The two day workshop, featuring social and personal development activities, invited 80 students to the Hilton Baiyun Guangzhou in a bid to “bring Adelaide to our students in China”.

The event – held in China’s fifth most populous city – was part of StudyAdelaide’s ‘Adelaide Connect’ program which aims to offer face-to-face and virtual events for students “to have fun, network and build relationships” as they learn about living and studying in Australia’s fifth most populous city.

“Students were able to meet and connect with other students studying with a South Australian education provider”

Originally planning for a cap of 50 students, StudyAdelaide said it would look to increase available places if registrations exceed the cap.

“One of the key benefits was that students were able to meet and connect with other students studying with a South Australian education provider, and their institution representatives in China,” StudyAdelaide chief executive Karyn Kent told The PIE News.

“We had live crosses to StudyAdelaide and student ambassadors in Adelaide, and a virtual tour of the city.”

Included in the event over May 15-16 was one-night free accommodation as well as complimentary meals. Students aged 18+ and with a Certificate of Enrolment issued by an institution in South Australia – including students that had deferred their studies – were invited.

Institutions involved in the ‘Adelaide Connect’ initiative include Flinders University, the University of Adelaide,University of South Australia, Carnegie Mellon University, Torrens University and others.

Other cities that StudyAdelaide is hosting face-to-face events include Delhi, India, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

“We acknowledge that for students waiting to return, they are likely to be anxiously waiting for news. We’re encouraging these students to stay in close contact with their institution to ensure they receive factual information when it becomes available,” Kent added.

“We’re fortunate in South Australia to have a very supportive government who is keen to see the safe return of international students to the State as soon as possible, and is working closely with the commonwealth to achieve that.”

Similarly, Study Melbourne has invited students overseas to join free online events that aim to “build employability and leadership skills and to connect with others who are also studying online”.