The week of training at Co.As.It was intense. Every day was scheduled. The meeting agenda was exhaustive and well organized. First of all, in order to complete the procedure for our stay in Melbourne, it was given us a detailed list of things to do:
- Open a bank account
Major Australian Banks are: Commonwealth (commbank), Westpac, NAB (National Australia Bank),ANZ (Australian and New Zealand Banking Group).
- Buy a pre-paid SIM card
Telstra, Optus, Virgin are the major Australian mobile virtual network operators. We were recommended to go with Telstra because it offers the best coverage.
- Enrol in Medicare
Being from Italy, we were entitled to some subsidised health services for essential medical treatment.
- Join Ambulance Victoria (AV)
To be protected against the cost of transport and treatment by highly skilled paramedics.
- Buy a rechargeable myki travel card
To get around Victoria by trains, trams and buses.
After all this bureaucracy, it was presented a full description of the Australian Education System with its Curricula followed by an explanation on our duties as Italian Language Assistants. We had to support qualified teachers and provide authentic language and cultural experiences for students.
I was appointed to Strathmore Secondary College: one of the best public schools in Melbourne and Ms. Aida would have been my mentor-supervisor. I couldn't wait to start!
