International students celebrate

Apolinario Magno will return home to East Timor at the end of May hoping to put into practice the knowledge and experience he has gained from a Master of Business Administration at Southern Cross University's Tweed Gold Coast Campus.

Mr Magno is one of 35 SCU students who will have their study recognised at a Course Completion Ceremony at the Tweed Gold Coast Campus on Friday (April 15) at 11.30am. The ceremony is held as many of the international students return home before they officially graduate.

Mr Magno, who gained an AusAID scholarship to study in Australia, said it was important for countries like East Timor, which were starting from scratch, to focus on strengthening individual skill, creativity and innovation.

"In order to be an independent country economically we need to strengthen our ability in science and technology and improve our skills to create jobs. To realise this I will probably start by running my own small business after going back to Timor Lorosa'e."

Mr Magno, who is the first East Timorese student due to complete studies at SCU, said he was hoping he would eventually return to Australia to continue his studies, majoring in entrepreneurship. He has also studied at the San Diego State University and spent two years working in Holland.

"In 1999 I was supposed to go back to East Timor but at that time a lot of people were fleeing from East Timor to Jakarta. I managed to get to Holland and worked there for two years before going back to East Timor. Then I got the scholarship from AusAid to study in Australia."

He came to the Tweed Gold Coast region with his wife and two daughters, and since then they have had a son. He said he had gained a lot from his study, as well as enjoying the lifestyle.

"I am glad to see how the Australians enjoy the richness and the beauty of nature. We have enjoyed the beaches, business activities, weather and of course the barbecues."

The 35 students taking part in the Course Completion Ceremony are completing courses including Master of Business Administration in Hotel and Tourism Management, Master of Professional Accounting, Bachelor of Management and Professional Studies and Doctor of Business Administration.

The official address will be given by SCU Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Clark.