1|Page +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Handbook Contents Contents Explore English ................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 The College Staff................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Important Contact Information .................................................................................................................................................... 4 Our Location .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Public Transport ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Bicycles ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Driving in Australia ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Smoking .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Living Costs in Australia ............................................................................................................................................................... 7 Accommodation ................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Student Visa Requirements.................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Course Assessment & Progress ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 Student Progress Reports ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Course Delivery ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Study Melbourne Student Centre ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 Student Support Services / Student Welfare Officer ....................................................................................................................... 10 Student Orientation ................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) .......................................................................................................................................... 11 Social Experiences................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 External Learning ................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Courses .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Timetables ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Refund Policy .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Privacy Policy .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Complaints & Appeals Policy ............................................................................................................................................................... 16 Attendance Monitoring Process........................................................................................................................................................... 17 Bullying & Cyber-Bullying Policy ......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Transfer of student enrolment .............................................................................................................................................................. 18 Australian Consumer Law..................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Grounds for Deferment, Suspension or Cancellation of Studies .................................................................................................. 18 Provider initiated suspension or cancellation.................................................................................................................................... 19 2|Page +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Student Requests ................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 ESOS Framework................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Airport Pickup .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Change of COE....................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Replacement of Certificate ................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Resource Fee .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Access & Equity ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Important Numbers / Places ................................................................................................................................................................. 21 Department of Education and Department of Employment ........................................................................................................... 21
3|Page +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Explore English Our school is a funky, premium school based in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. We offer our students a safe and quality learning environment that incorporates a range of fun activities, use of technology and regular assessment tasks. We hope to see you soon in our vibrant learning community!
The College Staff Managing Director – Gary Coonar Academic Manager – Andrew Hooper Academic Leader – Anna Young Student Services Officer – Maggie Kambouridis Student Welfare Officer – Dechen Morisco Explore Café Manager – Gemma Pigott
Important Contact Information Level 9 / 250 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Ph: +61 3 9655 0601 (8.00am – 6p, AEST) www.exploreenglish.com.au
4|Page +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Our Location The Explore English campus is located on Level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne in the middle of the Melbourne CBD. Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city. Melbourne is famous for its parks, historic buildings, excellent food and coffee and its wide range of sporting events (Formula One Grand Prix, the Australian Open Tennis, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the Australian Rules Football). Many people refer to Melbourne as the sporting capital of the world.
On campus student amenities include a kitchen area with microwaves and refrigerator, common area with WIFI access and a barista coffee machine. Our classrooms are 5|Page +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
equipped with modern technology to encourage full student participation. Students enjoy the Explore Cafe which offers discounted prices on a range of drinks! Explore English is centrally situated in Melbourne’s CBD Collins Street and can be easily accessed via public transport. The campus is located in the free travel zone. Flinders Street station (that connects trains from all of Melbourne’s suburbs) is a 5minute walk away and students can take any of the free trams from outside our building. Our central location lends itself to shopping, dining, touring, recreational activities and all the lifestyle options this wonderful city has to offer.
Public Transport Melbourne has an extensive public transport system of buses, trains and trams. However, you can travel around the CBD free of charge on all trams. If you need to travel outside the CBD on Public Transport you will need to buy a MYKI Card. You can do this by visit the information desk at a CBD station or going online to www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki. Please ask one of our friendly Student Services Officers if you have more questions. International students are not entitled to student concession fares in Victoria. When using public transport you should always have a valid ticket and make sure you follow the rules as fines do apply.
6|Page +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Bicycles Melbourne is a bicycle friendly city that has great bike paths around the city. Students can also hire bicycles in the city of Melbourne. Learn more at www.melbournebikeshare.com.au You can buy a bicycle from approximately $50. Please remember that it is compulsory to wear helmets in Victoria, when you are riding a bicycle.
Driving in Australia If you have a driving license from your country, you can only use it for 3 months in Australia. It also must be translated by NATTI.
