From the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation

International students will be given a flying start to life in Victoria when they receive a warm welcome at the International Student Welcome Desk located in the arrivals hall at Melbourne Airport, Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation Bronwyn Pike said today.

“The Brumby Labor Government knows international students need support to help settle in to a new country,” Ms Pike said.

“We’re committed to making the students feel welcome, and informed, from the moment they walk into the arrivals hall.

“A team of local volunteers will now be at the desk during peak arrival times to hand out welcome packs to international students arriving in Melbourne, with information on living, working and studying in Victoria.

“Information and advice about housing and consumer rights will also be provided to international students upon their arrival at Melbourne Airport.”

Ms Pike said the Brumby Labor Government will provide a $2.7 million support and information package over four years for international students as part of the $14 million Thinking Global: Victoria’s Action Plan for International Education.

“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to ensuring international students feel welcome and informed, whether they’re studying in Melbourne or one of our regional cities,” Ms Pike said.

The International Student Welcome Desk is one of a number of Brumby Government initiatives that provide around-the-clock support, information and advice to international students in Victoria, including the new International Student Care Service in Carlton.

The airport welcome desk is open during a four week period when most international students arrive in Victoria to prepare for the start of the education year.

This year it will operate between 25 January and 21 February. The hours of operation are between 7am and 1pm, and 5.30pm until 11.30pm.

The International Student Welcome Desk is coordinated by the Office of Knowledge Capital with partners including the Brumby Labor Government, City of Melbourne, Victoria’s universities, Melbourne Airport and Telstra.

Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said consumer education was also part of orientation and induction weeks at universities and other educational institutions.

"Helping international students understand their rights when renting a home or making a purchase is an important part of helping them settle in and get the best out of their stay in Victoria," he said.

Details on the International Student Welcome Desk and the Welcome Pack are available at www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au.