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2018 News

The following news letters may contain links that are now expired.  For any questions please email the ISANA Office: isana@isana.org.au

Wed, 19 Dec 2018


 

 

 

Dear *|FNAME|*

Where has the year gone, to think it’s almost 12 months since the 2018 National Code was introduced!I hope you had a chance to read the papers which were sent out for the AGM containing the National Council and Branches 2018 Reports. During my first year as President, I have had the privilege to work with each ISANA Branch and the National Council members together with the opportunity to meet so many wonderful and dedicated people from our industry. Highlights of the year were being granted EGI funding to develop the new National Code Tutorial, the support of the ‘Studys’ and ‘Cities’ with state based grants to Branches to work on important projects. ISANA will continue to build closer ties with CISA after signing an MOU, attending their Conference and working on Projects together; we will be working with Universities Australia on the ‘Pre-Departure’ project; and we will continue working closely with other Peak bodies on the International Student Experience Association’s Roundtable hosted by IEAA.

For those of you who were fortunate enough to attend our December Conference (thank you Charlotte Long – Conference Convenor) I know you will agree with me when I talk about the ‘buzz’ that was in the air. Don’t forget to visit our home page www.isana.org.au to see photos and tweets and remember to join us on Facebook and LinkedIn as we are entering our 30th Year and have many exciting activities planned for the next 12 months (thanks Paula Durance, Mary Ann Seow, the Vic/Tas Branch and many others).

I wish you all a safe and Happy Christmas and holidays and I hope you all know that the work you are doing with our wonderful international students is valued.

Bronwyn Gilson
President

 

Call for Good Practice National Code 2018 Examples

For ISANA to build the best possible National Code Tutorial we would like to hear from you about your Good Practice examples. As you are the experts we want to learn about your experience when applying the National Code 2018 in various situations related to each of the Standards. We have developed a list against each Standard where we are asking for your examples click here to view them on our website. If you have any questions or concerns about this request please contact either our Secretariat or Project Officer. Please submit your examples by 1 February 2019.

 

2018 ISANA National Conference



Click Here for Conference Proceedings

A big THANK YOU to our Sponsors and Supporters!

 

If you haven’t already click here to see photos.

 

International Students Legal Information

If you missed this session at the Conference, please download flyer and distribute!

 

Words from two of our Conference Bursary winners…

“Last week, I represented the University of Adelaide to go to 29th ISANA International Association Conference 2018 in Sydney to be a panelist for student Health and Well-being as well as co-presenting an exciting topic on re-Orientation.

ISANA is an amazing place to meet like-minded professional staff and students who want to improve assistance and support for international students. I have taken away much information to better the current International Student Peer Mentor program in the University.

Thank you Bronwyn Gilson for organizing the event this year, and a big thank to friends that came with me, Shawna Hooton, Arthur Yeow, Sarah Parrington, and friends I made along the way Dharlene Juan, Daniel Nguyen, IAPA AFA.

I hope to see you all in the next one in Melbourne”.

Vinh Dang, SA
Student Bursary

 

“As one of the successful Member Bursary winners I want to say how great it was that I could attend the 29th ISANA Conference in Sydney.

The conference was amazing! It enabled me to meet some of my Eastern States counterparts and do valuable networking. With limited PD funds and opportunities over here in WA, I was very fortunate to be awarded the bursary. The sessions I attended will definitely help me to improve some of the processes that I currently use in International Student Support. I have already scheduled a meeting in the New Year with my team to discuss the conference and share my experiences.

I was also fortunate to be able to participate in the social events including the welcome reception, journey to the centre of the city and the Gala Ball with the awesome student band the Grouches.

The application process was simple, and any questions I had were easily answered by Phoebe from the ISANA Secretariat.

Thanks again and I definitely encourage those who are eligible to apply for the Member Bursary next year to attend ISANA’s 30 year celebrations in Melbourne.”

Kathryn Williams, WA
Member Bursary

 

From the branches…

It has been a busy year, please click here to view the Branch Reports and the National ISANA Annual Report.

 

ISANA VIC/TAS continues to function as a productive branch due to the loyalty and drive of over 50 student volunteers. They are the glue and they bring an enormous amount of passion and talent to support the branch behind the scene. These students meet during lunch, after hours and weekends to manage the many activities that the branch is involved in. I am deeply appreciative to all these wonderful student volunteers on our team.

In turn these students are mentored and supported by the 14 highly skilled committee members who come from a diverse set of background in the international sector. Students have a sense of belonging and through volunteering with ISANA VIC/TAS have been able to find part time paid roles with the various projects that we are involved in. This strong networking platform have also enabled some of the volunteers to gain full time employment upon graduation.

To my committee members I want to take this opportunity to send out a huge thanks to everyone behind the scenes who have taken time out of their busy schedules to plan, organise and oversee the many projects, PDs and events that we are involved with. Your work and tireless energy have made a huge difference to enable this branch to be so active and vibrant.

I would like to thank all our enthusiastic members, non-members and partners for all their support for 2018. I have no doubt that the branch would not have been the success that it has been for 2018 without all your participation.

