Marvelous Melbourne

City of Gold

When you heard about city of gold, you might think it is a place where there’s a lot on shiny and shimmering treasures. Yes, Melbourne is a golden city with a golden history. Here is how it started, let’s take leap back to history and treasure it.

A small Australian community was established in 1836 on Port Philip Bay, with a population of 177 people. As the time goes by, Melbourne had delighted itself on economic growth that leads to a community of more than 123,000 households. All it takes was the monetary boom in the late 19th century to send-off the Australian Dream of having a house full of a garden for all. Groups of Victorian architecture expand over the Terra Australis. The community by the sea had become a large activity park with St. Kilda and its Luna Park, Brighton with its coast and lastly those small multi-colored huts.

Melbourne is now bustling city in Victoria with a diverse culture and people all around the world. Melbourne host of the best event and festivals in the country, together with top universities and schools that make up Melbourne student Aussie city. Undeniably, City of Melbourne is truly a golden city with golden history that everyone is proud.  

Australia’s Festival Capital

Do you know where to celebrate the finest feast in Aussieland? If you don’t know, Melbourne is the best place to go!

When it comes to occasions in the Land of Oz. City of Melbourne is on the list. Millions of people around the world visited Melbourne to experience the unique and flexible city. It also on the list of the safest city in the world. No wonder why, because the Victorians knows it all and it house community with friendliest people.

Have you heard about Moomba Festival? It is famous as its city. Annual celebration on month of February, the Aussie’s largest free community festival initiated by City of Melbourne. Extravagant costumes and performance to entertain all the families, friends and visitors.

This coming 2^nd of June, Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Melbourne will be like a large concert stage as it is people love music and jazz. Singers and music lovers around the world come just to witness and celebrate this awesome Aussie festival.

Another exciting festival will be “Super Sense”, festival of the ecstatic from 18-20 of August. Super sense is a space for these contexts to be explored and above all enjoyed, perhaps giving rise to new plains of the ecstatic.

More of marvelous Melbourne festival can be found on their official website. City of Melbourne.

Tips in Australia: It's not as difficult as you think

1.    You must have knowledge about the institution. Each institution put an information on their website or on Facebook page about the life of an international student in Australia. The institution offers a program an orientation about the the way of living here in Australia.   

2.    Know your obligation and privileges before choosing an accommodation. There are plenty of accommodations to choose from for the international students in Australia.  These involves sharing, renting, boarding, Homestay, buying a property, and living with the family or friend. Most Institutions, universities, and colleges have “accommodation service” administration that can supply information and help. Read the privileges and obligation booklet before signing any agreement.

3.    When you receive and provide important information it should be in proper and legal writing format because verbal agreement is hard to establish. You need a duplicate of all your written agreement or document, especially when it’s about payment.

4.    Go with yourself, a companion. This is typically significant for an international student in a new environment. It is preferred to find a group of friends that is diverse because it will easy for them to accept and understand your situation, however it will be simple since Australia is a multicultural nation.

5.    There are chances to take and challenges to experience, Australia or any nation that is far from the place where you grew up, it is continually going to be hard for you to adjust and adapt in a new environment. Every International students that have been successful are those students who imagine that it will never be a simple adventure. They will perceive that there are times you will require some assistance that can give counsel.

6.    Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. It is usual in Australia to ask a question rather than doing nothing in a certain situation. It is not an indication of weakness. You are not expected to learn everything at once, but you do need patience and skills to seek information. Look for a professional guidance, this in the form of counseling in your institution.

7.    There are lot of reason why you migrated, it is not just for studies because there lot of student that is working while studying abroad. It is a nice idea to visit your provincial council and get a “New Resident’s Kit” or a “Community Information Booklet”. This will help grant you a plenty of information regarding where you are staying.

8.    Australia offers a few types of transportation; familiarize these, for sure this will benefit you during your stay. You are required to know a variety of ways to reach in your school or go home to your staying at, such as train, trams, bus, taxi and bicycle. Invest some of your time in analyzing different routes and types of transportation to know your way around. Purchase some local map, if you needed.

9.    Keep your communication with your friends and family back in your country, update them from time to time. It is essential to never forget them, and if you are having a doubt on joining any activities that are unfamiliar in your hometown, look for information before engaging.

