Monash staff share Australian life

A program helping international students adapt to Australian life has received an overwhelming response from the Monash community.

Since the launch of the International Student Friendship Program (ISFP) in August, more than 100 Monash community, university staff, alumni members and international students have signed up.

Ms Sandra Guzman, a fourth year Communications student from Mexico, is participating in the program which she discovered by accident during Orientation Week.

"There were two lines, one for a language exchange program and the other for the International Student Friendship Program. I followed my friend and joined the wrong queue by mistake," she said.
 
Ms Guzman soon found that the ISFP offered a chance not only to share language skills, but also to make new friends and experience Australian life from the perspective of a local.

Ms Guzman was matched with Ms Robyn Lethlean, who is a housing advisor with Monash University Community Services. Having worked and lived with international students, Ms Lethlean understood the need for programs to ease the strain of living in another country for students.

"I’ve always worked in community development and I’ve met a lot of international students who feel isolated when they first get here," Ms Lethlean said. "The program was the perfect opportunity for me to help international students and experience cultural exchange. Plus, the coordinators made a good match with me and Sandra."

The program, started by Monash University Community Services, aims to enhance the international student experience and help them to experience life in Australia through everyday activities.

"We're looking for volunteers who want to share an insight into Australian community and the Australian 'way of life' with an international student," said ISFP Project Manager, Ms Jennifer Weber.

"What we need is their enthusiasm and willingness to build cross-cultural friendships through regular activities. Whether through their family or community networks, there is opportunity for mutual cultural sharing."