We cannot finish this year without a special recognition to Study Melbourne. Thank you for your belief, leadership and guidance.

May the magic and the wonder of the holiday Christmas season stay with everyone throughout the coming year filled with peace, health and happiness.

Manorani Guy
Victoria/Tasmania President

Have you renewed your ISANA membership?  

Is your membership still current? Need to renew? Please email the ISANA secretariat to find out!

 

ISANA Members

You are receiving this members update as you are an ISANA member. To change your email address please contact the secretariat. Please note, if you unsubscribe from this list, you will not receive members and general updates from ISANA.

ISANA Secretariat

 

Ph 03 6231 0253
Email isana@isana.org.au
Monday & Wednesday 9:30am – 2:30pm 

 

 

Tue, 06 Nov 2018


 

2018 National Conference

Don’t Miss Out!

 

 

Register NOW!

Keynote Speakers

(L – R) Sally Varnham, Professor of Law at the University of Technology Sydney; Fazal Rizvi, Professor of Global Studies in Education at the University of Melbourne; James Arvanitakis, Pro Vice Chancellor (Research and Graduate Studies) at Western Sydney University and Eileen Baldry (BA, DipEd, MWP, PhD, FASSA), Deputy Vice-Chancellor Equity Diversity and Inclusion and Professor of Criminology at the University of New South Wales.  Please click here for their biographies.

 

Conference Program

Pre-Conference Workshops

Tuesday 4 December 0830 to 1600
These are an additional cost per workshop:
Attending conference: $150 Members | $190 Non-members
Not attending conference: $190 Members | $220 Non-members

 

  Workshop 1:
Foundations of International Student Advising
&
Workshop 3:
Critical incident management

Facilitator: Mary Ann Seow

 

Workshop 2:

Enhancing student experience through social media

Facilitators: Jinger Pan & Yashinni Mathiahlagan 

Workshop 4:

Child protection Overview – the basics for a child safe organisation

Facilitator: Brett Lyon
 

Panel – Sexual Misconduct / Consent matters

Friday 7 December 1015 to 1125

Belle Lim
(CISA Women’s Officer)
Prof Eileen Baldry
(UNSW DVC Equity Diversity and Inclusion)
Karen Willis
(Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia)
Detective Superintendent Gavin Dengate
(NSW police)
Renee Hamilton
(Policy Director of Safety and Well Being, Universities Australia)

The panel will discuss:
international student experience of sexual misconduct and student and institutional collaborations and responses.

The panel will explore:
the priorities that have been set, examples of best practice that can be shared across the sector and how to maintain momentum in addressing the work that remains so that this important focus continues.

Have you renewed your ISANA membership?  

Is your membership still current? Need to renew? Please email the ISANA secretariat to find out!

 

ISANA Calendar of Events…

Click the image below to view the upcoming ISANA PD!

 


ISANA Calendar of Events

2018 International Education Providers Forum

Date: Tuesday 13 November 2018
Time: 8.45am – 2.30pm (Registrations from 8.15am)
Venue: Lower Town Hall, Sydney Town Hall (Entrance via Druitt Street)
483 George Street, Sydney

Sydney is the leading study destination in Australia, and we are committed to supporting international students to make the most of their time in our city.

We are hosting the International Education Providers Forum which will bring together local and international education experts to share their insights about improving the experience of international students who study in Sydney.

One of the forum’s highlights, will be hearing from Tim Harcourt, J.W. Neville Fellow in Economics at UNSW Business School, about the challenges and opportunities in Sydney’s international education sector and what this means for the community and the state’s economy.

Participants will have the opportunity to network with other guests during the event. Please forward this invitation onto other representatives from the education, government and businesses sectors, including students.

 

ISANA Members

You are receiving this members update as you are an ISANA member. To change your email address please contact the secretariat. Please note, if you unsubscribe from this list, you will not receive members and general updates from ISANA.

ISANA Secretariat

 

Ph 03 6231 0253
Email isana@isana.org.au
Monday & Wednesday 9:30am – 2:30pm 

 

Mon, 01 Oct 2018

Members’ Newsletter

2018 ISANA National Conference – Early Bird Closes October 10!

 Register NOW!

The 29th ISANA International Education Association Conference will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre, New South Wales, from 4 to 7 December 2018.

The theme for the conference is ‘Educate and collaborate: Inclusive practices to enable international students’.

Conference Website

Dear *|FNAME|*,

I am pleased to announce that ISANA and CISA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 25 September 2018, click here to view online. After two years in the making it was appropriate that it was signed during an event celebrating International Students ie. the 2018 NSW International Student Awards which was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Rocks in Sydney.

L – R : Arlan Kiyani, National Education Officer CISA, Bijay Sapkota, CISA President, Bronwyn Gilson National President ISANA and Nuala Myatt-Bocarro NSW/ACT Branch ISANA

My recent attendances…

I attended my first CISA Conference in June and was pleased to see it was held in a regional centre, Cairns. As the appointed Returning Officer for the CISA Elections I was in the privileged position of engaging with both the outgoing and incoming CISA executive and meeting the voting member associations.

