sydney college of english · welcome’to’sydney’college’of’english sydney college of...
TRANSCRIPT
Student Orientation Handbook
Welcome to Sydney College of English
SYDNEY COLLEGE OF ENGLISH
Contents Welcome to Sydney College of English…………………… 3 College Rules………………………………………………………. 13
College Details………………………………………………………… 3 General Informa<on (outside school)………………….. 15
Staff Members………………………………………………………… 3 Safety……………………………………………………………………. 15
College Opening Hours……………………………………………. 3 Where do I find (shopping centres/food/chemist)…………. 15
About the college………………………………………………….. 4 Emergencies………………………………………………………………….. 16
Your first day…………………………………………………………… 4 Transport………………………………………………………………………. 16
Student ID card……………………………………………………….. 4 Living in Sydney…………………………………………………………….. 17
Student Contact Details…………………………………………… 4 Australian Laws……………………………………………………………… 17
Sydney Map………………………………………………………….. 5 Contacts you might need…………………………………………….. 18
General Informa<on (at school)…………………………….. 6 Confused?……………………………………………………………………… 18
If you are sick………………………………………………………….. 6
Lost property…………………………………………………………… 6
Kitchen FaciliOes……………………………………………………… 6
Computers & Internet Access………………………………….. 6
Student & Academic Counsellors…………………………….. 6
Social & AcOviOes Program……………………………………… 7
Smoking………………………………………………………………….. 7
Taking a holiday………………………………………………………. 7
Security…………………………………………………………………… 7
Financial QuesOons…………………………………………………. 7
Class Timetables……………………………………………………. 8
Academic Informa<on…………………………………………… 9
General English……………………………………………………… 9
Other courses……………………………………………………….. 10
Cambridge/IELTS/EAP/EHP/OET……………………………. 10
Extra Informa<on………………………………………………….. 11
Textbooks/Homework/Excursions…………………………… 11
Want to do more?…………………………………………………. 11
Extra acOviOes/workshops………………………………………. 11
AcOviOes/workshops Ometable……………………………….. 12
What should I do if (change class/course).…………….. 13
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Welcome to Sydney College of English The staff at the college looks forward to helping you achieve your goal of improving your English. We hope your Ome here is enjoyable and a great learning experience.
We have created this handbook to give you some helpful informaOon about the college, to answer some of the quesOons oWen asked by new students and to make your Ome at Sydney College of English a more enjoyable and memorable learning experience.
College Details
Sydney College of English Staff
College Opening Hours The college is open from 8:00am to 6:00pmAdministraOon hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Address: Level 3, 579 Harris Street UlOmo NSW 2007
Phone: (02) 9281 5211
Fax: (02) 9281 5208
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sce.edu.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SydneyCollegeOfEnglish
Principal: [email protected] Accounts Manager: [email protected]
Director of Studies: [email protected] Registrar: [email protected]
Head Teacher: [email protected] Opera<ons Manager: [email protected]
High School Director: [email protected] Marke<ng Manager: [email protected]
Japanese Marke<ng Coordinator:
[email protected] Chinese Marke<ng Coordinator:
Marke<ng Officer: [email protected] Accommoda<on Officer: [email protected]
Student Services Officer: [email protected]
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About the College SCE was established in 1987 and is one of the longest-‐running independently owned English language colleges in Sydney. We are located between Sydney’s university precinct and Darling Harbour as part of a unique cultural hub. We are within walking distance of the campuses of the University of Sydney, the University of Technology (UTS), and Notre Dame University. There is easy access to the cafes, restaurants, bookshops, shopping and live music venues of surrounding Glebe, Newtown and Chinatown. The closest railway staOon is Central, which is a leisurely 15-‐minute walk from the college, or you can take any bus going out of the city from Railway Square at Central.
Your First Day When you arrive at the college, go to RecepOon on level 3. The recepOonist will check your name and details and make sure the school has everything we need from you. If you are on a Student Visa, we will need to photocopy the front page of your passport.
You will then do a language placement test, which will help us put you in the right class. The test consists of wriOng, grammar and an interview which tests your speaking and listening skills. AWer that, a staff member will give a short presentaOon with some general informaOon about the school. They will also show you around the school and lijle bit of the local area. A member of the academic staff will talk to you about your classes and study.
