Melbourne Talks
What is Melbourne Talks?
Melbourne Talks is a peer-facilitated program designed to help international students build confidence, create meaningful connections, and make the most of student life at the University of Melbourne.
Through interactive sessions, cultural experiences and meaningful conversations, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Meet other students from different cultures and backgrounds & build your UniMelb network
- Build confidence communicating in English and participating in conversations
- Explore Melbourne and campus life through unique, fun experiences
There are two streams: one for undergraduate / graduate coursework students and one for graduate researchers.
The Melbourne Talks Experience
Melbourne Talks offers a range of experiences throughout the semester. Every session is designed to support you to:
- Build confidence: Develop confidence through participation, communication and new experiences.
- Explore Melbourne: Discover Melbourne culture, campus life and unique experiences across the University.
- Connect and share: Meet other students, exchange ideas and learn from different perspectives and lived experiences.
Participating in our activity means you are working toward a Melbourne Plus digital credential in Global Citizenship. For more information, visit the Melbourne Plus Catalogue:
The sessions were relaxed, fun and welcoming. I am more confident speaking English, sharing my ideas, and joining conversations with other students. And I made so many new friends!
— Yuting, Bachelor of Science
Explore our sessions
Melbourne Talks offers a variety of experiences throughout the semester. You can choose to attend the sessions that interest you most and create your own Melbourne Talks journey.
To get the most out of the program and build meaningful connections with other participants, we recommend registering if you can attend at least four sessions throughout the semester.
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- Aussie Slang - Crack the code on Aussie slang and join the conversation with confidence (and maybe a few laughs along the way)!
- Thursday 20 August: 1–2pm; 3–4pm
- Wednesday 19 August: 10–11am
- Tuesday 18 August: 3–4pm
- Amazing UniMelb Photo Race - Learn your way around campus, meet other students and experience UniMelb through a fun group photo race.
- Thursday 27 August: 1–2pm; 3–4pm
- Wednesday 26 August: 10–11am
- Tuesday 25 August: 3–4pm
- Australian Food Experience - Discover iconic Australian foods, share stories from your culture, and connect with other students through a tasty, hands-on food experience.
- Thursday 3 September: 12.00pm–1.30pm
- Global Portal Experience - Connect with students from around the world through a live Global Portal experience. This experience contributes towards participants achieving the Melbourne Plus Mini Credential in Global Citizenship.
- Tuesday 22 September: 3–4pm; 4–5pm
- Tuesday 15 September: 3–4pm; 4–5pm
- Melbourne Connect Science Gallery Quest Experience - Explore thought-provoking exhibitions, discover new ideas, and connect with other students through an exciting Quest activity and reflection.
- Thursday 10 September: 3.00–4.30pm
- Show & Tell Presentations - Share a story, build confidence with public speaking and discover the experiences that connect students from around the world.
- Thursday 17 September: 2–3pm; 3–4pm
- Potter Museum of Art Visit – Step inside of one of UniMelb’s famous cultural spaces, explore Australian and Indigenous art, and take part in conversations that connect art, culture and student perspectives.
- Wednesday 23 September: 3.00–4.30pm
- Australian Employability Skills Workshop - Develop your Australian-style resume, gain practical job application tips, and build confidence presenting your skills to employers.
- Wednesday 7 October (Time TBC)
- Networking Event & End of Program Celebration - Connect with students from across the program, put your communication skills to practice with networking activities, and celebrate your Melbourne Talks experience.
- Friday 9 October (Time TBC)
I loved that every session was different, and I learned so much from other students and Peer Leaders about making the most of studying in Melbourne. I feel more connected to the city and uni life.
—Tang, Master of Management
- Aussie Slang - Crack the code on Aussie slang and join the conversation with confidence (and maybe a few laughs along the way)!
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- Aussie Slang & Need-to-Know Services - Crack the code on Aussie slang and join the conversation with confidence (and maybe a few laughs along the way)!
- Wednesday 19 August: 3–4pm
- Potter Museum of Art Visit - Step inside of one of UniMelb’s famous cultural spaces, explore Australian and Indigenous art, and take part in conversations that connect art, culture and student perspectives.
- Wednesday 26 August: 3.00–4.30pm
- Crafting Your Research for a Lay Audience - Learn practical strategies to communicate your research clearly and confidently to non-expert audiences – and practice building this skill with other researchers.
- Wednesday 2 September: 3.00pm–4.30pm
- Global Portal Experience - Connect with students from around the world through a live Global Portal experience and contribute towards the Melbourne Plus Mini Credential in Global Citizenship.
- Tuesday 8 September: 3–4pm; 4–5pm
- Melbourne Connect Science Gallery Quest Experience - Explore thought-provoking exhibitions, discover new ideas, and connect with other students through an exciting Quest activity and reflection.
- Wednesday 9 September: 3.00–4.30pm
- Oral Presentation Practice - Build confidence presenting your ideas, learn from peer feedback, and practise communicating in a supportive environment.
- Wednesday 16 September: 3–4pm
- Australian Employability Skills Workshop - Develop your Australian-style resume, gain practical job application tips, and build confidence presenting your skills to employers.
- Date: TBC
- Networking Event & End of Program Celebration - Connect with students from across the program, expand your network, and celebrate your Melbourne Talks experience.
- Friday 9 October (Time TBC)
As a PhD student, the program helped me step away from my research for a while, meet other students, learn from other researchers’ experiences, and discover new ways to get involved with Melbourne and university life.
—Minh, Doctor of Philosophy
- Aussie Slang & Need-to-Know Services - Crack the code on Aussie slang and join the conversation with confidence (and maybe a few laughs along the way)!
How to register
Weekly sessions will run from Week 4 – Week 10 (19 August – 9 October) throughout Semester 2.
Sessions are delivered in-person and students can register for the experiences that interest them most.
Have questions?
If you have any questions about Melbourne Talks, submit an enquiry here.