Thursday 30 July 2015

NSW launches 'International Student Welcome Desk' at Sydney Airport

NSW launches International Student Welcome Desk at Sydney Airport

International students in NSW now have support from the moment they arrive at Sydney International Airport. The NSW International Student Airport Welcome Desk commenced operations on 18 July.

The desk is staffed by local and international student volunteers through a formal work integrated learning program with StudyNSW. The volunteers greet students and offer orientation advice and distribute guides with maps and information about accommodation and transport.



Ipads fixed at the desk also offer information and will direct students to StudyNSW’s student facing website once the website goes live next month.

StudyNSW initiated the Welcome Desk in response to recommendations from our stakeholders and feedback from the International Student Barometer 2014. The desk will be staffed during peak arrival periods in July/August and January/February with ongoing staffing primarily at weekends at non-peak periods.

The 12 month pilot project has been co-funded by a consortium including StudyNSW, Destination NSW, Australian Catholic University, Charles Sturt University, Macquarie University, University of Sydney, University of Newcastle, University of New South Wales, University of Technology Sydney, University of Western Sydney, University of Wollongong, TAFE NSW, NSW Department of Education, English Australia and is supported by the Council of International Students Australia (CISA). A steering committee representing all partners will assess its effectiveness after one year and make recommendations for future improvements.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the NSW International Student Airport Welcome Desk would help to ensure international students feel welcome. “Recent surveys have highlighted that the first 24 hours is crucial to students forming their perspectives about studying and living in NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

"As the gateway to Australia, Sydney Airport is proud to support StudyNSW’s International Student Airport Welcome Desk at the airport," Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said, "International students are a key visitor market for Sydney Airport and it’s essential that we provide a positive first impression of Sydney by making them feel welcome."

If you are an education provider or education agent, we encourage you to share information about the Welcome Desk to international students making their first journey to NSW.

Desk location: Arrivals Hall A, Terminal 1, Sydney International Airport
Open: 7.00am-11.00am, 6.00pm-10.00pm, 7 days a week during semester intakes and weekends at other periods.

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