Melbourne Welcome Volunteer Student Host Important Application and Program Information 1.0

What are we looking for?

Melbourne Global Mobility (MGM) is looking for University of Melbourne students to volunteer as Student Hosts in the Melbourne Welcome Program in February 2013. Students preferably need to be in their second year or higher to volunteer, however applications from first year students will also be considered. We are looking for students who are responsible, mature, and are interested in meeting study abroad and exchange students (SAEX) from around the world. You will learn about other cultures, develop your interpersonal style, enhance your leadership skills and increase your confidence in managing a group. Volunteers will have to be flexible, reliable and able to commit to the entire training program, and the duration of the Melbourne Welcome Program. 1.1

What is the Melbourne Welcome Program?

The Melbourne Welcome Program is a four night residential program designed to introduce Study Abroad and Exchange (SAEX) students to the University and to life in Melbourne. It offers informational, social and recreational activities, in addition to board and lodging. In Semester 1 2013, the Melbourne Welcome Program will be held from Friday 15 to 19 February 2013, at two University residential colleges.

The Melbourne Welcome Program started in the mid-1990s and since then the number of SAEX that participate in the program has grown extensively. The range of activities and services offered during the Melbourne Welcome includes visits to Melbourne Zoo, city of Melbourne tours such as Eureka skydeck, city laneway tours, Yarra cruise, Australian Rules football and cricket matches, surfing activities at the beach, as well as information on Melbourne’s public transport network and life in Melbourne as a University student. In addition, the profile of the program has developed and many students now cite their time on the Melbourne Welcome as a highlight of their study abroad experience. 1.2

What is involved?

During the Melbourne Welcome Program, Student Hosts will have the option of living at a University Residential College. All accommodation, meals and entry costs for scheduled activities are covered for the duration of the Melbourne Welcome (15-19 February 2013). Under the leadership of staff and Student Co-ordinators, Student Hosts will be responsible for a small group of International students and participate in timetabled activities, and have the option of participating in free time activities. The number of SAEX students who participate in 1 Melbourne Global Mobility
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the program will determine the number of Student Hosts selected. Final participant numbers will be available at the end of January, 2013.

1.3

How will your participation benefit the student community?

SAEX are usually only here for one semester and the Melbourne Welcome Program is a great way to help with their transition into the University and Melbourne. By participating as a Volunteer Student Host, you will be assisting newly arrived SAEX students to adjust smoothly to their new surroundings. In addition, by participating in this program, you will give these new international students an experience they will never forget, an opportunity to get to know local students, and an opportunity to learn about Australian customs and culture. 1.4

How will you benefit by participating in the training and Melbourne Welcome Program?

As a Melbourne Welcome Student Host, you will have the opportunity to volunteer within the University community and meet other like-minded students. You will learn about how you work collegially in a team, the opportunity to improve your cross-cultural and communication skills as well as how you cope when faced with stressful and sometimes challenging situations. In addition, if you are selected as a Student Host, you will receive an Introduction to First Aid, receive accreditation for Responsible Serving of Alcohol (RSA) certificate as well as training on the University’s harassment policies and various University support services.

2.0

How do you apply?

Step 1: Have a look at the websites to learn more about the Melbourne Welcome Program and MGM http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/inbound/life/melbourne-welcome.html Step 2: Check that you are available to commit to the entire Training Program and Melbourne Welcome Program (See Section 2.3 in this document) Step 3: Read the Responsibilities and Expectations section (See Section 2.1) Step 4: Read and address the Selection Criteria in your application (See Section 2.2). Step 5: Send applications to Marisa Cerantola [email protected] and include the following documents with your application: i.

Application Cover Sheet (on page 7 of this document)

ii.

Selection Criteria (address each Selection Criteria)

iii.

Resume

iv.

You can include other relevant supporting documentation if you wish.

Step 6: Applications close at Wednesday 26 September 11.55pm Aus Eastern Standard Time. An MGM staff member will contact all applicants about the outcome of their application. Step 7: Round 1 Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with MGM staff, Training Session 1 (See Section 2.3 in this document).

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Step 8: Round 2 Student Hosts are selected from those who have attended Training Session 1 and were successful in the interview. Step 9: Final Student hosts are selected from Round 2 Student Hosts. The hosts are selected based on the number of Study Abroad and Exchange students participating in the Melbourne Welcome in Semester 1, 2013. The final number of participants will be available end of January 2013. Step 10: All student hosts will be required to sign a document stating that you will comply with the Responsibilities and Expectations of the Melbourne Welcome Program (see Section 2.1) Please note that whilst you may be shortlisted for Round 2, there is a possibility that you will not be able to participate in the Melbourne Welcome program as a Student Host numbers are dependent on the number of Study Abroad and Exchange students who participate in the program. Final participant numbers will only be known mid January 2013. Student Hosts will be notified of their place in the program end December 2012. 2.1

Responsibilities and Expectations

The position of Melbourne Welcome Volunteer Student Host is a position of responsibility. At all times, the behaviour of Student Hosts must reflect professionalism, as Student Hosts are ambassadors of the University and the Melbourne Welcome Program. Melbourne Welcome Volunteer Student Hosts must ensure that:

i.