 

July 5-6, Brisbane

International Student Experience Association Roundtable

Engagement and Employability: IEAA Student Life Forum 2018

 

July 13-14, Gold Coast

Allianz National Summit

 

August 20-21, Melbourne

Victorian International Student Conference

For those of you who haven’t yet registered for our Conference in December, don’t forget to do so by the 10 October (Early registration) to get yourself a discount. If you haven’t looked at the program you can view it, together with the Workshops being offered on the 4 December, via the Conference Website button above. The Conference committee led by Charlotte Long (Convenor) have pulled together a fabulous mix of presenters and sessions and check out the opportunity to visit Luna Park on the Wednesday followed by dressing up in your best ‘Emerald City’ glam for the Dinner on Thursday.

Congratulations goes to VIC/TAS on another successful State conference (7 September) and good luck to SA/NT for their upcoming State Conference: Workplace Issues, Careers and Employability on the 24 October.

I look forward to seeing you soon at the National Conference!

Bronwyn Gilson

National President

Have you renewed your membership?

ISANA have introduced new individual membership rates and moving to an annual renewal date.  This means that you no longer need to remember your renewal date as it will always fall on 1 July; think start of the financial year.  We have also introduced an Institutional Membership that may appeal to those requiring the option to transfer membership.

View New Rates

National Code Online Tutorial and Test

Since 2007 ISANA has hosted an online tutorial covering Part D of the National Code. The purpose of this online tutorial was to assist international education professionals to understand specific standards under the revised National Code. This tutorial had been especially useful as a staff training tool for those new to the international education industry.

On 27 June 2018, Minister Birmingham, then Federal Minister for Education, announced the Department of Education and Training had awarded $2.1M across 14 projects as part of the Enabling Growth and Innovation (EGI) Project program.
ISANA is pleased to have been awarded an EGI grant of $128,223 to upgrade and redesign the National Code Tutorial tool to bring it in line with recent changes to the National Code.

The project plan was approved by the Department of Education and Training, EGI team on Tuesday 28 August, 2018. Activities will now commence on Monday 3 September 2018 and a tentative completion date has been set for 11 June 2019.

The project steering group comprises Bronwyn Gilson, ISANA National President, Molly Bonnefin, ISANA National Treasurer and Mary Ann Seow, Project Manager. IEKnowledgebase is collaborating with ISANA to develop the content of the new National Code Tutorial.

As part of creating the new National Code Tutorial, there will be an industry-wide consultation that will include the student voice to ensure all areas are covered.

Queries related to the new National Code Tutorial can be directed to:

Mary Ann Seow
projectofficer@isana.org.au

State Branch News

Please click on your local branch below to find the most up-to-date information:

Queensland
South Australia & Northern Territory (SANiTy) & Western Australia
Victoria & Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales (ACTiveNSW)

Calendar of Events…

Click the image below to view the upcoming ISANA PD!


ISANA Calendar of Events

Win your ISANA membership for the next year!

ISANA is seeking feedback about our member communication. There are just ten simple questions. Thank you for taking a few minutes to give us your input.

Survey Link       https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ISANAComms2017

Remember to add your details in the last question to go in the draw to with you next years membership. (The winner must be a current member at the time of the draw).

If you would like to provide further feedback please feel free to email us at communications@ISANA.org.au

International student outreach project
https://www.sbs.com.au/learn/deadlucky

Expansion of the Tuition Protection Service (TPS)
https://www.education.gov.au/tuition-assurance-and-provider-closures 

Secretariat 

The ISANA secretariat hours are  0930 to 1430, Mondays and Wednesdays. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Kind regards
Phoebe Thiessen
isana@isana.org.au

ISANA Members

You are receiving this members update as you are an ISANA member. To change your email address please contact the secretariat. Please note, if you unsubscribe from this list, you will not receive members and general updates from ISANA.

ISANA Secretariat

 

Ph 03 6231 0253
Email isana@isana.org.au
Monday & Wednesday 9:30am – 2:30pm 

Mon, 25 Jun 2018


 
 

Members’ Newsletter

 

 

2018 ISANA National Conference…
Register NOW!

We are pleased to announce the 29th ISANA International Education Association Conference will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre, New South Wales, from 4 to 7 December 2018.

The theme for the conference is ‘Educate and collaborate: Inclusive practices to enable international students’.
Conference Website
 

Dear *|FNAME|*,

I know you have been keenly waiting to hear news on when we will be updating the National Code Tutorial in line with the 1 January 2018 changes. Today I am delighted to announce we have commenced working on this Project and we will continue to provide regular updates on progress in future Newsletters and on our website www.isana.org.au

With December rapidly approaching, remember to secure your Early Bird Registration for our 2018 ISANA Conference being held in Sydney. The Program is almost finalized and amazing key speakers have been lined up to talk to our theme of ‘Educate and Collaborate: Inclusive practices to enable international students’.

