Let's Chat Module 1
Suitable for: All undergraduate and masters by coursework students
Pre-requisites: Student of Monash University at an Australian-based campus
Duration: 9 weeks
Cost: Free
This module covers a wide range of topics appropriate for those who are new to Monash and Australia, and designed to assist with transition and engagement. The overall focus of the module is on building confidence in English as well as developing linguistic and sociocultural skills suitable for Australia. Some participants may find that they are familiar with these topics but have not had the opportunity to practise them.
The classes run in Let’s Chat Module 1 include:
- Introductions
- Expectations and reality of university life in Australia
- Greetings and titles
- Conversation starters
- Conversation closers
- Body language
- Holidays
All Let’s Chat classes also have a strong emphasis on meeting new people and building new friendships, and Module 1 helps students to make new friends as soon as they start at university.
Timetable
Conversation starters
Starting conversations can often be awkward and challenging. This activity provides useful tips to help keep a conversation flowing.
Conversation closers
Knowing how to end a conversation in a polite yet direct manner is an important skill to learn. This activity will teach you strategies which can be implemented in real life situations.
Attributes of Australian students and teachers
Our expectations of individuals are often dependant on their position within society. This activity explains the characteristics you may expect groups of individuals within Australian society to display.
Taboo topics
This activity explores conversational topics that are considered culturally inappropriate to bring up. Understanding these will help with assimilation into Australian culture.
Topics of conversation
This activity focuses on the appropriateness of conversational topics in relation to who you are conversing with.
Body language
Non- verbal communication through body language is often more important than what we say. This activity demonstrates how to use certain techniques to express a point without the use of words.
Greetings and addressing people
This activity will help to clarify the confusion surrounding appropriate and culturally acceptable ways to address and greet individuals in a polite manner.