older buildings. Have a specific place for keys and your phone, so if you have to leave in a hurry you know exactly where they are and can call emergency services.

Bushfires

Australia is a big country. Many international students come to experience the wonders of Australia’s great outdoors. Wherever you are studying, there are always bushwalking, beach and camping activities within reach.

In the months between October and March, parts of Australia can experience extreme heat and, with that, bushfires. These can be frightening for visitors unfamiliar with these conditions.

If you are out in the bush when there is smoke, or a fire, do not ignore the danger. It is important to act early and make a decision. The following advice can help you make the right decision in the event of a nearby bushfire.

• Always plan ahead on days of extreme heat and high winds. If visiting a national park it, contact the visitor information centres for safe tourist activities and locations.
• Let friends know of your travel plans on the day.
• If you have mobile reception, check ABC emergency on Twitter for any bushfire alerts in your area. Call 000 (emergency) if you are in danger and say 'fire' to the operator.
• Do not attempt to drive through a bushfire. Tune your car radio to your local ABC radio station for updates on bushfire emergencies in your area.
• Always carry plenty of drinking water and sun protection as fires can generate intense heat in the area and cause dehydration.
• On days of a total fire ban, open fires (such as camp fires) are strictly prohibited.
• Always follow the advice and instructions of local emergency services, such as the police and fire brigade.

For more information bushfire safety visit www.abc.net.au/news/emergency/plan-for-an- emergency/bushfire/

Transport and personal safety

While Australia is generally a safe place to live and study, it is still important that you take precautions to reduce the chance of an incident occurring.

Public Transport

Public transport is reliable and widely used in Australia, particularly in metro and urban areas. A number of security measures have been implemented to maximise the safety of public transport users including security officers and guards, help points, good lighting and security cameras. However you should still use caution when travelling on public transport:

For more in depth advice on public transport safety, visit the Victoria Police website.

Road safety

Roads in Australia are generally well maintained, and, within city and urban areas, have good lighting and signage. However, roads are often shared between large and small vehicles, heavy and light rail, bicycles and even pedestrians.

For this reason, road safety awareness is very important for international students who may not be familiar with Australian road conditions.

As road users, international students in Australia should consider:

• Australian's drive on the left side of the road.
• Wearing seat belts is mandatory in private vehicles (including taxis and ride- share).
• There are strict controls on alcohol limits for drivers (0.05). It is best to avoid drinking if you are planning to drive.
• Mobile (cell) phone use while driving is strictly prohibited in all Australian states and territories with harsh fines and penalties for offenders.
• Wearing of bicycle helmets is also mandatory for cyclists.
• It is safest to exit a vehicle from the kerb-side - always watch for cyclists and pedestrians before you open your door

Bicycle and scooter use in Australia (including e-bikes and e-scooters) has increased greatly, especially in inner city areas where many students live, work and hang out. It is important to use bicycle lanes, observe road rules and make sure that bikes are well-lit at night when riding home.

The Tourism Australia website has more useful tips on safe driving in Australia and road safety.

Taxis

Some tips when using taxis in Australia:

• IIFS wherever you feel most comfortable – it is normal for passengers to IIFS in the front or the rear of the taxi.
• Always ensure you know the address of your destination before getting into the taxi.
• Tell the driver the route you would like to take to your destination, and don’t be afraid to speak up if the driver takes you a different route, particularly one you are unfamiliar with.
• If you don’t want the driver to know exactly where you live, get them to drop you off a short distance away.

