Australia has set up a welcome desk for all international students at the Melbourne airport where they will be given welcome packs with information on living, working and studying by a team of local volunteers. According to a minister it will "help settle" them better.

 

Bronwyn Pike, Victorian Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation, said the government "knows international students need support to help settle in to a new country."

 

She also said, “Information and advice about housing and consumer rights will also be provided to international students upon their arrival at Melbourne airport."

 

The minister said that the Oz government will provide an Aus$2.7 million support and information package over four years for international students as part of the Aus$14 million `Thinking Global: Victoria's Action Plan for International Education'.

 

She said that the government was "committed to ensuring international students feel welcome and informed, whether they're studying in Melbourne or one of our regional cities."

 

The welcome desk will be functional during the peak student arrival period which is four weeks up till Feb 21^st.

 

This move came after Australia’s image was totally shattered as a result of the string of attacks on Indians especially in Melbourne and Sydney.