Don’t forget you can apply for a conference Member Bursary and remember to advertise and encourage students to apply for the conference Student Bursary – both bursaries close on Monday 30 July 2018.

Happy mid-year!
Bronwyn Gilson

National President

 

Renew your membership now at this year’s rates!


It’s hard to believe, but in spite of rises in all other areas of our lives, ISANA has not increased its membership fees since 2000. 

Next month ISANA will be introducing new individual membership rates and moving to an annual renewal date.  This means that you no longer need to remember your renewal date as it will always fall on 1 July; think start of the financial year.

On behalf of its members, ISANA

  • advocates with local, state and federal governments for reforms and improvements to student welfare
  • provides relevant professional development opportunities for student support staff
  • provided valuable feedback to the Government in its review of the National Code standards.

All elected positions within ISANA, both at Branch and National level are held by volunteers so your membership fees are used to support professional development activities as well as initiatives such as the National Code tutorial.

View New Rates
 

State Branch News

Queensland

The QLD Branch is pleased to welcome two new committee members:

Tori Sutcliffe – Regional Representative

Tori has worked within the international education industry for over ten years in both Australia and Canada. She has been in her current role, International Student Advisor at CQUniversity (Rockhampton Campus) for five years and has been a member of ISANA the entire time. Tori nominated as the Regional Representative to ensure the ‘regional voice’ was included in discussions as the experience, concerns and access to support for students (and staff) in regional locations can be quite different than in metropolitan areas.

Livia Tramontina – Communications Officer

Livia has worked at ILSC, an ELICOS provider, since 2014. An international student herself at the time, she has since had the chance to support her international peers in different roles, from Internship Coordinator to University Pathways Coordinator. Now she oversees the University Pathways for all ILSC’s Australian campuses. Livia joined ISANA in 2017 and, through her new role, she hopes to facilitate networking among members of the Queensland Branch though emails and events.

Livia will be attending the IET Summit in Cairns next week: if you are participating, don’t forget to say hello!

Save the date for the next PD sessions:

Brisbane, August 17th – Main topics: sexual harassment/assault and/or mental health

Cairns, September 14th – Call to all members to express their interest
More details and registration information for both PDs are coming soon.

Many thanks,

Livia Tramontina

South Australia & Northern Territory (SANiTy) & Western Australia

On June 5th SANiTY ran a very well attended PD session on Student Accommodation and Welfare.

The three panel members were Geoff Dennison from Adelaide University Accommodation; Rebecca Fuss, Executive Manager, International Student Services for the Department for Education;  and Eris Henderson, the Urbanest Operations Manager Melbourne.

We began the session with a tour of the magnificent new Urbanest facilities on North Terrace, Adelaide. The building has a perfect position and fabulous facility for students. We were extremely impressed!

The session continued with very open and informative panel responses to questions about under 18 accommodation criteria, complying with the new Code, guardianship and welfare practices. There was great discussion about bullying, mental health, critical incidents, and parent contact.

Overall it left participants with new networks to contact for support, knowledge of the issues faced by all providers, and ways to manage issues as they arise.

Thankyou to the panellists, who were fabulous, and to the SANiTy Committee Kathy Matthews, Tash Pressley and Sarah Parrington for organising the afternoon.

Our next PD…
will give participants a comprehensive package of materials to use for age and culture appropriate information on relationships and abuse:
Date:  August 10 2018
Time:  1 pm – 4 pm
Venue: Level 9 Boardroom, 131-139 Grenfell St
Cost:  $50 for members |  $100 for non-members
Click here to book!

It is a great time to become a member and save lots on PD for the year!

Louise Skull
Branch President SANiTy & WA

Victoria & Tasmania

 

The Friday 11 May ISANA professional development session on Compliance 2018 theme: national code through the ASQA,TESQA & NTEU lens,  was well received by members and non-members.

Save the date…next PD:
Friday 7th Sept: 19th ISANA VICTORIA /TASMANIA State Conference 2018

PROJECTS

All these programs and projects listed below are ongoing and ISANA is dedicated to seeing them through their completion.

ISANA VIC/TAS has been successful in the application of three grants in 2018

  1. Enabling international students during critical incidents. Partnering with two researchers Shanton Chang and Catherine Gomes.
  2. Be you – Be scene (Extension of You will be Right). Joint partnership with Monash College, AFIS and ISANA. Catherine Simmonds the artistic director.
  3. Building positive Homestay Experiences. UOM has applied for the grant with Trinity College and ISANA supporting the project. Partnering with Hugh Guthrie.


Employability
The Victorian Working Group On International Student Employability (VicWISE), connecting employers with international students and graduates.

The Victorian Working Group on International Student Employability (VicWISE) has been growing in membership, exposure and links to  many projects in employability for international students. In June 2018,  VicWISE
had connected 40 members from many different platforms and this number is growing.

VicWISE in partnership with ISANA VIC/TAS wants to expand its current cross sector networking through a series of regular networking sessions.