At 3pm every Monday we have a welcome party for new students with drinks and snacks. Please don’t be afraid to ask quesOons if there is anything you don’t understand.
Student ID Card You will be given a student ID card on your first day. This card is for school use, but can also be used for student discounts (concession prices) for example at the movies. It cannot be used for discounts on public transport.
Student Contact Details It is your obligaOon as an internaOonal student to noOfy SCE of your current residenOal address (especially if you are on a Student Visa) and contact details. To change your details please see recepOon and they can help you with this.
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Time Activity 8:15am Enrol at Reception
8:30am Pre-entry testing
10:00am Morning break
10:15am Orientation in Computer Room
10:45am Receive test results and timetable
11:00am Tour around school and the local area
11:45 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 pm Afternoon class
3:00 pm Welcome party – Level 4
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General Informa<on -‐ at School If you are sick If you are feeling unwell or you are injured while you are at school, then go to recepOon – we can help.
The nearest medical centre is Broadway General PracOce, located at Broadway Shopping Centre, and they are open 7 days a week. For more informaOon please call (02) 8245 1500 or visit their website: broadwaygeneralprac<ce.com.au
If you need medical assistance out of hours, you can contact the NaOonal Home Doctor Service and a doctor will visit your home. You will be bulk-‐billed using your internaOonal health insurance. Call 13-‐7425 for this service. For more informaOon please visit student recepOon.
Lost Property There is a lost property box at recepOon, so if you have lost anything at school, visit recepOon and a staff member will check for you. Remember that you are responsible for your own belongings; so don’t leave anything valuable lying around! Kitchen Facili<es A kitcheneje with microwaves is located on each level for student use. You are welcome to bring your lunch but please bring your own knife and fork. There is also a fridge on level 4. Tables, chairs and sofas are located in the common areas for use at meal and break Omes. Please remember to clean and wash up aWer yourself.
Computers & Internet Access (WIFI) Students can use the computers and Internet in the Computer Room and Study Centre on Level 4. Students who want to study have priority to use these computers. Students who have their own device also have the ability to use our wireless Internet. Network: “SCE_Student” Password: sydneycollege
Student & Academic Counsellors If you need to talk to someone about a problem or if you just need someone to talk to, there are counsellors available during the college’s opening hours. Ask at recepOon. We have many different language speakers on site. For academic issues, please talk to your teacher, the Head Teacher or Director of Studies.
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Social & Ac<vi<es Program SCE organises regular excursions to places of interest all around Sydney as well as longer trips to places like the Blue Mountains, Canberra, the Snowy Mountains for skiing, and Jervis Bay for surfing. This is a great way for you to do some sightseeing at the same Ome as meeOng new people and making new friends. These acOviOes are adverOsed on posters and with flyers around the school. Please ask at recepOon for more informaOon and to book your trip.
Every month we have a new acOviOes calendar, which you can find at recepOon or on the SCE Facebook page. Some of the acOviOes are free and some are not, as we try to include a variety of different acOviOes to cater for everybody.
There are also a number of college events which take place on school days such as the Christmas BBQ and Culture Day. Your teacher will give you more informaOon about these events and help your class to get organised for them.
Smoking You are not allowed to smoke inside the school. If you want to smoke, you must go outside and at least 4 metres away from the school entrance -‐ please go around the corner. Please do not smoke on the front steps outside the building and move away from the front entrance.
It is illegal in Sydney to throw your cigareje bujs on the ground. You may receive a fine of up to $2,000. Use a garbage bin or take your bujs upstairs with you and put them in a bin inside. Smoking in a non-‐smoking area -‐ including inside the building and within 4 metres outside -‐ has a fine of up to $2,200.
Taking a Holiday There are no official holidays at SCE, unless you are studying HSP. We are open all year and only close on public holidays. If you want to apply for a holiday, please apply via the SCE website (Services > Holiday ApplicaOon): hjp://www.sce.edu.au/the-‐services/holiday-‐applicaOon/. You must inform the college at least 2 weeks in advance, as well as noOfying your homestay family.
