International Student Farewell

On Wednesday, 15 June 2011, completing international students celebrated their final year at UC with friends, family and teachers at the International Student Farewell Reception.
The farewell reception included a short congratulatory address, light entertainment and refreshments.
Liza Pareno, one of the AusAID students that was also graduating that day made a wonderful speech that touches the heartstrings of many of the attendants on that day.
"Today we celebrate the fruits of our labor," she said in her speech. "Not just for the degrees, but also about the life changing experiences of being in Australia for the past 12 months."
Liza further commented that, "Merely attending classes and writing essays did not make me the person that I am today. My experience as an international student in this university revolved around so many other things that made my journey here in the Uni more meaningful and worthwhile."
On behalf of all the graduating international students, Liza thanked the University of Canberra, its administrators, staffs and faculty members for all the support they have given to the international students.

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What U C Awards Night

The 'What U C' Youtube video competition entries have been received and the winners will be announced at the awards night to be held at:
Ann Harding Conference Centre
Building 24
Friday 13 May 2011
5 to 7:30 PM

'What U C' is a Youtube video competition  where teams of two, one domestic and one international student who made a video showing the benefits of studying at UC from their perspective.

8 videos were received (see it at UC Youtube channel). A panel of judges will select a winner based from criterias such as creativity, clarity and viewer appeal. The winner will then be awarded their prize during the award night.

Hope to see you there!

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University of Canberra- practical & student orientated.

The title here reflects what I feel when I look at the teachers and students at UC and compare them to other universities in Australia. It’s practical; it’s focused and ensures that students are prepared for the job market. Every year the University of Canberra attracts many employers, many international students and brings a large diverse bunch together. That diversity ensures a friendly and vibrant environment for everyone to learn a lot from one another. The university provides many services for the students other than providing education such as giving advice and help to students whom are looking for jobs. Other than that they have speakers coming in regularly to market their firms and explaining why UC students should apply there.

Having studied at the University of Canberra for more than a year now I find the teachers and the staff very helpful and understanding. Most of the lecturers here go out of their way to ensure that the students are comfortable with what they have learned. The education provided at UC is very practical and the application or approach taken by lecturers is such that it is very easy to understand the actual implementation of the lesson learned in the real world; I personally think that’s why UC is such a good place to learn as education gets more interesting when you can see its application.

As an International Student Ambassador and a Residential Assistant on ress, I tend to meet many students and I learned that the majority of the students are very satisfied with the University and its teachers. They consider it friendly, supportive and fun.

The University has recently refurbished it main cafeteria and its upgrading its facilities throughout campus. I personally think that the University of Canberra is a great place to study as it gives you loads of opportunities to broaden your skills, polish your character and to glow! As we say it here at UC “your mind is not a vessel but a fire to be kindled!”

Muhammad Haroon Anwar

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The Essence of Univesity of Canberra

Hi guys, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kit, a second year Law student at University of Canberra origin from Malaysia. The purposed of blogging is to share my experience with you at University of Canberra and guess what? Being at UC is the most pleasurable time. It was priceless and stress -less to see kangaroos hoping on campus while I am cracking my head for assignments. Being a student at University of Canberra, you could capture moments of true nature. It’s so rewarding where you could see cuddly rabbits and kangaroos while you have worked so hard for your studies. UC does not only equip their students with academics but as well as good nature greens on campus. You could smell the refreshing greens and flowers every corner on campus while you are on campus whilst, it exceptionally unbelievable to have an environmental friendly campus. Nonetheless, in terms of academic facilities, you could not be deprived from the facilities provided. Most amazing of all, UC has a mock court on campus, enable students to advocate in a real life experience.
Socially, you get to mix along with the locales easily whether you are in class or off class. At you UC, we can hang out for lunch at cafés or restaurants on campus while waiting for the next class. Imagine yourself online with your family back home while you are surrounded by excellent environment with touch of wireless everywhere on campus. For some fitness fanatic, UC provides gym memberships and with free indoor soccer and even basketball for all. There are lots of activities organized each week for all. In a nut shell, there is no reason you couldn’t enjoy studying at UC!

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Dragon Boating & Wine Harvest Festival

Hi everyone, I just like to share some wonderful experience in Canberra.

