A Norwegian student, Sander Bredal, has won A$10,000 towards the cost of his studies by being named International Student of the Year by University of Melbourne in Australia.
Bredal, studying BA in Psychology, Politics and International Studies, was rewarded for his mentoring work with other international students.
He is President of the Australian Federation of International Students and the University of Melbourne’s Student Union International.
“Moving to a new country for study is no small undertaking, and settling in to life in Melbourne there were a few bumps in the road,” said Bredal.
“Being able to work with fellow students in navigating their challenges is very rewarding,” he added.
“I hope to continue contributing to a vibrant community leading change, and empowering students to make their own overseas study experience and make friends from all over the world.”
Deputy vice-chancellor international, Professor Susan Elliott, commented, “The University of Melbourne is home to many talented international students from around the world, and we are incredibly proud of their contributions that make our campuses so vibrant, welcoming, inclusive and multicultural.”
Bredal was one of 16 winners in the International Student of the Year awards, who will all become ambassadors for the Victorian Government’s Study Melbourne initiative.
Jane Favaloro of Study Melbourne recently shared some of the successes that this government organisation has achieved, providing a welcome desk at the airport, a student drop-in centre, running competitions such as Ultimate Day Out. She said she was proud that students felt engaged with the brand.