You must maintain acceptable ajendance before applying for a holiday. If your ajendance is less than 80%, you will not be granted a holiday. Please be aware that different rules apply depending on your visa type so you may not always be granted a holiday. When studying EAP or Cambridge courses, you may not take a holiday unOl you have finished the course. Note: your request for a holiday may not be approved so please do not book flights etc. un<l your approval has been given.
Security Please keep your bag and belongings with you at all Omes and never leave valuables unajended in the classroom. The college cannot take responsibility for the loss of personal property.
Financial Ques<ons Come to student recepOon if you want to pay for tuiOon fees, textbook fees, acOviOes fees, accommodaOon fees. Come and talk with us if are unsure about payments or fees.
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Class Timetables
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Academic Informa<on
Our Courses Most students who study at SCE study General English. In class you will develop all the skills of speaking, listening, reading and wriOng as well as improving your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciaOon. Please talk to your teacher if there are any special areas that you would like to focus on.
We also offer a variety of specialised courses and for most of these, you will need to be at an Intermediate General English level or above.
General English Classes (GE) General English Classes are split into 6 different skill levels:
Each level is 12 weeks. This is divided into 3 modules of 4 weeks each:
Tests are held on Monday in week 4 of each module.
Module A & B progress tests – only students with an excellent result and class performance can move up a level aWer these progress tests. It is best to complete each level before moving up to the next one.
Module C end of the level test – an overall result of at least 70% and strong speaking and wriOng scores mean you can move up to the next level.
General English Acernoon Op<on Classes: OpOons classes cover a range of subjects and let you focus on specific skills such as speaking and listening, pronunciaOon, wriOng, and vocabulary.
Each OpOons course runs for two weeks. Generally, you will be assigned to a course and the new class lists are posted on the Level 3, 4 and 5 noOce boards on the every Monday. If you want to change your OpOons class, please speak to the Head Teacher.
GE Level 1 Beginnners GE Level 4 Intermediate
GE Level 2 Elementary GE Level 5 Upper Intermediate
GE Level 3 Pre Intermediate GE Level 6 Advanced
Module A (Units 1 -‐ 4) Module B (Units 5-‐8) Module C (Units 6-‐12)
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Other Courses
Cambridge Exam Prepara<on These courses are for students who want to prepare to take the Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET), First CerOficate in English (FCE), Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Proficiency (CPE) – internaOonally recognised English language qualificaOons cerOfied by Cambridge University UK. These are very intensive 10 or 12-‐week courses that run four Omes per year. We strongly recommend a Cambridge course if you are looking for some serious study and serious improvement. SCE is the largest official open Cambridge Test Centre in Sydney and you can take your exams here at the college.
IELTS Exam Prepara<on This course involves preparaOon and pracOce for the General and Academic modules of the IELTS test. It is suitable for students who need to take an IELTS test for immigraOon or further study. Students need to be high Intermediate level or above to be accepted on this programme.
EAP (English for Academic Purposes) SCE has pathway agreements with a large number of vocaOonal colleges and universiOes. These colleges and universiOes will accept students who successfully complete EAP into their bachelor, diploma or foundaOon programs. EAP focuses on the English language skills necessary to be successful in an academic environment. Please speak to the Head Teacher or the Director of Studies for more informaOon.
EHP (English for Health Professionals) This course is designed for medical professionals who want to increase their knowledge of medical terminology in English. It is offered as an 8-‐hour aWernoon opOon.
There are 2 classes: EHP 1 – Pre-‐Intermediate to Intermediate level EHP 2 – Upper Intermediate level
Prepara<on for OET (Occupa<onal English Test) Some overseas health professionals who want to register to work in Australia need to pass the OET as part of the registraOon process. This 8 week course will help you prepare for the exam. Students can start any Monday and study for 1-‐8 weeks, though they will benefit the most from compleOng the full 8 week course. This course is also suitable for students who wish to work in the fields of social work, translaOng and interpreOng.
Ques<ons? If you would like more informaOon about these courses, please speak to the Head Teacher or the Director of Studies.
To begin one of these courses you may need to complete an entry test. Please speak to the Head Teacher or the Director of Studies to arrange a Ome to do an entry test.