Usually April is a festival season here. In the past week there was a dragon boat competition in Lake Burley Griffin and the final match was held on Sunday 3 April. It was such a nice weather and thousands of people including players visitors gathered. Nearly 2200 players from all over Australia joined the match. We saw teenagers as well as grandmas (and they are peddling fast) wooh!~ The drummer shouted and bended with the beat and she looks like a rock star, what a hard work... Even as an audience, we can feel the exciting atmosphere. By the way, a small "accident" occurred when two groups were pretty close to each other and water from the paddles quickly went to another one, then suddenly it sinked. Safety guard came and helped moving water outside. On later rounds, other teams learn from the lesson and we see in some boats with a player especially responsible for taking the water from the boat.

Last weekend, there was also a wine harvest festival in the countryside, just up to 35mins drive from Canberra. But pity that this year I was not able to go, so maybe next year ^^.

Here is the link of the gallery of this from Canberra Dragon Boats Association:

http://www.cdba.com.au/galleries/act-fire.html

cheers

Jessie

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Creating a Scenario of the Future

I will begin my story from today, one of the best parts of my live journey. My being here, my second fruitful chance in Australia to study in one of the most renown research centre for microsimulation, National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM), University of Canberra (UC). It is an essential part of my “chasing the better future” episode.

At my condition now, I’m on my most critical phase but most enjoyable one. I am now spoilt by a great condition of experiencing a very rich stage of one side of my life. What I mean rich is by having lucrative time to learn what I dreamt of and to reap amazing value of being very close to my family day by day. Those two are a real luxury for me. Most of the times, on my weekday in Jakarta, a chance to study could only done simultaneously with my working journey, a direct learning in the battlefield. I hardly ever had a chance to set a proper time to fully concentrate on study. On the other side, time for my family was very limited, even just for having breakfast or dinner with my family. Commuting was one of the consequences of working in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, a densely populated city with an unsupportive infrastructure. Every day, I commuted as early as 5.30 am to my office and arrive home from my office at earliest on 7 pm (which is very rarely happened).

Living in Canberra is the absolute opposite condition to that. Canberra is a well planned and specifically-developed city for the capital of Australia. Here, times are just priceless, we could go easily to anywhere within minutes, we can easily plan several activities in a day. Here a real balance for study and family is freely provided. There are no reasons for a wasted time on the streets, so the challenge here is to make the most out of that luxury chance.

I’ve just done my first year journey in the UC and thanks God all are well. I did well on my research with a very supportive supervisors and research centre. This March 2011 is a month of blessing. There are several happiness resulted from my hard work, I just presented my initial PhD seminar together with the presentation of my preliminary stage of research model. Other happiness came as a result of studying in Canberra. For an Indonesian public officer like me, having experience to discuss directly with the Minister in the department I worked for is a rare chance. But here, again because of Canberra, 2 weeks ago we can get a close chance to discuss the Indonesian ministry of finance reform, directly with the Indonesian Minister of Finance. Thanks UC, Thanks Canberra, I will surely make the most out of my remaining study period.

Salam,

Bimo Wijayanto

(UC International Ambassador, 1^st year PhD Student in Tax Microsimulation Modelling)

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Exciting Experience in Canberra

Hi everyone, I'm a third-year student majoring in Software Engineering in University of Canberra. At first, I totally had no idea of what it would be, how to survive living by myself, not even how to make friends once I arrived in Canberra. But time flies by, like a blink of my eyes and I just realized that it's been 15 months since I've been here. I've experienced lots of new things since I came here, and working in Canberra is one of those interesting things.

My first job was as a waitress in Belconnen Food Court, but yeah I quit on the fourth month since I found other exciting jobs. I applied for Student Ambassador position in University of Canberra http://www.canberra.edu.au/student-ambassadors, and for the PALS Leader for Business Statistics in UC as well. All the application well went, and I went to both interview and couple of practice tests for PALS Leader position. Everything went well, then by the last summer vacation (January 2011), I successfully got training for both position. It was really amazing since I will be doing something for myself and others in university.

