A new 24-hour support and welfare service that will make a real difference for international students completing their studies in Victoria has officially opened its doors, Premier John Brumby said.
At the opening of the Victorian Government’s new International Student Care Service (ISCS) in Carlton, Mr Brumby said students from overseas would now have greater access to a range of accommodation, counselling, legal, emergency and welfare assistance.
“We understand that our visiting international students can feel isolated from family and friends, especially without a strong social network and they can find themselves disoriented in a new community where they might struggle with the language,” Mr Brumby said.
“This International Student Care Service – the first of its kind in Australia - is going to make a real difference to all those young people from all over the world who come to Victoria to live, work and study.
“The service is a one-stop shop where international students can get the help and support they need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
The ISCS provides a single point of contact for students in the event of an emergency, such as those in need of counselling, crisis accommodation and food aid, as well as contact with other welfare services. Students can call a 24-hour phone line for advice and support or access the drop-in service in Carlton during business hours.
Mr Brumby said Victoria had developed an international reputation as a great place to study and work and the Victorian Government was taking action to strengthen that reputation.
“Last year there were more than 190,000 international students enrolled in Victorian education institutions. International students make a significant contribution to Victoria’s diverse, multicultural society and enhance our community in many ways,” Mr Brumby said.
“We have a proud multicultural heritage in Victoria – we are a place where people speak more than 230 languages and dialects and follow more than 120 different faith traditions.
“We understand there are student concerns about well-being and safety and that is why we invested $14 million in our Action Plan for International Education, Thinking Global which included the international student’s service care centre.” Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation Bronwyn Pike said the Government had provided $500,000 to set up this service and would be providing a further $250,000 to deliver a legal assistance and support service to target the needs of the international student community.
“This funding will, in partnership with the Federation of Community Legal Centres, develop an effective model for the delivery of these services over the next 12 months,” she said.
“The Indian International Student Advisory Centre would also receive $20,000 to support volunteer efforts within the Indian community.”
For more information: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/iscs or call 1800 056 449.