Smoking In Australia it is illegal to smoke anywhere (toilets, hallways etc) in public buildings, this includes colleges, restaurants, bars and hotels. If you do want to smoke, you will need to smoke outside.
Living Costs in Australia Australia is a modern, welcoming and affordable country, which enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world. As a guide, a single student should budget approximately $20,000 per year, or about $350-$400 per week, for living expenses. The cost of living in Melbourne varies greatly, depending on your personal needs and tastes. Exchange rate fluctuations may also affect budgeting. As a guide, the living costs indicated below are based on two people sharing an unfurnished twobedroom apartment, flat or house (please be aware that these costs will change throughout your stay in Melbourne). The amounts are in Australian dollars (A$) and are only a rough guide. Theses amounts will obviously vary from person to person. • Bond (refundable security deposit) $1000 • General (furniture, connection fees, etc.) $1000 • Overseas Student Health Cover from $1500 Single Cover (with BUPA) • Rent per person (weekly $150; annually $7,800) • Food and drink (weekly from $100; annually $2,600) • Travel (up to 10 km from city - weekly $22; annually $1,144) 7|Page +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
• Telephone (weekly $20; annually $1000) • Gas, electricity, water (weekly $20; annually $1000) • Books, stationery, photocopying (annually $500) • Personal expenses (clothes, entertainment) (weekly $40; annually $2,080)
Accommodation Explore English can arrange accommodation prior to students arriving onshore. There are several options:
Please contact us if you would like to have your housing requirements organized by Explore English.
Student Visa Requirements An international student is a person who is not an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident and is enrolled at an Australian education institution and has been granted a student visa by DIBP to study in Australia. All international students applying to study English (ELICOS) in Australia usually have a student, tourist or working holiday visa. Some visas can take up to six months to process, so be sure to allow time. For all visa inquiries and applications, please contact the Australian Embassy or High Commission. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) states that: “to be granted a student visa, you must provide evidence that satisfies the assessment factors applicable to you. Assessment factors include your financial ability, likely compliance with the conditions of your visa and any other matters considered relevant to assessing your application”. Additional information about student visas is available on the DHA’s website: www.homeaffairs.gov.au 8|Page +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Course Assessment & Progress Explore English is required by the National Code of Practice to check attendance and course progress to ensure students are doing well with their studies. Assessments take place at the end of each week for all the English courses. Assessment tasks will cover all four macro skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening with a combination of grammar and vocabulary. Classroom teachers assess language skills during class. Students will make good progress with English language studies if they use English as much as possible, participate regularly during class and complete all homework tasks, course assignments, tests and activities. Students will be given advanced warning of the time and form of any summative assessments and will not be expected to sit an assessment they have not prepared for. At the start of the assessment the teacher will read through the instructions/assessment task and students will be given the opportunity to ask any before starting. In preparation for assessments, some support mechanisms in place might include: • Developing a learning contract with the teacher or Student Welfare Coordinator • Having individual sessions with a teacher (there may be an extra cost for this) • Completing extra tasks set by the class teacher to work on a particular area of weakness • Attending the free classes offered by Explore English • Having a student mentor / ambassador appointed to help students in class • Attending elective and support classes • Attend classes regularly Assessments are administered on a weekly basis as follows: Week 1 – Formative quiz Week 2 – Formative quiz Week 3 – Summative test Week 4 – Formative quiz Week 5 – Formative quiz Week 6 – Summative test Week 7 – Formative quiz Week 8 – Formative quiz Week 9 – Summative test
Student Progress Reports After each summative test (weeks 3, 6 and 9), teachers write individual student progress reports clearly outlining previous assessment results and any support mechanisms to assist the student learning process.
9|Page +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Course Delivery All students are required to attend 20 hours of face to face tuition. Courses provided by Explore English incorporate communicative language methodologies which encourage student participation. During class, students also attend a series of excursions and have plenty of opportunity to use technology. All courses require attendance of 20 hours per week. Classes are delivered in the morning or evening. Students may request to move from day to evening. These requests will be granted if there is availability. There may be a difference between day and evening class cost. If that is the case the difference will be required to be paid.
