INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM LAUNCHED

A new student ambassador program aims to position Canberra globally as a ‘first choice' education destination and provide support for international students studying in Canberra.

Launching the program on March 3, ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said it will allow the Government to leverage the potential enormous future benefits that international students bring to the ACT.

The program involves 25 to 30 international student ambassadors encouraged to build networks and relationships with international students already living in Canberra and, through them, back in their home countries.

The ambassadors will participate in a range of social, cultural and sporting events hosted by the program's partner organisations, including the Canberra Business Council and the Australian Science Festival.

A new group of students will be appointed to the program at the end of each year, with 26 ambassadors appointed for the inaugural program in 2010.

“The 6,000 international students studying at institutions such as the University of Canberra, CIT and the ANU support the jobs of thousands of Canberrans by contributing more than $200 million to our economy each year”, Mr Stanhope said.
“International students share their culture with our community and build a greater understanding of the value of multiculturalism. Through their fees international students also help to ensure our educational facilities continue to have the resources to provide ACT students with the best possible education.”

The ambassador program was developed in consultation with the Australian National University, University of Canberra, Canberra Institute of Technology, UNSW-ADFA and the Australian Catholic University.

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