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Extra Informa<on
Textbooks You need a textbook for your morning class and can collect your textbook from student recepOon. You do not need any books for OpOons classes. Your teacher will give you all the materials that you need.
Homework Your teacher will give you homework 3 to 4 nights per week. It is important to do this homework as it helps you pracOce what you have learned in your classes.
Excursions Every 2 to 3 months, all classes have a day out with their teacher. You and your teacher will decide where you want to go. Excursion days are conversaOon days – a chance for you to spend the day speaking informally with your teacher and classmates and explore Sydney.
Remember: Your teacher cannot learn English for you. You have to work hard yourself, both at school and also out of class. The best way is to speak English as much as possible. At school, it is a rule that you must speak English only, as this helps you learn and also communicate with your classmates who may be from different countries to you. Find fun ways to pracOse -‐ watch TV, listen to the radio, read magazines, go on excursions. There are many ways to improve your English.
Want to do more? The college has some extra acOviOes if you would like to study out of class Ome or just have some fun speaking English:
Self Access Monday -‐ Thursday from 3:00pm – 4:00pm and Friday from 1:00pm — 2:00pm in Room 401 a teacher is available to answer your quesOons or help you with your homework. There are a number of useful websites to help you with various skills. Please ask the self-‐access teacher for a list.
Pronuncia<on Workshop Every Monday from 3:00pm – 4:00pm in Room 402 this excellent free workshop is run to help you focus on correct pronunciaOon and to improve fluency.
Conversa<on Prac<ce Every Tuesday from 3:00pm – 4:00pm in Room 407 a student from a University comes to the college to run an informal conversaOon hour. If you would like the opportunity just to chat with naOve speakers please meet at recepOon.
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IELTS Prac<ce Test Workshop Every Wednesday from 3:00pm – 4:00pm in Room 402 this workshop is available to complete pracOce IELTS reading and listening tests. Even if you are not going to take an IELTS test, doing a pracOce test is good general reading and listening pracOce. This is recommended for Intermediate level and above.
General English Listening Workshop Every Wednesday from 3:00pm -‐ 4:00pm in Room 404. All students would benefit from ajending this workshop, especially if you have recently arrived to Australia.
Walking and Talking Every Wednesday from 3:00pm -‐ 4:00pm there is an opportunity to go out for a walk with a teacher. It’s a chance to get some exercise, see some local places and pracOce your English. Tell RecepOon if you’re interested in doing this acOvity. There needs to be a minimum of 4 students.
TOEIC Workshop Every Thursday from 3:00pm – 4:00pm in Room 402 a teacher runs this workshop to give you a chance to develop and pracOce your test skills and strategies. This is recommended for Intermediate level and above.
Movie Club Every Thursday at 3:00pm in Room 407 a movie is shown. This is a fun way to improve your listening skills and relax aWer a long day. The movie will have subOtles in English to help you understand and there is popcorn.
Sydney Pubs AWer student graduaOon on Friday of week 4, join one of our teachers who will take you to a local pub for some relaxed conversaOon and a drink.
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Extra English Workshops Fun with English
Monday Self Access 3pm -‐ 4pm Room 401
Pronuncia<on Clinic
3pm -‐ 4pm Room 402
Tuesday Self Access 3pm -‐ 4pm Room 401 Conversa<on Club 3pm -‐ 4pm Room 407
Wednesday Self Access 3pm -‐ 4pm Room 401 Walking and Talking
3pm -‐ 4pm Meet at RecepOon
IELTS workshop 3pm -‐ 4pm Room 402 Boot Camp $5 with teacher Anne
3pm start Meet at RecepOon
GE Listening workshop
3pm -‐ 4pm Room 404
Thursday Self Access 3pm -‐ 4pm Room 401 Movie Club 3pm start Room 407
TOEIC workshop 3pm -‐ 4pm Room 402
Friday Self Access 1pm -‐ 2pm Room 401
What should I do if…
I want to change my level or class: If you want to change your level, you should talk to your teacher first. Your teacher knows your English level best and will be able to tell you your strengths and weaknesses and if you are ready to change level. If you have any other problems with your class, please talk to the Head Teacher or Director of Studies.