Study Melbourne Student Centre Is a Centre for International students in the Melbourne CBD that can give you free support, information, referral and practical support from Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm. They can offer help in many languages and provide free interpreting services. They also have free WIFI and computer facilities. Study Melbourne student can help you with: • General Information • Accommodation • Health • Employment • Legal Problems Study Melbourne also organize meet up events and provide advise about workplace rights. They are about a 10-minute walk from Explore English. Address: 17 hardware Lane, Melbourne 3000 PH: 1800 056 449 http://study.melbourne
Student Support Services / Student Welfare Officer All students enrolling at Explore English have access to the Student Welfare Coordinator. This person has the role of helping students cope with the many challenges they could face when studying away from their home country. We make every effort is made to assist students to make the transition to their new surroundings and help them feel at home. We regularly consult with students to gather feedback on their experience at Explore English and continually develop and improve our services accordingly. The result is a supportive and safe environment that plays a crucial role in ensuring that every student is able to perform at their best.
10 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Student Orientation Orientation takes place on the Friday before classes commence. It is held on level 9 / 250 Collins St at 10am. It is important all students attend this session, you will receive notification from the admissions team and a reminder closer to the date. The session will give you information regarding your course at Explore English. It is also a good time to ask any questions you may have.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Australia’s Medicare system is only for residences of Australia (it does not cover International Students). Student Visa holders: Student are required to have OSHC and will be required to buy OSHC for the duration of your studies. Unless you are able to provide evidence of OSHC, Explore English will organise OSHC for you and you will be invoiced for the insurance. Working holiday & Tourist Visas: It is recommended that you buy OSHC for the duration of your stay prior to departing from your home country. Explore English uses BUPA as its provider of OSHC. If you require more information, please visit their website at http://www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/cover/oshc/about-oshc
Social Experiences As well as enjoying an interactive and quality learning experience, the ELICOS Centre offers an array of other activities. Excursions Explore the delights of Melbourne and the surrounding area with friends. We recognise how hard our students work in the classroom and as a special reward, every 5-weeks, everyone participates in a school excursion. Teachers join in with the activities and we find it is a great way to mingle and make extra friends. Worksheets are given to students so that Excursions have an academic focus. Some of our popular excursions have included: • Paint Balling • Bowling • Coffee Tours • Ice Skating • Trampolining • Visit Art Galleries • Cricket • Surfing • Visit Museums • Football • Movies • Royal Botanical Gardens • Archery • Yoga • Federation Square Every week, students are invited to sign up for social activities and free classes. Below is a typical week of free classes and activities that are offered.
11 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
External Learning As part of the learning process, Explore English fully encourages class external activities and excursions. All our activities have solid learning outcomes that are related to each level. Students visit an assortment of interesting places and appreciate the social and cultural aspects of their programme.
Courses There are a variety of courses that are offered at Explore English. All courses run 4 days a week (day and evening) and are subject to closure due to insufficient numbers. The courses that we offer at Explore English are:
12 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
*All our teachers have university degrees and English teaching certificates. We choose teachers that are passionate and engaging.
