Mrs Dunya Alruhaimi – the 2015 NSW International Student of the Year , will be managing the hub on behalf of UNE when it commences operations

We are excited to announce a new partnership project with Study Sydney and Bupa.

The project seeks to engage international students and their families with the local community in New England and is focused on the health and wellbeing of new arrivals to the region.

An “International Hub” will introduce international students and their families to local services and opportunities to engage with the local community.

The project will include various activities which will bring benefits to both the students and their families, helping them adjust to life in Armidale and Australia more broadly. It will offer opportunities to learn about  the Australian way of life, laws and culture by encouraging them to engage in programs that explore multiple aspects of life in a regional community.

The project will support:

• family school visits
• National Day events that provide information about different cultures, through exhibitions of traditional customs, dress, and food.
• a parenting program
• access to an international women’s gym, swimming lessons and sporting activities
• driving lessons
• English learning through an international ladies group which brings together international women and Australian volunteers fortnightly
• an improved international student information app and website

Many international students have come to Australia with their families. Barriers such as language, culture, and traditions can result in spouses feeling isolated. Often, services offered to international students’ themselves do not usually extend to their families. This project aims to fill this gap.

The International Hub will launch in October 2016.