Indian students praise safe, friendly environment

For Indian students Praneeth Juwadi and Sudha Reddy Soma USQ has opened up a world of opportunities

In recent weeks there has been considerable attention given to crimes committed against some individuals of the Indian community in Melbourne and Sydney.

For Indian students Praneeth Juvvadi and Sudha Reddy Soma however Australia and USQ have opened up a world of opportunities.

While the bustling streets of New Delhi may seem like a world away from the quiet picturesque city of Toowoomba, where USQ’s main campus is based, both students have made Australia’s Garden City their home and with the support of both staff and friends at the University they can think of no better place to complete their studies.

Praneeth, who is studying for a Master of Information Technology said that the decision to study at USQ was an easy one after receiving positive feedback about the University from his friends.

'I had a few friends who were studying here and all recommended the University to me and I am glad that I followed their advice,' he said.

'All of the academics are really friendly and helpful and so are the students; it has made studying here very enjoyable.'

Sudha meanwhile is also enjoying life at USQ and has credited the University’s multiculturalism as a major reason as to why she has settled so comfortably into her studies.

'I am studying for a Master of Professional Accounting and so far everything has been going well and I have settled into life at USQ and Toowoomba,' she said.

'The University has excellent facilities and very supportive faculties, but it is the multicultural environment which has made me feel really comfortable.

'Toowoomba and USQ are very safe places to be and while I did come here with high expectations it has exceeded those.'

USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Lovegrove said while the attacks were of concern, Praneeth and Sudha’s stories were not unique and it was the Universitiy's diverse environment that allowed international students to thrive.

'We take our responsibility to our overseas students very seriously and condemn the actions of those involved in any assault on students,' he said.

'Our international students are a valued part of USQ’s community.

'The Indian students at the University form a large and important part of our International student body and USQ has worked hard to make them feel comfortable by embracing them and their culture.

'We are recognised as a leader in multiculturalism and were the first University in Australia to adopt a formal Policy on Multiculturalism in 1998 and have won several awards in this area including a Queensland Multicultural Award last year.

'It is vital that we continue to develop our international contacts and further contribute to the unique programs for the benefit of our students, staff and the community.'

While Praneeth and Sudha both admitted that they had come to USQ to further their studies and increase their chances of employment back home, they said that their experiences at USQ had persuaded them to search for permanent work in Australia.

'Australians are very nice and helpful people and along with the great culture and climate in this country it has convinced me to look for work here,' Praneeth said.

'After I finish my studies I want to find employment here in Australia,' Sudha added.

'It is such a great place that I want to live and work here.'

Contact Details:
Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559, 0400 025 429