Going out

When you are out with friends or by yourself, here are some simple things to consider:

• Always plan your trip home, especially at night. You may want to pre-book a taxi or arrange transport with a friend. Always make sure you have enough money to get home.
• Try to travel with a friend or in a group.
• Keep your bag and belongings close to your body and where you can always see them.
• Never hitch hike.
• If you don’t have a mobile phone, make sure you have a phone card or money to make a phone call.
• Where available, use pedestrian walkways and cross the street at pedestrian crossings or lights.
• Leave valuables at home if you don't need to take them with you. This includes jewellery, electronic equipment such as iPads and your passport. If you've recently arrived and don't have anywhere permanent to live yet, talk to your institution’s international student support staff about secure storage facilities on campus.
• Don't carry large amounts of money with you. You can access your money at ATMs found in shops, supermarkets, petrol stations, shopping malls, bars, shop fronts and many other public places.
• Call 000 in the event of an emergency. Remember, calls to 000 are free of charge.

At school or on campus

When you are at your institution during the day or night, here are some tips to help keep you safe:

• Make sure you are aware of the security and emergency arrangements at your institution and in your local area. Your institution should provide you with this information either in your information pack or once you arrive.
• Some large institutions offer security escort services or bus shuttle services for out of office hours. Contact your institution directly to see if this is a service they offer.
• If you drive to your institution, try to park close to your destination and use well- lit car parks.
• When leaving your institution at night try to walk with a friend or group, and take paths that are well lit and ideally frequently used by other people.

Using the internet

International students often spend many hours online, on their computers and/or mobile phone. These are an essential tool for staying connected with family and new friends in Australia. However, the use of online devices carries risks and it is important for all students to protect themselves online. Australia is a world leader in identifying online abuse, with its eSafety Commissioner website establised to protect students and children online.

When using the internet, like anywhere in the world, you should protect yourself against spam, online scams like ‘phishing’, online bullying and identity theft. You can find resources and more information about protecting yourself online and reporting abuse at Australia.gov.au and www.esafety.gov.au. Many Australian internet service providers also offer guidance so check their website as well.

Sun and Water Safety

Australia is known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches, but it is important to stay safe when outdoors or in the water. The Australian sun can be very hot and may be stronger than what you are used to in your home country. There are some steps you can take to protect your skin:

• Check the weather forecast before you plan on being outdoors - www.bom.gov.au
• Wear sunscreen protection (such as SPF30+ water resistant sun cream) and apply before you go outside.
• Apply sunscreen at least 25-30 minutes before swimming and ensure you re- apply sunscreen after swimming.
• Wear a hat and UV protective sunglasses.
• Avoid spending time in the direct sun between 10am and 4pm, as this is when the sun is strongest.
• Make sure you follow these tips even when it isn’t sunny – you can still get burnt on cloudy or overcast days.

Australia has many beautiful beaches and waterways, but it is important to take care when swimming. Here are some tips for staying safe in the water:

• Never dive into water if you are not sure how deep it is.
• Only swim at patrolled beaches (a beach where there are lifeguards on duty - look for signs) and always swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards can see you.
• Many Australian beaches have ‘rips’. These are strong underwater currents that can be hard to spot but which can draw you away from the shore quickly. If you swim between the flags you should not have any problem with rips. If you do find yourself in a rip, try not to panic or swim against it. Stay with your surfboard or other floating device if you have one. Swim gently parallel to the beach out of the rip zone, or wave and call for assistance from lifeguards or other swimmers and surfers.

For more information on water safety visit the Surf Life Saving website.

Legal Services for International Students

Legal help at Study Melbourne Student Centre

If you need help understanding the law or you have a legal problem, Study Melbourne Student Centre support staff can refer you to a legal service that provides the advice you need.

Phone: 1800 056 449 (free call from landline phones)

Email: info@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au

https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/help-and-support/the-law-and-my-rights/legal- advice

International Students’ Work Rights Legal Service

As an international student, how many hours can you work? What does ‘cash-in-hand’ mean? What is the minimum wage you should be paid? International Students’ Work Rights Legal Service is a free, confidential and independent legal service, provided by employment lawyers, to help international students. This service is available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, by appointment only Read more about Your rights at work on our website. https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/help-and-support/the-law-and-my- rights/your-rights-at-work

Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for detailed information about your rights to pay, holidays and time off as well as what to expect when your job ends.

