Forging friendships across the world

Issue 19 | Autumn/Winter 2007

Monash University's International Student Friendship Program is creating life-long friendships. Two of the students involved in the program and their volunteers talk about their cross-cultural exchange experience.

What's a 'barbie?' Why are Aussie men 'blokes,' and why do Australians hit the 'frog and toad' when going on a road trip?

Getting used to the Australian 'lingo' and culture is just one of the many challenges facing students from oversees.

Monash University accepts thousands of the world's leading students to study each year and in order to ease the transition, has introduced the International Student Friendship Program an innovative program that links everyday Australians with international students.

Coordinator Renee de Simone said the program was proving very popular with international students.

"We pride ourselves on the fair go and have a strong reputation as a friendly country. This program provides the proof behind our reputation," Ms de Simone said.

"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."

Master of Education student Mai Le said feelings of isolation since leaving her home in Vietnam's south have been alleviated by a new friendship with program volunteer Dianna Lorenz-Daniel.

Mai signed up soon after arriving at the University in 2006, the result was a perfect match. "Dianna is also an English teacher and we are about the same age. The ISFP did an amazing job in matching us," she said.

"It is also wonderful because I have a dream to design a subject in Australian education, culture and society, based on my own experience in Australia and Dianna is willing to help me with research so that I can start my goal while I am still at Monash.

"Dianna has shared many local experiences with me. We have been to barbeques, a children's birthday party and out to lunch. We also attend the many activities organised through the program including get-togethers and even a bush dance earlier this year.

"Although moving to another country can be daunting, the support networks in place at Monash have really made a world of difference to me being able to enjoy my time here and make the most of the Australian culture," Mai said.

Melbourne resident Ed Neff and his family were matched with Indian Mechanical Engineering PhD student Dinakar Palaparti several months ago.

"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."

Before coming to Australia Dinakar completed an 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 has been just six months since he arrived at the Monash Clayton campus, and after a few weeks in the International Friendship program, says Melbourne 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.

With success stories like this, the program is becoming more and more popular with students and more willing Melbournians are needed to help build new friendships.

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.