Community Programs

Community Connections

What is the Community Connections Program?

The Community Connections Program is a cross cultural friendship program through which volunteers from the local community link with international students from all levels of study.

International students join this program to meet people from the community and to broaden their Australian friendships. The program allows students to learn more about Australian culture and customs, while sharing information about their home country with others. International Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Postgraduate Research Higher Degree students are all welcome to join the program.

After meeting with a program volunteer, both the student and volunteer will decide how often they will meet, where they will meet and what they will do together. Some volunteers and students like to share common interests such as going to the movies together, having coffee or playing sports together. Other volunteers like to include their students in family gatherings such as birthday parties and other social events.

People of all ages and walks of life join the program as volunteers. You will be able to provide a profile of the person (common interests, age, marital status etc.) you would like to meet when you attend the interview with the coordinator. Please note that you will be linked with a person of the same gender.

If you are interested in volunteering in the Community Connections program and being matched with an International Student, please complete this on-line survey.

Cultural Connections

Cultural Connections is an orientation and support program for the partners of international students, partners of visiting academic members of staff and Research Higher Degrees candidates.

By joining Cultural Connections, participants have access to an array of information about services in the local community, helping them to better understand Australian customs and culture, develop friendships and gain confidence in speaking English.

There is no formal enrolment process. Participants are asked to complete an application form during the first session of attendance.

Unfortunately it is not possible to bring children to the program as there are no childcare facilities available.

Cultural Connections meet every Thursday from 12pm till 2pm at the Family Action Centre.

Speed Conversation

The Speed Conversation program is designed to assist international students to improve their conversational English skills.

Furthermore, the program encourages and enhances friendships between domestic and international students.

Program Details:

One hour sessions, over a 4 week period, includes refreshments.

Please email international-community@newcastle.edu.au to register your interest in Speed Conversation.

GOALSS

The Equity and Diversity Unit and International Office are excited to invite male overseas students, local students and staff to be part of the 2012 GOALSS program.

What is GOALSS?

The GOALSS(Games for Overseas and Local Students and Staff) program uses sport to connect male international students with domestic students and staff. Outcomes of the program include new friendships and informal networks among participants

When is GOALSS?

Thursday afternoons between 4pm and 6pm for two eight block weeks each semester at No.2 Sports Field (next to The Forum). Click here for more information.