Become more familiar with Australian culture and University life and gain confidence communicating in English, while making friends with other students through fun, virtual, peer-led activities.
Registrations for Melbourne Talks Semester 1 2021 have now closed.
What is Melbourne Talks?
Melbourne Talks is a free program for international students new to the University of Melbourne delivered by the Student Peer Leader Network in partnership with Academic Skills. There are two streams: one for undergraduate and graduate coursework students and one for graduate researchers.
For information on eligibility, dates and how to apply, select your level of study below.
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Undergraduate and graduate coursework students
The program for undergraduate and graduate coursework students is designed to help you:
- Become familiar with Australian culture and University life
- Develop confidence communicating in English
- Network and form social connections with other students.
Program dates
- 15 March – 16 April (Week 3 to Week 6 inclusive of mid-semester break)
- 90 minutes per week, for five weeks (including non-teaching week of 5 April)
- Sessions will be held via Zoom.
As this is a highly sought-after offering that attracts high number of applications, we ask you to commit to attending every session.
How to register
Registrations for the Semester 1 program have now closed.
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Graduate researchers
The program for graduate researchers is designed to help you:
- Transition smoothly into graduate research at the University of Melbourne
- Consider strategies and practical tools for a successful graduate candidature
- Become familiar with Australian culture and the graduate student life
- Develop confidence communicating in English in a social and academic context
- Network and form social connections with other graduate research students.
Program dates
- Wednesdays 12 - 1pm"https://students.unimelb.edu.au/careers/get-career-ready/leadership-and-employability-programs/student-peer-leader-network"
- Six weeks, (31st March - 5 May).
- Sessions will be held via Zoom.
You must be able to attend every session to be considered for the program.
We look forward to receiving your application!How to register
Registrations for the Semester 1 programs have now closed.
Melbourne Talks Peer Leaders
Testimonials
I really enjoyed the games, group discussions and meeting new people.
The program helped me develop initiative to talk to new people and participate in new activities like volunteering.
The tutors are so nice, warm and helpful. I enjoy talking to them and exchanging information with them.
The Aussie English session has equipped me with lots of local expressions I've never heard before.
I met a lot of people with lots of interesting ideas.
Have questions?
If you have any questions about Melbourne Talks, email: melbourne-talks@unimelb.edu.au
About you as a University of Melbourne Research Student? I am a PhD Candidate in the School of Culture and Communication, University of Melbourne. My research sits at the intersection of place, technology, public and politics. My thesis examines urban politics and technologies through the emerging phenomenon of digital placemaking.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about Melbourne Talks? Human beings need connection. There is a special sense of belonging to connect to others through a specific place and a group of like-minded people. Melbourne Talks offer this sense of belonging.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? In my free time, I also manage art projects and write about art and technology.
About you as a University of Melbourne Research Student? I am a 3rd year PhD student from Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science. My thesis is about the relationship of anti-cholesterol medicine on cognition.
What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about Melbourne Talks? The opportunity to mingle with like-minded peers and have discussions about course or non-course related issues.
If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I am a sports enthusiast, particularly soccer. I am also a big fan of culture and language.