On 5 March 2020, Study Melbourne hosted a unique welcome event for international students at the Arts Centre Melbourne.
The event was introduced by an Aboriginal dance performance from Culture Evolves, an indigenous group based in Melbourne with Traditional/ hiphop influences. This performance allowed them to experience the authentic culture of Australia's first people and the world's oldest continuous living culture. The amazing and unique performance delighted students and included a digeridoo performance and dancing.
Following this, Ms Georgina McCann, Director, Study Melbourne gave a welcome speech to the students, warmly welcoming them to Melbourne on behalf of the Victorian Government, and encouraging them to make the most of Australia’s best student city.
She shared with students how warmly the Melbourne community consider international students, and how they value the global perspectives they bring to Victorian campuses and to the community.
Thank you for making Melbourne part of your story, and for choosing to explore and learn in Victoria. We are so pleased to welcome you to our beautiful city and hope you have an amazing time.
Ms McCann also said: “We want you to know that Study Melbourne is here to help you make the most of your time as a student in Melbourne and Victoria. We offer a wide range of confidential and free services, fun events and career programs through the Study Melbourne Hub.”
The welcome event also provided delicious snacks, fun games, and fun photo opportunities for the students. Students also participated in a 'matching card' activity which encouraged them to start a conversation with someone new. Students also shared messages of support to their classmates who are still overseas and waiting to return to Victorian campuses due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
These messages of support reinforced Victoria’s 休戚与共 campaign (“Stronger Together”). This campaign aims to show support and solidarity with the Victorian Chinese community who have been impacted, which includes Chinese international students.
2020 Study Melbourne Ambassadors announced at International Student Welcome
The Study Melbourne Student Ambassador Program is a volunteer opportunity for international students, Australian students and international student graduates. Student ambassadors have the opportunity to participate in a wealth of social events and visits to many of Melbourne's attractions, as well as participate in the exclusive Study Melbourne Leadership Labs development program. Images and profiles for all of the 2020 Ambassadors will be published soon.
Study Melbourne x Asia TOPA: Samsara
After the welcome event, the wonderful program of cultural events delivered through Study Melbourne x Asia TOPA continued. Study Melbourne invited a selection of students to enjoy the world premier of AsiaTOPA's dance performance "Samsara".
Samsara merges the vast histories, philosophies and cultures of China and India into a breathtaking work by two acclaimed artists. A first-time collaboration by Aakash Odedra (UK/India) and Hu Shenyuan Hu (China), Samsara is inspired by the historical events recounted in the 16th century Chinese
Study Melbourne teamed up with Asia TOPA to give free tickets to international students so they could enjoy a wide range of performances, and immerse themselves in Melbourne’s unique arts and culture scene.