I want to change my course: If you want to change your course, you will need to speak to the Head Teacher or the Director of Studies. Please remember that many courses have a minimum entry level of Intermediate and you may need to do an entry test. Depending on the course you choose, you may need to pay extra tuiOon fees.
College Rules Agendance It is very important for you to come to every lesson. Too many absences mean you miss out on too many lessons and you may fail your course and/or be reported to ImmigraOon for breaching your visa.
SCE has an 80% ajendance rule for all students. -‐ If you are on a student visa, you are required by the Department of immigraOon to have a
minimum 80% agendance or your visa may be cancelled. -‐ You will not receive a cer<ficate when you finish your course if your agendance is below 80%.
You will receive warning lejers when your ajendance falls below 95%, 90% and 85%. AWer these three lejers, if you are on a student visa and your ajendance does not improve, you will be reported to ImmigraOon, which means that you might have to leave Australia.
If you are having problems coming to school, please talk to the Director of Studies or the OperaOons Manager. It is very important that you let us know if you are having problems.
Lateness Please be on Ome for your classes. If you are more than 15 minutes late, your teacher may refuse you entry to the class and you will have to wait unOl the next class begins. You will also be recorded as absent.
If you can’t come to school If you are unable to ajend class for any reason you must call RecepOon and let them know that you will not be coming into school. If you are sick and you don’t think that you can come to school, you must present a valid Doctor’s CerOficate on your first day back.
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Mobile Phones Please do not use your mobile phone during class. Turn your phone off or put it on silent while you are in class. Students must not send an SMS or answer/make calls during lessons.Respect other students’ privacy – do not take photographs without their permission.
English ONLY Policy The college is an English only zone. You must try and speak ONLY English while you are in the building.
Remember There are people from many different countries and cultures at the college and you should always be respec{ul of different customs, views and ways of thinking, even if you do not always agree with them.
Students whose behaviour is disrupOve, rude or disrespec{ul may be asked to leave the college and have their enrolment cancelled.
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General Informa<on -‐ Outside School
Be Safe Sydney is a safe city, but you need to be sensible in the school and outside.
-‐ Keep your money, bag, camera and other valuables with you at all Omes.
-‐ Carry enough money for the day (but not a large amount). -‐ When you use public transport at night, travel in the carriage that is marked with a blue light –
this is next to a guard so it is much safer. -‐ If you need to ask for help or if you feel unsafe, talk to a police officer or go into a shop or
restaurant
Road Safety Remember we drive on the leW so be careful when you cross the road, and we stand on the leW on any escalators to allow others to pass on the right
Where Do I Find…? Shopping Centre:
-‐ Broadway Shopping Centre – 1 Bay Street, UlOmo 2007 (10 minute walk) -‐ Central Park on Broadway – 28 Broadway, UlOmo 2007 (5-‐10 minute walk) -‐ Market City – 9-‐13 Hay Street, Haymarket 2000 (10 minute walk)
Food & Drinks There are many shops where you can buy your lunch. These include:
-‐ Cafes on Harris Street and surrounding streets -‐ Cafes and restaurants around Central StaOon (10 minute walk) -‐ Food court at Broadway Shopping Centre – 1 Bay Street, UlOmo NSW 2007 (10 minute walk) -‐ Food court or supermarket at Central Park on Broadway -‐ 28 Broadway, UlOmo 2007 (5-‐10
minute walk) -‐ Restaurants at Haymarket and Chinatown are popular for their internaOonal cuisine (10 minute
walk)
Chemist -‐ There are mulOple chemists at Broadway Shopping Centre – 1 Bay Street, UlOmo 2007 (10
minute walk) -‐ Market City Pharmacy – 9-‐13 Hay Street, Haymarket 2000 (10 minute walk)
Toilets There are public toilets around the city, such as in shopping centres including Market City, and at train staOons.
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Emergencies If you need to call the police, fire service or ambulance, the number is triple zero (000). Remember this number is only for REAL emergencies. If you need to call the Police Assistance Line to report a theW or for any extra help, phone: 131 444
Fire If the fire alarm sounds, don’t panic! Follow your teacher, leave your bags, and books in the classroom, and leave the building as quickly as possible. Once outside, stay with your teacher to have your name marked off. Please do not re-‐enter the school un<l the principal tells you to.
