Exchange & Education Abroad Newsletter
Issue #6 -- 12 November, 2004 
Content of Issue 1
1. Exams To those of you that have finished, we hope that you all did extremely well! For those of you get to complete your exams, good luck!! |
2. Personal Details Form You do this by completing a personal amendment form (you can obtain this form by clicking on the link below). Once the form is completed you must forwarded it to Enrolment Management Branch for processing. If you don't do this, your transcript will arrive at your Melbourne address. NOTE: Don't forget to do this as it causes a lot of work and stress for you and us that can easily be avoided. Thanking you in advance! VU Forms
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3. Cocktail Party Report
On Thursday evening 11th November many of us attended a Cocktail Party for exchange (ingoing & outgoing) and study abroad students. The students enjoyed the "VU Ripper" (it tasted like a strawberry milkshake). It was good to see the students come together again. Some of them hadn't caught up since the Official Welcoming Party. It was also good to see some of our (VU) students who will be going overseas on exchange semester 1, 2005 turn up.
Check these photos out:
4. Meet Your VU Education Abroad Team
Name: Samantha Thompson
Position: Senior Advisor - Education Abroad
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I guess the timing of my information piece for this newsletter enables me to focus on the growth we have witnessed of the students that have been with us. From the trepidation on arrival to the comfort of not only yourselves as individuals but the confidence you present in leaving is something to be proud of. I guess that is one of the greatest parts of my job and that is to see the courage of students who come to us on exchange or go out on exchange and return to their home base changed people who will forever have fond memories of their abroad experiences.
Why do you like living in Melbourne?
As all of you are aware I did my undergraduate on a golf scholarship and graduate studies at Northern Illinois University just outside Chicago. In a lot of ways I think Melbourne is a mini Chicago. Our Yarra River is like the Chicago River sweeping through the city and Lake Michigan is very much like Port Phillip Bay. That coupled with a European influence, fantastic cafes and restaurants, cultural events, a lifestyle around the water and sporting events to fill the calendar year I could think of no better place to live.
What's your most favourite thing to do in Melbourne?
I am a coffee nut and I can give you a map of Melbourne in the best coffee spots to hit. Coffee dates as well as taking in the bike tracks and walk paths by the water that may include ending my destination at a restaurant makes a perfect Sunday to me.
What's your favourite food?
My mum's roast lamb and vegemite on toast - sorry .
What's your favourite movie?
Shawshank Redemption
5. Recent US Vist - Report by Samantha
I recently visited our East Coast USA partners and it was nice to hear that I was missed in my absence. The visits included our exchange partners at SUNY New Paltz, New Jersey Consortium, Slippery Rock University, Albright College, Virginia Tech, East Carolina University & Florida International University. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet staff from the International Offices, academic staff, students, and to view facilities.
Being in the USA and experiencing the campuses first hand is a fantastic opportunity that helps us counsel future students wanting to go on exchange. Meeting support staff, who were most hospitable, during my visit was also another highlight of my trip. They all say hi and look forward to learning about your experience first hand when you return.
6. Competition
The answer to the last competition was "NOT". Our American student Kyle was the first person with the correct answer. Congratulations!
This Fortnight's Competition
Be the first person to email me with the correct answer and you will win a special prize:
QUESTION: In which month to people eat the least?
ANSWER: email to sharon.boyd@vu.edu.au
6. A Message From Your Ed Abroad Team
Each of us has taken some time to write our 2005 exchange and study abroad students a message:
To all of you..It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have you withus! Please keep in touch. Remember our goal is to send as many VU students overseas for an experience much like yours. We would love youto continue to be ambassadors for your home institutions and to hear from you over the coming months. Happy travels and a safe trip home! - FROM MARGARET
I would like to wish you all Bon Voyage. My hope is that you will take very fond memories home of your recent stay with us. If you need anything from us when getting home please do not hesitate in contacting us. Be well and safe in your upcoming travel plans. - FROM SAMANTHA
Steering a course for your future
Taking time to experience the world
Understanding new cultures and societies
Daring to do something different
You are adventurous!
Ability to relate to many people
Broaden your range of experiences
Ready to accept new challenges in life
On the road to a successful future
Adapting to new situations
Don't forget your experience with us in Australia
(A big hug to each and every one of you!) - FROM SHARON
Your Education Abroad Team
Margaret, Samantha, and Sharon
Copyright 2004 E&SB Newsletter
Sharon Boyd - Advisor Education Abroad
Tel: 9919 1319