  • Identify actual current issues international students face when seeking employment or internships
  • Advocate across the sector via networking to breaks down resource silos
  • Allow for cross pollination of ideas and assistance

If you require more information on VicWISE please contact: Sharon Smith/ Manorani Guy

Preventing Gambling Harm In Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Communities
ISANA VIC/TAS continues to sit on the Break- IT gambling harm project advisory group. We have been invited to participate in a forum and research on preventing gambling harm in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and the international student cohort.

VICTORIAN STATE GOVERNMENT COLLABORATIVE MEETING

Dept of DEDJTR
ISANA VIC/TAS is a member of Victorian International Education Ministerial Advisory Roundtable that meets regularly to discuss the International Education Sector strategy (Victorian and Commonwealth) and other issues pertaining to international students.

Study Melbourne Advisory Network Meeting
ISANA VIC/TAS is a member of SMSC Stakeholder Advisory Network and attends regular meetings

Victorian Schools International Group(VSIG)
ISANA VIC/TAS is a member of Victorian Schools International Group (VSIG). The group brings together representatives from Catholic, government and independent schools, the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority. The group meets once every 6 months.

COLLABORATING WITH OTHER PARTNERS

AIBC
ISANA VIC/TAS is collaborating closely with the AIBC and have been invited to several of their events.

  • Australia-India business forum
  • Victoria-India Trade and Investment Opportunities Networking Event
  • Doing Business with India’ series 
  •  

Through these networking events, AIBC and the RAO Foundation has invited ISANA to partner in one of their project “ Improving the wellbeing of Indian students in Victoria”.

Councils – City Of Darebin
ISANA VIC/TAS has been approached to assist and partner in writing a submission for a grant application to the City of Darebin on“ How to Better Support International Students living in the City of Darebin”.

Student Associations
UMSU International invited ISANA VIC/TAS to be part of a panel on “The Summit: Building Our Future. Topics of discussion: Career Development, Cultural Intelligence, Entrepreneurship and Leadership. From this forum several networking parties have been established to look at how to improve the international student experience in mental health and  employability.

Education Providers
ISANA VIC/TAS was invited to  the inaugural ADI Research Partnership Summit “Innovative Partnerships for
Social Transformations by Deakin University research division. Dialogue is now taking place on how they can
assist in future research to assist international students in Victoria.

AFIS
Project – She Will Be Right -‘Act Of Translation’. With the approval of a grant from Study Melbourne , ISANA
VIC/TAS partnered with AFIS and took the show to Geelong. A second show was performed at TAFE and
Victoria University offered the venue for free where 200 international students, staff, family and friends
attended the show

OSHC
ISANA VIC/TAS has been supporting international students with issues on their OSHC. These cases has resulted in ISANA VIC/TAS liaising and building stronger relationships with the various health providers

Legal
ISANA VIC/TAS has been working closely with Inner Melbourne Community Legal and Paper Giant a research and design company to provide support to build a free tool to help international students living in Victoria get quick, free and confidential access to legal information. This is a Study Melbourne initiative and it is currently being developed.

Manorani Guy
VIC/TAS President

New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory

Students team up for the City of Sydney Youth Week International Fest

…ISANA was awarded funding to coordinate the Youth Week International Fest, which was held on 19 April and had over 220 people attend.

The value of an event coordinated by international students for students shone through as the team’s passion and enthusiasm was contagious! It was definitely a fun evening.

Youth Fest student survey results shows the success of this event:

  • 100% found it worthwhile to attend this event
  • 77% met someone new
  • 85% feel more part of their community
  • 90% feel more accepting of others in the community
  • 100% are likely to get involved in local activities/ groups
  • 72% gained skills and knowledge

Keep an eye on our branch page for news on upcoming PD!

Lyndall Benton
Branch President ACTiveNSW

 

Calendar of Events…

Click the image below to view the upcoming ISANA PD!


ISANA Calendar of Events

Student Support and Development Online Course

Registration closes Sunday 17 June. Click here for further information!

Win your ISANA membership for the next year!

ISANA is seeking feedback about our member communication. There are just ten simple questions. Thank you for taking a few minutes to give us your input.

Survey Link       https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ISANAComms2017

Remember to add your details in the last question to go in the draw to with you next years membership. (The winner must be a current member at the time of the draw).

If you would like to provide further feedback please feel free to email us at communications@ISANA.org.au

 

Secretariat 

The ISANA secretariat hours are  0930 to 1430, Mondays and Wednesdays. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Kind regards
Phoebe Thiessen
isana@isana.org.au

ISANA Members
You are receiving this members update as you are an ISANA member. To change your email address please contact the secretariat. Please note, if you unsubscribe from this list, you will not receive members and general updates from ISANA.

ISANA Secretariat
Ph 03 6231 0253
Email isana@isana.org.au
Monday & Wednesday 9:30am – 2:30pm 

 

 

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 


 

Members’ Newsletter

We wish you a safe and relaxing Easter.

