Passport to success, engaging international students
Recognised for its outstanding support of international students, a University of Newcastle initiative has won the NSW International Student Award for community engagement in the education provider category.
The Student Experience Passport, designed as part of the University’s Language Centre’s Student Experience program, breaks down barriers and opens opportunities for international students to engage in meaningful connections with the community.
The small passport-style booklet features a range of extra-curricular activities that students can work through to familiarise themselves with a new campus and city, foster friendships and improve their English.
International University of Newcastle student, Elissa Choudery, said the Student Experience Passport enriched her daily life beyond the classroom.
“It’s the perfect guide, encouraging students to go outside to explore the environment and meet new people. For those students with English as a second language it’s a great opportunity to practise new language skills,” Elissa said.
“The student passport helped me to overcome my homesickness because I met so many people and other students from different countries, now I have a lot of new friends.”
Students can track their progress and development throughout the program. For each completed activity students collect a stamp, and the collection of 20 stamps culminates in receiving a coffee voucher and entry into a prize draw.
The NSW International Student Awards on 25 September celebrated outstanding international students across the state, and acknowledged organisations that excel in supporting international students.
Director of the Language Centre, Associate Professor Seamus Fagan said winning the award was a remarkable achievement.
“It is a testament to the Language Centre team, in particular Anne Burnett and Tim Hyde who developed the passport. It demonstrates the considerable focus we place on improving the overall living and learning experiences of our International Students,” Associate Professor Fagan said.
“The Student Experience Program and ‘Passport’ initiative is sector leading and designed to cohesively align extra-curricular activities to areas of impact and incentivise student participation.”
Minister for Trade and Industry, Niall Blair, addressed the Awards finalists and winners and acknowledged international students’ valuable contribution to the State, and the NSW Government’s commitment to making their study experience the best it can be.
“Last year more than 230,000 international students enrolled in courses across NSW’s excellent education institutions, helping to make NSW the vibrant, multicultural place that it is,” Minister Blair said.
“Many go on to become great ambassadors for NSW as future leaders and advocates for trade, diplomacy and research links.”
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.