John Oswald spoke on Monday of this program, and the involvement Rhonda is having in it, with her mentoring a student.
If anyone is interested, please contact Rhonda Anchen for further information on what is involved, and how to register to assist with mentoring.
Here is a letter from Simone Budd, Student Engagement and Project Officer, STUDY GEELONG (Simone can also be contacted for further information)
Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine, Wadawurrung Country
Level 1, 48 Brougham Street, Geelong VIC 3220 P: 0475 914 659; E: sbudd@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au
Could you be a friend to an international student studying in Geelong? Study Geelong is looking for local residents in the Geelong region to participate in the program and help show an international student what a friendly, amazing place Geelong is. The program lasts for 12 weeks and is NOT a live-in program.
Study Geelong runs a couple of events for all participants, but it is up to participants to arrange when and how they will catch-up during the program. It has been challenging for many students being isolated and away from their families and friends back home. The International Friends Program provides an opportunity for locals to show that we are a welcoming and inclusive community. You can develop friendships with students from around the world, enjoy sharing your favourite places to go in Geelong, the Australian culture, language, food and your interests and hobbies. You will also learn about another culture and develop intercultural skills.
If interested please apply before 31 July. There will be an online orientation session on 11 August at 5.30pm and you will meet the student you have been matched with at the Kick-Off event, 5.30pm on 23 August. For further information and to apply go to http://studygeelong.com.au/international-friends-program
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Don Shields, is Club President & Membership Director of The Rotary Club of Geelong Central.
Don writes …
Simone was a guest speaker at Geelong Central several months ago, and as a result of which I volunteer with Study Geelong, and I am currently mentoring a final year Construction Management student at Deakin. KP is from Gujarat in India, loves cricket and on return to India, will work in his father’s Construction company. KP was looking for mentoring on the “soft skills”, and as a result on a monthly basis we meet to discuss the practical side of dealing with people and leading them.
On return to India KP will know about Rotary too, and hopefully, his family’s company can install donated playgrounds in Gujarat. Its not a great deal of time required, and I commend the program to you and your members.
Rhonda Anchen has now had two zoom meetings with Simone and members of this program. Rhonda writes the following ….
Just an update to the status re the International Student Program.
I had a Zoom interview with Simone on Wednesday and the next phase is a Zoom orientation session Aug 11 which covers the guidelines and parameters of the program. Simone and her team then do a ‘perfect match’ and I get to meet our student FtF on Aug 23. The program runs for 12 weeks with the option to continue the friendship if both parties are keen. The program looks extremely well organised.
Simone and I discussed networking opportunities for ‘our’ student and I was wondering if others would be keen to join a bush walk or activity. Obviously an invitation to one of our more interesting Rotary meetings will be extended to our student.
Please contact Rhonda for further information and how to join them on the next zoom meeting.
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