Dear *|FNAME|*

I encourage you to continue to check our web page www.isana.org.au for our latest Facebook posts, Tweets and news. You will see what is happening in the world of international education and find information on upcoming Professional Development sessions in your State and Territory.

Also don’t forget to publicise the ISANA Student Conference 2018 Bursaries to your institutions and students. It is important that we have the student voice at our Conference so help spread the word out there now. And shortly we will put out information on our Members’ Conference bursary, so watch this space.

Kind Regards,
Bronwyn Gilson
ISANA National President

 

2018 ISANA National Conference…
Presentation submission open!

We are pleased to announce the 29th ISANA International Education Association Conference will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre, New South Wales, from 4 to 7 December 2018.

The theme for the conference is ‘Educate and collaborate: Inclusive practices to enable international students’.
Conference Website

Win your ISANA membership for the next year!

ISANA is seeking feedback about our member communication. There are just ten simple questions. Thank you for taking a few minutes to give us your input.

Survey Link       https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ISANAComms2017

Remember to add your details in the last question to go in the draw to with you next years membership. (The winner must be a current member at the time of the draw).

If you would like to provide further feedback please feel free to email us at communications@ISANA.org.au

 

Job Opportunity: Minister Counsellor (Education and Research) Beijing

 

The Department of Education and Training is inviting applications for the position of Minister Counsellor (Education and Research) Beijing. This is a senior position offered on a three year posting and has responsibility for leading Australia’s education, training and research relationship with the People’s Republic of China.

Information about this position can be found on the department’s Jobs webpage. The closing date for receipt of applications is 6 April 2018, 11:30 PM (AEST).

State Branch News

Expressions of Interest SoughtCall to members to submit an expression of interest for committee member position, VP – Planning and Development.

Please submit any expressions to isana@isana.org.au

 

Queensland

There are still a couple of positions vacant on the Committee for 2018/2019, seeking Vice President and Professional Development Position.

If you are interested and would like to join our Branch Committee please email qld@isana.org.au

 

South Australia & Northern Territory (SANiTy) & Western Australia

We have the following planned for Professional Development for 2018 and hope we have a good range of interesting, helpful and informative sessions for you across the year…

May 18 2018

Student Accommodation and Welfare 
Half Day | Cost: $50 for members and $80 for non-members
We will organise a panel of industry representatives to discuss and answer your questions and concerns on the National Code and our responsibilities when offering varying accommodation alternatives for students.

August 10 2018

Under 18’s – Relationships, abuse and provider responsibilities
Half Day | Cost: $50 for members and $100 for non-members
Information and a resource package of culturally and age appropriate information for providers

September 21 2018

State Conference – Workplace  issues, Careers and Employability
Full Day | Cost: $50 for members and $200 for non-members
A broad program looking at Graduate experiences, visas and skilled migration, fair work, internships and more. 

Victoria & Tasmania

Save these dates for Professional Development sessions 2018!

 

Friday, 11 May 2018

“NATIONAL CODE THROUGH THE ASQA, TEQSA & OMBUDSMAN LENS”
This PD session is focused on compliance and latest updates relating to the international education industry. Compliance within the national framework. How to support the individual teachers, professional staff members, private consultants or student advisors.
Time: 1.00 pm – 5.00 pm (Registration & Networking lunch:12 noon – 1.00 pm)
Venue: Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street Carlton, Victoria.
Contact number: (03) 9347 3428
Getting there: Tram no- 1/5/6/16/64/67/72, Stop 3- Lincoln Square/Swanston Street, then a 3-4 mins walk to Graduate House
Cost: Non-members $160 | ISANA Members $70
RSVP: Tuesday 8 May 2018 (Networking lunch and afternoon tea included)
To register to attend click here!

9 November 2018

Venue: Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street Carlton, Victoria.

Friday 7 September 2018
STATE CONFERENCE

The 19th ISANA (Victoria/Tasmania) state conference is going to focus on, “Opportunity and Innovation: Industry Professionals Supporting International Students.”
Venue: William Angliss Institute

 

New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory

ACTiveNSW is busying scheduling a number of professional development and member networking sessions for 2018. If there is anything specific you would like added as a topic you can email your ideas to activensw@isana.org.au.

We are also running a member communication survey which we encourage you to complete, click here to complete.

We have various upcoming collaborate events during Youth Week including a spectacular event at King George V (KGV) Recreation Centre, The Rocks on Thursday 19 April 5.30 pm – 9.00 pm.

The City of Sydney invite your feedback on their international education action plan. The plan includes actions to support international students and help them form lifelong connections with Sydney for more information visit their website.

Remember the International Student Welcome Desk is up and running at Sydney Airport open from 7 am – Midday each Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the year. Please let your future students, recruiters, and agents know about these useful services.

Angela Leota-Hughes
Branch President ACTiveNSW

Calendar of Events…


ISANA Calendar of Events

Secretariat 

Secretariat hours are  0930 to 1530, Mondays and Wednesdays.