Week after the training was really awesome since there was an orientation week (or what we usually call o-week) followed by the teaching weeks. I was contributing in the o-week as the Student Ambassador who gave the campus tour (say yeay for the tour along with the orange T-shirt and cowboy hat), and helping new students about some enquiries regarding the uni life. It felt really great while you walk around the uni and people keep asking for your help. You will fell useful by looking at those new faces, and don't forget to put a big shiny smile towards them.

That's not the end of the Student Ambassador duty. We still have shifts in Marketing and International office (7A43), maintaining the blog http://ucinternational.blogspot.com/, and posting some particular events on UC International Student Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/unican.intl and http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27958891867which are important for all of UC students (domestic and international ones). It seemed like I have my own office along with the computer, phone, and other colleagues working together. :)

The other job I'm doing at the moment is PALS Leader for Business Statistics, which I have my own sessions helping other students to get a better knowledge of one particular unit. It was hard at the very first beginning but it seems alright as time passed. It is fun to do whatever you like plus get some idea about how real life gonna be. Well, if I have chance to extend my course, I definitely will do it in University of Canberra and get more experience working in a conducive and friendly environment like UC does.

Tips to get more experience especially for looking a job in UC :

- Check the University of Canberra site regularly http://www.canberra.edu.au/careers and make sure that you don't miss any important position.

- Have heaps of friends (domestic and international), because they probably have ideas where to look for a job.

- Do your best and keep focus on your studies as well. :)

Best of luck and hope to see you around UC real soon..

Cheers,

Ody

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UC Social Soccer

Looking to play soccer and donate for Japan Tsunami at the same time?

Come along to the Social Soccer event at UC, where players of all nationalities are welcome. Feel free to invite your friends. This is a unique opportunity to have fun, get to know each other and most importantly be able to support a greater cause – all donation will go directly to the Red Cross in Japan.

There is no need to book, just come along at the following times:

Sunday, 20 March, 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Sunday, 27 March, 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Where: Oval opposite building 24

For more information, please contact Herwindu 0407 508 031

Event organised by UC College together with the Indonesian Students Society at UC.

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University of Canberra - Indonesia Partnership

Last week, we had a big guest in Canberra, as our Vice President of Indonesia visited Australia, and he also spent two days in Canberra. In addition, he brought some of his ministers such as Mrs. Mari Eka Pangestu, Mr. Agus Martowardoyo, Mr. Muhammad Nuh, and Mr. E. E. Mangindaan.

One of the big agenda discussed in the meeting between the Vice President and Australia's government was about bureaucracy reform in Australia and how it might be a good lesson for Indonesia.

The Vice President visit was very important to strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Australia. Wahyu Setiyono, the lecturer at the faculty of business and government at the University of Canberra had a great plan. She, together with all business and government students from Indonesia initiated to hold a gathering with one of the member of delegation. In the event, she intends to have a discussion about the role of the University of Canberra in contributing to the bureaucracy reform in Indonesia.

For your information, here, we have a sufficient number of staffs and students conducting a research in public reforms. Thus, the partnership will bring a benefit for both parties. As a student from Indonesia, we are also very excited to contribute into the development of Indonesia.

The Gathering has succeeded in inviting Mr. Eddy Purwanto, a Deputy of Governance, Office of the Vice President. From University of Canberra, we had Professor Lawrence Pratchett, Dean of Faculty of Business & Government and Professor Mark Evans, Director of ANZSOG Institute of Governance. 

It was a great meeting, as we can share our research with Mr. Eddy Purwanto. Mr. Purwanto was very happy because some Indonesian students have a research related to the bureaucracy reform. Moreover, Mr. Purwanto also stressed that the partnership between Indonesia and University of Canberra can be developed stronger from now.

Best
Tri

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UC experience

Well...My turn to share some experience during the stay in Australia. Long story

I never thought of studying in Australia or any other English-speaking country before. My second language is French, and I had been pursuing it for 12 years. I always dream about France, and planned to go there after highschool.

Even now I am still unsure about the reason why I turned my eye to Australia. But well, as the time goes by, I have been in this country for over one year. The first day it was raining heavily, the roads deserted and everyone seemed to disappear. That was sad I should admit.