10.  Do not forget your main responsibilities as an international student to pass the subject and attend classes. Give a time for yourself to do the things you usually do in your hometown. Try to continue your regular hobby such as sport, or look for a restaurant that serves your favorite dish in your hometown.

If you are looking for an institution that can provide all that has stated above, that is suitable for you. Please do visit, here is the website:  kensington.edu.au or you can contact us on +61 3 9999 7959. Looking forward to seeing you here in the institution.

http://www.blog.beaustralian.com/10-tips-for-international-students-in-australia/

Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study)

Kensington Institute of Australia is dedicated to granting current skills, quality education and excellent outcome for its student and employees. We label, develop, and expand potential to attain maximum potential.

Course Objective

Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study) focuses on the combination of leading English-language speaking, writing, including digital literacy skills and reading, access a range of further study including higher education. Also, individuals who may already achieve or partly finished higher education, those who wish to improve their qualifications and those individuals hoping to enter higher level qualification for the first time. This course aims to establish communication and research skills and knowledge at a complex level. The outcome is made to support individuals who will use their existing skill and knowledge in the working environment to get access to continuous training to support employment and participate in the English-speaking community.

Course Duration

·         2 x 7-hour face to face classes per week over 28 weeks. In this part of the program learners are required to attend instruction as part of their learning process

·         Required and mandatory hours of Self-study/ independent learning/ research and reflection hours per week, where learners are required to reflect and carry on further study, (6 hours for international learners), (Please see delivery and assessment). A trainer is present for assistance for all sessions.

·         Learners will be given suitable class time to work on projects and to be assessed by qualified KIA assessors. Assessments will take place both during class time and by a facilitator/assessor after each unit is completed.

·         Program structure: For further information about the schedule please refer to the 22258VIC Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study) Training Plan.

Course Requirements

·         Be 18 years and above;

·         Have satisfactorily completed a minimum of year 12 or equivalent (international equivalent), (special assessments and circumstances may apply for entry)

To make sure an appropriate learning opportunity, learners would need to demonstrate a capacity to undertake study at a Certificate IV level; this can be demonstrated via the following:

·         Successful completion of Year 12 or the (international equivalent) level of study or mature aged entry.

·         The learner needs to have English proficiency level equivalent to ISLPR level 2+/3. It is demonstrated by 5/5.5 bands in IELTS or equivalent English language test.

Entry for the course is determined by Using pre-course English language assessment for Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing competencies within the Framework an assessment is made to determine applicant’s appropriate course placement as per their level of proficiency in the English language. Applicant’s learning and pathway building needs are also considered.

Why Kensington Institute Australia?

Kensington Institute of Australia intends to give conducive learning place wherein students who take our courses will have the capacity to interface with academic content: reading, writing, listening, speaking; demonstrate ability to think critically; utilise information and demonstrate behavior and attitude appropriate to a university environment.

You’re in Good Hands in Australia than you Might Think

A National Australia Bank survey has revealed what is like living in Australia and after gathering the numbers the surveyed found some disclosing result: Queensland rates their temperature as an asset in their state, Western Australians gives value on large open spaces, Victorians appreciate sport and New South Wales acknowledge diversity.

The twist of the survey is they found out that Aussies gives importance on the safety of their family and protection the most. 36 percent of the 2000 respondents of the survey valued protection, especially in South Australia where 43 percent of the respondents indicated protection and why they are enjoying Australian life.

Aside from the low rate of immediate danger, Australians are fascinated by the general lifestyle and friendly kind of environment and access to quality healthcare. 

Overall, Aussies and their acknowledgment of diversity is a stronger appeal in 2016, up to 17% from 13% the previous year. Those who give importance to a sporting culture also move up by 11%. Access to quality education has become less of livability aspect with only 15% percent claiming it is valuable, downgrade by 19% in 2015.

A place to live 

Danger is everywhere, whether you are living in your home country or in a progressive country like Australia. When it comes to moving to a new country, the security concern becomes more important because you don’t have your friends, family, and relatives at your side. To defend yourself from unfortunate incident, you should be ready when it happened. Staying outside your home late at night in substations and parks is not advised. If possible take the route that is more populated. 

Keep your valuable document and money in a safe place and if possible scanned copy of your valuable documents in your email and lastly don’t carry or leave a large amount of money with you and at your house. Don’t expect that even a progressive country like Australia would be free from lawbreaker; it has also its own kind of criminal issue. As far as possible, don’t travel late at night.

