Family welcome for internationals
by Michèle Nardelli
It started as a pilot project in 2005 to encourage and help
international students to meet Australian families and friends. About 45
international students signed up for the “introduction” and many
individuals, couples and families – all UniSA staff and students –
signed on as hosts.
With everything from bushwalking and surfing on the list of activities, to
Sunday roast or just going to the movies – the Aussie family pilot scheme has
been a success.
And for some staff being a host to international students has added a new
dimension to working at UniSA.
Manager, Alumni and Development, Yvonne Clark, says while work is all about
the students, it is not that often that non-teaching staff get to really know
students.
But through the scheme she has come to know Rakesh “Rocky” Thakkar (India), Raza
Masud (Pakistan), and even their friend Manoj “Goldy” Pereira, who is studying
at Flinders University.
“This has been a wonderful experience, because I have had the chance to sit down and talk to the guys and learn a great deal about their lives here and back in their own countries,” Clark said.
“We did some very local things – a barbecue and a trip to see Central Districts play in the SANFL semi-final at AAMI stadium. They got to see a strange game with a funny-shaped ball and hear some very colourful “Aussie” vocabulary provided by the Centrals cheer squad.
“But when I realised they would all be here at Christmas, I knew we had to share it with them.
“This was a real highlight for all of us – we had 19 family and friends for lunch, which was a wonderful feast of halal, vegetarian and traditional Aussie Christmas fare. The guys were really excited about sharing our Christmas and I feel privileged to have had the chance to meet the students and learn so much from them.”
The Aussie family scheme will be run again in 2006, kicking off this month with a welcome reception at the Adelaide Shores Function Complex (corner Hamra Ave and Military Road, West Beach) on April 8. The event will be hosted by UniSA, Chancellor David Klingberg. More information is available at www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/learningconnection/student/international/aussie-family.asp