Welcome to Melbourne
If you've ever started life in a new city, or just passed through on your travels, you'll know the impact a local connection can have on your experience: between scratching the surface of a new city or feeling at home in the community.
For the University of Melbourne's international AusAID students, a local connection also means knowing there is someone close by who can offer support, advice or just a friendly face. These connections to the local community and culture have proven to enrich our students' experiences both personally and academically.
In its third year, the Alumni Welcome to Melbourne program aims to make the transition to Melbourne a little smoother for these students by pairing them with an alumnus host for a home-cooked meal.
By coming together in relaxed surroundings, students have the opportunity to connect with Melbourne and learn about their new city and university through an alumnus.
Students in the program are undertaking postgraduate studies and come from developing countries around the world including Africa, Indonesia, the Pacific and many South East Asian Countries. Hosts are matched with a student with similar interests, before meeting formally at the program's launch event held at the beginning of each new semester.
Testimonials
"I can't speak more highly of the value of the program and the simplicity of creating intercultural links"
– alumni participant
"The Alumni Welcome program was absolutely fantastic for me. I enjoyed the company of my host and his family. I believe this is a wonderful program that would immensely benefit new students."
– AusAID scholarship student participant
"My husband and I have found our involvement in this program very satisfying, and we have developed an ongoing friendship with our student."
– alumni participant
"I really appreciate the 'Alumni Welcome to Melbourne Program'. Thank you very much to organize such a program for us. I went to my host's house for dinner and took part in her niece's birthday party. It was a great opportunity to be with a local family. And I've invited my host family to celebrate the Chinese New Year together with my family next February when my parents are visiting me here."
– AusAID scholarship student participant