they conduct themselves in a professional manner that is respectful of the cultural and religious backgrounds, gender, mobility and sexual orientation of participating Study Abroad and Exchange students, other Volunteer Student Host and staff;

ii.

they comply with all applicable University policies including the University’s Equal Opportunity policy and its policy on the Responsible Serving of Alcohol (RSA);

iii.

they are in no way intoxicated or affected by alcohol or drugs whilst supervising any activity forming part of the Program;

iv.

that they take responsibility for the daily welfare of Participants to ensure the maximum responsiveness of the Program's services;

If selected to be a Student Host, you are expected to sign a document stating that you understand and will comply with the Responsibilities and Expectations of the Melbourne Welcome Program. This document may contain some or all of the above responsibilities and expectations.

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2.2

Selection Criteria

Applicants have to address each selection criteria in their application. We are unable to consider applications that do not address the Selection Criteria. Please provide examples where possible.

ESSENTIAL •

a current University of Melbourne Student; preferably in second year or higher ;

•

a friendly demeanour with good cross-cultural communication skills and cultural sensitivity with individuals from diverse range of backgrounds;

•

an ability to work well in a team and take direction from peers in leadership roles ;

•

strong problem solving skills, flexibility and reliability;

•

a good knowledge of the city and Melbourne’s public transport network;

•

a commitment to being available for the entire Student Host Training and Melbourne Welcome Program (See Training Schedule and Melbourne Welcome Program Dates 2012 section in this document).

DESIRABLE •

familiarity with University services and facilities (especially those relevant to International students);

•

experience working or volunteering in events or experiences studying or travelling abroad (other than Australia);

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2.3

Training Schedule and Melbourne Welcome Program Dates for 2012/2013

Melbourne Welcome Timeline - 2012/2013 Date

#

Task

27-Aug

1

Online Applications for Student Host positions open student portal and Student Centre Newsletters

26-Sep

2

Student Host Applications for Melbourne Welcome to close

1-Oct

3

Student Host interviews

8-Oct

4

22-Oct

5

30-Oct

6

Student Host training sessions. Training details will be made available during the interviews. Applications for Student Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator positions are opened. Interviews and selection of Student & Assistant Coordinators in conjunction with the Colleges Organise for coordinators to meet with MGM & Colleges.

12-Dec

7

Student Co-ordinator to submit Melbourne Welcome program outline. Indicative student hosts selected based on participant numbers.

12-Jan

8

MGM Submission of Risk Assessments for Melbourne Welcome Program to the Insurance office for approval

28-Jan

9

Indicative participant numbers provided to Colleges

12,13, 14 10 Feb 15-19 11 Feb 25-Feb 12

Final Melbourne Welcome Training for hosts and coordinators

12-Mar

13

Coordinator debrief with MGM

23-Mar

14

Submission of Evaluation Report to MGM and Colleges

Melbourne Welcome Program Host College to submit acknowledgement forms to MGM

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2.4

Websites

Watch a video of the Melbourne Welcome Program http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/incoming/life/videos/

Information about Study Abroad and Exchange Students http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au/inbound/life/ Learn more about Melbourne Global Mobility http://www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au Learn more about the services available to students http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/ 2.5

Further Information

If you require further information, please contact: Marisa Cerantola Student Mobility Outrerach Advisor Melbourne Global Mobility, Divison of Global Engagement by email on [email protected] or phone Ph: 9035 7686 Applications close on Wednesday 26 September at 11.55pm Aus Eastern Standard Time and can be emailed to [email protected]

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Application Cover Sheet Student ID Number: Family Name: Given Name: UoM Email: Contact Phone Number 1: Contact Phone Number 2: Course at University: Year Level in Sem 2 2012: Address Line 1: Address Line 2: Please select at least 5 interview preference days/times from the table below. Select (tick box) times you will be available.

Interview days / times Please Tick

Please Tick

Please Tick

Day

AM

1 OCT

9 to 10

10 to 11

11 to 12

2 OCT

9 to 10

10 to 11

11 to 12

3 OCT

9 to 10

10 to 11

11 to 12

4 OCT

9 to 10

10 to 11

11 to 12

5 OCT

9 to 10

10 to 11

11 to 12

Day

PM

1 OCT 2 OCT 3 OCT 4 OCT 5 OCT

12 to 1.00 12 to 1.00 12 to 1.00 12 to 1.00 12 to 1.00

Please Tick

AM

PM

1 to 2 1 to 2 1 to 2 1 to 2 1 to 2

Please Tick

PM

AM

Please Tick

2:15 to 3:15 2:15 to 3:15 2:15 to 3:15 2:15 to 3:15 2:15 to 3:15

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PM

3:15 to 4:15 3:15 to 4:15 3:15 to 4:15 3:15 to 4:15 3:15 to 4:15

Please Tick

Please Tick

PM

4:15 to 5:00 4:15 to 5:00 4:15 to 5:00 4:15 to 5:00 4:15 to 5:00

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