Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) Program #
Learn how the Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) Program helps prepare refugee participants for life in Australia before they arrive.
At a glance #
- AUSCO is an optional pre-departure orientation program.
- It is delivered before refugees travel to Australia.
- The program introduces everyday life, services and settlement in Australia.
- CSGs can review AUSCO resources to better understand the information newcomers may already have received.
How CSGs can use AUSCO #
- Become familiar with the information refugee participants may have received before departure.
- Reinforce key settlement information after arrival rather than assuming everything has been retained.
- Use AUSCO resources to support conversations about everyday life, Australian systems and local services.
What is AUSCO? #
The Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) Program is an optional five-day orientation delivered to refugees before they depart for Australia. The program is provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on behalf of the Australian Government.
It introduces participants to everyday life in Australia, including practical information that can support their settlement after arrival.
AUSCO resources #
CSGs can access the same AUSCO resources used during pre-departure orientation.
Resources:
- AUSCO Program overview: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/ausco/overview
- AUSCO information in multiple languages: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/ausco/information-in-your-language
- AUSCO videos in multiple languages: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/ausco/videos-in-your-language
“Settlement information is most effective when it is introduced before arrival and reinforced over time through practical experience.”
