The Couch - International Student Centre

“The Couch” – International Student Centre aims to provide a safe and free space at night time for international students studying in Melbourne to socialise, relax, rest, study, and seek information and assistance. “The Couch” will be open on Sundays,Mondays,Tuesdays,Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5pm-9pm.

The project will be specifically tailored to meet the needs of international students, such as language barriers, cultural beliefs, and specific needs.

From July 2009, Melbourne’s international students will have a new place to relax, socialise and access a range of support services, with the opening of The Couch – International Student Centre.

Coordinated by the Salvation Army and The Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) and supported by the City of Melbourne, the project is designed to meet the specific needs of international students in Melbourne.

The facility will provide a safe and free space for international students to socialise, relax, study, and access information and assistance in the heart of the CBD.

The Couch will:

  • Provide a safe, non-commercial lounge space for international students in Melbourne
  • Allow students to connect with support services and information on a range of issues including housing, employment, counselling, student services, legal aid, and more
  • Provide affordable meals at cost price to students
  • Create an environment where students can engage, socialise and interact, which will contribute to their positive experience whilst studying in Melbourne.
  • Facilitate cultural exchange between local young people and international students though social activities such as footy nights, movie sessions and other activities held within the centre.


 

Calendar of Events – JULY 2010

Wednesday 7th of July >Health education session for females – This is a female’s zone! No males allowed! Everything about your health and wellbeing in foreign country! Just girls’ secrets! Dinner will be provided. All students who participate in the session will receive an MCWH Health Resource Kit. Places are limited, so if you would like to participate in the health education session, email the session you are interested in to Peter.Hichaaba@aus.salvationarmy.org by Tuesday 6 July 2010.
Mondays 12th July to 16th August Public Speaking Competition for Overseas Students
  • Are you an overseas student?
  • Would you like some FREE practice for your speaking exam?
  • Do you need to improve your speaking and listening test scores?

STEP 1. Come to one of the following FREE practice sessions to practice and get feedback on your speaking skills. Detailed feedback will be given by experienced teachers on how to prepare and present a talk, presentation skills and giving and learning from feedback. Sessions run Mondays, 12 July to 16 August at The Couch 69 Bourke St, CBD. Free food at 6pm, 6:30 Public speaking training starts.
STEP 2. Choose one of the topics below to prepare and speak on for 3 minutes. You may choose more than one topic.
STEP 3. Prepare yourself to present at the Hub Public Speaking Competition for Overseas Students, Saturday 21st August 3 pm. Where? The Hub Community Centre, 35 Colebrook St, Moreland, Brunswick, (Opposite Moreland Tram Depot, 5 minutes from Moreland Station.) Don't forget to invite your friends to come and support you.

 1. My hopes for the future.

2. The big differences between my own culture and Ozzie culture

3. My most embarrassing or funny experience in Australia.

4. My biggest regret in coming to Australia.

5. What's right and wrong with Australia, what's right and wrong with my own country.

6. Arranged marriages are best for everybody - why I agree or disagree.

7. The media and computer games encourage violence in society – why I agree or disagree.

8.  Australian educational institutions have only cared about making money  – why I agree or disagree.

9.  Parents know better than their children the best choice for their careers – why I agree or disagree.

10.  All gambling should be banned – why I agree or disagree.

11. The sexes are not and should not be equal – why I agree or disagree.

12.  Alcohol is too freely available in the community – why I agree or disagree.

All this is FREE, and there will be prizes for different categories, but you must register by 17th August – email your name, and topic to Lauren on aussiefriends@fastmail.fm or texting 0488 101 470

Wednesday 14th of July Health education session for females – This is a female’s zone! No males allowed! Everything about your health and wellbeing in foreign country! Just girls’ secrets! Dinner will be provided. All students who participate in the session will receive an MCWH Health Resource Kit. Places are limited, so if you would like to participate in the health education session, email the session you are interested in to Peter.Hichaaba@aus.salvationarmy.org by Tuesday 6 July 2010.

Thursday 15th of July Musical Night – everyone who loves to sing and dance are welcome at the Couch! No experience necessary!

Fortune Balloon – have fun and try your luck, hit the fortune balloon at the Couch!
Tuesday 20th of July Fashion Show – Doesn’t matter whether you are male or female, fashion is for everyone! Be a designer or a model. Create or show! It is all up to you! We’ll guarantee you a night of good laughter and fun!
Thursday 22nd of July Fun Games – Do you love games? So do we! Bring jokes from your country, share your knowledge in games and simply have a lot of fun!
Thursday 29th of July Christmas in July – it is another Aussie Christmas tradition where a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and decorations is served to those who, miss the northern hemisphere's 'White Christmas', feel or simply enjoy another reason to celebrate. For us, it’s a great excuse to celebrate as we move The Couch to a new location. Come check out the new space!