Every international student who chooses to study in Tasmania has access to multiple layers of support. From help with your studies to just feeling homesick, there’s always someone to help.

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High Schools and Senior Secondary Colleges

Each school in our program has at least one International Student Advisor, or ISA. It is the ISA’s role to help international students deal with any problems they may have while in Tasmania. You can think of the ISA as a temporary parent who students can come to with any question, be it academic or personal.

Other teachers are also able to offer learning support. In Australia, teachers are there to make sure students can complete their studies. Questions and requests for extra help are rewarded with time, attention and assistance.

Some Tasmanian High Schools also provide a “buddy” system, where Australian students volunteer to look after newly arrived international students, helping them to settle in.

The Tasmanian Polytechnic

International students are given access to the same counselling services as every other student. Some counsellors will have expertise in given areas, including those frequently encountered by international students. This service is free, confidential and designed to ensure you successfully complete your course.

If you are experiencing any difficulties with your life or studies in Tasmania, it is very important that you keep in regular contact with the counsellors.

Some of the things which counsellors can help you with include:

• Motivation, concentration or procrastination
• Study plans and a balanced lifestyle
• Confidence in group participation
• Financial advice
• Assistance arranging accommodation
• Difficulties with classmates, teachers or family
• Health issues, including drugs and alcohol, eating and sleep disorders
• Emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss
• Gender or sexuality issues
• Discrimination or harassment
• Referral to other services, such as legal, medical, accommodation or financial.

GETI

Any international students who is under 18 years of age and living in a Tasmanian Government homestay is under the guardianship of the Tasmanian Government. This means that GETI has responsibility for the child’s safety and wellbeing.

If an international student has a problem which they are unable to discuss with their ISAs or counsellors, or a probelm they are unable to resolve with their homestay, they are always welcome to contact the GETI office.

Students are also given a special 24 hour contact number in case of emergencies.

Attendance

Under the conditions of holding a student visa, all international students are required to attend at least 80% of their classes over the whole length of the course. If your attendance falls below 80%, you can have your visa cancelled and you will have to return home early.

If you are unwell or there are special circumstances that require you to be away from class, you must tell your teachers. If you are sick, a medical certificate from a doctor is required as proof. If there is a problem that will affect your ongoing attendance, you should discuss this with your ISA or a counsellor.

If you decide to continue your study after the Tasmanian Polytechnic, you may need your attendance record. Please remember to ask for this before you leave.