International students take comfort in 'couch' support
International students take comfort in 'couch' support
9 February 2022
The Salvation Army and Blundstone Australia have partnered to provide a new support program to assist the increasing number of international students who have fallen on hard times. Back row from left: Alderman Bec Thomas (Mayor of Glenorchy City Council), Stacey Milbourne (Doorways State Manager), Captain Jeff Milkins (Glenorchy City Corps Officer). Front row: Viet Nguyen (Student Engagement Worker) and Adam Blake (Blundstone Joint-CEO).
Life can be isolating for international students when they move to Australia, but now thanks to Doorways Tasmania in Hobart, these young people can find community and support through the newly launched International Student Support Program.
Better known as ‘The Couch’ and based on a similar venture that operates out of The Salvation Army Project 614 in Melbourne, the program is the result of a partnership between Doorways Tasmania and Blundstone Australia.
Run from the Glenorchy Doorways service, which shares a building with the Glenorchy City Corps in Hobart’s north, it is a much-needed program as international students continue to be affected by the pandemic.
“International students were hit particularly hard during the peak of the pandemic. Many who relied on hospitality work lost their jobs and did not qualify for JobKeeper or JobSeeker and simultaneously were unable to receive support from their home countries or families,” said Doorways State Manager Stacey Milbourne.
“Our hope is the program will create a definite feeling of belonging and become a hub for our international students living in the Hobart area.”
As part of the program, Glenorchy Doorways will provide practical assistance and create a place of belonging where international students feel comfortable and seek support and social connection. This would be impossible without the financial support of Blundstone Australia.
“We’re proud to be working with The Salvation Army on this program and to be able to assist them to make a significant difference for international students in need of essential support in Southern Tasmania,” said Blundstone Joint-CEO Adam Blake.
The International Student Support Program has personal value to project lead in International Student Worker Viet Nguyen. A former international student, he understands how isolating moving away from cultural familiarities and family can be.
“[This] is not always about monetary support [for students]. They are looking for support to create a network, to build their confidence and knowledge, and to forge skills during their stay in Australia.” he shares. “We want students to be empowered to achieve their goals.”
Viet began working at Glenorchy Doorways as a student social worker last year. As a staff member, he wants the program to make students feel safe and comfortable engaging with the local Tasmanian community.
“Every Monday, Wednesday or Friday, students can make an appointment or walk in [to Doorways], and we have a group activity on,” he says. “At the moment we have a study group preparing for English exams. I also go out to recruitment agencies and invite them to workshops.”
As the year goes on, the student support program will help students become employment-ready and support their visa and housing applications. This will assist international students, many of whom are often reluctant to share contact details with employers or rental agents due to racial stereotypes.
“We are wanting to work with the students and cater to their individual needs. Viet has already lined up a jobs-active provider to come and help with resume presentation and interview techniques,” said Stacey.
While the Tasmanian version of the program is still in its infancy, its benefits are already being seen. Karen, an international student, has been struggling to reach the required level of English to attain permanent residency in Australia. After reaching out to The Salvation Army, Viet arranged some one-on-one sessions, supporting Karen with advice and an opportunity to practice.
“After spending some time with Viet, I am so happy to say I passed the English requirements to apply for permanent residency,” she said.
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