TRACKS tertiary preparation program enrolment for 2010 now open. Find out more by visiting the TRACKS website or call Elizabeth on 02 6773 3034.

“Open Day 2009 is on September 4th (Friday) and is a day for prospective students to discover what the University of New England has to offer. Come and learn more about our courses through meeting with the people who teach them. Ask a current student about their experiences with UNE. Discover what UNE really is about. “

For more information go to: http://www.une.edu.au/for/future-students/landing/openday.php or contact Oorala’s Student Support Officer on (02) 6773 5176.

There will be a BBQ for all students at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre on Wednesday, 12 August 2009 from 12.30pm. If you can make it, we would love to see your there.

Former TRACKS student, Anthony Rummery, has won the Endeavour Cheung Kong Scholarship and will spend 5 months in Xi’an, China, to further his studies.

Here is what Anthony had to say:

“I am a 3rd year Bachelor of Arts student. I have majored in both Chinese and Japanese  for the entirety of my degree, with the desire to become a teacher and develop a business around language education and teaching both in ESL (English as a Second Language) and LOTE (Languages Other Than English), with prospects to translate and interpret as the demand is required.
I have wanted to master the language both as for a profession, and as an interest.  I have wanted to study Mandarin Chinese and Japanese since I was 10 years old, about the same time I started studying Martial Art.  From a global perspective, Asian language – especially Chinese – will be a vital aspect to maintaining and strengthening the Australian economy.  There is so much demand for Chinese language learning in Australia.  Similarly, there has always been a massive demand for Chinese students to learn English, however it has only been recently that Chinese people on the mainland have had the potential to access effective English language learning resources.
I will be going to Xi’an, China in August as part of the Endeavour Cheung Kong Scholarship for around 5 months.  In this time, I will be studying at one of the universities, seeing the many historical sites, representing the UNE, the Oorala Centre and all of its’ students, and immersing myself in the people and the culture at the same time.  I can’t wait!
When I return, I intend to follow up my degree with a Graduate Diploma of Education, which will allow me to put all of my language experience into practice in the classroom, to share what I have learned (future Oorala students get first pick, though!), and continue my language studies.  The only advice I could give to future students is that through conscientious and consistent study, immersing and dedicating yourself to everything that you do, you will make your degree worthwhile and come out a success.”

The next ISP program for year entry to UNE in 2010 (Semester 1) will be held from 18-19th November 2009.
Applications close: 23rd October, 2009. - For more information, visit www.une.edu.au/oorala/isp.htm or contact Oorala’s Student Support Officer on 6773 5176.