16 February 2007
Want a snag? What's the difference between a sickie and wagging, or are they the same thing?
Monash University accepts thousands of the world's leading students to study each year, but it is sometimes a great challenge for international students to come to grips with Australian culture.
In order to ease the transition for international students, the University has introduced an innovative program that links everyday Australians with international students -- and has been swamped with demand.
The coordinator of the program, Renee de Simone, said that there had been strong demand from international students and the program would be keen to hear from more Melbournians willing to participate.
"This program offers students a look at the real Australia -- and already we are seeing great results, with many students gaining understanding and great new social links with Melbourne people," Ms de Simone said.
"We pride ourselves on the fair go, and have a strong reputation as a friendly country. International students contribute a great deal to Australia, providing an important source of skilled workers and an invaluable cultural contribution to the life of our universities. This program provides the proof behind our reputation as a friendly country; as a country that prides itself on giving everyone a fair go.
"Volunteers must be willing to undergo police checks and an interview, so that we can try to find appropriate matches that suit all program participants. We would be delighted to hear from any Melbournians interested in participating -- it can involve as little as a couple of hours each week."
Just months into the International Friendship program, the matching of Mr Ed Neff and his family with Indian Mechanical Engineering PhD student Mr Dinakar Palaparti is just one of the program's many success stories.
When local resident Mr Neff responded to a Monash University advertisement calling for volunteers for their International Friendship Program, he wasn't sure what to expect.
But just weeks on, Mr Neff and his family are enjoying the opportunity to exchange experiences with Mr Palaparti in what could one day be the friendship of a lifetime.
"I understood what the International Student Friendship Program was trying to achieve. I saw it as a chance to help someone settle in to Melbourne life, but also saw it as an opportunity to expand my international experiences and a wonderful exchange of cultures," Mr Neff said.
"Meeting Dinakar has been a great experience for us and our family, and we really enjoy the exchange of information," Mr Neff said.
Mr Neff was matched with Mr Palaparti, who had grown up in one of India's largest cities, Hyderabad. Mr Palaparti completed his undergraduate degree at India's Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University before setting off for Louisiana in the United States of America, where he graduated in 2003 with a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, specialising in micro fabrication.
It's been just 6 months since Dinakar arrived in Melbourne, but after a few weeks in the International Friendship program, he says it already feels like home.
"I am usually very busy, and I am putting most of my energies into my Mechanical Engineering doctorate and after that, I hope to work here in Melbourne at the Synchrotron. But it's good to know my local family is just around the corner if I need them," Dinakar said.
For more information on how you can participate in the International Student Friendship Program, visit the website or contact Project Coordinator Renee de Simone on 9905 3186 or by e-mail on renee.simone@adm.monash.edu.au.
Media: For interviews and additional photos contact: Ms Samantha Blair, Media and Communications, Monash University on Ph: +61 3 9905 9315 or 0439 013 951.
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