The University of Newcastle, Australia

The University of Newcastle will bid farewell to 60 international graduates from almost 20 countries on Thursday.

The farewell ceremony is the University’s opportunity to thank international students for the important contribution they make to our community. It also gives students, who are unable to attend their graduation ceremony, a chance to celebrate this important rite of passage with their peers before heading home.

Philippines student Ireneo Pelayo, a Master of Educational Studies and AusAid scholarship recipient, will speak at the ceremony on behalf of his peers and voice the experiences of international students studying at Newcastle.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would one day be afforded the opportunity to come to Australia and would enjoy every minute of the experience. One couldn't have it better.”

Students from Austria, Bhutan, China, Egypt, England, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, South Korea, Malawi, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the USA will be farewelled at the ceremony.
The students will join an alumni network of 105,000 across more than 100 countries.

The ceremony will include a piano recital of a traditional Chinese song ‘Butterfly Lovers’ performed by Chinese student Hai Qing Zhang.

Picture opportunity: The University of Newcastle international student farewell ceremony will be held on Thursday, 24 May between 2pm and 3pm at Edwards Hall, Callaghan Campus.

For interviews with international student Ireneo Pelayo please contact Media and Public Relations officer Tess Campbell on 02 4921 8714.