Certificate III in EAL (Access)

Kensington institute of Australia is a leading institute that is located in Melbourne, Victoria that provides quality education to its student. KIA strives for greatness in all they do and continuously improving the training delivery to establish the best result.

Course Objectives

The course 22253VIC Certificate III in EAL (Access) was made for those individuals who have limited or no previous educational experience and for those who seek to improve basic level English speaking, writing, reading and listening and enhance the learning skills to continue more English language education and achievable employment. Individuals including those who have been out of the labor force and wish to continue to expand their English language skill to and research skills.

The course EAL prepares the student from non-English background:

·         living skills

·         awareness of Australian society

·         computing skills

·         strategies for an outstanding growth into work or further study in Australia

Whether it is informal or formal, these skills can help you to handle situation in the workplace and social community life.

Course Duration

·         2x 7-hour face to face classes per week over 28 weeks (9.00am to 4:00pm) In this part of the program learners are required to attend instruction as part of their learning process

·         Required hours of Self-study/ independent learning/ research and reflection hours per week, where learners are required to reflect and carry on further study, 6 hours for international learners (Please see delivery and assessment). There is a trainer present for all Mandatory Self-study/independent learning sessions.

·         Learners will be given suitable class time to work on projects and to be assessed by qualified KIA assessors. Assessments will take place both during class time and by a facilitator/assessor after each unit is completed.

·         Program structure: For further information about the schedule please refer to the 22253VIC Certificate III in EAL (Further Study) Training Plan.

Requirements:

·         Be 18 years and above;

·         Have satisfactorily completed a minimum of year 10 or equivalent (international equivalent), (special assessments and circumstances may apply for entry)

·         To ensure an appropriate learning opportunity, learners would need to demonstrate a capacity to undertake study at a Certificate III level; this can be demonstrated via the following:

·         Successful completion of Year 10 or the (international equivalent) level of study or mature aged entry.

·         The learner needs to have English proficiency level equivalent to ISLPR level 2. It is demonstrated by 3.5/4/4.5 bands in IELTS or equivalent English language test.

·         Using pre-course English language assessment for Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing competencies within the Framework an assessment is made to determine applicant’s appropriate course placement as per their level of proficiency in the English language. Applicant’s learning and pathway building needs are also considered.

Pre-requisites

There are no pre-requisite requirements for individual units of competency.

Credit transfer and RPL

Based on your existing skills, knowledge, and experience you could be granted full or part qualification. Find out if you're a candidate for RPL.

For more information about the course 22253VIC Certificate III in EAL (Access), you can visit our main office at Level 1, 20 Otter Street, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia, VIC 3066, or call us +61399997959, visit the website kensington.edu.au.

Aussie Jargon: Meanings and Terms

I have to start this with a slang I have heard in the Melbourne-area. Slang throughout Australia is not constant, so I ‘am putting a limitation on what I will share here to what I perceived. When speaking in the social, people uses slang because it’s casual English. There are particular communities that are slang is their individual language. The example for this:

·         Aussie slang

·         African-American slang

·         Teenagers slang

There is some Aussie slang that is familiar around the world but mainly, uses only in Australia. While you are living and need to socialize in Australia you will find this useful to know some of the Aussie slang. Usually, Aussie slang finds it interesting to learn for the student because it sounds funny. The word “Aussie” itself is a slang word, maybe you already know that it is a casual word for “Australian”. Aussies are a fan of taking long words, then making it short and add “ie”. Can you guess the meaning of the words below that is in bold form by only reading it? These are all frequent in Australian spoken English:

Paolo: Good day Nicole! Do you have any plans this weekend?

Nicole: Not much. I’m just seeing a friend for brekkie on Saturday morning, then some uni-work to do on an afternoon, at night I’m town apart between going to the bar have a couple of beer or maybe stay at home and watch telly.

Paolo: Well, I’m having a barbie on Saturday. I was hoping you to meet my friend, Rob. He is coming from Brizzie.

Nicole: Ow! That sounds great. I can move uni-work on Sunday.

Paolo: Great! Please be reminded to bring your sunnies and cozzoes because it is going to be hot and we can go for a swim. It will be a nice idea to bring also an insect repellent to; the mozzies comes out here in summer.

Nicole: What food should I bring?

