The positive contribution of international students to their communities across NSW is being acknowledged with finalists announced for the 2016 International Student Awards.
NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said international students are making extraordinary contributions to their communities while completing their studies.
“International education is our largest services export worth $6.9 billion to the economy annually and last year more than 241,000 international students enrolled,” Mr Ayres said.
”The NSW International Student Awards acknowledge that while receiving the highest quality education, international students are making a huge contribution not only to life on campus but across the wider community.
“This year we celebrate even more outstanding contributions made by international students to communities in NSW, and acknowledge the organisations that support international students to connect with the community.
“Finalists include international students from Nepal, Spain, China, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Indonesia who have undertaken inspirational projects to improve social justice, the lives of women and children and fundraise for overseas disasters.”
Supported by Study NSW, students and organisations are nominated in the categories of ‘English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students’ (ELICOS), ‘Higher Education’, ‘Schools’, ‘Vocational Education and Training’ (VET), ‘Community Engagement Business/Community Group’ and ‘Community Engagement Education Provider’.
Last year’s International Student of the Year Award recipient Zaki Haidari said being involved in the process resulted in him being able to expand his horizons.
“Being recognised empowered me to be more involved in the community and provided me with so many more opportunities in my life,” said Mr Haidari.
The International Student Awards will be held at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 11 October.
Finalist biographies are available at: http://www.study.sydney/english/news-and-stories/news/2016-international-student-award-finalists
