SafeStudy Film Lab Program Workshop | Sharing Experiences, Building Awareness and Connection

Last week, the first SafeStudy Film Lab Program Workshop brought together international students in Melbourne to share their personal experiences and discuss safety challenges that can arise while studying and living overseas.

Through open conversation, participants shared real situations they had encountered in Australia and overseas, including suspicious calls impersonating authorities, rental and subletting issues, second-hand transactions, online shopping, ticket purchases, gift card requests, and misleading links and payment requests.

For international students who have recently arrived in Australia, unfamiliarity with local systems can make these situations particularly difficult to identify. Participants spoke about experiences involving suspicious calls claiming to represent police or government agencies, as well as issues encountered through rental arrangements, online marketplaces and social media.

These personal stories became an important starting point for the workshop. By speaking openly about their experiences, participants were able to recognise common patterns, learn from one another, and turn individual experiences into practical knowledge that could help others.

Learning Through Interaction

Following the sharing session, participants took part in three interactive activities: “Real or Fake?”, “Where Should I Verify It?” and “What Should I Do Afterwards?”

Using everyday scenarios involving myGov, AusPost, banks, universities and rental listings, participants practised identifying warning signs and finding reliable ways to verify information.

One key message was clear:

Always verify information independently through official channels rather than relying on links, phone numbers or contact details provided in an unexpected message or call.

The workshop also explored what to do when personal information or money may already be at risk, including contacting the bank immediately, preserving evidence, securing online accounts, reporting the incident through appropriate channels, and seeking support when needed.

Three practical principles were highlighted:

Don’t rush.

Don’t click unfamiliar links.

Don’t transfer money without verification.

More Than a Safety Workshop

Beyond practical safety awareness, the SafeStudy Film Lab Program Workshop also created a space for international students to connect through shared experiences.

Moving to another country often means navigating unfamiliar systems while rebuilding personal and social support networks. During the workshop, many participants discovered that experiences they thought were unique to them had also happened to others.

Every story shared could become a useful reminder for someone else.

Through conversation, listening and mutual support, the SafeStudy Film Lab Program aims not only to strengthen students’ awareness of everyday risks, but also to encourage a more connected and supportive international student community in Melbourne.

Thank you to everyone who joined our first workshop and generously shared their experiences and perspectives.

We look forward to continuing the conversation at the next SafeStudy Film Lab Program Workshop!