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International students get fond farewell

A departing group of over 100 international students have been given a fond farewell as they near the end of their exchange experience at the University of Wollongong.

At a special goodbye ceremony, students gathered in the UniHall yesterday to reminisce about new friendships forged and how their vocabularies have been permanently changed by Aussie slang.

Addressing the crowd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Joe Chicharo said the way international students enriched the University community could not be overstated.

“The contribution that you’ve made to us here has been invaluable,” Professor Chicharo said.

“You have brought the world to our education system by coming to our classes, rubbing shoulders with Australian students of all kinds and sharing your ideas,” he said.

“Once you learn to pronounce the name of our city – Wollongong – you don’t forget it. I also hope that you take a bit of it with you,” he said.

Visiting German student Philipp Heinze also gave his account of relaxed the Australian culture he came to know following his 12-month exchange.

“Wollongong’s free green buses don’t have a timetable but who needs a timetable? It’s part of the lifestyle!” he laughed.

“The beach is nearby and everyone takes it easy -- as Aussies often say, ‘no worries’.”

“The Australian way of living suits me much better than the strict German way of being on time for everything. In Australia everyone is super helpful, friendly and kind,” he said.

During the winter break Philipp set out to discover more of Australia, embarking on a road trip with three other students.

“We travelled along the east coast, up North, back to summer. We made it all the way up to Cairns and back in 25 days,” he said.

“We surfed in the best spots, had breakfast on the most beautiful beaches and slept under the clear, starry skies… we all had an amazing time.”

Students attending yesterday’s ceremony represented 13 different countries across Europe, Asia and North America.

By Melissa Coade

Last reviewed: 20 October, 2011