Orientation
Your first step into professional culinary life
Starting something new is exciting — and we want to make sure your first days at The Future Culinary Academy feel exactly that way. Orientation is where your journey with us formally begins. It is a relaxed, practical introduction to the Academy, your classmates, your trainers, and the city you are about to call home.
Whether you are a domestic student from across Australia or an international student arriving in Melbourne for the first time, orientation is designed to make sure you feel informed, supported, and ready to cook.
When does orientation take place?
Orientation is held at the beginning of each intake period, in the week prior to classes commencing. All new students are required to attend.
Upcoming orientation dates are published on the [Intake Dates & Academic Calendar] page. If you have questions about your specific orientation date, contact our Student Services team at enrolments@thefca.edu.au
What we cover
Orientation at The Future Culinary Academy is not a generic induction — it is your formal introduction to a community of people who chose this path as deliberately as you did. You will meet your cohort face to face, spend time with the trainers who will push your skills further than you thought possible, and walk through the kitchens that will become your second home. It is one day, intentionally curated, and by the end of it, you will know exactly where you are, who you are with, and what you are here to do.
The Academy and your program
WELCOME TO THE ACADEMY
A welcome from the Academy Director and your lead trainer, introducing the culture, expectations, and what your journey at TheFCA will look like.
CAMPUS & FACILITIES TOUR
A guided tour of the campus, training kitchens, patisserie lab, and student facilities so you know exactly where you will learn and train.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
An introduction to your course structure, weekly timetable, and what your first weeks of study will look like.
LMS INTRODUCTION
How to access and use your Learning Management System (LMS), course materials, schedules, and important student resources.
ASSESSMENT EXPECTATIONS
A clear overview of how you will be assessed, what is expected of you, and how to prepare successfully from the start.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Understanding what academic integrity means and why honesty, professionalism, and responsibility matter in a culinary training environment.
Policies and your obligations
Student Code of Conduct
Attendance and course progress requirements
Work Health and Safety in the kitchen — a mandatory induction before you touch any equipment OVERVIEW
Fees, payment schedules, and how to access financial support if you need it
Complaints and appeals — how to raise a concern if something is not right
Support services
TUDENT SERVICESINTRODUCTION
Meet the Student Services team and learn how to access support throughout your studies — from academic guidance to personal wellbeing.
LLN SUPPORT
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support is available to help you build confidence in reading, writing, communication, and practical calculations.
WELLBEING & MENTAL HEALTH
An overview of wellbeing resources, mental health support, and where to go if you need personal support during your time at TheFCA.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Clear guidance on who to contact and what to do if you experience an emergency or urgent issue on or off campus.
Additional orientation for international students
International students attend the same orientation as domestic students, plus a dedicated session that covers everything specific to studying in Australia on a Student Visa.
Your visa and legal obligations
Understanding your Student Visa (Subclass 500) conditions
Attendance and course progress monitoring — and what happens if you fall behind
Work hour entitlements during term and during scheduled breaks
Notifying the Academy when your address changes
Health and safety in Australia
Activating and understanding your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Registering with a local GP
Emergency services — how they work in Australia (000 for emergencies, 131 444 for non-urgent police)
Mental health and crisis support resources
Life in Melbourne
Getting a local SIM card and setting up a bank account
Public transport — how to use Myki and get a concession card
Finding your way around the local area
Supermarkets, markets, and where to eat on a student budget (yes, we will have opinions on this)
Your rights as an international student
A plain-English overview of what the ESOS framework means for you
How to raise a concern with the Academy
The Overseas Students Ombudsman — a free, independent service available to you throughout your studies
Full details are available on our [ESOS Framework & Your Rights] page
What to bring on orientation day
Your photo ID (passport for international students, driver's licence or passport for domestic students)
Your enrolment confirmation email
Any outstanding documentation requested by Admissions
A notebook — there will be things worth writing down
Comfortable clothes and enclosed footwear — you will be in the kitchen
Can't make it to orientation?
Attendance at orientation is mandatory for all students. If you have a genuine emergency or compassionate circumstance that prevents you from attending, contact Student Services as soon as possible at enrolments@thefca.edu.au or [phone number].
We will make every effort to support you, but please do not simply not show up — particularly if you are an international student, as orientation covers visa obligations that are your legal responsibility to understand.