Community Programs
Community Connections
What is the Community Connections Program?
The Community Connections Program is a cross cultural friendship program through which volunteers from the local community link with international students from all levels of study.
International students join this program to meet people from the community and to broaden their Australian friendships. The program allows students to learn more about Australian culture and customs, while sharing information about their home country with others. International Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Postgraduate Research Higher Degree students are all welcome to join the program.
After meeting with a program volunteer, both the student and volunteer will decide how often they will meet, where they will meet and what they will do together. Some volunteers and students like to share common interests such as going to the movies together, having coffee or playing sports together. Other volunteers like to include their students in family gatherings such as birthday parties and other social events.
People of all ages and walks of life join the program as volunteers. You will be able to provide a profile of the person (common interests, age, marital status etc.) you would like to meet when you attend the interview with the coordinator. Please note that you will be linked with a person of the same gender.
If you are interested in volunteering in the Community Connections program and being matched with an International Student, please complete this on-line survey.
If you are an International Student interested in being matched with a volunteer in the Community Connections program, please complete this on-line survey.
Cultural Connections
Cultural Connections is an orientation and support program for the partners of international students, partners of visiting academic members of staff and Research Higher Degrees candidates.
By joining Cultural Connections, participants have access to an array of information about services in the local community, helping them to better understand Australian customs and culture, develop friendships and gain confidence in speaking English.
There is no formal enrolment process. Participants are asked to complete an application form during the first session of attendance.
Unfortunately it is not possible to bring children to the program as there are no childcare facilities available.
Cultural Connections meet every Thursday from 12pm till 2pm at the Family Action Centre.
Speed Conversation
Speed Conversation is a fun and interactive program which facilitates friendship and cultural exchange whilst giving you an opportunity to practice your conversational English.
The program will involve international students and local students, during each session you will have a 10-15 minute conversation with a local student on a given topic. You will then move onto another person for another 10-15 minutes, and will continue to change partners over the hour.
Morning tea will be supplied and each week you will have the opportunity to meet and talk to different students. The final week of the program will be a social outing.
Callaghan Campus Students – Register now for Speed Conversation
Ourimbah Campus Students – Register now for Speed Conversation
Cheap Chewsday Dinner
Cheap Chewsday is a monthly dinner hosted by the Jesmond Park Uniting (JPU) Church for International Students. JPU Church hosts the Cheap Chewsday dinner as a way of extending a warm welcome to International Students and provide opportunities for friendships amongst students and the church community.
Most of the dinners have an international theme, for example, recent dinners have been Thai, Chinese and Indonesian nights. The dinners are two to three courses for a gold coin ($1 or $2) donation. The food, like the company, is warm and hearty. Students from all nationalities and faiths are welcome.
The UoN International Office can provide transport to the dinner and to your home on request.
Where: Jesmond Park Uniting Church
When: The first Tuesday of the month
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
For enquiries, booking transport and to add your contact details to the Cheap Chewsday contact list please email international-community@newcastle.edu.au
GOALSS - Callaghan
WHAT IS GOALSS?
The GOALSS (Games for Overseas and Local Students and Staff) program uses sport to connect male international students with domestic male students and staff. Participants join for many reasons including getting some physical exercise while taking a break from study, making friends and expanding networks.
WHAT SPORT DO WE PLAY?
Soccer has been the preferred game amongst the participants and this semester will be no different with the usual eight week s of soccer.
In the interest of sharing a uniquely Australian sport we are also introducing some Australian Football League into the program this semester.
Australian Football League (AFL) is also known as Aussie Rules because it is a football sport that is truly indigenous to Australia. In the spirit of sharing culture we are excited to introduce AFL to GOALSS participants by conducting two clinics where you will learn the basics of the game and give it a go. See the dates below for the clinics.
WHAT TIME IS GOALSS ON?
GOALSS happens on Thursday afternoons between 4 pm and 6 pm. This time includes a game and a barbecue meal following the game.
WHERE IS GOALSS HELD?
In semester one of 2013 we will be meeting at No. 4 sportsfield for the first three weeks and at No.1 sportsfield (next to the Squash Pavilion) thereafter. Click here for a campus map
GOALSS DATES IN SEMESTER 1 2013:
- Thursday 7 March at No. 4 Oval - Soccer
- Thursday 14 March at No. 4 Oval - Soccer
- Thursday 21 March at No. 4 Oval - AFL clinic
- Thursday 28 March at No. 1 Oval - Soccer
- Thursday 4 April at No. 1 Oval - Soccer
- Thursday 11 April at No. 1 Oval - Soccer
- Thursday 18 April at No. 1 Oval - AFL clinic
- Thursday 2 May at No. 1 Oval - Soccer
- Thursday 9 May at No. 1 Oval - Soccer
- Thursday 16 May at No. 1 Oval - Soccer
GOALSS – Ourimbah
Need to get away from the computer?
Need time out from study?
GOALS will continue at the Ourimbah Campus in semester 2 2013.
GOALSS (Games for Overseas and Local Students and Staff) is a great way to get involved, meet new people and get some exercise at the same time.
The games that are played are according to the preferences of the participants and can reasonably be delivered; examples include soccer and badminton. The game is followed with a barbecue or pizzas.
GOALSS DATES IN SEMESTER 2 2013:
GOALSS will run over 7 weeks on Tuesday afternoons in semester 2.
Specific dates, time and venue will be announced soon. If you register today you will be advised of the specific details.
Our Support Network:
International Student
Support Team
International Office
HA 39 Hunter Building
Callaghan Campus