Lumen Winter 2016 - Flipbook - Page 5
story by Fiona Solente
Introducing international students to an
Australian way of life
The University recognises that international students can face isolation
and loneliness when moving to a foreign country — leaving family and
friends behind, and juggling a new language with its unique lingo.
T
o help students feel more connected
to their new surroundings, the
Australian people and culture, the
Experience Adelaide program invites
alumni, staff, and domestic students to
meet with an international student, to make
them feel welcome and more at home.
To date, more than 600 new international
students have been paired with members
of the University community and more
volunteers are needed.
“It is not where you go or what you do
with the student that matters — it is about
enjoying the shared company and our
different cultures. We have a great city,
country and way of life that we can share
with our international students,” says
Experience Adelaide participant, Gloria
Prior (Grad Cert Mgmt 1996).
Involvement does not need to be time
consuming — interaction with a student
can be as simple as having them over
for a meal, meeting them for a coffee or
showing them some of the local sights.
In return, you will have the opportunity
to learn about another culture and
country, and can take great satisfaction in
knowing you have helped a new student
feel welcome.
“I love the Experience Adelaide
program — it provides me with an
opportunity to get to know more about
the Australian culture,” says Xie Xie,
a Masters student from China.
“I am paired with a very nice University
staff member, who invited me to the
cinema as we both love movies. It’s good
to know that we have the same sense
of humour and we have many things to
share with each other.”
To find out more about Experience
Adelaide or to register your interest,
contact Annette Wheatley at
annette.wheatley@adelaide.edu.au
or call +61 8 8313 2284.
Below: Alumni family, Sue and Richard Temple
(Dip Ed 1978, Grad Dip Comp Sc 1983) with
their paired student Indu Kirihene
Get involved: www.international.adelaide.edu.au/life/experience-adelaide/staff-students-alumni
I love the Experience
Adelaide program - it provides
me with an opportunity to
get to know more about the
Australian culture.
The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 3
