Cambridge International College understands that students may require extra support to help them cope with living and studying in a foreign country. This support is provided by the CIC Student Welfare staff who are professional, friendly and qualified staff available to assist students in a broad range of areas, including counseling (and referrals where appropriate). The service is free and confidential.

Why would I meet with someone from the Student Welfare Team?

Many students experience difficulties when they move to a new country. For international students these difficulties can be made worse because of the need to adjust to a new culture, language, living situation, and different academic expectations. Below is a list of some of the issues which you may raise with the Student Welfare Team:

• Understanding and adapting to Australian customs
• Coping without your friends and family
• Worries about accommodation or finances
• Concerns about your attendance or course progress
• Language problems
• Managing your time
• Relationship problems at school, at home, or with your flat mates
• Pregnancy
• Becoming the victim of a crime or having an accident
• Wanting advice about further study options or social groups you could join
• Having a girlfriend or boyfriend from another culture
• Childcare or concerns about your children
• Experiencing religious conflicts or confusion
• Feeling lonely and wanting to make friends

We want students to learn successful strategies for dealing with these issues and enjoy their time studying at Cambridge International College.

How can I  arrange to see someone from Student Welfare?

• You can telephone your campus and ask to speak with a Student Counselor.
• Leave a message with your phone number and ask for an appointment.
• You can e-mail to counselling@cambridgecollege.com.au

All members of the Student Welfare Team have their contact details on the student and staff notice boards at the college. Your teacher will also be happy to help you to arrange an appointment.

What happens next?

A person from the Student Welfare Team will contact you to give the appointment time and place. They will also explain about confidentiality.

It is probable that the student counsellor will take some notes of the meeting for their records should you need to visit more than once. After the meeting a decision will be made as to what assistance from the Student Welfare Team is best suited to you. You may just need some basic information or someone to see and regularly to talk to.

Can my family or partner use the Student Welfare Service?

Yes. We want to ensure that you are well supported at CIC. If your partner has a problem that affects you or your study then they can also make an appointment to see the Student Welfare Team.

Contact Us

• Melbourne: counselling@cambridgecollege.com.au or +61 3 9663 4933

The Student Welfare Team are available to meet with students individually or in groups, on Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:30pm. If these times are not convenient please discuss this with the Student Welfare Team and they will do their best to arrange a time outside of normal business hours.

This is a free service and it is confidential. 

Counselling may not be something that you are familiar with in your country, or it may be something that only people who have severe problems access. In Australia it is a common way of working through your problems to go to a professional person and talk about your concerns in a safe, friendly and private environment. In discussions your nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and age difference are totally accepted and respected.