University of Newcastle students win community engagement award
The outstanding contributions made by NSW international students was recognised at the 2015 NSW International Student Awards recently.
Announced in a ceremony at Sydney Opera House, the University of Newcastle took out the International Student Community Engagement Award officiated by Stuart Ayres, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events.
“The benefits will continue long after tonight’s winners and finalists have returned home; their presence here has strengthened our links with the international community and have no doubt created connections that will thrive over time,” Mr Ayres said.
The University of Newcastle International Students has been awarded for a great local initiative—Cheap Chewsday.
Once a month, on a Tuesday, international students gather at the Jesmond Park Uniting Church for a dinner to welcome international students and expand their friendships in the local community.
PVC International and Advancement Winnie Eley was delighted with the award for the program.
“International students have a real desire to connect and share with not only other students, but with the community they have come to be a part of. Our unique and innovative programs, such as Cheap Chewsday, provide this opportunity, and are among the many reasons why over 6,000 international students choose to study with the University of Newcastle from over 100 countries. We are honoured for this innovation to be recognised with this award,” Mrs Eley said.
The dinners often have an international theme with a two- to three-course meal on offer for a $2 donation.
Students and community come together at these events with one evening reaching a full-house capacity of 150 diners.
In its third year, Cheap Chewsday continues to grow, fostering a real sense of engagement between the community and students at the University of Newcastle.
Bernado Christino Altamira, an international student from the Phillipines, recently graduated with a Master Educational Studies at UON. Bernado says that Cheap Chewsday offers not only the option to taste cuisines by different nationalities—but also helps build multicultural friendships.
“What makes the food more delightful is that we share it with other international students and the local community,” Bernado said.
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