News

Category: General

Unique opportunity to study UNE courses at ISBT Sydney Campus. Admissions now open for 13 July 2009 intake.

Services & Facilities

ISBT prides itself on the range of services and facilities offered to students to make them feel at home in their new environment.

These services include:

Pre-departure information and assistance

ISBT provides information and advice about how to prepare for arrival in Australia and what to expect on arrival. A pre-departure kit is sent to all students before they leave their home country. Students may also contact our friendly admissions staff via email for more information at: info@isbt.nsw.edu.au.

Airport reception and airport pickup

New students arriving from overseas are met in Sydney International Airport by ISBT friendly staff or senior students and are transferred by car or bus to their prearranged accommodation. Students are then assisted with basic needs such as changing money, telephoning home, buying food and any other items. Students are required to make a request for airport pick-up at least two weeks in advance (conditions and charges apply). Contact our friendly admissions staff via email for details at: info@isbt.nsw.edu.au.

Accommodation and settling in

Our dedicated student support staff can help organise accommodation for students in advance of their arrival. Every effort is made to enable students to acquire the accommodation best suited to their needs. Staff will assist students to settle quickly and successfully into their accommodation and to familiarise themselves with local shopping, opening a bank account, getting to know the city, its surrounds and the local transportation system.

Course advice and enrolment assistance

All university students in Australia must formally enroll in their course, either electronically or by submitting an enrolment form. Enrolment for UNE courses at ISBT is conducted in the week prior to the commencement of classes each semester. Each student is sent details of enrolment as part of the UNE Courses at ISBT Offer Guide advising of the date, time and venue for enrolment. During enrolment students are given course advice to ensure they are enrolled in both the correct course and units of study. Assistance is given throughout the process to ensure each student is successfully enrolled. For new students enrolment is an opportunity to meet academic and administrative staff and managers from both UNE and ISBT and to have any queries or concerns resolved.

UNE’s Student Centre will also provide advice and support via website, telephone or email. Further information and contact details for the UNE Student Centre can be obtained at: http://www.une.edu.au/for/current-students/#item2

Orientation program

An Orientation program is conducted before classes begin and is compulsory for all newly arriving international students. At ISBT orientation is conducted by experienced staff from both UNE and ISBT. The program includes information about ISBT student support services, facilities, healthcare, obtaining legal advice; what to do in an emergency and contact details of the ISBT staff that can assist. In addition information is given about the rights and responsibilities of UNE students including information about complaints, appeals and the legal requirements regarding study and residence in Australia.

Orientation also includes guidelines about how to study UNE courses successfully and an introduction to Australian culture, society and life. In addition to the formal processes described above, students have their first opportunity to meet with fellow students and staff over some typically Australian refreshments.

Social activities program

An ongoing social activities program runs throughout each semester and provides opportunities for students to enjoy a range of activities outside study. These include occasional weekends or one day excursions to various locations in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast.

Academic and English language support

Continuing study assistance is provided by specially trained staff on an individual or group basis to assist students with note taking, referencing, essay and report writing, paraphrasing, grammar, oral presentations, researching, time management and exam preparation. UNE’s Academic Skills Office in Armidale also provides support online; further information and contact details for the UNE Academic Skills Office can be obtained at: http://www.une.edu.au/for/current-students/#item2

Counselling service

ISBT counseling service is free, confidential and voluntary. Counsellors can help students adjust to their new environment, deal effectively with difficult personal situations and advocate on behalf of students. In addition, UNE Student Assist staff and the International Services Manager at UNE in Armidale are available for help and support via email and telephone. The International Services Manager also makes visits to ISBT during the year. Further information about UNE Student Assist and UNE International Services can be obtained at: http://www.une.edu.au/elis/

Teaching facilities

ISBT provides contemporary learning facilities for students studying UNE courses in Sydney. There are fully equipped lecture facilities with audio visual projection equipment, small sized tutorial rooms and fully equipped computer laboratories with fast internet access and appropriate software. There are study areas for groups and individuals in addition to teaching rooms. Staff and students may use computers, photocopiers, television and video/DVD players, digital cameras, scanners and audio visual projectors to facilitate successful teaching and learning.

Library facilities

Students have access to library, photocopying, printing and email services. The ISBT Library collection includes books, journals, audio-visual materials as well as other resources and provides workspace for students. Online training is available in Internet and research skills. Students also have full online access to UNE’s Dixon Library in Armidale.

Student lounge and recreation

Students have access to a recreation lounge at ISBT. The facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, food and soft drink vending machines, a large plasma screen television, lounge chairs and dining tables. A wide range of recreation, entertainment, sporting facilities, cafes and fast food outlets are also available close by.

First aid facilities

First Aid Kits and supplies are kept on the premises. The First Aid Officer responds immediately to requests for first aid assistance.

Accommodation options

Several options are available for students, including rental accommodation, shared accommodation and homestay. Most international students prefer to share rental accommodation to reduce costs. ISBT staff assist students to find accommodation. Although accommodation is usually readily available, the beginning of each term is a very busy time and accommodation may take a little longer to find during these periods. Homestay with an Australian family who provide accommodation and meals is a good option for international students. The approximate cost of Homestay is between AUD$250 to AUD$290 per week. ISBT keeps a list of real estate agents and home stay providers to assist students in making necessary arrangements. Students need to make a request for this service at least two weeks in advance and conditions and charges apply. For further information contact ISBT at info@isbt.nsw.edu.au