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/

International Students’ Accommodation Legal Service

If you are an international student living in Melbourne and paying for accommodation, you have the same rights and obligations as everyone else living in Victoria. This includes:

International Students’ Housing and Accommodation Legal Service is a free, confidential and independent legal service, provided by lawyers, to help international students.

Understanding the law in Victoria
Everyday-Law is a Victorian website with information about Victoria’s legal system. The site is published by Victoria Law Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organisation funded by the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner.
Read more about the law and Victoria’s legal system on the Everyday-Law website.
http://www.everyday-law.org.au/

Victorian legal services
Victoria Legal Aid provides free legal advice. They may also be able to help you in your own language. visit the Speak to us in your own language page on the Victoria Legal Aid website.
https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/

Telephone: 1300 792 387, Monday to Friday 8.45am to 5.15 pm. Community legal centres

Community legal centres

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) all around Victoria provide legal advice and support to members of their local community.

Some community legal services specialise in particular aspects of law.

Your rights as a consumer – Consumer Action Law Centre

Your rights as a tenant – Tenants Union of Victoria

Refugee and immigration legal issues – Refugee Legal

Specialist legal advice for women – Women’s Legal Service Victoria

Victorian legal services

Victoria Legal Aid provides free legal advice. They may also be able to help you in your own language.

visit the Speak to us in your own language page on the Victoria Legal Aid website.

https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/

Telephone: 1300 792 387, Monday to Friday 8.45am to 5.15 pm.

Community legal centres

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) all around Victoria provide legal advice and support to members of their local community.

Some community legal services specialise in particular aspects of law.

Your rights as a consumer – Consumer Action Law Centre

Your rights as a tenant – Tenants Union of Victoria

Refugee and immigration legal issues – Refugee Legal

Specialist legal advice for women – Women’s Legal Service Victoria

Other helpful legal information resources

The Inner Melbourne Community Legal Information Resource is a free tool for international students living in Victoria. It provides information on legal issues concerned with where you live, work and study. The resource is available in English, Spanish (Español), Vietnamese (TiếngViệt) and Chinese (中文).https://ishelp.org.au/

The Resource covers 16 scenarios based on issues commonly experienced by international students, including:

Housing rights
Fines
Being in an unsafe or controlling relationship
Being made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe
Problems with education providers
Problems at work
Being asked to get an ABN
Being treated unfairly because of your race
Car accidents and insurance

Medical and Emergency Care

You must arrange travel or private medical insurance for yourself and any dependents travelling with you if you plan to visit Victoria on a student visa, temporary graduate visa or visitor’s visa.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance for international students and their dependents. OSHC helps you meet the costs of medical and hospital care that you might need while in Australia.

Additional ambulance cover

OSHC includes limited ambulance cover.

If you want to have a higher level of cover during your stay contact Ambulance Victoria. Read more on the membership page of the Ambulance Victoria website.

What to do in an Emergency

In an emergency, call 000

In an emergency phone triple zero ‘000’. In Australia you can also dial 112 from mobile phones if you are out of phone network range.

What to expect when you dial 000

When you dial 000, first you must say if you need police, fire or ambulance. If you need an interpreter, tell the operator. Tell them the name of your language in English.

When you are connected to the service you need, the operator asks you questions so they know how to help you.

The operator may ask you to tell them where you are, including your address and the phone number you are calling from.
During the call, stay Don’t shout or scream. Speak slowly and clearly.
Tell the operator exactly where to Give an exact address or location. The operator may ask to know the nearest intersection (cross street)
The person talking to you is trained and knows what to Listen carefully to their instructions.

You can dial 112 from a mobile

Even if you do not have a network connection, you can dial 112 from a mobile phone. If you dial 112 you are connected to the 000 service.

