A student who devoted his time helping the disadvantaged, a researcher aiming to develop coral stocks with higher climate change resistance, and an advocate encouraging more international students to study in regional centres, were amongst the winners of this year’s Victorian International Education Awards.
The awards, now in their fifth year, recognised the contributions to the wider community and research of international students across sectors throughout the state of Victoria.
Winners become Study Melbourne ambassadors and receiving a scholarship towards their studies.
“They should experience regional areas so they can become a part of the community”
“These awards acknowledge and focus on the invaluable contribution our international students make to our state, educational institutions and local communities,” minister for trade and investment Philip Dalidakis said.
“Congratulations to this year’s recipients on their accomplishments. They are a great example of the talent and diversity within our local and international student ranks.”
Vietnam’s Chi Le took out both the flagship Premier’s Award and Regional International Student of the Year for her work to promote Victoria’s regions to other international students.
“When people go abroad to study in Australia, they might want to go to a big city because they think they are a lot more opportunities for them to gain experience or find a job,” she said.
“But I would suggest they should experience regional areas so they can become a part of the community, experience the ‘Aussie’ culture and step out of their comfort zone.”
Samuel Shedrack Chukwuweonu from Nigeria received the vocational sector’s award for his work with the disadvantaged and involvement in charity organisations.
Dr Bartlomiej Kolodziejczck received the International Alumnus of the Year for his work promoting science and founding the not-for-profit, Scientists-in-Residence.
The 2017 ceremony was the first time providers weren’t recognised, with the Excellence in International Education awards moving to every second year.
International Student of the Year winners
- English Language Training – Natalia Eugenia Palacio Vásquez, Impact English (Columbia)
- Vocation Education and Training – Samuel Shedrack Chukwuweonu, Chisholm Institute of TAFE (Nigeria)
- Higher Education – Su Htet Zaw, La Trobe University (Myanmar)
- Research – Wing Yang Chan, University of Melbourne (China)
- International Alumnus of the Year – Bartlomiej Kolodziejczyk, Monash University (Poland)
- Internationalisation – Courtney Webster, Victoria University (Australia)
- Premier’s Award & Regional – Chi Le, La Trobe University (Vietnam)
