ISS Policy on welfare and support

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The Queensland University of Technology, through the specialised services and programs provided by International Student Services (ISS) is committed to meeting the needs of international students prior to entering the university, throughout their stay in Brisbane and in the preparation for their return home at the completion of their studies.

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Newly enrolling students are provided with a copy of the booklet 'Preparing for Student Life in Brisbane' prior to coming to QUT. This booklet outlines essential information on adjusting to the new environment.

Pre-departure briefings are held in selected countries giving students and their parents the opportunity to gain first-hand information about studying and living in Brisbane.

AIRPORT RECEPTION

Airport reception is organised for students who have returned a completed 'Reception and Accommodation' form to QUT. Depending on their needs, students could be met at the airport; transported to QUT designated temporary accommodation or transported directly to confirmed permanent accommodation.

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION

Newly enrolling students can reserve places in QUT designated temporary accommodation at the current advertised rate. This accommodation is negotiated with providers on a semester basis to ensure the quality of facilities and services and a reasonable room rate.

PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION

Newly arrived students and their families are assisted in locating suitable permanent accommodation on request. Students are provided with information on the options available, costs and tenancy issues.

Staff from ISS will take eligible students to view accommodation after the student has been provided with information and has chosen an option that best suits his or her needs.

Note: The parents/guardians of students under 18 years of age who are arranging permanent accommodation for the students are required to gain approval from the university for these arrangements before the course commences

HOMESTAY PROGRAM

QUT operates a Homestay Program to accommodate students wishing to live in a home environment where meals are provided. A Homestay Coordinator is employed to manage this program. Homestay providers are selected on the basis of family interview; standard of accommodation; specific facilities for the student; suitability of location and access to the university via public transport.

The interview to assess the provider's suitability includes, as far as possible, all members of the household. The assessment will take into account previous experience as a homestay provider; cross-cultural knowledge and sensitivity and composition of the permanent household.

New homestay providers are given an orientation as to the expectations of the university and students. Information and education seminars are conducted to update providers on policy changes, program initiatives and to remind them of their responsibilities. Guidelines are given to providers and to students to ensure each is aware of their responsibilities as part of the Homestay Program.

A QUT homestay provider is limited to accommodating two students. A provider who takes in more than two students will cease to be part of the QUT Homestay Program unless there are exceptional circumstances. Regular feedback is sought from the providers and the students on the operation of the program with specific feedback on the settlement of individual students.

Note: Unaccompanied students under 18 years of age are placed with homestay providers able to maintain appropriate supervision of the student. A copy of the Policy on Welfare and Support for International Students is made available to parents before enrolment is confirmed.

ORIENTATION

Mandatory orientation programs are run for all new international students at QUT. Information is provided in these programs on university rules, student services, social and recreational activities, government regulations, specific information for international students (eg OSHC, taxation etc), and university and community contacts. Enrolment and ID Cards are completed and processed during orientation.

WELFARE AND SUPPORT

International Student Advisers who are qualified professionals (counsellors, psychologists, social workers), are employed to provide welfare and ongoing support to international students enrolled at the university. Information about the role of advisers is sent to the student before enrolling at QUT. Sessions are run during the Orientation Program explaining the adviser's role and introducing the services to all new students. It is mandatory for new students to attend these sessions.
Students are encouraged to see an adviser for counselling should they have any welfare concerns.

Students under 18 years of age are required to make an appointment to see an International Student Adviser as soon as possible after admission to QUT. At this time the adviser will explain his/her role and encourage the student to seek help with any problems that may arise.

Advisers are actively involved in setting up, maintaining and referring students to student and community networks that provide appropriate support in their adjustment to life and study in Brisbane.

LANGUAGE AND LEARNING SUPPORT

Qualified ESL specialists are employed to provide support to students via individual appointments, small groups, workshops and tutorials. Student are introduced to Language and Learning Advisers during the orientation and are invited to attend study skills sessions as part of this program and workshops during semester.

RECREATION AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

A year long program of social and recreational activities is coordinated by ISS. These include bus trips, family outings and activities such as horse riding and surfing. The aim of this program is to encourage students to interact with others and to provide a balance to their studies.

PREPARATION FOR RETURNING HOME

Information is sent to all students completing their university program to help them prepare for their return home. They are invited to attend workshops which are conducted each semester to alert students to their visa obligations, re-entry problems that can arise and opportunities and skills training for employment.