International Student Hubs are a ‘game changer’
In the prelude to the Cairns International Student Hub opening in October 2017, the Gold Coast International Student Hub has now opened at Southport. Student Hubs aim to ensure that overseas students have the best experience possible while staying and studying in Australia.
Speaking at the launch of the newly opened hub on the Gold Coast, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Curtis Pitt, said the new facility would provide visiting students with a wide range of services and support.
“We are building a network of student hubs in key locations around Queensland, which will be an industry game changer,” Mr Pitt said.
“The first student hub opened at the Queensland State Library in Brisbane in September last year and a third hub will open in Cairns in October.
“These hubs will change the way we engage with international students by offering a safe and welcoming place when students arrive in Queensland.”
Mr Pitt said the new Gold Coast hub would help students settle in faster and make friends more easily.
“This will be a one-stop-shop to help new arrivals to the Gold Coast navigate some of the daunting tasks foreigners face like finding accommodation, getting work experience and hopefully even a part-time job,” Mr Pitt said.
“The industry talks a lot about creating the best international student experience, but no other state is building that experience strategically in the way that Queensland is.
“I am looking forward to the opening of the Cairns hub.”
The Brisbane Hub has provided support to a large number of students both international and domestic.
The programs and services offered have been well used and include community engagement activities and employability workshops.
The 1800QSTUDY student support line is an additional service through the hubs to provide students with confidential support.
The Gold Coast Student Hub is one of 21 successful projects from the 2016-17 International Education and Training Partnership Fund Pilot round launched in January.
The fund is one of 36 initiatives that make up the $25.3 million IET Strategy to Advance Queensland designed to boost the IET sector.