Community Life

Community Connections Program

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.

Why do international students join the Community Connections Program?

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.

How does the program work?

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.

As an international student, how do I join the program?

If you are interested in joining the program please contact the International Office on (02) 4921 5010 to register your interest. You will be contacted for an informal interview and provided with further information about the program.

As a student, who can I meet?

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.

Muslim Womens Group

Muslim women are invited to meet weekly to practise conversational English in a supportive environment. These classes are facilitated by a local Muslim woman and female volunteers from the local community. Young children are able to attend these meetings with their mothers. For further information please contact Diana_ra01@hotmail.com

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, partners of international students 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 Tuesday from 12pm till 2pm at the Family Action Centre.

Community Resources

Resource for Muslim Students and Families

The Information for Muslim Students and Families brochure contains information regarding services and support available in the local community. For further information about this resource, telephone (02) 4921 5767.

Community Cultural Festival

The Community Cultural Festival is an annual event in which the local community welcomes new International students. The festival comprises of entertainment, displays, demonstrations and food from around the world.

Harmony Week

Harmony Week involves a series of on and off campus events during one week in March. Harmony Week celebrates the cultural diversity of our local communities.

Community Projects

Business Project

The Business Project is a collaborative project with the Hunter Business Chamber, and Northern Settlement Services. The project aims to increase employment opportunities for international postgraduate students in the areas of Engineering, Information Technology and Accounting.