In a super-charged orientation exercise, 106 AusAID-sponsored international students from 27 countries are currently undertaking Flinders University’s Introductory Academic Program.
Over January and February, the University’s Transition Office and International Student Services Unit coordinate and deliver an intensive five-week academic program for the new arrivals, presenting sessions that cover areas such as academic writing conventions and familiarisation with statistical packages.
The students are also instructed on presentation skills and, in a popular seminar, are taught to find their way around Australian slang.
Associate Professor Salah Kutieleh, Director of the Transition Office, said that by participating in the IAP during their first formative weeks, the students not only form fruitful academic partnerships but are likely to develop long-term friendships.
While academic concerns are central to the IAP, an introduction to local culture is also a significant part of the planned experience for the new arrivals, and the program is interspersed with barbeques, dances and a day-trip to Victor Harbor, where students feast on local delicacies, in the form of fish and chips, and come face-to-face with Australian fauna.
It has been a very helpful program, in terms of the academic work preparations and also the friendships that have developed amongst the IAP students. Thank you so much and keep up the good work.
what an amazing journey.. I find it really fruitful and amazing to be part of this program. thanks to all my beloved colleagues to make my 5 weeks felt like 5 hours. Also to my dear teachers, ISSU staffs, and everyone who took part in this program. YOU guys had made my world so colourful. It’s a Great Honour.