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As an international student you want to make sure you're getting the most out of your time studying at TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA). For a high quality education experience at TIWA, you can benefit from learning from dedicated lecturers with strong globally recognised courses taught by industry connected lecturers. In addition, TIWA is owned and operated by the Western Australian (WA) State Government so you can feel confident that you can take advantage of TAFE's modern facilities and state of the art technology to give you the experience of real work environments.
As well as achieving your qualifications, you need to be looking towards the connections you can make, unique opportunities and soft skills you can develop.
To ensure that you have a first rate educational experience, here are 10 tips to help you to get the most out of your studies.
1 Complete orientation
It's crucial to complete orientation before you start your studies at TIWA. At your sessions, you will find useful information relevant to your course and helpful tips to set yourself up for success.
2 Access international student support
To get the most out of your studies, you need to make sure you're fully supported by your education provider.
TIWA is deeply committed to supporting its international students, assisting you before and after your studies. Working closely with your college, the TIWA Customer Service team provide up to date information and advice. They can also help with visa applications and overseas student health cover queries.
The international office at your college will be able provide support, including helping with course enrolments or changes, and monitoring your progress. Plus, the support staff can provide information about life in WA, so you can explore your new home to the fullest.
3 No question is too small — Ask away!
Regardless of how minor your question seems, if you have any queries or anything you are unsure or confused about, make sure you ask someone! You can ask your lecturers, your peers, or the TIWA Customer Service team. Someone will be able to help you find the answer you need! Our contact email address is admissions.tiwa@dtwd.wa.gov.au.
4 Take advantage of high quality facilities and equipment
All WA TAFE campuses feature state of the art facilities and equipment, from classrooms and libraries to kitchens and workshops.
Learning at industry specific facilities will help you get the most out of your studies, as they offer a real world working environment and on the job experience to help prepare you for your future career.
5 Explore the library
Make sure to take the opportunity to explore your campus library. Not only is it helpful for your studies, but learning to use the library effectively will improve your research and analytical skills — important for any role you may take on.
6 Network with your lecturers
The dedicated lecturers at TAFE are experts in their field with a wealth of knowledge and experience. All have strong professional and industry links, which can provide you with great networking opportunities.
Meeting key figures in your industry during your studies can help you gain mentoring opportunities or even secure a job after graduation. TIWA courses allow you to work and interact with your lecturers more closely than other kinds of education providers. Make sure to connect with your lecturers as much as possible. Ask lots of questions to take advantage of the opportunities they provide.
7 Develop your skills with industry work placement
Many courses include a work placement in your chosen industry. This kind of work experience is invaluable in assisting you to put your learning into practice. It's also great for giving you a chance to see what work will be like in your industry. When you get your first job, you will already have an idea of what to do!
TIWA's study areas that include work placements in registered offsite agencies with industry partners are Animal Studies; Applied Fashion Design; Bricklaying and Carpentry; Community Services; Early Childhood Education; and Nursing.
Other TIWA courses include simulated work placements in settings that replicate real work environments in on-campus facilities. Engage with industry experienced lecturers in classrooms and hands on environments such as restaurants, laboratories and workshops.
These study areas are Automotive; Aviation; Beauty; Cookery; Conservation and Land Management; Community Services; Land and Environmental Management; Hospitality; and Process Plant Technology.
8 Get involved in the student community
Joining relevant clubs and attending events that align with your interests and chosen course will help you to network, make friends, and discover new knowledge beyond the classroom.
9 Do your reading and research
This is one of the most important things you can do to get the most out of your studies. Learning does not end when classes end. At home, you must ensure you do all your reading and research to stay on top of course content and make the most of your course.
10 Study English
TIWA is accredited by NEAS Australia(opens in a new tab) for the provision of the highest quality English language teaching programs. TIWA is also a member of English Australia (EA)(opens in a new tab), the peak professional body for all accredited English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) centres in Australia. Once you have completed your ELICOS course, you will be well equipped to study any of the other courses offered by TIWA.
To develop strong links with industry to succeed in the future employment market, choose TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) for globally recognised courses delivered by dedicated lecturers with industry experience and connections. Check out the wide range of courses that TIWA has to offer and detailed information on the application process. You can apply to study with TIWA by completing an online application(opens in a new tab).