University welcomes overseas students

Understanding Aussie talk and a mystery bus trip are just two of the activities planned during international orientation week at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).

As part of the week, USQ is welcoming more than 150 students from 20 countries, including the University's first student from the French-flavoured islands of Wallis & Futuna.

Manager of International Support, Mr Gary Logan, said that there is a range of difficulties associated with moving overseas and International O Week aims to help students ease into their new surroundings.

'The program we offer aims to help students adjust and feel welcome at USQ and in the wider Toowoomba community.

'We boast a large international community and as such endeavour to help them to adjust to life in Toowoomba and at USQ.

'We not only focus on their academic adjustment, but attempt to raise their awareness of the cultural differences as well as promote social networking, initially within the USQ student community and then later into the broader Toowoomba community.'

Gary said the University has organised a comprehensive list of presentations addressing issues including: banking, accommodation, transport, driving and the law, and an introduction to our ICT services.

'We have also included a number of fun activities including a bush-dance with the Band O Coots, City trips, a day at Sea World, and a Mystery Tour,' he said.

During the week Toowoomba Mayor, Cr Dianne Thorley, will host an Official Welcome where she will invite students to embrace Australia and make the Garden City their home.

To promote participation during the week the University has also included a number of prize incentives including a beautifully painted didgeridoo which will be drawn at the Official Welcome.

WHAT: International O Week Official Welcome
WHEN: Thursday 22 February 2007, 10.00-11.30am
WHERE: Allison Dickson Lecture Theatre, USQ Toowoomba

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977