13 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Timetables
Refund Policy Full Refund of Course Fees Explore English will make a full refund of course fees paid in advance in the following circumstances: • Application for a student visa is unsuccessful (Explore English reserves the right to retain an Administration Fee of $200). Fees paid in advance will be refunded within two weeks. • If Explore English is unable to start the delivery of a course on the agreed starting date, full refund will be made within two weeks of the course not being provided, in accordance with the refund guidelines of the ESOS act. Partial Refund Explore English will provide a partial refund of course fees paid in advance: • Where students provide written notice of their intention to withdraw from the course prior to the course commencement. The partial refund will be less $200 Administration Fee. • If you provide more than 4 weeks and up to 10 weeks written notice of your intention to withdraw from the course prior to the course commencement. The partical refund will be 70% course fees, less $200 Administration Fee. • Where you provide less than 4 weeks written notice of your intention to withdraw from the course prior to the course commencement. The partial refund will be 25% of tuition fees, less $200 Administration Fee. 14 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
• A partial refund may be paid if all tuition has been paid where a student has not commenced the next 10 week block. Refund request must be made prior to the block commencing. No Fee Refund Explore English will not refund any fees: • Where a student withdraws from the course after commencement of the course. This includes course fees, administration fees, cost of learning resources, OSHC and airport pickup. • In the event where an extension to the student’s visa is not granted and the course has commenced. Students are advised not to enrol if they believe their visa will not be extended. • In an event where a student applies and is granted approval by Explore English to transfer to another registered provider prior to completion of six months study of the principal course. • In an event where the student’s enrolment is cancelled as a result of implementation of Student Disciplinary Policy or breach of student visa conditions. Payment of Refund All refunds for which a student is eligible will be forwarded, within two weeks to the person who paid the fees, unless the student is transferring to another registered provider in Australia, in which case any refund may be remitted to that registered provider. Explore English will provide the student with a statement detailing the calculation of the refund. Refunds will be made to the account from which the fees were initially received. An authorisation letter must be provided if a student wishes to nominate a different bank account. Request for Refund Students who wish to apply for a Refund of course fees in accordance to the Refund Policy should do so by completing the Student Request Form on our website. Approvals All refunds must be approved by the Finance Manager. Exemptions to any of the above mentioned may only occur where the student has extenuating or compassionate grounds. Student Guidelines Explore English will: • Ensure that students are provided with access to the Complaints and Appeals Process • Pay refunds in AUS dollars only • Offshore by bank transfer • Pay refunds within two weeks of the Refund Form • For further information regarding refunds call +61 3 96550600, or email info@exploreenglish.edu.au Payment of Refund All refunds for which a student is eligible will be forwarded, within two weeks to the person who paid the fees, unless the student is transferring to another registered provider in Australia, in which case any refund may be remitted to that registered provider. Explore English will provide the student with a statement detailing the calculation of the refund. Refunds will be made to the account from which the fees were initially received. An authorisation letter must be provided if a student wishes to nominate a different bank account.
Privacy Policy Personal information is collected solely for the purpose of operating as a Registered Training Organisation under the Australian Quality Training Framework and administered by the Victorian Government, which is the registering authority. The requirements of the registering authority may mean the release of your personal information for the purposes of audit or for collection of data by Commonwealth and State Government departments and agencies and the fund manager of the ESOS assurance agency. It is a 15 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
requirement of the Australian Qualifications Framework that students can access personal information held by Explore English and may request corrections to information that is incorrect or out of date. Apply to the Academic Manager if you wish to view your own records. To read the full Explore English Privacy Policy, please refer to www.exploreenglish.edu.au.
Complaints & Appeals Policy Explore English has a complaints and appeals procedure to ensure that all complaints are dealt with a timely and constructive manner for all parties. If you need to discuss something that cannot be resolved informally, seek the advice and assistance of our Student Welfare Co-ordinator, who cannot only assist you but walk you through the full Complaints process. For the full Complaints Process Matrix, please see below:
16 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Attendance Monitoring Process If you have not complied with the conditions of your Student Visa, the following steps will happen: 1. The 1st Warning Letter will be sent when your current attendance drops to 90%. You will meet with your teacher to discuss why this has happened. 2. The 2nd Warning Letter will be sent when your current attendance drops to 85%. You will meet with the Director of Studies to discuss how to improve on this. 3. If your projected attendance drops below 85%, you will be sent a 3rd warning letter & Explore English will inform you agent of your poor attendance. 4. When your projected attendance drops below 80% then you will be issued with an Intention to Report. You will have a meeting with the Academic Manager. In this meeting you must explain your poor attendance. When your projected attendance is between 70% and 80%, it is up to the discretion of the Academic Manager if they decide to report the student. When the student’s projected attendance goes below 70% the Academic Manager must report the student. Please see below for a more colourful description. The sequence of warnings is outlined below.
