University farewells international students today

Thursday 30 November 2006

The University of Newcastle will today say goodbye to more than 100 international students, who will return home to 22 countries after completing studies at the University.

The farewell ceremony provides an opportunity for international students who have completed their studies to have their achievements recognised, as many will not be able to return to Australia for the official graduation ceremonies, held in September and April of each year.

Students participating in the ceremony today come from Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Maldives, Mozambique, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Tracy McCabe, Director, International Division, said it is important to recognise the achievements of the University's international students.

"The ceremony allows us to celebrate their contribution to the University community," she said.

"Our international students provide us with the opportunity to make long lasting international friendships.

"This is also a time to celebrate the cultural diversity that our international students bring to the University, as we are encouraging students to wear their country's traditional dress to the ceremony."

Students will be presented with certificates of participation, recognising the completion of their study and welcoming them into a network of over 80,000 alumni worldwide.

Delma Yuarata from the Philippines, who has completed a Master of Education Studies, will speak on behalf of the international students at the ceremony.

Photo opportunity: The ceremony will take place at 3pm on Thursday 30 November in Edwards Hall, Callaghan campus.

For interviews: Professor Bill Purcell, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) on 02 4921 6383.