However, while the new semester started, I quickly made new friends who came from various countries. We really had a great time together in University of Canberra College, the study was easy, the teachers were dedicated, and plenty of time to wander around. I specially love the windy Ginninderra lake and the other two lakes in Civic, which turn to be yellowish in autumn and kind of blossoming when it comes to spring. Ginninderra lake also seems to be a great place to do some barbie party, where you can fully lay down on the grass, and taste yummy sausages (Australian typical food I reckon;)) We went to Floriad, admiring fancy and numerous species of flowers. We joined the National Multicultural Festival and found fascinating belly dance, lion dance, African music and even our traditional food!

After one year in University of Canberra College, I transfered to University of Canberra. Probably because of harder program of study, I don't really have too many time to wander around like I did. However, the change brings me new challenge, new knowledge and even new friends. If almost of my friends in UCC are Asians, I begin making friend with more local students. They are really friendly and helpful, willing to help me with my assignments (grammar and spelling check) and even give me some useful shopping tips!

I am living in University of Canberra campus, in a block with 7 local students and 5 international ones. The common room is undoubtedly somewhat untidy, because everyone is lazy to clean up after themselves (Lol). But the stay offers me a another great chance to make new friends, listen to Aussie students' currently hot songs and watch fancy movie together (there is a tivi in the common room for everyone to use). However, sometimes, I still feel a bit hard to catch up with the conversation with local students, not solely because of the language problem, but mostly because of different concerned areas. However, the more I live with them, the more I realise it is not too hard to break the ice. Ah... campus living stays always green, with rabbits and kangaroos and birds. With a bit luck, you can see a pack of kangaroos hopping around ;)

Here are some of my little tips, extracting from my experience:

- do not just stick to your own circle, try to enlarge it as much as you can. It is not really hard to begin a conversation with a strange. What you need are a friendly smile and a will to learn new things and make new friends. That strange maybe just crosses your way and leaves you after a while, but they may stay and color your life with different colors. I did it and it worked ! :D

- try to go to the workshops held by the library if you have spare time. It is worth your time. Even if you can't learn something new, you still have a chance to improve your listening.

-never be shy to ask questions. Teachers and staffs in UC are more than willing to help you. However, how can they know your problem if you don't ask?

-join some club. The information of the clubs available is mostly given out during the orientation week (o-week). Walls and boards also help. Some clubs I know are Conversation club, Noodle club (both are in level C of the refectory), French club (International House on Thursday 7-8), and Commerce society ($5 for the registration)

-keep an eye on the annoucements on the walls, boards located in the library and around UC. You may find some secondhand but good textbooks, job advertisements, or information about a music band's recruitment.

-make a list before you shop. It is a way to save your money and don't buy something just because it is on sales. Manage your budget well during the period when the exchange rate is sky-rocketing :-s

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International Student Ambassador in O week

The good thing about university of Canberra is that the moment you enter the uni there are lots of smiley faces on campus that welcomes you on board. Same was the case with me in February 2010.  I was among those thousands of new students who were just nervous about the upcoming challenge that was burden of master level studies at university level but throughout my o week I was so thoroughly guided and was treated with that much of care and love that I just forgot all my tension and worries and was considering that I am among a family and there are lots of other who are there to be worried for me. 

Being a new student I can’t forget those smiley faces of international student ambassador who were somehow a bridge between us and university and there behavior impressed me that much that beside becoming a graduate of uni i just wanted to become international student ambassador (lol :D) cutting the long story short this year in semester 1 I was also one of those guys wearing orange shirt, a smile on their face and ready to help you.

Previously I was just looking at the outer look of international student ambassador but when I join it I came to know there are lots of efforts behind the outer look of an ambassador and that university of Canberra do care for its students much more than I thought because wearing orange shirt and doing a campus tour or guiding new students in tents are just the final version of all the preparation we made before. I still remember my training day when everyone was coming and was guiding us and training us so that we can guide the new students in the best way. And I think that is the only reason that there are almost 90 nationalities at university of Canberra but still we only look like student of university of Canberra not anyone from anywhere else.

If I quote this year o week and me as international student ambassador as one my best memories and experience then it won’t be wrong as being from a very rural background I was merged in university of Canberra own culture and whenever I have noticed anyone who was just nervous because of  his cultural, environmental, educational gap I used to call him or sit next to him and use introduce him/her with my fellow colleagues who were domestic student ambassadors and I can’t explain his joy and satisfaction but I can feel him that he/she was also like me feeling secure among a family. 