Bullying & Cyber-Bullying Policy Explore English has a 100% No Tolerance Policy on Bullying & Cyber Bullying. You have the right to: • study in an environment free from bullying • be respected and valued regardless of your personal characteristics or background • have opportunities to reach your full potential & participate in all aspects of the school experience • make a complaint if you are being bullied protection from victimisation if you make a 17 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
complaint. If you or someone you know if having a problem with bullying, please speak to our Student Welfare Co-ordinator.
Transfer of student enrolment Explore English does not actively encourage students to transfer to or from other providers. To apply to transfer into Explore English, prospective students need to provide the following: • Completed application form (available from Reception or the Explore English internet site, www.exploreenglish.edu.au) and provide originals or certified copies of the following documentation: • Passport • Appropriate study visa • Proof of health cover • Proof of English Language proficiency • Release letter On receipt of an application for Transfer of Enrolment the International Admissions Manager will ensure that the student has completed at least six months of his or her principal course of study unless: • The original registered provider has ceased to be registered or the course has ceased to be registered • The original registered provider has provided a written letter of release • The original registered provider has a had a sanction imposed on its registration by the Australian Government or state or territory government that prevents the student from continuing his or her principal course • Any government sponsor of the student deems that a transfer is in the student’s best interest and supports the transfer request in writing
Australian Consumer Law As a consumer, every student has the right to receive factual and accurate information about the courses offered by EE before making an enrolment decision. To ensure this, EE has stringent policies and procedures in place. It is very important that you read this brochure carefully before enrolling into a course to ensure that the course meets your requirements and that you fully understand the fees and your obligations as a student. The availability of the Fees Payment and Refund Policy and the Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedure does not affect the rights of the student to take action under the Australian Consumer Law if the Australian Consumer Law applies. Change of Institution The National Code 2018 restricts the capacity of students to transfer to other training providers prior to completing six months of their principal course. Where EE receives an application by an international student who wishes to transfer their enrolment from another registered provider prior to completing six months of their principal course, the international student must either obtain a release from their registered provider, or meet one of the following conditions: • the releasing registered provider, or the course in which the overseas student is enrolled, has ceased to be registered; • the releasing registered provider has had a sanction imposed on its registration by the ESOS agency that prevents the overseas student from continuing their course with that registered provider; • any government sponsor of the overseas student considers the change to be in the overseas student’s best interests and has provided written support for the change. This usually applies where the overseas student’s study in Australia is sponsored by the government of another country. Students should seek advice from Department of Home Affairs on whether a new visa is required.
Grounds for Deferment, Suspension or Cancellation of Studies 18 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Students may initiate a request to defer commencement of studies or suspend their studies on the grounds of compassionate or compelling circumstances. Students wishing to defer or suspend the commencement of studies must apply to do so in writing to the Institute. Reasons for suspending your enrolment are limited to extenuating circumstances such as: • Personal illness (eg. a hospital procedure) • Bereavement (death of an immediate member of family) • Serious illness to an immediate member of family • Major political upheaval or natural disaster in the home country requiring emergency travel and this has impacted on the student’s studies • A traumatic experience which could include – involvement in or witnessing of a serious accident or witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime, and this has impacted on the student (these cases should be supported by police or psychologist’s reports) • An instance where EE was unable to offer • a pre-requisite unit, or student has failed a pre-requisite unit and therefore faces a shortage of relevant units for which they are eligible to enrol. If you know that you will not be attending classes during the study period you should contact the Student Welfare Coordinator or your teacher and arrange an appointment to discuss your circumstances. After your meeting and after providing documented evidence supporting circumstances/reasons for seeking suspension or cancellation of enrolment you will be required to complete and submit an Application in writing.