Transport Trains The easiest way to travel around the city is by train. If you will not be catching public transport oWen, you can purchase a one way Ocket or a return Ocket.
AlternaOvely, if you will use public transport oWen, it is easiest and cheapest to purchase an Opal card. This is a convenient, quick, and easy card that works on a ‘pay-‐as-‐you-‐go’ system, so you only pay when you catch a train, ferry, bus or light rail. Opal cards are sold at most news agencies and convenience stores such as 7-‐Eleven and you can add money to an exisOng card at these locaOons, as well as online. The closest train staOon to the college is Central staOon.
Buses Most buses in Sydney are Pre-‐pay. This means you need to purchase your Ocket before you get on the bus or use your Opal card. Tickets are available from various retailers, including 7-‐Eleven.
Bus stops are located throughout the city and buses are usually the most convenient way to travel to the beaches (Manly, Bondi, Mona Vale etc). You will need to signal the driver if you want the bus to stop. Buses (Night Riders) can also be caught during the Omes when the trains have stopped running, most go along the same routes and will stop at the major staOons. You will need to check the signs and also with the driver to be sure.
Light Rail Another public transport opOon is the light rail, which operates around the city and the Inner West. You can use your Opal card to pay for your trips. There are a few stops around SCE.
Taxis Taxis are more expensive than most public transport but can be safer if you don’t wish to travel alone at night. You can be picked up from your locaOon or you can stop one by waving in the street. Cabs have an orange light on the roof; this is turned on if the taxi is available.
The best way to plan your trip if you are using public transport is to visit the website hjp://www.transportnsw.info
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Living in Sydney Many people come to visit Sydney from overseas each year. They normally receive a very warm welcome from the local people but this depends on how you behave when you are here. Here is some advice to help with living in Australia.
Queuing In Sydney it is normal for people to form a line when waiOng at places such as bus stops, shops, the bank and the cinema. It is very rude to push in at the front or the middle of the queue.
Courtesy When coughing, sneezing or yawning, people will put their hand over their mouth, and spi}ng is not acceptable. Listen to how oWen people say “please”, “thank you”, “excuse me” or “I’m sorry”. Try to use these words in a similar way.
Australian Laws Liger You must not drop rubbish in the street, on trains or any other public places. Please take it home or place in rubbish bins. There are heavy fines for lijering in Australia.
Alcohol You cannot buy beer, wine or spirits if you are under the age of 18. You will be asked to produce idenOficaOon at the pub, bar or shop. You also cannot buy alcohol for anyone under the age of 18 and you can be fined for doing this as the police are very strict about this law. It is also illegal to buy alcohol and drink in a public place, for example on the footpath or in a park.
Dangerous Objects You must not carry any kind of weapon (for example a knife or a gas/liquid spray) in a public place.
Drugs It is illegal to possess or use any kind of non-‐prescripOon drug in Australia, including “soW” drugs like cannabis. If someone approaches you on the street or in a club, remember to say NO! Possession of any drug can result in a prison sentence. Smoking cigarejes indoors and on public transport is not allowed.
Remember: ShopliWing, using public transport without paying for a Ocket and most things that are illegal in your country are probably illegal here. Most illegal offences will end in fines and possible jail Ome so please be careful!
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Contacts You Might Need:
NSW Office of Fair TradingLevel 3,4 8 Woodville Street Hurstville NSW 2220 Telephone: 13 32 20
Overseas Students Ombudsman GPO Box 442 Canberra ACT 2601Telephone: 1300 362 072 Website: www.oso.gov.au
Immigra<on Department Ground Floor26 Lee Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: 131 881 Open: Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm
Taxi Service Bookings: 133 300
Transport To find out where your closest bus or train stop is call 131 500 or visit www.transportnsw.info
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Confused? Don’t worry!
There are lots of new students like you every week – you are not alone.
Come and see us at Student Services/RecepOon if you have any quesOons about your studies or any other general quesOons. We speak several different languages and will always do our best to help you.