 

 

Fri, 18 Aug 2023


 

Members’ Newsletter

Dear *|FNAME|*

What a busy time of year. I know lots of members are frantically updating their policies and procedures in line with the National Code 2018 and others are in the middle of their student Orientation and welcomes. Similarly the ISANA National Council has been busy, including holding the annual planning weekend in Melbourne on the 10-11 February. Amongst many business items discussed were the value of being an ISANA member (see below for your chance to win a years’ free membership), updating the ISANA National Code Tutorial and the 2018 ISANA Conference due to be held in Sydney 4-7 December.

At this time of year I also encourage you, due to limited Provider PD funds which tend to be allocated at the beginning of each year, to look at the Professional Development sessions ISANA run in your State as well as the National Conference ‘Educate and Collaborate: Inclusive practices to enable international students’ and put these in your Calendar for 2018 to discuss attendance with your Manager.

This year it was pleasing to see the Welcome video to international students from Minister Simon Birmingham. If you haven’t already seen it go to www.facebook.com/simonbirmingham to view and use the message as part of your Orientation program. And for those of you who missed it Immigration (DIBP) now comes under the new Home Affairs Portfolio (www.homeaffairs.gov.au) which includes the Department of Home Affairs.

I’ll end this message on the exciting note that ISANA will be signing a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CISA this year. This will cement our long standing mutually supportive relationship with CISA and I especially wish to thank previous ISANA Presidents for all the work they put into bringing this about.

Kind Regards,
Bronwyn Gilson
ISANA National President

Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training, welcoming international students and encouraging them to make the most of their studies and time in Australia.

Win your ISANA membership for the next year!

ISANA is seeking feedback about our member communication. There are just ten simple questions. Thank you for taking a few minutes to give us your input.

Survey Link       https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ISANAComms2017

Remember to add your details in the last question to go in the draw to with you next years membership. (The winner must be a current member at the time of the draw).

If you would like to provide further feedback please feel free to email us at communications@ISANA.org.au

 Council of International Students Australia (CISA)

Please help us share these survey links with your members and networks:

For Women International Students – http://bit.ly/2G8MJ2P

For Workplace Exploitation – http://bit.ly/2DckUUi

Thanks and kind regards,

Christian Mbonu
National Secretary
Council of International Students Australia (CISA)
PO Box 24134, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
Ph: + 61 415766519
E : secretary@cisa.edu.au
W: www.cisa.edu.au

State Branch News

Queensland

There are still a couple of positions vacant on the Committee for 2018/2019, seeking Vice President and Professional Development Position.

If you are interested and would like to join our Branch Committee please email qld@isana.org.au

March 23 2018
SAVE THE DATE for the next Professional Development Day:
Orientation debrief; meet the Student Ambassadors and CISA Reps.

South Australia & Northern Territory (SANiTy)

Welcome back. The SANiTy Committee wish everyone a happy, healthy and successful 2018.

We have met to plan Professional Development for 2018 and hope we have a good range of interesting, helpful and informative sessions for you across the year.

May 18 2018
Student Accommodation and Welfare 
Half Day | Cost: $50 for members and $80 for non-members

We will organise a panel of industry representatives to discuss and answer your questions and concerns on the National Code and our responsibilities when offering varying accommodation alternatives for students.

August 10 2018
Under 18’s – Relationships, abuse and provider responsibilities
Half Day | Cost: $50 for members and $100 for non-members

Information and a resource package of culturally and age appropriate information for providers

September 21 2018
State Conference – Workplace  issues, Careers and Employability
Full Day | Cost: $50 for members and $200 for non-members

A broad program looking at Graduate experiences, visas and skilled migration, fair work, internships and more.

All sessions are available to members for only $150 so it is well worth joining for the information, PD hours, Information packages, and networking opportunities.

WE look forward to welcoming you to our group of committed participants.

Victoria & Tasmania

Employability
ISANA’s collaboration with The Victorian Working Group On International Student Employability (VicWISE) is still going strong with now 38 members in the committee. It has proved to be an excellent platform for networking and discussing exciting new projects for 2018. We are also pleased to announce the Indian Student Employability Trial has now entered its next phase. The Indian Student Employability Trial  was a joint ISANA, VICWISE and East West Academy project that was undertaken last year to trial a program written and designed by Stephen Manallack for Indian students. He is an Advisory Board Member, India Research Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution, Director, East West Academy Pty Ltd, Consultant, Manallack PR, Past President, Australia India Business Council, Victoria. 10 Indian students from various education providers participated in this trial for 6 weeks on how to communicate their personal brand. 

Homestay
ISANA VIC/TAS in conjunction with Trinity College and UOM is currently conducting a research on homestay and parts of this research was shared with Study Melbourne. At the same time an independent student group met the Victorian Minister last year and highlighted homestay as an issue that needed to be addressed in Victoria.

On the 27th of February, Victorian Government (Minister Phillip Dalidakis of Trade & Investment, Innovation & the Digital Economy and Small Business) invited the members of the Victorian International Education Ministerial Advisory Roundtable to work collaboratively to explore possible workable solutions of the various issues raised with homestay in Australia.