If I am asked that which moment you want live again I will definitely answer that the moment when there was a smile on a previously confuse and nervous student because of me just by talking to him or assuring him that you are in safe hands.

Jawad Khan

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Video tips # 2 - Video Theme and Elements

 Hi all,

Remember, the main theme of the video is "what is the best thing about the University of Canberra from your perspective?".

To get you started, here are some suggested elements to include in your video, but remember the aim is to creatively address the question.

1. About University of Canberra (for example, the academic and social life, the community, the courses and faculties, the facilities and services)
2. About Canberra
3. About Australia

*Just an idea: For international students, if in the video you would like to talk in your own language, that is fine. But do use english subtitles:)

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Video tips - Be careful of copyright infringement

How To Make Sure Your Video Does Not Infringe Someone Else's Copyrights

The way to ensure that your video doesn't infringe someone else's copyright is to use your skills and imagination to create something completely original. It could be as simple as taping some of your friends goofing around, and as complicated as filming your own short movie with a script, actors, and the whole works. If it's all yours, you never have to worry about the copyright—you own it! Make sure to follow the other guidelines in the terms of use, too.

Be sure that all components of your video are your original creation—even the audio portion. For example, if you use an audio track of a sound recording owned by a record label without that record label's permission, your video may be infringing the copyrights of others, and may be subject to removal.YouTube offers a library of authorized music to liven up your video. Try AudioSwap now!

(Reference: YouTube, Copyright Tips)

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"What U C" Registration Form

To register for the competition, please submit an online form here.

No partner? That's ok. By simply filling out the registration form, we will send you an email with suggestion on where to meet both international and domestic students. If you are happy to pair up with a student, let us know and we will try to help you:)

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"What U C" YouTube Video Competition

Take part in our first ever YouTube video competition, "What U C", and great prizes. The top 5 selected videos will be eligible for screening at the award ceremony.

Prizes include:

1. iPad for two students and video to be published on the UC website
2. iPod Touch for two students
3. iPod Nano for two students

Criteria:

1. Create a team of two University of Canberra students, 1 international and 1 domestic (an international student is a holder of a student or temporary resident visa and is NOT an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident).
2. No Camera? No Worries! You can use a camera phone or digital camera.
3. Tell your story in any way want. Be creative.
4. Both member of the team needs to be on the video. You can use extras, but remember to ask for their permission first.
   Please use the consent form available from the link attached and send it back to us for records:
   http://www.canberra.edu.au/marketing-international/photograph-consent-form
5. Duration of the video should be between 1 to 3 minutes.
6. Be positive and respectful in the way you tell your story. We reserve the right not to accept any videos which we deem inappropriate or offensive.

How to Enter?

1. Before submitting the video, please fill in the online registration form and send it back to Student.Experience@canberra.edu.au. We will send you an acknowledgement email with a competition ID number. The ID number indicates that your team is eligible for the competition and may proceed to uploading the video. Deadline for registration is Week 4, Friday, 4 March 2011 (5pm).
2. When editing your video, please make sure that it is in the right format (ie. QuickTime, .MOV, Windows, .AVI, or .MPG) For more info on YouTube video format, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/t/howto_makevideo.
3. Remember to use the following tags on YouTube: What U C, Competition, University of Canberra, International, Student, Canberra, UC, Australia. For the category, select: Entertainment.
4. Once you have uploaded the video on YouTube, please email the YouTube link of your video to: student.experience@canberra.edu.au under the subject heading: What U C(and include the competition ID number). Deadline for uploading the video is Week 12, Wednesday, 20 April 2011 (5pm)
5. Link your video to “The UC M&I” channel http://www.youtube.com/user/TheUCMI
   by creating a video response to the "What U C" Video Competition 2011.

 Good luck!

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Welcome to Our New UC International Blog

This is the UC International blog.

Here, you are able to read postings related to the University of Canberra's international student experience.

You are also invited to post your comments and thoughts to improve your studying experience in UC.

Enjoy!

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