Three Bond students from Denmark, China and Switzerland have been selected to showcase the Gold Coast to the world, as part of their new role as the Mayor’s International Student Ambassadors for 2016.
The lucky students - Matthias Madsen from Denmark, Huiming (Hammer) Lin from China and Kathleen Di Paolo from Switzerland - will get to taste the very best of the Gold Coast, enjoying snorkelling trips, surfing lessons and camping, which they will then share around the world via social media.
The Mayor’s International Student Ambassador Program is a collaboration between the City of Gold Coast and Study Gold Coast to build and strengthen relationships between the local community and international students through cultural and social inclusion.
Fourteen student ambassadors from a variety of countries including India, Denmark, China, Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, Spain, Columbia, Vietnam and Nepal were chosen from local high schools, colleges, TAFE and the three Gold Coast universities.
Mayor Tom Tate said the program was quintessentially Gold Coast, inspiring that ‘have a go’ spirit.
“This is a chance for our international visitors to learn from city leaders and experience what the Gold Coast has to offer,” he said.
Study Gold Coast CEO Shannon Willoughby believes the program allows the city to showcase why it is one of the world’s leading education destinations.
“Our world leading lifestyle combined with our globally recognised education sector makes us an enticing prospect for international students,” Ms Willoughby said.
The students’ job will be to showcase the city to the world, engage with local government and aid Study Gold Coast student engagement initiatives to promote the city’s education sector.
Kathleen Di Paolo, who is from Switzerland and currently studying Law (Juris Doctor) at Bond said she can’t wait to explore more of what the Gold Coast has to offer international students.
“I am very excited about the adventures, excursions and official government events that are to come and feel honoured to be given the task and responsibility to strengthen relationships between the local community and international students,” she said.
“This position will provide me with the opportunity to enjoy an action-packed year full of fun adventures and professional development opportunities on the Gold Coast.”
Huiming (Hammer) Lin, who is from China and also studying Law (Juris Doctor) said being an Ambassador gave him the ideal opportunity to get to know the ‘real life’ on the Gold Coast, and to bridge the City of Gold Coast and the Chinese students community.
“This program will provide a platform for me to showcase Chinese cultures to the city, communicate with people from other cultures and build up friendships,” he said.
“The many networking opportunities this year will help me feel well connected with, rather than isolated from, the local community plus my student experience will be enhanced by sharing my personal and educational journey on the Gold Coast first-hand.”
Matthias Madsen, who is studying a Master of Financial Management (Professional) said the program will help him to expand his network and grow an international network, which was one of the reasons he chose Australia, and Bond University, in the first place.
“Before this opportunity arose, I just had a blog on Facebook for family and friends. But as an Ambassador I will be able to share my experiences on the Gold Coast with a much bigger audience and attract more students from Denmark,” he said.
“My plan is to explore the activities the city has to offer, create new friendships and get connected with the business community. I couldn't have wished for a better start to my adventures on the Gold Coast.”
Director of Bond International, Mr John McPartland said this was the chance of a lifetime for the young Ambassadors.
“It’s fantastic to see three such vibrant and passionate Ambassadors from Bond included in this year’s program,” he said.
“This role will give Kathleen, Matthias and Huiming the chance to share their experience of what life is like on the Gold Coast and as a Bond student with the rest of the world, and it will also give them the chance to expand their networks and explore prospective employment and further study opportunities.”
The Mayor’s International Student Ambassador Program runs from February to December 2016. We look forward to seeing and sharing the social media updates from our Bond Ambassadors throughout the year.