Paolo: Nothing, really. We already have everything we are going to need for lunch.

Nicole: In that case, I might just bring some chockie and bikkies for our snack later in the afternoon.

Paolo: Fantastic! Come at any time after 11 am.

Keywords

Brekkie             = breakfast

Uni                   = university

Pokies               = poker machines

Telly                 = television

Barbie               = barbeque

Brizzie              = Brisbane

Sunnies             = sunglasses

Cozzies             = swimming attire

Mozzies            = mosquitoes

Chockie            = chocolate

Bikkies             = biscuits

How was it? Above are only a few of the thousand slangs of an Australian. The next time you are going to talk with Aussie’s, try to use some of the Aussie slangs. They will surely love it. You can find online dictionaries for Aussie slang, such as the “Australian Slang Dictionary” but there will be a word or a phrase that is not listed in the dictionaries. Remember this, some words are formal English words, but they are not the rendition that would say in American English. 

When in Melbourne (Things to Remember)

Packing Tips

There are parts in Australia where weathers condition are extreme but there are also some parts where the weather is pleasant through the year. So you will be packing depending on where you’re staying. Mostly just keep it light and comfortable because Australian behavior is generally casual and being comfortable at all-time are practiced there. If you are attending an occasion then you should consider the appropriate attire.

Money Tips

ATM can be found everywhere but you must check if they have way in for international access. There are some that don’t have but for that do have ATM, will accept cards either PLUS, CIRRUS, or STAR international ATM mark or the Interlink or Maestro POS mark.

American Express, Backcard, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their branch, these are the usually accepted Credit cards. They are hard to use and fees that the banks charge the operator are enormously high. You cannot use it in small towns and small retail shops.

Paper money is plasticized to increase its durability. The larger the amount the more valuable it is. They come in great colors too. The paper money has been plasticized to increase its life span. It’s newly introduced and the Australians hate it. Only at banks and large hotels can be in cash it.

Phone Tips

Payphone in Australia do not accept incoming calls. This is beneficial to know if you are expecting on using a call-back service to call your home states. If you are in a place that has private phones, call back companies are beneficial to know about. The arrangement is like this: Dial a phone number. Let it ring twice. Hang up. It will directly ring you back at the number you have used. Australia has a card reader in the pay phone for the Australian phone company cards. This is beneficial for making country calls.

Transportation Tips

Among the public transportation, taxis are the most comfortable way of traveling in and over the cities. The simplest reason for these is they can be found anywhere in the city establishments. Empty taxies have a light and signage on the roof. There is a minimum “flag fall” and charge depending on the distance you have traveled.

If you are going to Australia to explore the rural the best way to do it would be a rental car. Bring your driver license from your hometown, and if not in English, bring a translation. Lanes on rural are narrower, it even becomes difficult sometimes when the lane don’t allow two cars and there is a speed limit between 100 to 120kph but they don’t really enforce much attention on it. The expected expense on renting a car a day is $70 to $90 so don’t be fooled by the unbelievable low rate. Dig deeper and if possible do call them before settling an agreement. Insist with a cold aircon, also ask on how restrictive they are on using it on gravel, trust me, it will be worth it.

Eating tips

Due to high immigration level, a mixture of all world traditions had resulted in an amazing variety of restaurant in Australia. Most of it are claimed original, nevertheless if you are preparing to leave the city, then I’ll be tipping you to bring a food that can last for a long period because outside the city will be serving you a high-fat, high cholesterol diet with overcooked vegetables and lots of lambs, nevertheless the prices of the food are cheap and reasonable.

Healthy tips

If you have to carry large quantities of medicine, a doctor’s certification will be requiring you at the customs. A chemist can fill most of the prescription of drugs but there is some need to be checked by an Australian registered doctor.

During summertime, while the heat of the sun is appreciated by many in Australia, It can also severe and possibly damage your skin. So for those who adores the beach or sunbathing, be sure to apply SPH+15 water resistant sunscreen on the exposed skin of your body. 

How it started for Australia & Vietnam

After the takeover of South Vietnam by the government of North Vietnam, 2,000 refugees came to Australia in an unlicensed boat. These are the people that had to flee from their country in order to survive the civil war. Gratefully, Australia intake these people when they arrive. They experienced hard struggles during their journey that even children had been killed and women are raped by the so called pirates. There is still Australian citizen that has something bad to say regarding the refugees, but an agreement between the two governments was still made. This allows the relatives of Vietnamese refugees to migrate to Australia. Due to the Australia’s family reunions scheme, there are more than 90,000 refugees were processed and settled Australia during the late 80’s.

