In July, Study NSW celebrated 10 years of the Sydney Airport Welcome Desk.
The desk, which is staffed by friendly international student volunteers, supports arriving international students and other visitors with finding transport, tips to settle in and activities to get involved in during their stay in NSW. In the past year alone, Study NSW has welcomed over 5,000 student visitors at Sydney Airport.
The first 24 hours of a student’s experience is critical in informing their overall perception of a destination. With support from their peers after an international flight, a warm greeting helps to support new arrivals and improve Australia’s reputation as a premier study destination.
A point The Koala understands all too well. It remembers the time clearly when the immigration doors to the USA were opened at the Los Angeles International Airport, when it embarked on working at a summer camp many moons ago. Having staff in the arrivals area from CCUSA to guide first steps into a new destination relieved the anxiety that suddenly took hold as those doors opened. It can’t be understated.
In addition, the StudyNSW welcome desk offers existing international students valuable work experience and training to develop their soft skills and enhance their resumes, providing a gateway to paid work with local employers.
The desk is co-funded by industry with support from the the Australian Catholic University, Central Queensland University, Charles Sturt University, City of Sydney, NSW Department of Education, Macquarie University, Notre Dame Australia University, Southern Cross University, TAFE NSW, the University of Newcastle, UNSW, University of New England, the University of Sydney, UTS, the University of Wollongong, and Western Sydney University.
The Koala thanks and congratulates the team at StudyNSW and its supporters on the milestone.
