The ESOS Framework protects rights of international students. https://www.teqsa.gov.au/esos-act
If you are an international student who wishes to get part-time or casual work, first be aware of the restrictions under your visa. Contact the Department of Home Affairs on 13 18 81 or visit their website.
Everyone working in Australia should have access to basic rights at work including minimum pay and conditions for any job, no matter how long you stay in Australia.
Take the time to find out about your entitlements. Your minimum pay and conditions can come from an award, agreement or contract. These are legal documents that say what your employer is required to do and what you are required to do as an employee.
Workplace related information can be found from the Fair Work Ombudsman via https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ (Multi languages assistance is available). The Fair Work Ombudsman provides advice to help you understand your workplace rights and responsibilities.
Students should have a general familiarity with their legal rights available to everyone in Australia.
NSW Fair Trading provides advice on avoiding unfair business practices and how to handle disputes on issues such as rental bonds, shopping refunds, product safety, scams and more. NSW Fair Trading provides many tips for consumers online and a free smart app. For further information, please refer to www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Youth/International_students.page
If you work, you will need a Tax File Number(TFN). To obtain a TFN, call the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61 or visit www.ato.gov.au. You need to give your employer your TFN so you do not pay the highest rate of tax. Please keep your TFN private and secure to prevent identity theft.
Everyone working in Australia should have access to basic rights at work. Workplace related information can be found from the Fair Work Ombudsman via https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ (Multi languages assistance is available). The Fair Work Ombudsman provides advice to help you understand your workplace rights and responsibilities.
Various legal and community centres in Sydney provide free, confidential advice about housing problems, fines, debts, car accidents, employment, discrimination, family law, domestic violence, and complaints about colleges or universities. See generally: https://applications-au.neotalogic.com/a/clcnsw-recommendation-service
Sydney is the capital of the State of New South Wales (NSW) and is Australia’s biggest city in terms of population. Sydney, besides being the oldest city in Australia, is also the most international and offers you the chance to earn a first-class education from professional, experienced teachers and lecturers.
Sydney, and NSW more generally, offers a huge range of highly regarded universities, colleges, schools and vocational training facilities to choose from.
English is the official language of Australia and is the main language of instruction in most educational institutions.
After high school, there are range of higher education choices: vocational education and training (VET) institutions – such as the public Technical and Further Education (TAFE) colleges, private VET colleges or Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), and universities and private higher education providers (HEPs).
Institutions that offer courses and services to international students are listed on the 'Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students' (CRICOS). All courses for international students must have a CRICOS code to be registered and accredited in Australia (and NSW).
Sydney offers all levels of qualification – from VET certificates and bachelor degrees through to postgraduate qualifications. The qualifications of these educational and training institutions are usually nationally accredited, and as such, are recognised by institutions and employers both nationally and worldwide. These qualifications from nationally accredited courses form part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Most education providers publish calendars with important dates outlined including: enrolment, orientation, program starts, breaks, exams and exam results publication, which you can usually find on their website.
Study in Australia is the official Australian Government website for international students. Here you can search for courses, institutions and scholarships and read about studying and living in Australia. The website also provides links to information about additional support services available to international students studying in Australia.
The Australian Government wants international students to have a rewarding and enjoyable experience when they come to Australia to study. Australia offers high quality education services and protects the rights of international students to ensure you make the most of your time here.
Emergency: In Australia, if you need the police, fire brigade or ambulance urgently call: 000. Then contact the Student Services Manager for additional support, or if it is after hours, contact Australian Harbour International College Welfare Management at: +61 2 9268 0085.
All Australian Harbour International College staff are eager to help ensure the safety, wellbeing and health of our students, and the Student Services team is the best place to start. However, if it is after hours or you prefer online assistance, there are many useful online and telephone resources.
For Physical Health concerns: Healthdirect: 1800 022 222; free 24/7 advice from a registered nurse who will advise if you should see a GP, manage the condition at home or go to a hospital emergency department.
For Mental Health concerns: NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511 – staffed 24/7 by mental health professionals who can assess the urgency of your issue and direct you to appropriate local help.
A regularly updated list of support services is on the notice board at reception.
If you are ill while on campus, please do not leave Australian Harbour International College without informing your teacher or the Student Services Manager.
In the case of serious illness or injury occurring on campus, please report to the Student Services. A first aid kit is available in the Student Services’ office, located on level 4.
While Sydney is generally safe, as in any large city, it is important to take precautions whilst travelling. People who are alert, which includes not wearing headphones, are less likely to be a target. Be aware of the location of the Emergency Help Points at train stations and try to stay in well-lit areas. Ask shop keepers or bartenders for help if you feel unsafe.
For more personal safety tips and crime prevention, you can visit the safety page of City of Sydney via: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/community/safety/crime-prevention/what-you-can-do. Multi-languages are available. Also see the Australian Harbour International College Student Handbook for more tips.
Other useful telephone help services in Sydney:
AHIC has partnered with Interrelate for counselling support. Students are encouraged to seek support from qualified counsellor if they wish to talk about study or personal issues. Interrelate will provide free and confidential professional support, advice and counseling to all students either over the phone, via video or face to face.
When booking, please state that you are a Student Assistance Provider client and you are currently studying at AHIC. The service is free and confidential and you are not identified to the AHIC.
To book your appointment, Call Interrelate on 1300 473 528
Our Senior Student Service Manager and the academic and administrative teams have an open-door policy and are willing to talk to you about any matters you may be facing. Individual assistance is available for students in need of specialised counselling. Inquire at Students Services for assistance.
If you would prefer 24/7 immediate external support, you can call one of the following numbers
· Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14, https://www.lifeline.org.au/;
· Salvo Youth Line: 9360 3000
· Salvo Suicide Prevention: 9331 2000
· Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636; https://www.beyondblue.org.au/home
· Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
· Alcohol and Drug Counselling: 9799 1199
Online support can also be found at:
· Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/; a place where young people or their friends and family can learn about mental health issues or get support;
· Reach Out - https://about.au.reachout.com/; practical support, tools and tips help young people and their parents get through anything from everyday issues to tough times;
· Black Dog Institute – https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/about-us/who-we-are/overview, information to help with the identification, prevention and treatment of mental illness, and the promotion of wellbeing; and/or
· https://mindspot.org.au/ - online assessment and treatment for stress, anxiety and depression.
Also remember to maintain your good mental health through building relationships, exercising, eating a healthy diet, avoiding excess alcohol or drugs, getting a good night's sleep, regular check-ups with the doctor and seeking help if you feel you are not coping as well as you could be. (Source: Tips for good mental health https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tips-for-good-mental-health; Accessed 23/07/2019.)
Avoid identity theft. Do not share your personal information with parties that you do not know or trust online through social media, emails or through any other online modes of communication.
Australian Harbour International College has a top-quality firewall and virus protection in place to protect you while using the Internet and your personal information.
However, Australian Harbour International College does not accept any responsibility for the misuse of your personal information that you may provide to an unauthorised party that is not connected to Australian Harbour International College while using your student email and facilities. Australian Harbour International College accepts no responsibility if you visit a site that is clearly dangerous from your personal system and effectively pass on viruses or malware to your peers.
If you think you are the victim of cyberbullying, please talk to your Student Services Manager. If possible, please save evidence of the alleged conduct in the event that the Student Services Manager needs to conduct investigations.
If a student is found to have engaged in cyberbullying, Australian Harbour International College will not tolerate such behaviour, and this may attract penalties.