Organization

There are 3 chapters of Vietnamese Community in Australia that have been established and can be found in South Australia, Victoria, and Queensland. The organization has essentially developed from a scope of cultural services to a progressive cultural diverse group. The organization was intended to cater the needs of Vietnamese people, for individuals that violated their human rights and to those people that have been abused.

These are the specialized service that the organization offers:

1.    Society Centre

2.    Social welfare services

3.    VCA Ethnic School

4.    VCA Cultural Diversity Vacation Care

The management of the VCA only employs and appoints staffs that is professionally qualified and undergo a specific training to render service for Social Welfare through Community Access Services.

Every two years the management of VCA is elected, and it usually consists of a President and Vice President for Planning, Internal Affairs Vice President, External Affairs Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. They have an Advisory Board which has a list if invites by the community management during the term, to acknowledge a scope of management delegated affairs and support the management for affairs that have an impact on the community of Vietnam.

Socioeconomic

By merging itself to Australia and putting-up Vietnamese restaurants to increase employment rate is already a contribution to the community. Vietnamese Australians are remarkably in demand in many professions such as Information Technology, Teachers, Engineers, and Pharmacist. This is the contribution of Vietnamese to Australia; they provide quality services to the institutions of their country. Compared to other communities that also live in Australia they are high in unemployment rate, crime, and poverty than Vietnamese Australian that gives importance on income and their social class level. Vietnamese Australians has a low rate of returning in their hometown. 

Get Most of Melbourne

Internet Access

Free public WiFi is fast and available across the central city. It’s a quick and simple to connect. Just look for an available network on your device, click “VicFree WiFi” and agree to the terms and conditions. But you have only a minimum of 250mb per day, per device with no annoying pop-up advertisement.

International calls

To phone out of Australia, just dial international access code 0011 and then the country code you are going to call, by their appropriate area code then their local number. For more international directory help, dial 1225. These are the number that should be saved and definitely will help through your stay in Australia:

·         Emergency services 000

·         Directory assistance 1223

·         Reverse charge calls 12550

Post

The city’s main Post Office can be located at the corner of Lonsdale Street and Elizabeth Street. It is open from Monday to Saturday and is closed at Sunday.

Alternative Post Offices are located at 111 Bourke Street, 440 Collins Street, 246 Flinders Lane and 210 Lonsdale Street.

Shopping hours

In the downtown area, shops are for the most part open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm, reaching out to 9pm on Fridays. On Sunday, numerous city retailers are open 10am to 5pm.

Tipping

Tipping is not a custom in Australia, and is not anticipated. In cabs, you may likewise round up your bill as indicated by the service you have got

Laundry   

Melbourne City Dry Cleaners is a self-service laundry and dry cleaning operating at 244 Russell Street, opens on Monday to Friday (07:00 am - 06:30 pm) and Saturday (09:00 am – 06:30 pm.) In Melbourne they have Bayside Dry Cleaners at 140 Wellington Parade, opens at Monday to Friday (07.30am - 06:00 pm) and Saturday 09:00 am – 12:00nn). There are also other self-service laundries in inner suburbs for example in Carlton and North Melbourne.

Airport has connection on Skybus Shuttle

The airport in Melbourne is far from the central business district. Skybuses are traveling 24 hours a day, back and forth from the airport to Southern Cross Station. They also drop off and pick-up passengers at city hotels. Between 06:30 am and 06:30 pm, a bus leaves every 15minutes, and travel for 25minutes.

Cruise Ship Connection

Cruise ships lands at Port Melbourne Station Pier. The most accessible way to get from your ship to Station Pier to the central city is by tram, using a Myki Card.

Below are the steps on how to take the tram into the city:

1.    Pre-Purchase a Myki card from the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) counter on the upper level of the international terminal.

2.    Board the route 109 (Box Hill) tram at the end of the Pier.

3.    Validate the ticket by touching Myki card on one of the green

Tram usually runs from Monday - Thursday (05:00 am – 12:00 mn), and extended on Friday and Saturday. For the timetable visit Public Transport Victoria.