Provider initiated suspension or cancellation EE may decide to suspend or cancel a student’s enrolment on its own initiative as a response to: • Misbehaviour by student • The student’s failure to pay an amount he or she was required to pay to EE to undertake or continue the course as stated in the written agreement • Breach of course progress or attendance requirements by the overseas student, which must occur in accordance of National Code 2018 Standard 8. In case of deferral, suspension or cancellation initiated by EE, the student will be provided with a notice of intention to report and 20 working days to access EE’s internal complaints and appeals process. Student is not given this opportunity to appeal when student’s health or wellbeing, or the wellbeing of others, is likely to be at risk. Some of scenarios related this situation are listed here: • Student is missing • Student has medical concerns, severe depression or psychological issues which lead the provider to fear for the student’s wellbeing • Student has engaged or threatens to engage in behaviour that is reasonably believed to endanger the student or others • Student is at risk of committing a criminal offence EE may defer an enrolment where the course is not being offered at the proposed date, site, or other reasons where it is necessary to cancel the course. In such cases a refund shall be processed as required or alternative courses offered. Deferral of commencement, suspension of enrolment and cancellation of enrolment has to be reported to Department Home Affairs (DHA) by the Institute and this may affect the status of a student visa.
Student Requests To lodge a request or issue with EE, head to bit.ly/EErequest and fill out the form! 19 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Our AI Assistant, Eriq Students can text Eriq on 0408 609 706 to ask questions about their attendance, course dates, class times and much more.
ESOS Framework The Australian Government wants overseas students to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding study experience and has put in place laws which promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws are known as the ESOS framework and they include the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code 2018. MCIE is governed by the ESOS Framework and is committed to fulfil its obligations under the act. For full description of ESOS Framework refer to: https://internationaleducation.gov.au/regulatory-information/pages/regulatoryinformation.aspx
Airport Pickup Explore English can organise airport pickup for $150 if you have requested it. Requests must be made 5 days in advance of arrival. Pickup is from Tullamarine airport only.
Change of COE Please note that there is a cost of $50.00 to be paid to EE for any changes made to a COE.
Replacement of Certificate Please note that there is a cost of $20.00 to be paid to EE to replace a certificate or documentation.
Resource Fee Resources Fee per Level of GE Please note that a $70.00 resource fee is required for each level of General English a student begins.
Access & Equity The aim of this Policy is to ensure Explore English meets the needs of individuals and the community as a whole through the integration of access and equity guidelines. The key principles of this Policy are: • Explore English recognises the need for implementation of equity principles via the fair allocation of resources • All students will be recruited in an ethical and responsible manner, consistent with the requirements of the training program • Explore English recognises the right to equality of opportunity without discrimination for all members of the community. With these principles in mind, the objectives of this Policy are to: • Incorporate non-discriminatory student selection procedures that encourage fair access for members of under-represented groups • Ensure access & equity issues are considered when developing programs
20 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172
Important Numbers / Places Emergency Police, Fire & Ambulance (Emergency) 000 Lifeline 24 Hour Telephone Counselling 13-1114 Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service ( This (03) 8413-6800 service provides support and information to women from Culturally & linguistically diverse backgrounds in their first language)
Legal Services Victoria Legal Aid Public Emergency Department – The Royal Melbourne Hospital The Alfred Hospital 100 Collins St Medical Centre Direct Line - 24 Hour Drug and Alcohol Counselling Information and Referral Service Beyond Blue (support and advice on mental health) Department of Home Affairs
(03) 9269-0234 (03) 9342-7666 (03) 9076-2000 (03) 9654-5600 (03) 9416-1818 1300-224-636 Visa and Citizenship Melbourne Office 2 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Department of Education and Department of Employment
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This Student Handbook explains your rights as a student studying in Australia under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 and should be read in conjunction with the ESOS framework information. The Explore English website also contains a link to the ESOS framework. Further information available at: www.education.gov.au,www.employment.gov.au
21 | P a g e +61 03 9655 0601 | info@exploreenglish.edu.au | www.exploreenglish.edu.au Explore English is a subsidiary of Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. level 9 / 250 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | CRICOS Provider no: 03024A | RTO Provider no: 22172