International students to learn finer points of cricket and train for soccer

Jul 28, 2006

MOMENTUM is the International student mentoring program run by the University of Wollongong Postgraduate Association (WUPA), the Undergraduate Association (WUSA) and supported by the University of Wollongong through Vice-Principal (International), Mr James Langridge.

Following the successful completion of the MOMENTUM mentoring program in the first semester with more than 100 participants, the Spring semester program will be launched tomorrow (Saturday 29 July) at noon. The launch will take place at Stuart Park, North Wollongong, with a barbecue and domestic students teaching new international students how to play cricket. The international MOMENTUM soccer team will also have their first training session.

More than 70 newly-arrived international students have signed up for the program, and many students who participated in the program during the first semester are participating again.

MOMENTUM is a joint project funded by WUPA, WUSA and UOW. Its goal is to assist new international students of UOW to easily integrate into life and study in Wollongong and Australia by the means of mentoring groups and off-campus fun activities. The program is free and open to all students. Domestic students are also welcome to join the program as mentors.

This semester organisers will be running a range of off-campus activities including self-defence classes funded by WUPA, a crime prevention and safety workshop by local police, bush tucker tours with a local guide, surf safety workshops, migration seminars and a bus tour to Kiama.

WUPA Vice-President (Research), Emilie-Jane Ens, said they hoped to attract some external sponsorship to provide extra activities to students and help promote the local area, services and facilities.

“We are also looking for donations for the volunteer student mentors. Last semester Apple donated a Nano iPod,” she said.

Ms Ens said organisers welcomed all students who would like to join the MOMENTUM program as a mentor or as a mentee pointing out that the program is run by University of Wollongong students for visiting international students to facilitate cross-cultural awareness and interaction.

Media please note

When: Noon, Saturday 29 July

Where: Stuart Park, North Wollongong

Further information: Contact Emilie-Jane Ens on 0411 051 642 (m).

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128