International students in New South Wales, Australia, were recognised for their contribution to the community at an awards ceremony held in the Sydney Opera House last month.
Schools and universities nominated international students for being role models in the community and for contributing to the local area by helping others through their volunteering or work.
The International Student of the Year prize was awarded in four different sectors: VET, ELICOS, Schools and Higher Education.
Afghanistan student, Zaki Haidari, winner of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) award, said: “I believe that education changes lives.
“Studying in Sydney I’ll be able to help people have a brighter future. I feel like I’m more educated and have friends from all around the world.”
Winner of the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) category, Ting Ting Chen from China said the experience in Sydney has changed her as a person.
“In my country before I was a little bit shy and never talked with anyone I didn’t know, but now I can smile, I can say hello to everyone, it’s a positive step for me,” said Ting Ting.
Other winners were Dunya Alruhami (Iraq) in the Higher Education category and Mingjun Zhang (China) in Schools.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres, presented awards to students in four areas: VET, ELICOS, Schools and Higher Education.
“I love the personal stories that come out of each every single award winner, overcoming adversity, doing something different. It’s really about people becoming leaders right before our very eyes.
“They’ve made the decision to come here and test themselves, now we’re recognising their brilliance.”
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