International students

At the Forest High School we value cultural diversity and tolerance and encourage the interaction and benefits that come from having international students. 

All students at The Forest are warmly received and their transition into an Australian high school is made with ease, enabling the learning process to begin smoothly. 
 

•  our orientation dinner for all international students, their parents and guardians
•  term lunches for all international students
• student representation on the Student Representative Council
• dedicated teachers in charge of the academic and welfare needs of the students
• multicultural and harmony days

Nationalities represented at The Forest High include: China, Korea, Germany, France, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Italy and Brazil.  In 2019 we have 31 international students from Year 7 to 12.

Study Abroad Program

The Forest High is also involved in the NSW Department of Education and Communities' "Study Abroad Program" where students in Years 10 to 12 come from countries such as Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Brazil and Mexico.  These students come to study for 3, 6 or 12 months.

Support for students

The welfare of all our students is very important at The Forest High School.  The Deputy Principal, Mathew Finley, is the International Students' Coordinator who oversees the integration of all students and monitors their academic needs and attendance, helping students to feel happy and welcome. 

So as to assist our students to assimilate into their new environment, to meet new friends and to feel secure and welcomed, The Forest High School also provides a buddy for every new student.

The school also has an International Student Welfare Coordinator (Mr Golanoski, who can be found in the Languages staffroom), two English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers, a Year Adviser for every school year and a School Counsellor who also offers international students further support.  The school also has a Korean and Chinese community support person who assists the school when students, parents or guardians need help.

The two international students on the SRC ensure that international students' ideas and opinions can be voiced.

Curriculum

Students whose English skills need further development are fortunate to have at The Forest High School, two fully-qualified ESL teachers.  Each student is provided with individual instruction either within specialised ESL classes or within mainstream classes.  In Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12) students can take ESL English for their Higher School Certificate.  We also strongly advise international students to take Fundamentals of English in Year 11 to further develop their English skills.

Requirements of an International Student

International students must fulfill all school requirements at all times.  They must also meet some external requirements.

Attendance Requirements

The Department of Immigration requires students to have a minimum of 80% attendance for each term and semester of enrolment.  The school monitors attendance every week.  In any given term, a student must not be away for more than 7 days.  If an unforeseen circumstance or illness prevents a student from regular attendance, then a Doctor's Certificate must be brought to the school.

Visa Regulations

There are a number of regulations attached to a student visa, including:

• meet attendance requirements (explained above)
• meet course requirements
• students under 18 years must maintain their accommodation and welfare arrangements as approved by the Department of Immigration or the DET International Students' Centre
• students must request approval to change these arrangements
• students must notify their school within 7 days of any changes to their address or contact details
• students must not defer or suspend their studies unless there are exceptional circumstances such as serious illness or bereavement.  Students must obtain the Principal's approval
• students must not change their education provider for the first 6 months of study
• students with a work permit must not work more than 20 hours per week during school term (it is strongly recommended that school students do not work more than 10 hours)

To apply or for further information about entry requirements, application procedures, welfare arrangements, fees and payment contact:

DE  International, Locked Bag 53, Darlinghurst NSW 1300 Australia

Tel: +61 1300 300 229

Fax: +61 2 8293 6928

Web enquiries: http://www.deinternational.nsw.edu.au/

Email: isc@det.nsw.edu.au