ISANA, IEAA, Study Melbourne, and members of the roundtable will work closely to identify and recommend solutions that could be shared across the country.

Victorian International Education Ministerial Advisory Roundtable (members listed below:

Ministers

  • The Hon. Steve Herbert MP, Minister for International Education

International Education Ministerial Advisory Roundtable Members

  • Prof. John Dewar – Vice-Chancellor, La Trobe University, representing Victorian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee
  • Mr Jeffrey Smart – Vice-President International and Future Students, Swinburne University of Technology
  • Ms Mary Faraone – CEO, Holmesglen Institute
  • Ms Helen Kronberger – Director, Victorian TAFE International
  • Mr Mel Koumides – Deputy National Chair, Australian Council for Private Education and Training
  • Ms Ann Wright – RMIT English Worldwide and member of the English Australia Board
  • Ms Nina Khairina – National President, Council of International Students Australia
  • Ms Manorani Guy – President, Victoria and Tasmania, International Student Advisers’ Network of Australia
  • Mr Mat Jacobson – CEO, Ducere
  • Ms Helen Zimmerman – Executive General Manager, Navitas
  • Mrs Emilia Fields – President of VISION International and Director of International Student Program, Whitefriars College
  • Ms Linda Brown – Laureate, Australia
  • Ms Raylene Dodds–Executive Director (A/g), International Education Division, Early Childhood and School Education Group, Department of Education and Training
  • Ms Melanie de Souza, Director (A/g) Marketing, Tourism Victoria

OSHC
AFIS/VTI/ALLIANZ/ISANA commenced late in 2017 a survey to:

  • identify whether international students understood their cover
  • determine whether they would have available funds of $550 on them when they visit emergency in Victoria for treatment

The OSHC survey is still running until we have sufficient number of international student respondents. This data will allow us to compile a comprehensive data to aid in identify how the service is being used by international students.

Play –She Will Be Right –‘Act of Translation reaches Out’
ISANA is supporting AFIS who has applied for a Victorian International Students Welfare (ISW) grant that has been approved for the extension of a play that will explore challenges faced by international students and help empower them to become the authority of their own experiences. This play will be performed and produced by 20 international students from diverse cultural backgrounds who will touch on a range of challenges from isolation to relationships and family expectations. ISANA is excited to be taking the play to regional Victoria (Geelong) and the TAFE sector.

Mental health
Mental health and Wellbeing is an important and serious issue within the international student community. ISANA have contacted and is still waiting on responses from some sponsors on their support on the ‘Mental Health and Well Being Ambassadorship Program’ that will help to address and tackle the issue through peer influence as we do not have adequate support services available to international students within the sector.

New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory

ACTiveNSW is busying scheduling a number of professional development and member networking sessions for 2018. If there is anything specific you would like added as a topic you can email your ideas to activensw@isana.org.au .We are also running a member communication survey which we encourage you to complete at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ISANAComms2017. We have various upcoming collaborate events during Youth Week including a spectacular event at King George V (KGV)Recreation Centre, The Rocks on Thursday 19 April 5.30-9.00pm.
Remember the International Student Welcome Desk is up and running at Sydney Airport open 7 days a week from 7am-11am and 5p,-9pm until 11 March, and then from 7am-midday each Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the year. Please let your future students, recruiters, and agents know about this useful services. 

Angela Leota-Hughes
Branch President ACTiveNSW

Expressions of Interest Sought

Call to members to submit an expression of interest for committee member position, VP – Planning and Development.

Please submit any expressions to isana@isana.org.au

Upcoming Events

May

 
2018 StarRez APSAA Conference – Full program available NOW!

For the full conference program, including topics and speakers for all concurrent sessions please visit the APSAA website.

The abstract review committee were delighted with the submissions received and have put together a program that offers something for everyone!

The program covers topics with relevance across the diversity of roles within the student accommodation sector by addressing three key streams.

  • Student Experience
  • Operations & Finance
  • Facilities & Development

Click here to register.

June

 
Cairns announced as CISA 2018 Conference venue!

The Council of International Students Australia (CISA) Executive Committee recently selected Cairns as the host destination for the 2018 Conference, to be held at the Cairns Convention Centre from Monday 25th to Thursday 28th June 2018.

CISA delegates will meet in Cairns, a leading region for international education, and share their experiences of studying in Australia.

Please click here for the most-up-to date information.

October

 
The Call for Speaker Proposals is now open for the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) 2018 World Congress. The Congress will be held in Melbourne, Australia from 8-10 October 2018 and is expected to attract over 700 delegates. The 2018 Congress theme, Preparing for the Skills Future, Now will make a difference to the outcomes of millions of vocational and professional students world-wide.Go to www.tda.edu.au for further information and to add yourself to the database to receive Congress e-newsletters and updates. Registration is also now open and the ultra early bird registration discounts close on July 4, 2018.

Secretariat Update

Please note the Secretariat hours have changed to 0930 to 1530, Mondays and Wednesdays. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions and I will do my best to assist you.

Kind regards
Phoebe Thiessen