Dial 106 if you have hearing or speech impairment

If you are deaf or have a speech or hearing impairment call 106.

106 is a Text Emergency Call 106. Do not SMS.
You can call 106 from
Tell the system which service you need and where to come.

Hospital emergency departments

Most major hospitals have emergency departments where you can go in a health crisis if an ambulance is not required.

If you go to an emergency department, a health professional assesses your situation.

If there are many people in the waiting room, you may have to wait while the staff help other people with more urgent problems than yours. Stay calm, even if you feel anxious and upset.

Read more about Hospital emergency departments on the Better Health Channel website.https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/hospital- emergency-departments

Victorian Hospital Lists

For Melbourne Metropolitan Hospitals and health Services Locations, please visit

https://www.healthcollect.vic.gov.au/HospitalLists/MetroHospitalList.aspx

Other emergency services

Poisons information centre – 13 11 26

The poisons information centre help line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call the helpline if you or someone near you has been poisoned, has overdosed, has made a mistake with medicines. You should also call the helpline for help if someone has been bitten or stung by a snake, spider, bee, wasp or other poisonous creature.

Nurse-on-Call – 1300 606 024

The Victorian Government’s Nurse-on-Call service is free.

Call 1300 606 024 to reach Nurse-on-Call.

Sometimes if you call Nurse-on-Call, the nurse may tell you to go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Mental health emergencies – 131 114

If you or someone you know is talking about suicide get help immediately.

Contact Lifeline 24-hour crisis phone line on 131 114. Lifeline connects you with someone who will listen and give you help at any time.

Dental emergencies

Call the Royal Dental Hospital in Carlton. The hospital may refer you to a clinic closer to where you live. https://www.dhsv.org.au/clinic-locations/the-royal-dental-hospital-of- melbourne

Student Rights:

Students have the right to be provided with the Educational and Support Services as outlined in the Enrolment Agreement.
Students have the right to be provided with the Educational and Support Services as outlined in the Enrolment Agreement.
Students have the right to Complain and Appeal about any behaviour or decisions made by IIFS that may affect the educational outcomes they are seeking.
Students have the right to obtain a Refund for services not provided by IIFS in case of Provider Default.
Nothing in the Enrolment Agreement removes the student’s rights to take action under Australian Consumer Law.

General information about living and studying in Australia

Study in Australia – information about living and studying in Australia: studyinaustralia.gov.au
Study Melbourne – the Study Melbourne Student Centre (SMSC) is a ‘one stop shop’ where international students in Victoria can access a range of free support, information and welfare services: studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/help-and- advice/support-services/study-melbourne-student-centre
My Future – career information and resources provided as a joint initiative of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments: https://www.myfuture.edu.au

The legal framework for international students in Australia

Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) – all the education providers who are registered to teach overseas students in Australia: http://cricos.education.gov.au/
Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) framework – factsheets about the Education Services for Overseas Students framework: https://internationaleducation.gov.au/regulatory- information/pages/regulatoryinformation.aspx

Tuition Protection Service – assists international students whose education providers are unable to fully deliver their course of study: tps.gov.au
Department of Home Affairs – student visa information: http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav/Stud

Protecting your human, legal and consumer rights

Fair Work Ombudsman – takes complaints about work rights and breaches of workplace laws fairwork.gov.au/
Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria– provides information for international students about renting in Victoria, and general consumer rights: https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/internationalstudents
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission – ensures that individuals and businesses comply with Australian Competition, fair trading, and consumer protection laws: accc.gov.au
Australian Human Rights Commission – promotes and protects human rights in Australia, including rights against sexual discrimination and harassment: www.humanrights.gov.au

Organisations representing international students:

Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) – unites international students in Victoria and addresses their interests and needs: afis.org.au
Council for International Students Australia (CISA) – the national peak student representative body for international students studying at postgraduate, undergraduate, private college, TAFE, ELICOS and foundation levels: www.cisa.edu.au